Ancient Athens

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.

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. 

Provisional flight information

10/03/27 London Gatwick to Athens Dep: 0805 Arr: 1350

14/03/27 Athens to London Gatwick Dep: 2120 Arr: 2315

10/03/27 London Heathrow to Athens Dep: 0805 Arr: 1345

14/03/27 Athens to London Heathrow Dep: 1950 Arr: 2150

10/03/27 Manchester to Athens Dep: 0705 Arr: 1255

14/03/27 Athens to Manchester Dep: 2210 Arr: 0020(+1)

Hand luggage 15kg plus small personal bag included. Option to change to hold luggage available.

Passport validity

For UK passport holders your passport must be:

• Issued less than 10 years before the date you enter the country (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.

EU Entry/Exit System (EES)

The new Entry/Exit System (EES) began operations on 12 October 2025 across the external borders of the 29 European countries. These European countries will collect biometric data, such as facial image and fingerprints and registered in the system. Passports will continue to be stamped as usual. 

Further information on the EES can be found on the following link - https://travel-europe.europa.eu/ees/ltr

ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorisation System)

Starting in end 2026 UK citizens are required to have a travel authorisation to enter the European countries for a short stay. ETIAS travel authorisation is linked to a traveller’s passport. It is valid for up to three years or until the passport expires, whichever comes first. If you get a new passport, you need to get a new ETIAS travel authorisation.

With a valid ETIAS travel authorisation, you can enter the territory of these European countries as often as you want for short-term stays - normally for up to 90 days in any 180-day period. However, it does not guarantee entry. When you arrive, a border guard will ask to see your passport and other documents and verify that you meet the entry conditions.

NB - There is no start date for the ETIAS currently confirmed but when it is introduced it will be your responsibility to ensure that you have arranged this. We will update everyone when the ETIAS is required with information on how to apply for this online.

Travel Insurance

Please ensure that you have adequate personal travel insurance to suit your requirements in place before you travel.

Global Health Insurance Card

A UK Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) gives you the right to access state-provided healthcare during a temporary stay in the European Union (EU).

UK-issued European Health Insurance Cards (EHICs) are still valid and offer the same cover as GHICs in the EU.

Once your EHIC has expired, you’ll be able to replace it with a GHIC.

NB – A GHIC/EHIC is not a replacement for travel insurance!

The latest FCO travel guidance for Greece

https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/greece