Art & History Abroad Tours
Unknown Athens Tour
Athens is world famous for its major sights such as the Acropolis, the Agora, and the exceptional Acropolis museum, but there are a wealth of sites waiting to be discovered that are little known to the outside world. This brilliant tour, based in central Athens, takes us to some of the city’s undiscovered gems as well as some treasures in and around the city and the greater area of Attica, including the island of Aegina with its impressive temple, and the superb but little known museum at Piraeus.
The location of the hotel for the tour provides ease of access to a number of other sites not included on the tour, some of which can be visited in your free time, such as the Acropolis Museum, which also has a top floor restaurant with panoramic views of the Acropolis (the restaurant can be visited without visiting the museum).
The hotel is also easy walking distance of Syntagma Square (20 minutes on foot), the heart of the city, where the long tradition of the ceremonial guard, dressed in traditional costume, are stationed 24 hours a day in front of the Hellenic Parliament.
what’s included
At A Glance
MEET YOUR EXPERT GUIDE
Dr Rita Roussos
Rita studied Ancient Greek and Latin at the University of California, Berkeley, before completing her PhD in History of Art at the Courtauld Institute of Art. She has excavated in Greece and taught at the American University of Athens.
Her academic background gives Rita a deep understanding of Greek archaeology, classical art and Minoan civilisation. On tour, she places sites and museum collections within the beliefs, politics and daily life of the ancient world, making complex material clear, engaging and memorable for travellers.
itinerary & excursions
November 2026 Itinerary
Please note this is the itinerary for the 2026 departure of this holiday. Please scroll down for the updated 2027 itinerary.
Explore this incredible tour in detail and discover what makes each day so special. Below, you’ll find a full day-by-day breakdown of your journey, from the moment you arrive to your final farewell. Learn more about the highlights you’ll experience, the unforgettable places you’ll visit, and the unique moments that bring each destination to life. Whether you’re drawn by rich history, stunning landscapes or unforgettable cultural encounters, this itinerary gives you everything you need to picture your adventure and look forward to every step of the way.
Exact order of itinerary may vary according to local conditions and tour manager’s discretion.
Day 1: Fly from London Heathrow to Athens
Transfer to central Athens for a six-night stay at the well-located Hera Hotel. Welcome drink and short introduction.
Day 2: Amphiareion, Temple of Olympian Zeus and the Panathenaic Stadium
Today’s visits take us to one of the least visited sites on the tour, also one of the most picturesque, the healing Sanctuary of Amphiareion, which includes a 4th century BC temple and a well preserved theatre, all set amidst a lovely natural backdrop.
Later we see what remains of the largest Greek Temple dedicated to Zeus Olympia and the beautiful marble Panathenaic stadium where, in ancient times, athletes raced, boxed and wrestled naked in honour of the goddess Athena. The stadium was rebuilt in 1896 to host the first modern Olympic Games and was used again in the 2004 Olympic Games.
Day 3: Piraeus Museum, Aristotle’s Lyceum and Goulandris Cycladic Art Museum
Mysteriously, the Piraeus Museum is usually left out of tour itineraries, which is a great loss since it has an exquisite collection of original ancient Greek bronzes. Tucked away and very quiet, the museum allows the visitor to experience the artefacts in a serene atmosphere.
Heading back into the city, we visit the Lyceum, a relatively recently discovered site, where Aristotle taught. Once a gymnasium, it is now nestled within a public park, amidst lavender, oregano, thyme, and olive trees, right in the heart of Athens.
Then it’s on to superb Goulandris Museum of Cycladic Art, founded in 1986 to house the private collection of Nicholas and Dolly Goulandris with a special emphasis on Cycladic Art of the 3rd millennium BC. Evening lecture.
Day 4: The island of Aegina
Very peaceful during our out-of-season visit, the Island of Aegina, famed for its beautifully preserved 6th-century BC temple, dedicated to the mysterious goddess Aphaia, which is majestically set high on the pine-clad hills overlooking the sea. Here we will examine the secrets of ancient temple-building, including how cranes lifted stone blocks into place with ropes fitted in U-shaped incisions. Later there will be time for a leisurely seaside lunch and stroll along the picturesque waterfront, and perhaps purchase some pistachios, as the island is famous as having the best in Greece.
Day 5: Eleusis
A morning visit to the ancient sanctuary and temples of Eleusis. Thought to have been in use for more than 2,000 years during the Ancient Greek period, this area staged the fascinating Eleusinian Mysteries – religious initiation ceremonies which took place yearly for the cult of Demeter, the Goddess of harvest, and her daughter Persephone, Goddess of the spring. Afternoon at leisure. Evening lecture.
Day 6: Brauron, the Silver mines of Thorikos and Cape Sounion
A day out of the city discovering sites in the greater area of Attica. We begin at the remote site of the Sanctuary of Artemis at Brauron, which, like Amphiareion, has a lovely site surrounded by nature.
Then it’s on to the ancient silver mines at Thorikos, which also has a well preserved theatre.
Finally it’s Sounion and its grand Temple of Poseidon perched high above the sea with stunning views.
Day 7: Return flight to London Heathrow
itinerary & excursions
November 2027 Itinerary
Please note this is the itinerary for the November 2027 departure. Please scroll up for the itinerary for November 2026.
