There are very few places in the world where one can take a journey through 6000 years of history. Athens offers exquisite sightseeing and cultural tours. Walking through the monuments of the city is nothing short of an unforgettable experience. Nonetheless, Athens is so much more than its cultural and historical background.
Now a cosmopolitan and modern city, Athens has much to offer to all visitors. One of Europe’s sunniest cities, Athens combines culture with entertainment and offers a choice in whatever kind of vacation one might like: From vibrant nightlife that lasts until the early morning hours, to relaxing family holidays in the sandy gold beaches or enchanting yachting destinations all around the coastline of the city and nearby islands.
Antiquities
Follow the 3km long zone connecting most of the major archaeological monuments in the heart of the city, the remodeled pedestrian area around the Acropolis. The visitor will find space for calm walks among the ancient monuments, ruins and trees, from the Acropolis, to the Agora (the meeting place of the ancient city) and then to the narrow streets of the old city of Athens.
Byzantine Monuments
All around the city of Athens a visitor can admire some of the most impressive samples of byzantine architecture. Churches built during the first Christian Era (2nd century) and on the Golden Age of the Athens Byzantine Art (11th & 12th century) are a must see for any visitor interested in partaking in the Greek Culture.
Museums & Galleries
In Athens you will have the chance to visit some of the most fascinating museums in the world. Be sure to include a visit to the classic museums like the National Archaeological Museum, which holds the world’s greatest collection of Greek art, the Benaki Museum, the Byzantine Museum, the Museum of Cycladic Art, the Numismatic Museum. Last but not least, do not leave the city before you have had a chance to pay a visit to the new Acropolis Museum. All of the city’s museums have been renovated for the 2004 Olympics.
Modern City
Syntagma Square is the centre of the modern city, site of the former Royal Palace, the Greek Parliament and other 19th century public buildings. Athens has more theatres than any other European city, including ancient marble ones that are home to the Athens Festival from June to July, and many music venues. Athens was the host to the first modern Olympic Games in 1896 and the 2004 Olympics. Pay a visit to the Panathenaic Stadium where the first Olympic Games were held and to the new Olympic Stadium Complex (OAKA). The whole area has been remodeled by the famous architect Santiago Calatrava with monuments, gardens, futuristic passages and a characteristic new blue glass roof which was added to the main Stadium.
