TEMPLE OF HEPHAESTUS

From the Acropolis to the Ancient Agora, see Athens’ most legendary sites with a guided tour or explore at your own pace with a multilingual audio guide. Getting started Your visit begins at the Acropolis, where you’ll either meet your guide at the designated entry point or start your self-guided tour with an audio guide. If you’ve chosen a guided tour, your expert will introduce the site's history before leading you through this ancient citadel. What to expect The Acropolis Walk through the Propylaea, the grand gateway to the Acropolis, and soak in sweeping views of Athens. Explore the Parthenon, the crown jewel of classical Greece, as you learn about its construction, famous sculptures, and how it evolved over time. Visit the Erechtheion, known for its elegant Caryatid columns, and the Temple of Athena Nike, dedicated to the goddess of victory. Your guide (or audio tour) will share the myths behind these temples, including Athena and Poseidon's legendary rivalry for Athens. Head down to the Theater of Dionysus, the birthplace of Greek drama, where ancient playwrights once staged their works. Stop by the Odeon of Herodes Atticus, a Roman amphitheater still hosting performances today. Acropolis Museum (optional) Upgrade your ticket to explore artifacts from the Acropolis, including the original Caryatids, the Parthenon Marbles, and the Frieze of the Parthenon. Visit the museum’s underground excavation, where an ancient Athenian neighborhood is preserved beneath glass floors. Additional archaeological sites (optional) Depending on your ticket, access up to 6 other archaeological sites: Ancient Agora: The center of Athenian democracy, home to the Temple of Hephaestus. Roman Agora: A later marketplace built under Roman rule, featuring the impressive Tower of the Winds, an ancient weather station. Temple of Olympian Zeus: One of the largest temples of the ancient world, dedicated to Zeus. Hadrian’s Library: A grand Roman-era structure built by Emperor Hadrian. Kerameikos: Athens' ancient cemetery. Aristotle’s Lyceum: The original site of Aristotle’s famous school of philosophy. Old Town (Plaka) (optional) Opt for an Athens Old Town audio guide to explore Plaka’s historic streets, Byzantine churches, and local tavernas while learning about the city’s evolution.

Here’s how you’ll spend your day exploring Athens' most iconic landmarks, the Acropolis, Theater of Dionysus, and Ancient Agora, with an expert guide, immersing yourself in 2500 years of history and culture. Getting started Your adventure begins when you meet your guide at the designated spot near the Acropolis. Once your group gathers, your guide gives a brief overview and leads you to explore one of the world’s most significant historical sites. What to expect The Acropolis The Acropolis is a UNESCO World Heritage site, home to the Parthenon, an ancient citadel that was once the heart of Athenian life and remains a powerful symbol of classical Greek culture and democracy. Your guide brings the Acropolis to life, sharing captivating stories about the Parthenon’s role in ancient Greek democracy, the myth of Athena and Poseidon’s rivalry, and the architectural genius behind the Temple of Athena Nike. Explore landmarks like the Erechtheion, famous for its Caryatid columns, and pass through the grand Propylaea gateway with sweeping views of Athens. Visit the Theater of Dionysus, where ancient dramas were performed, and the Odeon of Herodes Atticus, a beautifully preserved amphitheater still used for performances today. Acropolis Museum Get expert insights from your guide as you explore the Acropolis Museum, home to a remarkable collection of artifacts from the Parthenon and other ancient structures. Hear the stories behind the Parthenon Marbles and see the restored Frieze of the Parthenon, vividly depicting Athenian life and traditions for a deeper understanding of the city's heritage. Ancient Agora Depending on the tour you choose, after visiting the Acropolis, your guide will take you to the Ancient Agora, once the vibrant heart of ancient Athens’ political, social, and commercial life. As you explore the Agora, your guide will bring the bustling marketplace to life, pointing out where Socrates and other famous philosophers once debated and where citizens gathered to discuss politics and daily affairs.  Just a short walk from the ruins, step into the Stoa of Attalos, a reconstructed building that now houses the Museum of the Ancient Agora. Inside, your guide will highlight key artifacts—statues, inscriptions, and everyday objects—that offer a glimpse into ancient Athenian life. The tour also includes a visit to the Temple of Hephaestus, one of the best-preserved ancient Greek temples, dedicated to the god of craftsmanship and metalworking. Temple of Poseidon Depending on the tour you choose, you can visit the Temple of Poseidon at Cape Sounion with a guide by your side. Walk among its 2,400-year-old marble columns, learn about its role in Greek mythology and naval history, and soak in the stunning sunset Aegean views! Old Town On private tours, your guide will take you through Athens’ charming Old Town and share stories about the city’s evolution, pointing out local tavernas, artisanal boutiques, and hidden gems.

Step into the heart of ancient Greece and immerse yourself in the Ancient Agora, the birthplace of Athenian democracy. Here, the echoes of history resonate as you explore the site where prominent Greek philosophers like Socrates, Aristotle, and Plato once delivered speeches. Experience the rich past of the agora by stepping among the scattered remains of the Agora, including the beautifully preserved Temple of Hephaestus. Discovering hidden treasures The journey doesn't stop there, a visit to the Museum of the Ancient Agora in the Stoa of Attalos awaits. Marvel at the intricate marble busts and other archaeological treasures found on site, each piece telling a unique story of ancient Athens. Experience the impressive Stoa of Attalos, a long rectangular building whose shadows cast a distinct atmosphere over the Agora square. Finally, explore historically significant structures like the Tholos and the Bouleuterion. Whether you are a history enthusiast or an aspiring archaeologist, this experience offers a vivid walk through time.

Enjoy a tranquil moment in the Parthenon before the crowds arrive on this Athens highlights tour. Marvel at the iconic Temple of Hephaestus and get lost in the narrow cobblestone streets of Plaka.