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.

Carved through a narrow strip of land connecting mainland Greece to the Peloponnese, the Corinth Canal is an impressive feat of engineering that dramatically links the Aegean and Ionian Seas. Towering limestone walls and a remarkably narrow waterway highlight both the canal's strategic importance and the ambitious vision that finally brought an ancient idea to life in the 19th century.

Renowned for its remarkable acoustics and exceptional state of preservation, the Theatre of Epidaurus is considered one of the greatest masterpieces of ancient Greek architecture. Built in the 4th century BC as part of a sanctuary dedicated to the god of healing, the theater offers insight into the role of drama, religion, and public life in the ancient world while continuing to host performances more than two thousand years later.

Olive cultivation has been a cornerstone of Greek life for thousands of years, shaping the country's cuisine, economy, and landscapes. A visit to a local olive farm offers insight into the growing and production process before a tasting introduces the distinctive flavors, aromas, and qualities of different olive oils.

Once the center of one of the most powerful civilizations of the Bronze Age, Mycenae is closely associated with the legends of Agamemnon and the events that inspired Homer's epics. Massive fortification walls, royal tombs, and the iconic Lion Gate provide a fascinating glimpse into the society, engineering achievements, and cultural influence of the Mycenaean world, which flourished more than 3,000 years ago.

Known for hosting the ancient Nemean Games, one of the four major Panhellenic athletic festivals, Nemea played an important role in the sporting and religious life of ancient Greece. The Temple of Zeus, ancient stadium, and archaeological remains offer insight into the competitions, traditions, and cultural values that helped inspire the Olympic Games.

Built in the 4th century BC, the Temple of Zeus was the religious center of ancient Nemea and a focal point for visitors attending the Nemean Games. Its towering columns reflect the scale and importance of the sanctuary within the ancient Greek world.

Athletes from across Greece once gathered in this stadium to compete in events celebrating skill, strength, and civic pride. Ancient starting blocks and the original entrance tunnel remain remarkably preserved, providing a tangible connection to the sporting traditions of the past.

Once one of the most important sites in Greece, the former locale of the Olympic games now has some of the most picturesque ruins in the country. Surrounded by shady olive trees and flowing rivers, the stones of the original temple and stadium still inspire awe – and the occasional victory lap.

Enjoy Greek cuisine, culture--and a show!