Greeking.me - 3-day local discovery of Athens

Tour Highlights

“Two roads diverged in a wood and I — I took the one less travelled by.” To paraphrase R. Frost we invite you to to take the road less travelled, off the tourist trail and join us for a unique 3 day journey through local Athens to discover the wondrous secrets that this city holds. From the vibrant, artist’s mecca of Metaxourgheio to the serene streets of Psirri, through fairy-tale Anafiotika and gregarious Gazi you will truly experience Athens like a local. By day and night, through gastronomy and exploration, this 4 day package will take you to the very best bars, eateries and sites that Athens has to offer and always in the company of your deeply knowledgeable, local, expert friend & guide.

Ideal for anyone who wants to see the best hangouts of Athens and truly discover the city like a local!
Accompanied by your local, expert guide and friend; enjoy personal attention every step of the way.
See up and coming, alternative neighbourhoods such as Metaxourgheio, Psirri and Gazi and discover tucked away bars and eateries that are so beloved by local Athenians
Taste the very best of Athenian gastronomy and learn the origins of and artisanal mastery that goes into making the delicious produce that you will try.
Mix urban and rural as you wander through the mythical, breathtaking hills of Athens and marvel at the beauty of Athens crown jewel, the Acropolis.
Discover the city by night and unwind in some of Athen’s most atmospheric bars while you enjoy Greek spirits that are loved the world over

Itinerary

On our 3 day package you can put down your tourist guide, forget hailing taxis and simply relax as you arrive in Athens to be met by your own personal driver at the airport/port. Rest assured that your foodie desires will be fully met with unbeatable experiences like our Tasting Greece Workshop and Athens for Foodies Tour. See the city from the heights of the Acropolis and explore the mythical hills of Athens with your deeply knowledgeable guide. Embrace your new home as you wander through alternative, exciting neighbourhoods and seek out the coolest hideouts of Athenian nightlife! No need to struggle with maps, your local friend and guide will begin your journey from the lobby of your hotel. So what are you waiting for? Come and discover Athens like a local!

Day 1- Arrival

Airport/port pick-up and transfer to hotel/apartment

Tasting Greece Workshop; a geographical quest of the finest Greek spirits and antipasti

(optional / depending on the time of your arrival)

In sleepy island villages across Greece, small meze taverns serve a variety of local spirits much enjoyed by inhabitants and this is an important part of Greek culture which we would like to share with you! Let us introduce you to the fiery tsipouro, its origins and what pairs best with the sweet, golden nectar that is rakomelo. During a 1.5 hr workshop accompanied by your very own expert foodie guide you will be introduced to the many traditional spirits of Greece. Learn how spirits like ouzo and raki are made, where they originate from and how best to serve them. Enjoy a meze of cheeses and cold cuts from across Greece and with your personal Greeking.me food map of Greece, you will be able to visualise where each delicacy originates from and understand a little of its history. Enjoy a meze of antipasti from across Greece while you discover universally loved spirits, that you will surely want to take home with you!

Day 2

Pick up from your hotel lobby
09.30

Acropolis & the mythical Athenian hills Tour
10.00 - 14.00

Beginning with the ethereal Acropolis and her reverential gaze across Athens take a breathtaking walk to the summits of this ancient wonder and onto the striking beauty of the Athenian hills. Deepen your understanding of antiquity as you discover the wonders of the Parthenon, the marble colonnades of the Propylaea and the craftsmanship of the Erechtheion and her Caryatid maidens with fascinating narration from your deeply knowledgeable, local guide and friend.

Journey onto the northern slope of the Acropolis to the island like village of Anafiotika, unbelievably, in the heart of Athens. Built during King Otto's reign by the carpenters and masons of the Cycladic Island of Anafi, wander through these winding and picturesque streets and hear vignettes on the architectural uniqueness of the area. Follow ancient roads that will lead you to the imposing and aptly named Mars Hill (Areopagus) where the remarkable trial of Phryne took place. Discover why her method of defence and resultant acquittal caused such gossip amongst ancient Athenians! Strolling through open parklands, find yourself at Pnyx hill, the site at which some of the greatest political struggles of the Athenian ‘Golden Age’ were fought out. Stand on the very ground where Pericles demonstrated his skills of persuasion! Carry on to a verdant refuge in the bustling centre of Athens, Philopappou hill. See where Socrates was once imprisoned and hear from your personal guide the mythological tales and legends which lie hidden in the undergrowth of the hill. Your experiences on this magical tour will surely leave you utterly enraptured with our mythic city of Athens.

