Athens tours and excursions
Athens tours
Walking tours
Athens is well suited to walking, as most sights are centrally located. The ‘Unification of Archaeological Sites' links the city's ancient sites by a 4km (2.5 miles) traffic-free promenade: Dionissiou Areopagitou leads from Acropoli metro station along the south side of the Acropolis to join Apostolou Pavlou which leads to Thissio metro station. From here Adrianou runs west to Monastiraki. Ermou also runs west to Keramikos. For private guided tours, contact the Association of Greek National Guides.
Tel: +30 210 322 0090Website: http://www.tourist-guides.gr
Bus tours
Τhe Athens Sightseeing Bus begins and ends its 90-minute tour of the city's top sights from Syntagma Square (in front of the post office). En-route, attractions include the Acropolis Museum, the Acropolis hill, the Benaki Museum, the Cycladic Museum, the Panathenaic Stadium, the National Gardens and the National Archaeological Museum. You can hop on or off at any of the 15 stops, and the ticket is valid for 24 hours. Timetables vary slightly between the summer period (Apr-Oct) and the winter period (Nov-Mar).
Tel: +30 210 922 0604Website: http://www.citysightseeing.gr
Athens excursions
Delphi (Delfí)
According to Greek mythology, Delphi stands at the point where two eagles were released to the east and west by the god Zeus, thus marking the centre of the world. Soaring high near Mount Parnassos, it was home to the sanctuary of Apollo and the seat of his oracle. Today, the ancient UNESCO World Heritage site is an impressive array of ruins, and the excellent Delphi Museum exhibits statues and offerings from the sanctuary of Delphi. Delphi lies 184 km (114 miles) from Athens and is served by a regular, three-hour bus journey from terminal B at Liossion 260 in Athens.
Tel: +30 22 6508 2313.Website: http://odysseus.culture.gr/index_en.html
Temple of Poseidon (Sounio)
Built in 444BCE, the white marble Temple of Poseidon stands on the tip of Cape Sounion overlooking the Aegean Sea, and is a spectacular sight, particularly when there is a good sunset. The coastal road from Athens offers a dramatic route to the ruins - by car or bus. From the city centre, the regular local bus departs from Mavromateon bus station, in front of Pedion Areos park (Viktoria metro station).
Tel: +30 22 92039363.Website: http://odysseus.culture.gr/index_en.html
