4 Day Tours from Athens

There are many opportunities to explore the beaches and historical sites of Greece when visiting Athens.

The day tours from Athens that we’ve highlighted below can be organized as either a private or shared tours.

ARGOLIS

The Peloponnese area of Greece is a literal treasure trove of ancient monuments, archaeological sites and historical milestones. Located within the Peloponnese are the ancient cities of Olympia, Sparta, Argos, Mycenae and Nauplia. Argolis occupies the northeast region of the Peloponnese. It’s a mountainous area surrounded on three sides by coastlines. The Argolis region houses the ancient cities of Argos, Mycenae, Nauplia and Epidaurus. When leaving Athens, you’ll drive along the seaside highway past Scaramanga ship-building yards and views of the isles of the Saronic Gulf to Corinth. (Tenon Tip: Take a short photo stop to view the architectural splendor of the Corinth Canal.) Continue onto Mycenae and visit the Lionesses Gate, the tombs of Agamemnon (leader of the Greeks in the Trojan War) and Clytemnestra. We recommend complementing your visit with a wine tasting and lunch at a local winery to try the unique wines of the region – some of the best varietals in Greece. After lunch, drive to Argos, one of Greece’s most important ancient cities and inhabited from prehistoric times.

From here, you can choose to continue onto Nauplia or Epidaurus.

Nauplia
Nauplia is a beautiful waterfront city that became the capital of Greece for a short time after the War of Independence in the early 19th century, for a short walking tour to admire this picturesque and historical town.

Epidaurus
In Epidaurus, you can witness the remains of the most important sanctuary erected in the 4th century BC as well as the world-famous ancient and best-preserved theatre in Greece capable of seating some 15,000 people. A visit to the museum exhibits many of the medical and surgical instruments as well as many inscriptions of prescriptions for medicines and descriptions of cures found on the archaeological site.

HYDRA ISLAND

One of our favorite day tours from Athens. Hydra Island is only two hours from Athens, which makes it the ideal day trip. Completely car-free, this charming port town is lined with magnificent 18th-century mansions, history and cultural charm.

At the port of Piraeus, you’ll board the Flying Dolphin for a quick and comfortable hydrofoil ride to the harbour town of Hydra. Once you reach the island, you’ll be amazed by the local landscape that has made it a favored retreat of jet setters and celebrities such as Maria Callas, Leonard Cohen, Eric Clapton, the Rolling Stones, Picasso and many more.

Then it’s time to saddle up for a family-friendly ride through the town’s different neighborhoods because the best way to explore Hydra is on horseback – the island’s traditional means of transportation. After your ride through town, you’ll return to the harbor to board one of the island’s famed water taxis, the easiest and most exciting way to reach the island’s best beaches. Lunch will follow in one of the many picturesque taverns either by the sea or in town. Following lunch, you can enjoy a walking tour, down the maze-like side streets and by-ways where you’ll spot artists’ workshops, stylish boutiques and a number of well-preserved historic residences, some of which were once owned by important figures in Greece’s 19th-century struggle for independence, and are now museums. Your tour will end at a family-run pastry shop that’s famous for the local sweet amygdalota, a type of almond cookie, and for its rich and delicious homemade ice cream.

SARONIC CRUISE

It’s impossible to visit Greece without taking a day cruise! One option you’ll have is a one-day cruise to the Saronic Gulf islands: Aegina, Poros and Hydra. These three islands are overflowing with history, cosmopolitan auras and colorful scenes that you’ll want to keep with you forever.

Hydra
As mentioned above, Hydra is a car-free island with paved streets that is wandered by donkeys as well as imposing mansions that served as fortresses against pirate attacks and the 1821’s liberation struggle.

Poros
Poros is an island surrounded by thousands of pine trees extending from the rugged coasts to the sandy because.

Aegina
The first capital of modern Greece. Aegina is well-known for its culture, antiquities, religious sites and world-known pistachios.

DELPHI

Another day tour from Athens is the option to depart on a full-day tour (approximately 10 hours) to Delphi. Located in Central Greece (or Sterea Ellada to the Greeks), Delphi is one of the most mountainous regions in the country. You’ll drive along the national highway past Thebes, Levadia and the traditional village of Arachova, a mountain town with picturesque houses. We recommend a short stop to enjoy this quaint town.

Upon your arrival in Delphi, you’ll witness the remaining sanctuaries of Apollo and Athena, one of the most popular sites for visitors. You will also see the remains of the stadium where the Pythian Games were held, the Gymnasium and the Temple of Apollo, located at the end of the Sacred Way which was lined by elegant buildings such as Treasuries, Arcades and the Stoa of the Athenians. You can even visit the museum to see excavated artifacts from the site. Exhibits include metopes and friezes from the Treasuries and unique sculptures, including the twins Kouri and the famous charioteer statue. A four-course lunch is included in this tour and will be served in a local restaurant.

Optional Tour from Delphi: Galaxidi
You’ll also have the opportunity to enjoy the unique countryside in the seaside village of Galaxidi, a short half-hour drive from Delphi. Galaxidi was known in the past as one of the richest ports of commerce in Greece. You’ll be able to enjoy lunch here instead of Delphi if you wish, as well as swimming.

Which of these day tours from Athens would you try? The possibilities are endless – plan your trip today!