City Highlights Excursion with Acropolis (first half of the day)

ATHENS - the capital of Greece - a city of amazing destiny, living evidence of the highest achievements of human culture. The monuments and sights of Athens are evidence of the invaluable contribution of his brilliant civilization with more than 6,000 years of history to world culture.

Acquaintance with Athens definitely begins with the Acropolis and its pearl - the Parthenon. Today, the Acropolis of Athens is in second place of 962 UNESCO World Heritage Sites list for its uniqueness and beauty, significantly leaving behind the only surviving wonders of the world - the Egyptian Pyramids.

On the Acropolis territory and around it you will find  the greatest masterpieces of world architecture: the Erechtheion temple with its famous Caryatids, the Propylaea - an indoor marble entrance to the Acropolis with five aisles in the center, small six-columned halls and portico wings on the sides, the Wingless Nika temple, the remains of the Hekatompedon temple with the tomb of Kekrop, the first king of Attica, the hill of Areopagus, the hill of Pnik, the theater of Dionysus and the odeon of Herodotus of Attica, which was preserved next to him. From the Acropolis and Areopagus Hill, a magnificent view of the city and the hill - the twin of the Acropolis - Likavitos with the snow-white Church of St. George at its peak opens.

Next you will find a bus tour of the city - acquaintance with the history of the city embodied in its monuments. White marble stadium Panafinaikos. Once upon a time there was an even more ancient stadium IV century. BC. In 1896, at the initiative of Lord Pierre Coubertin, the first Olympic Games of our time were held at this stadium. Almost under the walls of the Acropolis are the ancient theaters of Dionysus, built by the Greeks in the VI century. BC, and Herodotus of Attia, built by the Romans in II in BC.  Both theaters are operational, theatrical performances and concerts are constantly taking place here. One of the best preserved temples of Ancient Hellas - the temple of the god of fire and patron of the crafts of Hephaestus and the goddess Athena, is also located under the Acropolis. Its other name is Theseuson. This temple is named that way because it is decorated with scenes from the life of the mythical Theseus - the legendary king of Athens. The Old City and New Athens are separated by the Hadrian Arch, built in the 2nd century BC. To fasten the whole pieces of marble of which it consists, only special brackets were used, without the use of cement or other mixtures.

Next, you will see the neoclassical building of the Parliament of Greece (the former royal palace) and the soldiers of the National Guard during the honor guard at the tomb of the Unknown Soldier . You will have the opportunity to watch the impressive scene of  the guard changing, which takes place every hour, and take a photo next to the tall handsome Evzons dressed in national clothes: red berets with a tassel, short red vests embroidered by hand, a fluffy short skirt - fastanella, white leggings and tsarukha (wooden clogs with buboes, each of which weighs 2.5 kg). You will be able to admire the majestic buildings of the neoclassical style: the University of Athens, the National Library, Zappeon, built in the 19th century.

In your free time, you can enjoy the silence and beauty of the magnificent National Garden behind the Parliament building and feed together with the Athenians  ducks living in the ponds of the garden , as well as visit the Temple of Olympian Zeus.

Remember:

• you should have a copy of your passport and insurance with you;
• for your comfort on an excursion, wear comfortable shoes;
• entrance fees and lunch are paid extra;
• excursion program can be changed in case of force majeure circumstances (force majeure), weather conditions or at the discretion of the guide;
• duration: half a day.