Athens Tour
CATTaxi · Athens
HIGHLIGHTS:
Visit the Acropolis, the Temple of Zeus, the Old Parliament, the Changing of the Guard at Parliament, the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, the National Library, the University and the Academy of Athens, Hadrian’s Arch, the 1896 Olympic Stadium, plus a spectacular view of the city from Lycabettus Hill.
This tour of Athens takes us to the most famous sites of the city, both ancient and modern. Undoubtedly the most famous landmark of Athens – and the pride of Athenians - is the Parthenon, atop Acropolis Hill. It is the ancient temple, which was dedicated to Athena, the goddess Athens is named after. It is visible from most of central Athens and is surrounded by the city’s charming and picturesque historical center. We will see the ancient Roman Agora (marketplace) and the Ancient Greek Agora where Socrates once spoke with the Athenian citizens about such subjects as justice, truth and love.
Wandering a little further from immediate surrounds of the Acropolis, we watch the Changing of the Guard - at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier - in front of the Parliament. These guards, known as Evzones, are the elite force of the Greek Army and were known for their bravery and honor until World War II. Their uniform was introduced by King Otto of Greece and was inspired by the traditional clothes of the mountain warriors and bandits who formed the resistance to the Ottoman Empire. Near the Parliament, we will also see the famous “trilogy” of buildings designed by the Danish architect Theophil Hansen; they include the Central Railway Station, the Hellenic Parliament building itself, and the Academy of Athens.