Day 1: Fly from London Heathrow to Athens
Transfer to central Athens for a six-night stay at the well-located Hera Hotel. Welcome dinner at a local restaurant tonight.
Day 2: Amphiareion and Temple of Olympian Zeus
Today’s visits take us to one of the least visited sites on the tour, also one of the most picturesque, the healing Sanctuary of Amphiareion, which includes a 4th century BC temple and a well preserved theatre, all set amidst a lovely natural backdrop.
Later we see what remains of the largest Greek Temple dedicated to Zeus Olympia. Begun over 2,000 years ago, it once housed a colossal statue of Zeus and remains one of the largest temples ever built in the ancient world. Today, it offers visitors a striking glimpse into the grandeur of antiquity, set against stunning views of the Acropolis and modern Athens.
Day 3: Piraeus Museum, Aristotle’s Lyceum and Goulandris Cycladic Art Museum
Mysteriously, the Piraeus Museum is usually left out of tour itineraries, which is a great loss since it has an exquisite collection of original ancient Greek bronzes. Tucked away and very quiet, the museum allows the visitor to experience the artefacts in a serene atmosphere.
Heading back into the city, we visit the Lyceum, a relatively recently discovered site, where Aristotle taught. Once a gymnasium, it is now nestled within a public park, amidst lavender, oregano, thyme, and olive trees, right in the heart of Athens.
Then it’s on to superb Goulandris Museum of Cycladic Art, founded in 1986 to house the private collection of Nicholas and Dolly Goulandris with a special emphasis on Cycladic Art of the 3rd millennium BC. Evening lecture.
Day 4: The island of Aegina
Very peaceful during our out-of-season visit, the Island of Aegina, famed for its beautifully preserved 6th-century BC temple, dedicated to the mysterious goddess Aphaia, which is majestically set high on the pine-clad hills overlooking the sea. Here we will examine the secrets of ancient temple-building, including how cranes lifted stone blocks into place with ropes fitted in U-shaped incisions.
Later there will be time for a leisurely seaside lunch and stroll along the picturesque waterfront, and perhaps purchase some pistachios, as the island is famous as having the best in Greece.
Day 5: Eleusis
A morning visit to the ancient sanctuary and temples of Eleusis. Thought to have been in use for more than 2,000 years during the Ancient Greek period, this area staged the fascinating Eleusinian Mysteries – religious initiation ceremonies which took place yearly for the cult of Demeter, the Goddess of harvest, and her daughter Persephone, Goddess of the spring. Afternoon at leisure. Dinner at a local taverna tonight.
Day 6: Brauron, the Silver mines of Thorikos and Cape Sounion
A day out of the city discovering sites in the greater area of Attica. We begin at the remote site of the Sanctuary of Artemis at Brauron, which, like Amphiareion, has a lovely site surrounded by nature. Then it’s on to the ancient silver mines at Thorikos, which also has a well preserved theatre.
Finally it’s Sounion and its grand Temple of Poseidon perched high above the sea with stunning views.
Day 7: Return flight to London Heathrow
our guests say
Recent reviews
“Everything was good from start to finish. If I had to choose a highlight, the visit to the Temple of Poseidon at Cape Sounion stands out and offered one of the most memorable moments of the holiday. I’d also like to mention how helpful Tracy was when I phoned for additional information before the trip.”
Mrs P, October 2025
“One of the real highlights for us was the visit to the museum at Piraeus, which was fascinating and beautifully complemented the rest of the tour. The itinerary was varied and interesting throughout, supported by excellent guides and a superb tour manager, and the Hera Hotel was exceptionally well located.”
Mrs B, November 2025
“One of the real highlights for us was dining on the roof terrace of the superb Acropolis Museum, directly opposite the floodlit Acropolis. It was a wonderfully atmospheric and nostalgic experience that brought back memories of earlier visits.”
Mrs H, November 2025
Availability
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HOTELS
Tour Accommodation
Hera Hotel, Central Athens
Hera Hotel is very well-located close to the foot of the Acropolis hill, only a five-minute walk from the exceptional Acropolis Museum, and within walking distance of many of Athens archaeological sites. The hotel has a total of 38 rooms, situated on 5 levels. The rooms booked for this tour are standard twin/double rooms all of which feature comfortable and modern furnishings, ensuite bathrooms with bath or shower, tea/coffee making facilities, hair dryer, safety deposit box, TV and fridge. Acropolis View rooms are available at a supplement, these are on request. All rooms are non-smoking rooms. Other facilities at the hotel include free wifi, a hotel lobby cafe (morning hours only), and the Peacock Roof Garden restaurant with views to the Acropolis where you can enjoy dinner, cocktails, and drinks.
Hotel Website
our regular tours
Mobility Information
A fuller itinerary with a good balance of visits and exploration. You can expect more time on your feet, including walking between sites, longer periods of standing and some uneven surfaces, cobbles, steps or gentle inclines.
Some days may include several visits, longer coach journeys or walking from a drop-off point to an attraction. A reasonable level of fitness and the ability to keep pace with the group throughout the day will help you enjoy the experience fully.
Your questions answered
Tour FAQ
If you have a question, we are more than happy to answer it via email or phone, but you may find your answer below more quickly.
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