You’re never more than a few steps away from the past in Athens. Accompany your Tour Director to the Plaka, the historic district that borders the Acropolis. In its twisting narrow streets you’ll catch glimpses of an older city, from wrought-iron balconies bursting with geraniums to traditional Greek dancing in basement tavernas. Continue on to the Temple of Olympian Zeus, begun in the 6th century B.C. and finished in A.D. 132 by the emperor Hadrian. Its enormous columns provide a sense of the scale of the original temple. Nearby, the elaborate Hadrian’s Arch separated the ancient and imperial sections of the city.

View Hadrian's Arch, an enormous triumphal arch built by the Roman Emperor Hadrian, which is still a symbolic entrance to Athens.

Nestled beneath the Acropolis, Plaka is Athens' oldest neighborhood, known for its winding streets, neoclassical architecture, and vibrant atmosphere. A traditional Greek dinner in this historic district offers an opportunity to sample regional specialties while experiencing the customs, hospitality, and culinary traditions that are central to Greek culture.

Athens has grown from the birthplace of democracy into a lively modern capital. With a licensed local guide, explore the city’s ancient highlights, beginning at the site of the first modern Olympic Games and the Acropolis, the heart of classical Athens. The Parthenon, dedicated to Athena, dominates the hill, while the nearby Erechtheion stands out for its Caryatids, the sculpted women supporting its porch. From here, the views over today’s Athens are remarkable. Back in the modern city, stop at Syntagma Square to see the Parliament building and the Changing of the Guard, a ceremony marked by the traditional uniforms with pleated skirts and pom-pom shoes. Continue on to Omonia Square, another major meeting point, surrounded by shops, cafés, and everyday city life.

Visit the Acropolis, which has overlooked Athens for over 2,000 years; habitation traces indicate that it was occupied as early as the Neolithic Age. View the Temple of Athena Nike, and its successor, The Parthenon. The Parthenon is the crowning achievement of the Doric order, built to demonstrate the wealth of Athens in tribute to its patron goddess, Athena.

Syntagma Square, located directly in front of the Old Royal Palace, is the central square of Athens.

The Panathenaic Olympic Stadium is the only stadium in the world built entirely of marble and the site of the first modern Olympic Games in 1896. It was also used during the 2004 Athens Olympics for events such as the marathon finish and archery competitions. Its horseshoe shape follows the layout of the ancient stadium that once stood here, making it one of the city’s most iconic historic venues.

The Acropolis Museum contains a superb collection of sculptures from the area. The monuments of the Acropolis have withstood the ravages of past centuries, both of ancient times and those of the Middle Ages. Until the 17th century, foreign travelers visiting the monuments depicted the classical buildings as being intact.

Prophet from the past. Explore the impressive ruins at Delphi, which the Greeks considered the center of the world. Within the depths of the Temple of Apollo, a priestess would inhale intoxicating vapors that used to rise from the earth and, thus inspired, deliver the prophecies of Apollo. Modern visitors might find more inspiration in the view from Mount Parnassus, over 8000 feet high.

Hidden beneath a grassy mound in northern Greece, the Royal Tombs of Vergina contain the remarkably preserved burial site of Philip II, father of Alexander the Great. Priceless treasures, elaborate tomb paintings, and ancient artifacts provide a fascinating insight into the wealth, power, and achievements of the Macedonian kingdom that helped shape the ancient world.

Freshly baked and coated in sesame seeds, koulouri has been a staple of Thessaloniki's street food culture for more than a century. Sampling this simple but iconic snack provides a taste of local daily life while highlighting the culinary traditions that have helped shape the city's identity.

With a history spanning more than 2,000 years, Thessaloniki has long been a crossroads of civilizations, where Roman, Byzantine, Ottoman, and Greek influences converge. Landmarks including the White Tower, the Rotunda, Ano Poli, and the Church of Agios Dimitrios reveal the rich cultural heritage and strategic importance of Greece's second-largest city.

Standing proudly on Thessaloniki's waterfront, the White Tower has become the city's most recognizable symbol. Originally built as part of the city's fortifications, it has served various roles throughout history and offers insight into Thessaloniki's past under Byzantine and Ottoman rule.

Constructed in the 4th century AD during the reign of Emperor Galerius, the Rotunda is one of the oldest monuments in Thessaloniki. Its remarkable history as a Roman mausoleum, Christian church, and Ottoman mosque reflects the diverse cultures that have shaped the city over the centuries.

Perched on the hills above the city, Ano Poli, or the Upper Town, is one of the few areas of Thessaloniki to survive the Great Fire of 1917. Narrow streets, traditional houses, Byzantine churches, and panoramic views offer a glimpse into the city's historic character and daily life of earlier generations.

Ancient artifacts spanning thousands of years trace the story of Macedonia from prehistoric times through the Hellenistic and Roman eras. Remarkable sculptures, gold treasures, mosaics, and everyday objects provide insight into the civilizations, cultural achievements, and historical events that helped shape northern Greece and the wider ancient world.

Explore the remarkable monasteries of Meteora, perched atop towering sandstone pillars and built by Orthodox monks seeking isolation and spiritual devotion. Learn how generations of monks overcame extraordinary challenges to construct and preserve these cliff-top communities while gaining insight into the religious, cultural, and architectural significance of one of Greece's most iconic UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

Athens is one of the oldest and greatest cities of Western Civilization, with a recorded history that extends back 3,400 years. During the Classical Era, Athens was a center for the arts, learning, and philosophy. It was the home of Plato's Academy and Aristotle's Lyceum. Modern Athens is still a vibrant city with a rich culture that takes great pride in its long and complex history.

The narrow pass of Thermopylae was the site of one of the most famous battles of the ancient world, where a small Greek force led by King Leonidas defended Greece against the Persian army in 480 BC. Interactive exhibits, artifacts, and memorials bring the story of courage, strategy, and sacrifice to life while exploring the lasting impact of the Battle of Thermopylae on Greek history and identity.