Top Athens Tours & Vacations 2025/2026 [reviews & photos]

Athens Tours & Travel Packages 2025/2026

99 Athens trips. Compare tour itineraries from 16 tour companies. 869 reviews. 4.4/5 avg rating.

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Top Athens Attractions

Athens Tours & Travel Guide

Athens Attractions & Landmarks Guide

One of the worlds oldest cities, Athens is truly a history buffs dream. A city dominated by classical ruins of a (very) bygone era, taking a history and archaeology tour will reveal the secrets of this powerful metropolis, once the heart of Ancient Greece.

Getting to Athens

Athens is the capital of Greece and is located in the southeast of Europe in the southernmost region of Balkan Peninsula. There are various ways to reach Athens, but traveling by air is the cheapest, fastest, and the most popular way for the purpose.

There are numerous airlines operating indirect flights from the USA, Canada, UK and other regions of Europe to Athens, Greece. Check with your regional airlines if they offer flights directly to Athens; otherwise, you can choose the nearest European country you can travel and then take a flight from there.

You can also choose to travel by sea if you are coming from the USA, as there are three cruise companies offering the service. Booking a cruise and traveling around the Mediterranean is a popular practice in Europe during the summer.

Traveling by road is also a good option for those residing in Europe and can drive around if with a national driving license if you are an EU national. Nationals from other countries would require an International Driving Permit to drive in Greece. There are two bus terminals in Athens for long-distance domestic buses.

These regional coaches connect Athens to all the main towns in northern Greece, Peloponnese, and Attica. The buses are comfortable, and you can have a safe and pleasant journey. However, traveling by train is not a good option for Greece to travel. It is undoubtedly a cheaper way to travel compared to the coaches but is very slow and has a limited range. The domestic railway network of Greece is limited to the mainland, and various lines were previously suspended due to a lack of financial resources.

Food in Athens

Eating is a significant part of Greek culture hence, you will find a variety of unique and taste enriched foods around. There are a lot of dishes that you must try during your trip, but some of them are at the top.

1. Saganaki

Yellow hard cheese deep fried in a special way to make it crunchy outside and melted inside is a delicious appetizer.

2. Greek Salad

Juicy, crunchy vegetable, olives with a giant piece of feta at the top and dressed with vinegar, lemon juice, and olive oil, Greece has the best version of it.

3. Spanakopita

Made in various shapes, this delicious snack is a filo pastry that is stuffed with pita cheese and spinach.

4. Moussaka

The egg-plant dish contains minced meat at the bottom, with layers of an onion, tomato, garlic, and potato, and topped with béchamel sauce and cheese.

5. Greek Gyro

The Greek version is the original one with any variety of meat, packed with vegetables and French fries, and topped with tangy tzatziki sauce.

Historical & Archaeological sites in Athens

Explore Athens's history and visit all the important historical and archeological sites spread throughout the city.

1. Acropolis of Athens

This ancient citadel is the most important historical asset of Athens that contains the remains of numerous historical buildings of great cultural, religious, mythical, and architectural significance. The famous Parthenon, Acropolis museum, Temple of Athena Nike, Erechtheion Temple, Theater of Dionysus, and Propylaea are some important things to see in the Acropolis region.

2. Temple of Olympian Zeus

Built somewhere in the 6th century BC, this is the largest temple of Greece.

3. National Archaeological Museum

The museum contains precious artifacts from various archeological locations around the country.

4. Syntagma Square

The central square of the city is important in society as a well historical point of view.

5. Ancient Agora of Athens

This ancient agora was used as a residential, commercial, or assembly gathering place.

Day trips from Athens

The wonderful Greece travel experience is not limited to the capital city. When you are done with Athens, set out to explore the surrounding areas, but don’t forget these places.

1. Cape Sounion

The exotic beaches, fascinating views, and calm atmosphere gives you a relaxing break out of the city confines.

2. Delphi

The beautiful town, surrounded by huge mountains, is home to various historical and mythical monuments, theatres, museums, and a stadium.

3. Halkida

This pleasant little town, also called Chalkida, is not very popular among tourists but a beautiful place with its special water-flow direction change feature.

4. Spetses

The charming little island is a four-wheeler-free area. Explore the historical region and its beautiful neoclassical houses and the cobblestone streets.

5. Parnitha National Park

Get out of the city crowd and enjoy a break close to the wonders of nature. The park consists of mountains covered with dense forests and filled with wildlife and caves, with various adventurous hiking trails.

Is Athens safe

Athens is overall a safe city, compared to other tourist destinations, even for solo female travelers. Pickpocketing and taxi scams are common, but you can avoid them being careful enough. Avoid the shady areas and be cautious in your roaming around to avoid any possible danger.

Best time to go

Summertime from June to August is the busiest but hottest time of the year. Winter, from November to February, is wet and cold, December being the wettest month. The best time to visit the hot Athens land is during the shoulder season from mid-March to late May and early September to early November.

The crowds are thinner, the weather is warm and sunny but still pleasant, and you will get fare prices for everything, including accommodation, food, and transport.

Athens tips for travelers

  • Try to keep some cash with you all the time. Many stores, restaurants, and boutiques have started accepting cards, but you still have to keep some with you. You will find ATMs around tourist attractions.
  • You can travel through the city conveniently through a simple and easy metro system.
  • Avoid fancy restaurants with waiters waiting outside and that have menus with fascinating pictures. Eat at the places where you see locals enjoying their food.
  • Taxis are also safe and convenient, even at late hours after dark. It is better to hail a taxi through the apps, which is more safe and convenient.
  • Beware of pickpockets and never leave your belongings out of sight.
  • Nightlife starts late, after midnight, so if you are planning some late night fun, expect is to be quite late.

Athens Reviews & Ratings

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C

Christine

Oct 2024

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Greek Island Wanderer

Wonderful trip in every way! We were planning a similar trip to take independently but decided it would be easier to go with Explore. So pleased we did! We would nev...

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Trusted Customer

Oct 2024

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Greek Island Wanderer

The Greek Island wanderer through the Cyclades was fantastic- the leader was flexible and positive all the way through - he really looked after our group. I can’t w...

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