Private Athens: Historical Walking Tour Including the Changing of the Guard

4.9 (27 reviews) 3 hours Free cancellation Private tour

out of 5

27 reviews

4.9

Walking Athens — Photos: the activity supplier, via Viator

About this activity

Discover what makes Athens so unique on this private 3-hour tour led by a local guide. Dive into the Greek capital’s storied history at Syntagma Square, where you’ll see the eye-catching Changing of the Guard ceremony. Walk the perimeter of the Acropolis of Athens, a UNESCO World Heritage site; pass through the Ancient Agora of Athens; and see the Panathenaic Stadium. Then, get a taste of modern life from a local’s point of view in Plaka — or Athens Old Town — and Kolonaki.

Half-day Tours Private and Luxury Private Sightseeing Tours Cultural Tours Historical Tours Walking Tours Excellent Quality Short term availability

At a glance

Duration: 3 hours
Confirmation: Instant confirmation
Ticket: Mobile or paper ticket accepted
Group: Your group only
People per booking: 1–12
Guide: English
Operated by: Intrepid Urban Adventures - Greece

Ages: Infants (0–5 years) · Children (6–11 years) · Adults (12–99 years)

What is included

Included

Included: Learn about Athens’ history and modern-day life from a local perspective
Included: See a traditional Greek changing of the guard ceremony
Included: Get tips on what else to see, do and eat during your stay
Included: Sip Greek coffee, admire the old and new architecture
Included: Join Local English speaking guide on a walking tour

Not included

Not included: Hotel pickup and drop-off
Not included: Metro Ticket
Not included: Entrance fees

Itinerary

Plateia Syntagmatos

10 min Admission not included

Start this historical Athens walking tour by meeting your local guide in Syntagma Square, the most important and crowded square in Athens, surrounded by impressive neoclassical buildings. The best known is the Grande Bretagne, once a royal palace but now a luxury hotel which has housed everyone from Churchill to Madonna.
Monument to the Unknown Soldier

10 min Admission not included

At the upper end of the square see the Evzones, the guards of the Constitution, and the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. The Evzones are traditionally dressed in 17th and 18th century clothes: an impressive white skirt, red hat, and an old rifle. The changing of the guard happens every hour, and you simply cannot tour Athens without seeing this spectacle – which is why we’ve incorporated it into this tour! Watch the ceremony while your local guide explains the tradition.
Stop 3

40 min Admission not included

Next on this Athens tour you’ll jump on the metro and travel to Acropolis station. You’ll exit the station and take a walk around the walls of the famous Athens Acropolis, passing by the Ancient Agora. We’ll walk along ancient roads, admire new architecture, and hear about the customs and traditions that still exist today. This is the central hub of classic Athens history, and you’ll hear the stories behind this monument from your local guide. (Please note that if you wish to tour inside the Acropolis, this will have to be done separately on your own time.)
Adrianou Street

15 min Admission not included

Shop for souvenirs along Adrianou Street, where you can find local products such as ouzo (Greece’s national alcohol). You’ll also see shops that specialise in olive oil, sponges, leather sandals, and bags — something you won't experience on other Athens tours.
Arch of Hadrian

10 min Admission not included

Continue walking to Diogenis Square, under the impressive wall of the Acropolis. See Hadrian’s Arch, built in honour of one of the most glorified Roman emperors.
Temple of Olympian Zeus

Passing by

You can see the ruins of the Jupiter (Zeus) temple as you taste and feel the history of Athens.
Panathenaic Stadium

15 min Admission not included

The white marble Panathenaic Stadium is where the first Olympic Games took place and where the 2004 Olympic marathon ended.
Kolonaki Square

30 min Admission not included

Finally, you’ll be taken back to present-day Athens to admire some of Athens’ more modern architecture. We walk through the new city highlights, where life goes on in modern rhythms. See where locals wander, shop, and gather. Visit the Kolonaki area, which is the heart of today’s Athens.
Academy of Athens

Passing by

The Athens walking tour comes to an end at the Academy of Athens.

Meeting point and pickup

Everyone meets at the meeting point.

Meeting point

Syntagma Square, (at the exit of Syntagma metro station), in the middle of of the square, at the fountain.

Find the exact meeting point with what3words:

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End point

Academy of Athens, 28 Panepistimiou Street

Using your ticket

Dress Code

In general, there are few dress restrictions in Europe and dress codes are similar to those you are used to at home. Please note though that in many churches modest dress is required; no shorts or skimpy tops are permitted.

Comfortable shoes for walking are recommended.

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Cancellation

Free cancellation

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

If you cancel	You get back
At least one day before	100%
Less than a day before	0%

Good to know

Wheelchair accessible
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Children must be accompanied by an adult.
Please note that if you wish to tour inside the Acropolis, this will have to be done separately on your own time.
This tour is operated by a Certified B Corp™