Highlights
- 4-hour walking tour around Plaka and the hills of Athens: Philopappou and Mars Hill
- Discover Anafiotika with its scenic whitewashed houses, built in a similar style to those on the Greek islands
- Walk on Rock of Ares (Aereopagus) on Mars Hill and pass Socrates’ Prison
- Admire panoramic views from the top of Philopappou Hill and relax with a picnic and glass of sparkling wine
- Walk along the UNESCO-listed walkways of Philopappou and see Philopappos Monument
Recent Photos of this Tour
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View from picnic locationWe reach the top of the Philopappou Hill, traveled at a leisurely pace, and stop to enjoy breathtaking views of ...Photo by: Michele BUSA, 12 2012 -
The road less traveledAnother view of Athens ..perhaps the road less traveled?Photo by: Michele BUSA, 12 2012 -
Socrates prisonContinuing on the tour, we pass Socrates prison where the guide will explain what Socrates did to end up in prison and ...Photo by: Michele BUSA, 12 2012 -
View of Athens from Mars HillAfter departing Anafiotika, we proceed to Mars Hill where the views get better and you learn more about Greece's ...Photo by: Michele BUSA, 12 2012 -
AcropolisView towards the AcropolisPhoto by: Michele BUSA, 12 2012 -
Narrow street in AnafiotikaProceeding through the narrow streets of Anafiotika..Photo by: Michele BUSA, 12 2012 -
Anafiotika residential homesThe residents prefer their privacy but it's hard to resist the beautiful narrow streets and wonderful colors of ...Photo by: Michele BUSA, 12 2012 -
Theotokos (Mary) _updated ...This photo was taken in a small church on a square in the Plaka neighborhood of Athens, not in Anafiotika as ...Photo by: Michele BUSA, 12 2012 -
Homemade liqueursOne of the oldest bars in Plaka makes homemade liqueurs and the barrister will most likely give you a sample or two..Photo by: Michele BUSA, 12 2012 -
Theotokos (Mary) mosaicPicture of a mosaic taken inside a church we visited, while in Anafiotika, an Athens neighborhoodPhoto by: Michele BUSA, 12 2012 -
Roman bath ruinsRuins of a Roman bath, not far from Hadrian's gatePhoto by: Michele BUSA, 12 2012 -
ZappeionThe Zappeion was the first building to be erected specifically for the revival of the Olympic Games in the modern ...Photo by: Michele BUSA, 12 2012 -
Statue in the Royal GardenOne of the statues in the Royal Garden, a/k/a the Greek "George Washington".Photo by: Michele BUSA, 12 2012 -
Presidential Palace GuardThe tour began by viewing the changing of the guards outside the Presidential Palace.Photo by: Michele BUSA, 12 2012 -
Useful Information
Hidden Athens Walking Tour: Acropolis
On the northernmost streets of Plaka is the area known as Anafiotika -- an idyllic cluster of whitewashed houses that are reminiscent of buildings in the Greek islands. Admire Anafiotika’s pretty Cycladic architecture, built by 19th-century workers who emigrated here from Anafi Island. It’s thought the workers were homesick for their native island life, so painted the buildings bright white to remind them of Anafi.
While hearing tales of the area and its history from your guide, walk over to the Rock of Ares (Aereopagus) – just slightly further up the slopes of the Acropolis on Mars Hill. The colossal rock marks the spot that was once the supreme court of ancient Athens, and bygone kings are buried in tombs surrounding it.
Continue to Philopappou Hill, passing Socrates’ Prison where the Classical Greek philosopher Socrates was imprisoned and sentenced to death on controversial charges. After a quick look at the fascinating landmark, stop at the peak of Philopappou Hill to enjoy breathtaking views over Athens’ bustling metropolis. Sit down with a glass of sparkling wine and help yourself to a picnic of various Greek delicacies.
After relaxing at this panoramic vantage point, head back into town with your guide, following the pretty UNESCO World Heritage-listed walkways down the hill. Pass the famous Philopappos Monument and then finish your tour back at the start point, near Benaki Museum.
Reviewed by Lupi, Switzerland, April 2013
This tour is by far the best I've had in Athens. If you love doing and learning things like local, and also having the luxury of having private guide just for yourself then you make a perfect choice with this one. Kostas, the guide who also the manager of the tour company knows Athens inside and out. In the span of 4 hours I've learned about Athens and Greece more than from any other resources I've encountered.
Reviewed by YANYAN, United Kingdom, March 2013
This is a very pleasant tour, especially if you're first time in Athens. The tour takes you to walk through some famous historical sites and some less well-known places, which is a highlight! The guide Costas is very helpful and knowledgeable. I mistakenly got the time wrong and he still manage to make it work for me. The walking tour is followed by a light lunch at a spot with beautiful view of Athens!
