On the steps of Mysticism Private Tour from Athens

5.0 (one review) 8 hours Free cancellation Private tour

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On the steps of Mysticism Private Tour from Athens — Photos: the activity supplier, via Viator

On the steps of Mysticism Private Tour from Athens, photo 2 — Photos: the activity supplier, via Viator

About this activity

Follow the same route that ancient Athenians followed every four years from the Acropolis to Eleusis (the entrance to the underworld) to be initiated to Eleusinian Mysteries, the most famous of the secret religious rites of ancient Greece.

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At a glance

Duration: 8 hours
Confirmation: Instant confirmation
Ticket: Mobile or paper ticket accepted
Group: Your group only
People per booking: 1–14
Guide: English
Operated by: Olive Sea Travel

Ages: Adults (1–99 years)

What is included

Included

Included: Hotel/ AirBnb/ Port pick up & drop-off
Included: Professional Drivers with Deep knowledge of history. [Not licensed to accompany you in any site.]
Included: Transport by private vehicle
Included: Bottle of water

Not included

Not included: Entrance fees: Acropolis, Ancient Agora, Eleusis Archaeological site, Kerameikos Cemetery
Not included: Licensed Tour guide upon request depending on availability [Additional cost – 390€]

Itinerary

Acropolis

1 h 30 min Admission not included

Sightseeing in Athens starts with the hill of Acropolis which will make your day. On the historical hill, you will have the opportunity to see the Odeon of Herodes Atticus, the Temple of the Athena Nike, the monumental gateway (Propylaea), the Erechtheum and of course the famous Parthenon, the main temple dedicated to the virgin goddess Athena.
Propylaea

Passing by

The Propylaea is the monumental entrances to the sacred area dedicated to Athena, the patron goddess of the city. Built by the architect Mnesicles with Pentelic marble, their design was avant-garde. To the south-west of the Propylaea, on a rampart protecting the main entrance to the Acropolis, is the Ionian temple of Apteros Nike.
Parthenon

Passing by

Parthenon, the main temple dedicated to the virgin goddess Athena, the eternal symbol of the Athenian democracy and the western civilization.
Erectheion

Passing by

Temple of Poseidon and Athena, the most sacred place in ancient Athens.
Temple of Athena Nike

Passing by

Temple dedicated to the goddess Athena Nike or Wingless Victory.
Ancient Agora of Athens

50 min Admission not included

Ancient Greek Agora which is considered the birthplace of democracy, philosophy and free speech.
Temple of Aries

10 min Admission not included

In the ancient Greek Agora, you will visit the Temple of Hephaestus (the best-preserved temple in Greece standing largely as built) devoted to the God of blacksmiths and volcanoes.
Museum of the Ancient Agora

10 min Admission not included

Ancient Greek Agora which is considered the birthplace of democracy, philosophy and free speech, in its small museum you will see findings from their daily life and learn about their constitution.
Kerameikos Cemetery

one hour Admission not included

Kerameikos was named after the community of the potters (kerameis) who occupied the whole area along the banks of the river Eridanos. The walls of Athens, which were constructed in the 5th century BC by Themistocles, divided the area into two sections, the "inner" and "outer" Kerameikos. The wall had two monumental gates, Dipylon and the Sacred Gate, placed at the outset of the two most important processional roads of Athens, the Panathenaic Way which led to the Acropolis, and the Sacred Way which led to Eleusis.

Nearby is the Dipylon gate which was the main entrance to the city, where the Panathenaic procession began and where the prostitutes congregated so they could make themselves available to weary travelers.

Between the two gates is the Pompeion, where the preparations were made for the Panathenaic procession which was in honor of Athena.
Iera Odos

Passing by

Iera Odos was the most importan Sacred Way in ancient Greece. It began at the Sacred Gate in the Kerameikos and led from Athens to Eleusis following the same course as modern Iera Odos. The street and adjacent cemetery were revealed during excavations for the extension of Line 3 of the Athens Metro.
Archaeological Site and Museum of Eleusis

one hour Admission not included

Visit the archaeological site of Eleusis with the Great Propylaea, the Sacred Well, the Telesterion, Demeter’s Temple, the entrance to the Underworld and the little church. The mycenean cult of Demeter was introduced, as the worship of a deity connected to nature and the growing of cereals. The continuity of Demeter's cult is attested until Roman times, by the erection of successive temples on the east side of the hill. Here were celebrated the famous Eleusinian Mysteries in which the participants swore to secrecy. While in the Museum are exhibited findings from the area, most important the huge statue of Kore, a female featured statue that decorated the Propylaea.
Athens

Passing by

We will drive back to Athens, following the same, sacred way like the ancient mystics.

Meeting point and pickup

The operator picks every participant up from their accommodation or the points below.

Pickup points

Foivos Hotel Athens
Alter Athens Hotel
Zenith Hotel
Athens City Plaza
ZEUS Essence Wyndham Athens Residence
Apollo Hotel
Titania Hotel
Athens Zafolia Hotel
Philippos Hotel
The Editor Athens Hotel
Anixis
Crowne Plaza Athens - City Centre By IHG

and 330 more pickup points

Pick up time adjustable upon your request.

Using your ticket

Our contact Email: [email protected] - Don't hesitate to ask any more questions you may have.

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
Specialized infant seats are available
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
The drivers are not licensed to accompany you inside any site or museum. If you require a licensed guide to tour the sites with you, you need to hire one additionally. If you have any questions you can contact us on the phone number provided by Viator.
The duration of the tours is approximate, the exact duration will depend on the time of day and traffic conditions