City Breaks · Greece
Ancient Athens
Arrive on your own; Jackie and a group of about 7 are with you the whole way.
10 Mar 2027 – 14 Mar 2027 4 nights from £579pp own travel
Hosted by Jackie Whyte 7 people have booked so far
Places available The ancient city of Athens awaits
Discover Athens as we undertake an exploration of the city’s history, culture and cuisine. Athens is one of the most historically important cities in the world, credited with being at the forefront of early civilisation and labelled as the birthplace of democracy. The city is rich in ancient archaeology and is home to many historically significant sites. But there’s more to the city than its ancient treasures. It’s a food lover’s paradise offering some of the best Greek cuisine in the country, there’s a lively arts scene, great street markets, superb museums and you’ll be warmly welcomed by Athenians.
Availability and pricing
| Option | Price | Availability |
|---|---|---|
| Ancient Athens | ||
| Own flight | £579.00 | 2 places left |
| London Gatwick | £799.00 | 9 places left |
| Manchester | £799.00 | 6 places left |
| London Heathrow | £829.00 | 6 places left |
| Change to allowance to 20kg hold luggage | £50.00 | Available |
| Cape Sounion & Temple of Poseidon | £52.00 | Available |
| The Ultimate Food Tasting Tour of Athens | £72.00 | Available |
| Private Athens City Tour, Acropolis, Ancient Agora | £104.00 | Available |
| Ancient Athens - Accommodation | ||
| Place in a double room (must be for 2) | £0.00 | 4 places left |
| Place in a twin share room | £0.00 | 9 places left |
| Place in a single room | £249.00 | 3 places left |
Why you'll love this holiday
- Four nights with a host, starting with dinner together at a local restaurant.
- An optional food tour with more than eighteen tastings, from koulouri to gigantes.
- The Acropolis and Ancient Agora with a licensed guide, if you want the history.
Where you'll go
Day to Day possible itinerary
Day 1 - Arrive to Athens international airport. Transfer from the airport to the hotel and check in if available but can leave your luggage if not and have a wander. In the evening walk to a local restaurant to get to know the rest of the group.
Day 2 - Morning breakfast. Head off to explore independently or join our optional guided tour of the city. Experience the ultimate introduction to Athens on this comprehensive Private Athens City Tour combining the city’s most iconic ancient landmarks, historic neighborhoods, and cultural highlights in one unforgettable experience. Led by your expert licensed guide, you will explore the legendary Acropolis of Athens, the birthplace of democracy at the Ancient Agora of Athens, the fascinating Agora Museum, and important modern landmarks including Syntagma Square, the Greek Parliament, and the National Gardens. Discover the myths, philosophy, politics, architecture, and everyday life that shaped Ancient Greece while enjoying personalized storytelling, breathtaking views, and the flexibility of a private experience designed around your pace and interests. Perfect for first-time visitors, history lovers, families, and travellers seeking the most complete private walking tour of Athens. After the tour enjoy some time walking around the old Athenian neighbourhoods and enjoy some free time before returning to hotel at your own leisure.
Day 3 - Morning breakfast at the hotel & free time. If you've booked on our optional food tour this will take place in the morning. Meet your food expert and you’ll try more than 18 things across the tour. It starts small: a Greek coffee and a koulouri, the way most people here begin the day. Then the bakeries, for spanakopita and bougatsa still warm from the oven. Three Greek dips, olives, good olive oil. Greek cheeses and yogurt. Later comes a proper Greek meal, soutzoukakia, spiced meatballs in tomato sauce, with fresh bread on the side. And to finish, mezze at a taverna: calamari, zucchini fritters with tzatziki, pan-fried pork, gigantes in tomato sauce. Local wine or tsipouro alongside.
At the end of the tour, make your own way to the Hotel, or enjoy a nice drink in a rooftop bar
Day 3 - Breakfast and time to wander into the city again. If you select the optional Cape Sounion and Temple of Poseidon trip this will depart at around 2pm. Visit one of Greece’s most picturesque coastal viewpoints on a half-day small-group tour from Athens to Cape Sounion. Travel by minivan along south Attica’s scenic shoreline roads to reach the ancient Temple of Poseidon, built atop a towering sea cliff with fantastic views of the Aegean. Explore the ruins of this temple dedicated to the Greek god of the sea, and opt for an afternoon tour to catch a famously beautiful sunset. Return to Athens late evening.
Day 4 - Following breakfast this is your day to do what you want to do and see what you haven't seen in Athens - enjoy the beauties or relax.
Day 5 - Your final day so enjoy a leisurley breakfast. We are on later flights so explore until your transfer to the airport for your flight back home.
What's included
- International flights (if selected)
- Twin share room
- Daily breakfast at the hotel
- Return airport/hotel transfer
- Spice Escapes Host
- Your Spice host, Jackie Whyte
Not included
- Single supplement if required
- Personal travel insurance
- Climate resilience tax 1.5 euro per person per night
- Some meals & drinks
- Optional excursions
- Personal extras
Travel and where you'll stay
Acropolis Select (or similar)
Conveniently located in the heart of Athens and only a short walking distance to the Acropolis pedestrian walkway, leading to many of the city's main sights and attractions, the Acropolis Select Hotel is the perfect home away from home, for your next visit to Athens. A short 5 minute stroll from the hotel will bring guests to the ancient site of the Acropolis, the New Acropolis Museum and the Plaka District, while other major landmarks such as Syntagma Square, the Temple of Olympian Zeus and the Monastiraki Market, as well as, the city's shopping hotspots of Hermou Street and Kolonaki are all within easy reach. Just a few meters from the property you will find metro, light railway and bus stations, making traveling around the city and its beach suburbs extremely convenient.
