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1. The Acropolis and the Parthenon - Athens

   The Acropolis was traditionally the highest and therefore most easily defended point of any ancient city in Greece. Although technically not the highest point of Athens, the rock, now known the world over simply as ‘The Acropolis’, was chosen because it has a source of water, vital in times of siege. Most Contiki Tours visiting Athe... more »

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2. Parthenon

   by – Matt Vernick, Tour Manager, Europe The Parthenon (Not to be confused with the Pantheon of Rome or Paris fame) in the heart of Athens, Greece is one of the most famous symbols not only of Greece, but the entire classical period of history and democracy itself. Crowning the Acropolis in the centre of the town and visible from almost everywhere in the city, the classical stylings of this n... more »

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3. The Temple of Zeus and Hadrian's Gate

   At the foot of the Acropolis in Athens is the Temple of Zeus, originally dedicated to the leader of the Ancient Gods of Greece, was not completed until the rule of the Roman Emperor Hadrian (also responsible for the Pantheon, among others, in Rome and Hadrian’s wall in Scotland). All that remains of the Temple are a few columns and the gate is a crumbling ruin, they are still impressive ancient sites.

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4. Athens Airport

   More Tour and Travel Advice for Europe Contiki uses many different hotels in Athens and you should check your tour documentation for confirmation of your exact hotel. It is roughly 30€ in a cab from the airport to almost any of the hotels Contiki uses in Athens and Glyfada. Taxis can also become more expensive during the morning and evening due to peak hour traffic. The journey usua... more »

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5. Athens

   by – Matt Vernick, Tour Manager, Europe Athens (Greek: Athena) is an ancient city, whose establishment is lost in antiquity. It is unlike so many other ancient cities in that it is still a prominent and thriving center almost 6000 years after it was established. The capital of Greece is home to over half the country during the winters while in the summers is the hub and jumping off point for people h... more »

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6. Syntagma Square and the Changing of the Guard - Athens

   Syntagma (Constitution) Square is home to the Parliament Building, home to the Greek Parliament but once the palace of the Kings of Greece. The Square is also home to the tomb of the unknown soldier and the traditionally dressed, pom-pom toe-ed guards, known as Evzoni. You can see the Changing of the Guard here every hour and if you’ve travelled all the way to Athens it worth hanging around to see the ceremony.

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7. Shopping - Athens

   For some great shopping travel down to the markets in the Plaka district for an experiance that is a must for anyone who travels to Athens. Maps are useless in the small district in the shadow of the Acropolis and the best thing to do is just wander around through the markets and stall and loose yourself amongst the jewelry, shoe, retail and tourist stalls. The shopping in Athens, like the res... more »

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