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10 Days in Athens: Uncover Ancient Marvels and Cultural Delights

Anas Alzein Omar

Anas Alzein Omar

23 Dec 2023

Embark on a captivating journey through Athens, where ancient wonders meet vibrant culture. Discover iconic landmarks like the Acropolis and Parthenon, explore hidden gems like the Philopappos Hill and Technopolis City, and immerse yourself in the rich history and art at the National Archaeological Museum. Join us on this 10-day adventure and experience the magic of Athens!

Day 1Unveiling the Secrets of Athens' Historic Hilltops
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$29

·

$ 2

Pnyx
Hilltop ruins where many of Athens' ancient democratic assemblies met, with city & Acropolis views.
8:00 AM - 8:30 AM
Free
1 - 2 min

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Directions

Philopappos Monument
Tomb & monument ruins erected in the 2nd century, with an ancient chiseled frieze & inscription.
9:00 AM - 9:30 AM
$6
1 - 2 min

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Directions

Philopappos Hill
Views of Athens & the Acropolis attract hikers to this small peak with an ancient monument.
10:00 AM - 11:00 AM
Free
9 - 14 min

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Directions

Acropolis Museum
Ultramodern glass & steel museum housing ancient artifacts from the Acropolis archaeological site.
11:30 AM - 1:30 PM
$16
5 - 8 min

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Directions

Choragic Monument of Lysicrates
Ancient circular monument standing on a pedestal in a small square near shops & shaded walkways.
2:00 PM - 2:30 PM
$6
10 - 15 min

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Directions

Athens National Garden
Big historic park with native & exotic plants, plus archeological remains & a children's library.
No time set
Free
16 - 20 min

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Directions

Stavros Niarchos Park
Expansive green space next to a cultural center with landscaped walking paths & a playground.
No time set
Free
Day 2From Naval Glory to Contemporary Art
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$35

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$ 4

Museum Ship Averof
Floating museum on an early-1900s armored cruiser, with exhibits about life above & below decks.
8:00 AM - 9:00 AM
$13
15 - 18 min

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Directions

Hellenic Cosmos Cultural Center (Museum & Theater complex)
Exhibits & virtual reality experiences exploring ancient Greek culture, plus a modern theater.
9:30 AM - 11:30 AM
$10
14 - 17 min

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Directions

National Museum of Contemporary Art Αthens (EMST)
Noted collection of Greek & international contemporary art housed in a sleek-design former brewery.
12:00 PM - 1:30 PM
$13
16 - 20 min

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Directions

Little Kook
Popular, fairytale-inspired cafe offering sweet & savory crêpes & other treats amid whimsical decor.
No time set
Free
Day 3Cultural Extravaganza at Stavros Niarchos Foundation
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$49

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$ 3

Stavros Niarchos Foundation Cultural Center
Modern cultural hub with a national library, opera house, theater & surrounding park.
8:00 AM - 10:00 AM
Free
15 - 18 min

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Directions

Odeon of Herodes Atticus
Concerts & other performances are held at this restored stone theater constructed in 161 CE.
10:30 AM - 11:30 AM
$13
6 - 9 min

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Directions

Acropolis of Athens
Ruins of iconic 5th-century B.C. temple complex on Athens' rocky hilltop undergoing restoration.
12:00 PM - 2:00 PM
$24
11 - 16 min

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Directions

Hadrian's Arch
This arch-shaped marble gateway with Corinthian columns is named for an ancient Roman emperor.
No time set
$6
8 - 12 min

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Directions

Holy Metropolitan Church of the Annunciation to the Virgin Mary
1800s cathedral church of Athens, featuring monumental Greco-Byzantine & neoclassical architecture.
No time set
Free
19 - 23 min

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Directions

Lycabettus Hill Funicular
This funicular railway takes visitors through a tunnel to the top of Mount Lycabettus in 10 minutes.
No time set
$6
Day 4Awe-Inspiring Ancient Ruins and Roman Marvels
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$51

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$ 2

Parthenon
Restored, landmark temple ruins on archaeological site with iconic Doric columns built from 447 BC.
8:00 AM - 10:00 AM
$24
2 - 3 min

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Directions

Erechtheion
Honoring Athena & Poseidon, this famous, ancient Greek temple features a porch with 6 caryatids.
10:30 AM - 11:30 AM
$15
8 - 12 min

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Directions

Roman Forum of Athens (Roman Agora)
The remains of this agora built by the Romans from 19-11 B.C. include columns & an octagonal tower.
12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
$12
35 - 42 min

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Directions

Piraeus Harbour
Harbor known for its busy seaport with ferries, yachts & ships, plus some nearby cafes.
No time set
Free
Day 5Revving Up at the Hellenic Motor Museum
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$29

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$ 2

Ancient Agora of Athens
Famous landmark featuring the ruins of an ancient Greek gathering place & a museum with artifacts.
9:30 AM - 11:00 AM
$12
13 - 20 min