Free time
14.00 - 19.00

Athens Nocturnal Gems; a local tour to the best hideouts of the Athenian nightlife
19.00 - 22.30

Get ready to paint the town red with a journey to the best hideouts of the Athenian nightlife scene! Begin your journey of tasting with an introduction to Greece’s centuries old tradition of winemaking and viticulture. Discover the rich varieties of grape the Hellenic isles & mainland have to offer and pair them with some of the finest cheeses from across Greece. Where most tours would end, we are only getting started as we take you on a discovery of Greek spirits! Warm your chest with fiery Raki and savour the sweet tones of Rakomelo as your guide explains the origins of these much -loved spirits. Next we take you on a foray into the world of beer; here in Athens sample the world’s first beer to be comprised of 5 different cereals! Test your palate as you discern between the sweetness of wheat and subtle flavours of rye and corn. As the light fades, under a starry Athenian sky you will surely be in the mood for cocktails! In one of the coolest bars in town, unwind with an innovative concoction that blends Mediterranean flavours and traditional spirits. Watch the best barmen in Athens create your drink of choice while you build an appetite for your next stop- a real souvlaki shop! A national favourite, what better way to end your tour than savouring the delights of freshly grilled souvlaki with all the trimmings. This is a tour that will have you knowing the best haunts of the city like a true Athenian.

Day 3

09.30 Pick-up from your hotel

Athens for foodies - Our popular Athens food tour!
10.00 - 14.00

If you love food (who doesn’t?) you’ve come to the right city. Accompanied by your expert, foodie, local guide, discover the culinary delights of Athens on a gastronomy tour that will treat all of your senses. Starting off in the beating heart of Athens, Syntagma square, stroll through the lively neighbourhoods of Athens while exploring the local culinary scene. Wander through the bustling cacophony of vendors at the Central Athens Market and feast your eyes upon the huge variety of fresh fruit, vegetables, seafood and meat on display. Stop off at traditional family run delis and taste recipes that have been perfected over decades, handed down from generation to generation. Enjoy 15 (!) different tastings of Greek cuisine such as traditional light pastries, a variety of cold cuts, dolmades, stuffed tomatoes and dangerously addictive Greek doughnuts- loukoumades! Your local guide will introduce you to the very best of traditional foods, given a new lease of life by artisanal Athenian eateries. In Greece, we know how to feed people- fresh, delicious food and plenty of it (no morsel bites here!) so be sure to come hungry!

Free time
14.00 - 17.00

Athens off-the-beaten track; a tour to 3 local neighborhoods & wine tasting
17.30 - 22.30

Day 4-Departure

Greek Breakfast, Acropolis Museum & shopping tour in Plaka

(Depending on the time of your departure)

In the shade of the Acropolis, start your morning with a traditional cup of Greek coffee, straight from the hot embers of a ‘hovoli’ paired with a soft sweet pastry. This, however, is only the beginning! From freshly made hot feta and olive omelettes to hand-made traditional pies stuffed with peppers, olives and feta to rizogalo (thick creamy Greek rice pudding)- this is truly a breakfast fit for the Gods of Olympus! Enjoy a rejuvenating glass of freshly squeezed juice from oranges of the island of Ikaria before setting off for your tour with your local, expert guide and friend.

Ready for the day ahead, stroll gently to the 21st Century Class, world renowned collection that is the Acropolis Museum. Striking, extensive and truly a humbling experience, walk amongst some of the greatest finds from the world of antiquity. With your licensed, deeply knowledgeable guide you will have context and understanding to the beautiful pieces of craftsmanship that you will see. Housing the relics of the founding fathers of modern democracy and political philosophy as we know it; this is an experience you will truly never forget. Enjoy the breathtaking views of the Acropolis, admire carefully preserved and restored friezes and come face to face with sculptures that still inspire centuries on.