This 72 room hotel is fitted with elegant Italian design furniture, fine European fabrics and original pieces of art inspired from ancient Greece, which add to its modern, stylish décor and welcoming ambience. A full Buffet breakfast is served daily and free Wi-Fi access is available in both rooms and hotel public areas. A rooftop lounge restaurant, 180 west, is open from 11:00 till late in the evening, offering amazing and stunning Acropolis views.
The hotel's rooms are all tastefully decorated and designed to cater to your comfort. The elegant interior is accented with warm, earthly tones which create a welcoming and relaxing atmosphere. Bathrooms have bathtubs and soothing showerheads while complimentary toiletries and amenities are provided.
Getting there — flights to Athens
Departing from London Gatwick, London Heathrow or Manchester.
London Gatwick
London Heathrow
Manchester
These are the times currently scheduled. Airlines change them, sometimes months before departure, so please treat them as provisional rather than final.
Before you travel
Weather when you go
Athens can be visited year round: the ancient monuments and museums are open throughout the year. The summer months of July and August are extremely popular with visitors despite the hot temperatures so spring and autumn are the best times of year to visit when temperatures are more comfortable for exploring, with little rain and there are much fewer tourist crowds. Athens in March is generally mild with average daytime highs of 16°C to 18°C (60°F to 64°F), cool nights dropping to 7°C to 9°C (45°F to 48°F), and about 6 hours of sunshine daily.
Passport validity
For UK passport holders your passport must be:
- issued less than 10 years before the day you enter (check the "date of issue")
- valid for at least 3 months after the day you plan to leave (check the "expiry date")
You must check your passport meets these requirements before you travel. If your passport was issued before 1 October 2018, extra months may have been added to its expiry date.
Entry rules for EU travel — EES, ETIAS and your GHIC
EU Entry/Exit System (EES)
The Entry/Exit System (EES) is being introduced gradually across the external borders of the European countries that use it, including the collection of biometric data such as a facial image and fingerprints. Passports continue to be stamped as usual in the meantime.
Further information: travel-europe.europa.eu/ees
ETIAS
UK citizens will eventually need a travel authorisation (ETIAS) to enter the European countries that require it for short stays. It is linked to your passport and valid for up to three years. There is no confirmed start date yet — we will let everyone know when it is required and how to apply.
Global Health Insurance Card
A UK Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC), or a still-valid EHIC, gives you the right to access state-provided healthcare during a temporary stay in the EU. It is not a replacement for travel insurance.
Travel insurance
Please ensure that you have adequate personal travel insurance to suit your requirements in place before you travel.
Who else is going
The question everyone asks and nobody wants to.
- On this departure
- 7 people booked The operator's own count for this trip — you'd make 8. It can still grow before you travel.
- Travelling alone
- Most people book on their own
Gallery
Before you book
Will I be the only one on my own?
No. Almost everyone books on their own — that is the whole point of the trip. Nobody has to pair up and nobody sits on their own at dinner unless they want to.
Do I have to share a room?
Only if you want to. Sharing a twin with another solo traveller of the same sex costs nothing extra, and it is how most people keep the price down. If you would rather have a room to yourself, you can — see the single-room price on the trip you are looking at.
Is there a single supplement?
There is a charge for a room of your own and it varies a great deal by trip, so the honest answer is the figure on the holiday you are looking at rather than an average. What there is not is any obligation to pay it: sharing a twin with another solo traveller of the same sex costs nothing extra, and it is a genuine option rather than a token one.
Every holiday with a single room available, and what each one costs, is listed on single rooms and single supplements.
How big is the group?
Small enough to learn everyone’s name in the first day or two. Group sizes vary by trip and are listed on each holiday.
What does the host actually do?
Your host is there to make your holiday feel easy, welcoming and fun. They travel with the group throughout the trip, help everyone get to know each other, keep things running smoothly and are there if you need anything along the way.
They’re not a traditional holiday rep — they’re part of the group, sharing the experience with you and helping make sure nobody feels left out.
Is my money protected?
Yes. Payments are held in a bonded trust account and the holidays are ATOL protected under licence 9046.
What age are the other travellers?
It varies by trip. Most groups span a wide range of ages with a shared interest in the destination rather than a shared birth year.
Is there a minimum age?
Yes — 18. Spice Escapes holidays are adults only.
Most people who travel with us are in their forties and beyond, but that is who books rather than a rule. There is no upper age limit, and two people travelling together do not need to be a similar age: a daughter in her thirties travelling with her mother in her sixties is an ordinary booking.
What travellers say
4.9/5 from 63 reviews on Google
Questions about this holiday?
Ring the office, send us a question, or chat any hour. A real person, not a call centre.
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