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Directions

National Observatory of Athens
Established in 1842, this research institute features guided tours, a museum & historic telescopes.
11:30 AM - 12:30 PM
$6
7 - 10 min

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Directions

Areopagus Hill
Historic site that once served as the high court of appeal for judicial cases in ancient Greece.
1:00 PM - 1:30 PM
Free
7 - 10 min

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Directions

Theatre of Dionysus
Huge, tiered performance space seating around 15,000 people, dating from the 6th century B.C.
2:00 PM - 3:00 PM
$10
12 - 18 min

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Directions

Monument to the Unknown Soldier
Historic cenotaph dedicated to the Greek soldiers killed in war, built between 1930 & 1932.
No time set
Free
21 - 26 min

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Directions

Kalamaki Beach
No time set
Free
Day 6Exploring Athens' Archaeological Treasures
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$49

Technopolis City of Athens
Set in a former gasworks, this arts & culture space now hosts concerts, exhibitions & a gas museum.
8:00 AM - 9:00 AM
$6
7 - 10 min

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Directions

Kerameikos Archaeological Site
Extensive ruins of ancient Athens' largest cemetery & a museum with finds from the tombs.
9:30 AM - 10:30 AM
$13
10 - 15 min

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Directions

Temple of Hephaestus
Ancient Greek place of worship, built in the Doric style out of marble with bas relief friezes.
11:00 AM - 12:00 PM
$10
4 - 6 min

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Directions

Stoa of Attalos
Rebuilt ancient structure once a gathering place & market, now a museum housing Athenian artifacts.
12:30 PM - 1:30 PM
$10
6 - 9 min

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Directions

Hadrian's Library
Roman ruins of a library & cultural complex constructed in 132 CE by the emperor Hadrian.
2:00 PM - 3:00 PM
$10
Day 7Mind-Bending Illusions and Historical Wonders
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$47

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$ 2

Museum of Illusions Athens
Interactive, trick-of-the-eye rooms like a vortex tunnel & upside-down room, popular for selfies.
8:00 AM - 9:00 AM
$12
14 - 21 min

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Directions

National Historical Museum
Exhibits on modern Greek history spanning art, weapons & documents, in the Old Parliament building.
9:30 AM - 11:00 AM
$13
6 - 8 min

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Directions

National Archaeological Museum
Neoclassical museum of Ancient Greek art & archaeology, with sculpture, metalwork, vases & jewelry.
11:30 AM - 1:30 PM
$22
Day 8A Journey through Art and History
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$42

First Cemetery of Athens
Sculptures & elegant mausoleums mark the graves of prominent Greeks at this 1830s burial ground.
8:00 AM - 9:00 AM
$6
16 - 23 min

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Directions

Museum of Greek Children’s Art
Museum displaying children's art & handiwork since 1994 including international & historic pieces.
9:30 AM - 10:30 AM
$10
15 - 22 min

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Directions

Museum of Cycladic Art
Museum featuring ancient Cycladic sculptures & artifacts, with kid-friendly activities & exhibits.
11:00 AM - 12:30 PM
$15
4 - 5 min

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Directions

Byzantine and Christian Museum
Museum displaying frescoes, paintings, sculptures & artifacts from as far back as the 3rd century.
1:00 PM - 2:30 PM
$10
Day 9Unearthing Ancient Wisdom and Olympic Spirit
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$35

Archaeological Site of the Lyceum of Aristotle
Unassuming ruins of a site where ancient Greek philosopher Aristotle was thought to have taught.
8:00 AM - 9:00 AM
$13
10 - 15 min

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Directions

Panathenaic Stadium
Site of the first modern Olympic games in 1896, now hosting ceremonial events & tours.
9:30 AM - 10:30 AM
$12
12 - 18 min

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Directions

Zappeion Garden
Pathways, statues & a fountain in a tree-filled park sitting in front of the 1880s Zappeio Hall.
11:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Free
12 - 18 min

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Directions

Numismatic Museum of Athens
Museum opened in 1834 housing a collection of coins & medals from antiquity through the modern era.
12:30 PM - 1:30 PM
$10
Day 10From Ancient Temples to Artistic Heights
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$48

Temple of Olympian Zeus
Vast temple begun in 6th century B.C. on the site of an ancient outdoor sanctuary dedicated to Zeus.
8:00 AM - 9:00 AM
$7
9 - 14 min

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Directions

Frissiras Museum
9:30 AM - 10:30 AM
$10
12 - 18 min

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Directions

Museum of Ancient Greek Technology Kotsanas
Small museum on Ancient Greek technology, with reconstructed, interactive machines & guided tours.
11:00 AM - 12:00 PM
$12
5 - 8 min

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Directions

Benaki Museum
Former family mansion of an art collector, with displays on Greek culture from prehistory onwards.
12:30 PM - 2:00 PM
$13
17 - 26 min

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Directions

Mount Lycabettus
This prominent limestone peak features a cable car, open-air concert venue & panoramic views.
2:30 PM - 3:30 PM
$6

Budget breakdown: $423 In total

Activities & Food:$411
Transport:$12