Athens – cradle of democracy and birthplace of philosophy. How much of ourselves we can trace back to ancient Greece is truly remarkable, but when visiting this magnificent city, its history is not the first thing you meet. That Athens is rife with history is an adjunct, a secondary to the plain fact that Greece is one of the most visually stunning countries to ever nestle against the pellucid blue of the Mediterranean.
Here is a sample of a what to do if you had 3 days in Athens.
Day 1: The Acropolis and Orientation
As busy as you’re likely to have been packing, planning your trip, checking luggage and that lot, why not ease into your vacation with a laid-back morning tour of Athens, which highlights modern marvels with the wonders of the ancients. From there, on to Athens’ crown jewel, the towering Acropolis. Alternatively, walking and/or biking are great ways to see the city, and a private walking tour with the option to be a bit more photographic is always a nice introduction to the city.
Day 2: Delphi
Cradled by Mount Parnassus, the modern, buslting town of Delphi is a UNESCO World Heritage site and original resting place of the Delphic oracle – the most important oracle in ancient Greece and a major site for the worship of Apollo. Explore the Temple of Apollo and other famous sites on a day trip from Athens, or venture further on a multi-day Delphi tour. Complement your experience of classical Greece with a half-day visit to Cape Sounion, where the picture-perfect Temple of Poseidon frames the beautiful Mediterranean sea.
Day 3: The Islands and Beyond
Athens’ proximity to the port of Piraeus makes it the perfect base for exploring the idyllic islands of the Aegean, and, honestly, who could resist them? For classic and popular Greek islands, sail no further than Santorini and Mykonos, but if time is tight, consider a day cruise to the lovely islands of Hydra, Poros and Aegina for a day of sailing, shopping, swimming and other leisurely pursuits.
Multi-day tours can take you further afield to magical islands like Rhodes, inland on a wine-tasting tour to ancient Corinth or a 4-Day tour of Epidaurus, Mycenae, Olympia, Delphi and Meteora.
Got more time to spend in Athens? Then here are couple of our favorite tours in Athens.
Cooking Class in Athens – Taste the local flavors of Greece during this 3-hour small-group cooking class in Athens! Taking place at an enchanting city taverna, your cooking class is run by an experienced and passionate chef who demonstrates traditional family Greek cooking. Under the chef’s watchful eye, prepare an authentic Greek feast and then sit down with fellow food-lovers in your group to eat! This small-group cooking class is limited to 14 people, ensuring you’ll learn all about Greek cooking in an intimate atmosphere.
Based on colorful foods from both land and sea, the Greek diet is a perfect example of Mediterranean cuisine. On this small-group cooking class, dive right into the Greek food world, and learn about heartwarming stews, fresh shellfish and classic flavorings such as lemon, cinnamon and oregano. Make your own way to the start point in Athens’ Monastiraki district, and then walk to a beloved local eatery with your host. Head inside to meet your chef, and start the lesson with a glass of raki (twice-distilled Greek spirit) while chatting with other food-lovers in your group. With your chef at your side to show you how traditional Greek cooking is done, prepare and cook an authentic meal consisting of four starters and one main course, using fresh herbs and spices. Dishes vary each class, but typical specialties that you may make include melitazanopitakia (eggplant pies), roasted lamb, tzatziki and Greek salad.
At the end of the class, sit down with your group to enjoy the highlight of your evening: eating the feast that you’ve created with your own hands! Relax with wine and chat about cooking tips and Greek cuisine with your group.
This tour costs you under $75. Get more info and book it contact InterlineTravel.com at 800 766-2911.
Athens Night Sightseeing Tour with Greek Dinner Show
Fuel your appetite with a night-time tour of Athens, before relaxing with a Greek dinner show. Taking place at a typical taverna in the renowned Plaka district, it’s the perfect way to finish your night out in Athens!
Your evening tour commences with a relaxing panoramic drive through central Athens over to Acropolis, which you will see lit up against the night sky. Browse over 60 artifacts and reconstructed musical instruments from Ancient Greece. Continue through the narrow pedestrian street of Plaka in the old city of Athens. Here you will dine in a typical Greek restaurant and enjoy a folklore show with live music, ballet and dancers in traditional Greek dress.
This tour runs less than $70 including dinner!