Leaving the museum, we head to scenic Plaka where you will have the opportunity to shop your menentos from Greece. Whatever your poison, find the perfect gift for loved ones (or you!) and shop like an Athenian for a day!

Drop off at the airport - Departure

Inclusions

Inclusions:

Accommodation in 3 to 5 star hotels in Athens city center
Skip-the-line tickets to the Acropolis & all archaeological sites
All private guided tours mentioned in the description
Services of our exceptional local licensed guides
Airport pickup and drop-off
All the transfers with our cozy vehicles
All applicable taxes and VAT

DAY 1

Arrival - pick-up and transfer to hotel/apartment
Afternoon tour depending on the time of your arrival (optional)

DAY 2

Pick up from your hotel lobby
Acropolis & the mythical Athenian hills private tour
Athens Nocturnal Gems; a local tour to the best hideouts of the Athenian nightlife

DAY 3

Pick up from your hotel lobby
Athens for foodies tour
Athens off-the-beaten track; a tour to 3 local neighborhoods & wine tasting

DAY 4

(optional) Greek Breakfast, Acropolis Museum & shopping tour in Plaka
Airport Drop-Off / Departure

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FAQs

What is the spoken language?

The spoken language, for the majority of our tours, is English. However, we do have the ability, on occasion, to offer French, Spanish, Italian & German. Please contact us for further details on this.

Who will be my guide?

All of our guides are deeply knowledgeable, charismatic and passionate about what they do. Each of them are subject matter experts in their respective fields. We have a highly talented team of licensed and local guides many of whom are archaeologists, historians, foodie experts, chefs, family friendly trained and even a professional street artist!

What should I bring with me?

If you are visiting in the Summer the usual advice applies when visiting hot countries. Sun protection, bottled water, sunglasses and a hat (especially for little ones) is always a good idea. Comfortable walking shoes are also recommended for many of our tours. Of course, a camera/ smartphone is definitely a must to capture all the memories that you will take home with you!

Is accomodation included?

All accommodation is included in the cost of the package and we consult with you as to the type and standard of hotel that you would like (3/4/5*s). If there is a particular hotel that you would like to stay at, simply let us know and we can arrange this for you.

I have allergies or specific food requirements, can you accomodate me?

Of course! Flexibility and attention to detail are at the heart of what we do. We want all our visitors to have the best possible time and experience Greece at her best. That’s why we created our Vegetarian Food Tour which can also be tailored to suit Vegan requirements. If there are any specific allergies or any other requirements/ personal preferences just let us know!

Is it difficult for older people to follow the group?

Absolutely not. All our walking tours are done at a moderate pace so it is an enjoyable experience for everyone. Our transfers are in the comfort of our cosy, private, a/c, spacious vehicles, again, ensuring your comfort is paramount to us.

Is it child friendly?

Of course! We ensure that your tour is led by a family friendly guide who is highly trained in making the history and mythology of Greece fascinating and engaging for all ages! As it is a private package, tailored to your needs, we can also make any substitutions or alterations that you require food wise. Additionally, we make sure that there are always tasty alternatives for children where necessary, for example during the wine tasting or where dishes may be deemed unpalatable for children. Although, we encourage the whole family to taste everything!

What happens in case of rain?

Truthfully, in the Summer, rain is not likely to be a common occurrence! However, during the winter months, should it rain on the day of your tour we will do our utmost to notify you in advance of any changes to your tour.

Are transfers included?

Yes, all transfers are included and are private. We use spacious yet cosy, modern, a/c vehicles and safe, reliable professional drivers. For larger groups of people, we have luxury minivans and buses that ensure you can travel in comfort.

Are meals included?

For all foodie tours and experiences, of course! For meals, during free time these are not included. The reason for this is that we pride ourselves on being non commissioned based and therefore any restaurant recommendations or reservations we make for you are done because we truly feel these are fantastic places to eat, we receive no financial benefit from this. Furthermore, when you book this package you will receive our Athens Agenda (normally EUR 499), complimentary from us, containing our hand-picked selections of places to eat and drink!