Anne W.
Had a great time navigating the old city - beautiful walking tour!
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Private tour in Athens Maria S
Ancient Agora and the Hills of Democracy
5.0
(8) reviews
-
3 hours
Walking
Private tour for 1-6 people
Your party size
1
Tour date
View our cancellation policiesUpgrade for total flexibility with Any Reason Cancellation
Book with a depositSecure your tour today and pay your balance later
-
3 hours
Walking
Private tour for 1-6 people
Your party size
1
View our cancellation policiesUpgrade for total flexibility with Any Reason Cancellation
Book with a depositSecure your tour today and pay your balance later
Maria S.
5.0
Guide rating
458
Reviews
Tours delivered
14 hrs
Avg. response time
Greetings! I'm Maria, an archaeologist and licensed tour guide with 29 years of experience, accredited to guide you through all museums and archaeological sites in Greece. My passion for history, mythology, ancient art, religion and architecture led me to a Bachelor's degree in Archaeology (1992), postgraduate studies in Ancient Buildings Restoration and Urban development at the Department of Architecture at NTUA (1994), and a Master's in PR, Marketing, and Advertising from the Hellenic American Union (2004). I’ve worked on archaeological excavations of several Bronze Age burial sites in Western Greece and served as a cultural consultant for a UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador for four years. Since 1997, I’ve guided tours with leading operators, and since 2017, as a freelancer, I design private tours and provide travel consultation based on my extensive experience and valuable feedback from travellers on what makes the "perfect tour". With 15 unique tour options, I cater to all interests, from ancient history, archaeology and architecture to culture and politics, for groups of 1 to 40 people.All tours are private and can be arranged to start from your hotel, central meeting points that are easily accessible, or from the cruise terminal, if you're interested in a shore excursion. Do not hesitate to contact me for details. Expect a thoughtfully crafted itinerary full of fascinating insights, memorable experiences, and captivating stories. As a food enthusiast, I’ll also lead you to the best dining spots, from Michelin-starred restaurants to hidden gems. I look forward to welcoming you to Athens and sharing an enriching adventure through its rich history, culture, and daily life! *Archaeologist (University of Ioannina) * Licensed Tour Guide (Athens School of Tour Guides ): accredited by the National Tourism Organisation, to deliver guided tours into all archaeological sites and museums in Greece since 1997.
Have a question or want to customize this tour? Message Maria S.
Hidden Paths, Away from the Crowds, with Stunning Acropolis Views—For Your Eyes Only
Overview of your Athens tour
Start your journey on Pnyx Hill, the birthplace of democracy, where we’ll explore the ideals and leaders that defined Athens’ Golden Age. Here, enjoy rare, crowd-free views of the Acropolis with every detail clear from a peaceful vantage point—no crowds, no rush. Continue to the impressive 19th-century National Observatory before wandering the charming alleys of Thissio district. Our tour ends at the Ancient Agora, once the beating heart of Athens, where you’ll feel the pulse of ancient city life amidst these timeless ruins.
Recent Reviews
Gregory B.
This tour was highly enjoyable as we saw a less well-trodden area of Athens. Seeing where Socrates taught (and died) was amazing. Hearing about how Democracy worked in Ancient Athens was very eye-opening. This was our 2nd tour in 2 days with Maria and we had a great time with her in the 2 days we had to see Athens. Highly recommend Maria and this tour!
Roland B.United States
The agora requires ann archaeological background or it is simply a pile of rocks. Maria brought this to life for us.
Ralph E.United States
Maria is wonderful. She is knowledgeable, cheerful and articulate in explaining the eras of Greek culture and civilization. She gave us a great education from ancient Greece to its evolution into a modern state. Patient with all our questions, her knowledge of the country and its history is both broad and deep. Moreover, she is a lot of fun! This overview of Athens went as far back as the beginnings of the Greek democracy through a walking tour that brought us to the current day. A perfect tour of Athens
Kathryn M.United States
We combined Maria's Essential Walking Tour with her Hills of Democracy tour for a long day exploring the Acropolis and Agora. Maria did an excellent job getting us around despite some gate closures that forced her to rearrange things. She clearly knew the best vantage points and kept her discussion interesting and focused, while happily answering questions. By the end of the day we felt we had really seen all the important places and learned so much about Athens and its role in world history.
Kenneth S.United States
Maria was very knowledgeable, very professional and very personable, and was exactly what we needed as a guide. I would highly recommend her to anyone.
Your Athens tour itinerary
During this 3 hours walking tour we discuss various aspects of Athens' ancient history, focusing in the Golden Age, the emergence of democracy and the construction of the Acropolis monuments. *Hill of Pnyx (visit): the location of the "Ecclesia", the citizens' assembly, which offers us the best view over the monuments of the Acropolis *Ancient Agora (visit- tour of both the site and the museum): the heart of all religious, political and social activity through the centuries *Thiseion: this is one of the most picturesque neighbourhoods of the historical centre. *Mars Hill (views of): the place where the "Areopagus" the Supreme Court of justice was located in antiquity and where later St Paul delivered his sermon about christianity at the time of his visit in Athens. *Hill of the Nymphs *National Observatory: one of the most emblematic 19th century buildings in Athens
Want to customize this tour?
Tell your guide which places matter to you, skip what doesn't, and tailor the experience for your group's needs. Not finding what you want? Message your guide to build something unique.
Transport details
Type: Walking
This is a walking tour, no transportation is used
What's included
Private Guide
What's not included
Other: Personal expenses. Admission ticket to the Ancient Agora
Food Drinks Snacks
Tickets
Meeting location
Athens, Greece
We meet at the Acropolis parking lot, by the entrance of Dionysos cafe restaurant.
- You can request a specific meeting location (for example, your hotel) during the checkout.
Other details
Tour categories
History
City Highlights
Tour reference number
877261
Languages
English
Greek
FrenchActivity level
Light
Traveller reviews
5.0
FAQs
Who is this private tour in Athens best suited for?
This private tour in Athens is perfect for travellers who want to explore the city's ancient history and enjoy stunning views of the Acropolis away from the crowds. It's ideal for those interested in the Golden Age of Athens, the emergence of democracy, and the construction of the Acropolis monuments. With a light activity level, it's suitable for most travellers, including families and seniors.
What should I bring or wear?
Can this private tour in Athens be customized to focus on what I want to see and skip places I've already visited?
How long is the tour, and can the start time or duration be adjusted?
Where does the tour start and end?
Is transportation included?
How much walking is involved, and is it suitable for kids, seniors, or travellers with mobility concerns?
What languages is this tour offered in?
What's included in this private tour, and what should I budget for separately?
Is this a private tour? What is the maximum group size and the starting price?
AI-generated. Please confirm details with your guide
-
3 hours
Walking
Private tour for 1-6 people
Your party size
1
Tour date
View our cancellation policiesUpgrade for total flexibility with Any Reason Cancellation
Book with a depositSecure your tour today and pay your balance later
-
3 hours
Walking
Private tour for 1-6 people
Your party size
1
Tour date
View our cancellation policiesUpgrade for total flexibility with Any Reason Cancellation
Book with a depositSecure your tour today and pay your balance later
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Book with a deposit
If your tour is valued over $200 USD and booked at least 45 days before the tour date, you can book with a deposit!
How it works
- Your credit card will be authorized only for the deposit amount.
- Funds will not be withdrawn until your tour booking is fully processed.
- 30 days before your tour date, the remaining balance is automatically charged.