Mark W.
A perfect day. Maria managed some physical limitations for us with grace and made the day wonderful regardless of those limitations. 10/10.
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Private tour in Athens Maria S
Athens' Timeless Treasures : Shore excursion
5.0
(6) reviews
-
8 hours
Private transportation
Private tour for 1-4 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
-
8 hours
Private transportation
Private tour for 1-4 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
15 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.
Your Premium Athens discovery. Hassle-Free Port Transfers Included
Overview of your Athens tour
Step off your cruise and into an exclusive journey through Athens, seamlessly blending history, culture, and comfort. With hassle-free port transfers in a luxury vehicle, your day begins with a visit to the iconic Acropolis and the world-class Acropolis Museum. Relive Olympic glory at the Panathenaic Stadium, explore hidden relics beneath Syntagma metro station, and witness the changing of the guards at the Presidential Mansion. Enjoy a scenic drive through Athens’ historic core, uncovering hidden gems like Anafiotika and the National Garden. Savor an authentic Greek culinary experience at a handpicked local eatery before returning to port, enriched and inspired. Designed for small private groups, this tour ensures a personalised, hassle-free experience, led by an expert licensed guide. Transfers included – history, culture, and luxury, all in one seamless shore excursion.
Recent Reviews
Gregory B.
We really enjoyed seeing Athens through Maria's eyes. She was a great guide with a wealth of knowledge. She was fun to spend the day with and see Athens's well-known sites and off-the-beaten-path. Booking was very easy, and the day went extremely smoothly. I highly recommend this tour if you only have a few days to spend in Athens. Thanks, Maria, for a great tour!
Laura W.United States
Maria provided a wonderful tour and education of Athens. We started at the Acropolis before the sun was too high and the crowds too large. Maria's knowledge of the history of the Parthenon and Acropolis was enlightening. The visit to the Acropolis Musuem added to the experience. We also visited Plaka where we enjoyed Greek pastry and coffee. Maria also led us to a wonderful lunch location where we enjoyed Greek food (especially the eggplant moussaka). During our tour of Athens we also caught the impressive changing of the guard at the Monument to the Unknown Soldier.
Patrick G.United States
Maria is fantastic. She knows so much about Athens, and she is a delight to be with. We had a wonderful 2 days with her and we will definitely see her again when we come back to Greece
William S.United States
Maria had her driver pick us up at the cruise port (4 people) and take us to the entrance of the Acropolis. We spent time there while Maria gave us its history spanning many centuries, cultures, and dominations (egypt, italy, spain, greeks, etc.) Then it was off to the acropolis museum (but not before lunch - she picked the place) After the museum it was all about the neighborhood - walking thru it, the sites, the history. Lastly, the changing of the guard, meeting the driver again, and boarding our ship. It was a long day, but not exhausting, and filled with Maria's archaeologist's expertise. You won't find this type of tour, with a trained expert, just anywhere. Thank you Maria, Bill and Family
Todd J.United States
Maria was great! She had her driver Spryos pick us up at the ship port. He was punctual, knowledgeable, and great safe driver. We felt Maria took extra time with us over and above our half day tour. Her knowledge of Athens current and past history was remarkable. She was more of a friend than a tour guide to us. We only had a day and we did the regular highlights but also some of the off the path local sites. You won't be disappointed booking with Maria, she's the best!
Your Athens tour itinerary
Begin your day with a convenient pickup at the cruise terminal and transfer to the city center. -The Acropolis & Museum Highlights – Enjoy a guided tour of iconic monuments: Parthenon, Erechtheion, Propylaia, Temple of Nike, plus select museum treasures. -Temple of Zeus – Drive-by. -Panathenaic Stadium – Stop for photos. -Presidential Residence & Evzonoi Guards – Capture the moment. -National Gardens – Drive-by or a short walk if time allows. -Lycabettus Hill – Panoramic photo stop (not available on Sundays). -Parliament & Unknown Soldier Memorial – Drive-by with a possible photo stop. -University, Library, Academy – Drive-by. -Plaka Old Town – Orientation walk. -Acropolis Panoramic Views – See Mars Hill, Ancient Agora, Odeon of Herodes Atticus & Theatre of Dionysos. -Authentic Greek Lunch – Enjoy delicious local cuisine.
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: Private Transportation / Category: Minivan
*For groups of up to 6 tour participants, we provide a modern, luxurious, fully air-conditioned Mercedes mini-van along with the services of a professional driver. *For groups of up to 13 people: we use a spacious Mercedes Sprinter, with the total tour price adjusted to 1780 EUR . Contact me to customise the tour accordingly and send you a new link for your booking. *For larger groups, customisation is available upon request. Please contact me, and I will be happy to tailor the arrangements accordingly and provide you with a new link for the booking.
What's included
Private Guide
Private Transportation With Driver
What's not included
Food Drinks Snacks
Tickets: Please purchase the Acropolis tickets (30 euros, general admission) on line in advance for the 8-9am time slot using the following link:https://hhticket.gr/tap_b2c_new/english/tap.exe?PM=P1P&place=000000002
Meeting location
Piraeus, Greece
Our English speaking driver will be waiting for you at the cruise terminal for your transfer to the city center where we meet to start our day in Athens.
Other details
Tour categories
Architecture
Museums
History
City Highlights
Tour reference number
1096158
Languages
English
Greek
FrenchActivity level
Moderate
Accessibility
Kid Friendly
Traveller reviews
5.0
FAQs
Who is this private tour in Athens best suited for?
This private tour in Athens is perfect for cruise ship passengers looking for a seamless shore excursion. It's designed for small private groups who want a personalized and hassle-free experience, blending history, culture, and comfort. With transportation included and an expert licensed guide leading the way, it's ideal for those who want to explore Athens' timeless treasures in luxury.
Where does the tour start and end?
Is transportation included?
Is this private tour in Athens suitable for cruise ship passengers as a shore excursion?
What languages is this tour offered in?
What's included in this private tour, and what should I budget for separately?
AI-generated. Please confirm details with your guide
-
8 hours
Private transportation
Private tour for 1-4 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
-
8 hours
Private transportation
Private tour for 1-4 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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