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🏛️ Discovering Ancient Athens: 10 Days of History and Culture

diana

diana

17 Dec 2023

Embark on a thrilling journey through the heart of Athens, Greece, as you uncover the secrets of its ancient marvels and immerse yourself in its rich history and vibrant culture. From awe-inspiring archaeological sites to world-class museums, this itinerary promises an unforgettable adventure for solo travelers.

Day 1Unveiling the Mysteries of Kerameikos and Illusions
+

$138

Archaeological Museum of Kerameikos
Cemetery containing ancient graves, ruins & an intimate museum with archaeological relics.
8:00 AM - 9:00 AM
$50
11 - 16 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.
9:30 AM - 10:30 AM
$40
4 - 6 min

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Directions

Museum of Illusions Athens
Interactive, trick-of-the-eye rooms like a vortex tunnel & upside-down room, popular for selfies.
11:00 AM - 12:00 PM
$48
Day 2Exploring the Ancient Agora and Hadrian's Arch
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$123

·

$ 6

Kerameikos Archaeological Site
Extensive ruins of ancient Athens' largest cemetery & a museum with finds from the tombs.
8:00 AM - 9:00 AM
$50
9 - 14 min

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Directions

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
$48
12 - 15 min

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Directions

Hadrian's Arch
This arch-shaped marble gateway with Corinthian columns is named for an ancient Roman emperor.
11:30 AM - 12:00 PM
$25
Day 3Immerse in Technopolis and the National Archaeological Museum
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$113

·

$ 6

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
$25
10 - 12 min

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Directions

National Archaeological Museum
Neoclassical museum of Ancient Greek art & archaeology, with sculpture, metalwork, vases & jewelry.
9:30 AM - 11:30 AM
$88
Day 4Delving into Hadrian's Library and the Roman Forum
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$138

Hadrian's Library
Roman ruins of a library & cultural complex constructed in 132 CE by the emperor Hadrian.
8:00 AM - 9:00 AM
$40
4 - 5 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.
9:30 AM - 10:30 AM
$48
14 - 21 min

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Directions

Odeon of Herodes Atticus
Concerts & other performances are held at this restored stone theater constructed in 161 CE.
11:00 AM - 12:00 PM
$50
Day 5Ascending to the Parthenon and Reveling in Dionysus' Theatre
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$136

Parthenon
Restored, landmark temple ruins on archaeological site with iconic Doric columns built from 447 BC.
8:00 AM - 10:00 AM
$96
6 - 9 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.
10:30 AM - 11:30 AM
$40
Day 6Conquering the Acropolis and Numismatic Wonders
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$136

·

$ 6

Acropolis of Athens
Ruins of iconic 5th-century B.C. temple complex on Athens' rocky hilltop undergoing restoration.
8:00 AM - 10:00 AM
$96
14 - 17 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.
10:30 AM - 11:30 AM
$40
Day 7Hiking Philopappos Hill and Discovering the Acropolis Museum
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$112

·

$ 6

Philopappos Hill
Views of Athens & the Acropolis attract hikers to this small peak with an ancient monument.
8:00 AM - 9:00 AM
Free
9 - 14 min

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Directions

Acropolis Museum
Ultramodern glass & steel museum housing ancient artifacts from the Acropolis archaeological site.
9:30 AM - 11:30 AM
$64
9 - 11 min

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Directions

Panathenaic Stadium
Site of the first modern Olympic games in 1896, now hosting ceremonial events & tours.
12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
$48
Day 8Unraveling Byzantine Treasures and Cycladic Art
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$100

Byzantine and Christian Museum
Museum displaying frescoes, paintings, sculptures & artifacts from as far back as the 3rd century.
8:00 AM - 9:30 AM
$40
4 - 6 min

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Directions

Museum of Cycladic Art
Museum featuring ancient Cycladic sculptures & artifacts, with kid-friendly activities & exhibits.
10:00 AM - 11:30 AM
$60
Day 9Exploring Aristotle's Lyceum and the Temple of Olympian Zeus
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$78

·

$ 11

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
$50
7 - 9 min

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Directions

Temple of Olympian Zeus
Vast temple begun in 6th century B.C. on the site of an ancient outdoor sanctuary dedicated to Zeus.
9:30 AM - 10:30 AM
$28
12 - 15 min

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Directions

Stavros Niarchos Park
Expansive green space next to a cultural center with landscaped walking paths & a playground.
11:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Free
Day 10Admiring the Benaki Museum and Stavros Niarchos Foundation
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$50

·

$ 6

Benaki Museum
Former family mansion of an art collector, with displays on Greek culture from prehistory onwards.
8:00 AM - 9:30 AM
$50
14 - 17 min

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Directions

Stavros Niarchos Foundation Cultural Center
Modern cultural hub with a national library, opera house, theater & surrounding park.
10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Free

Budget breakdown: $1161 In total

Activities & Food:$1124
Transport:$37