Athens Half-Day Sightseeing Tour

See the top attractions in Athens from the comfort of a luxury coach on this Athens half-day sightseeing tour. Your Athens tour takes you past the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, St. Paul's Church, and many other notable sites throughout the city.

This Athens half-day tour takes you through the city's epicenter, Syntagma Square. Around this square, you'll find the Parliament House, which is where the 300-member Greek Parliament convenes. The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier is located in the forecourt of the building; members of the Presidential Guard keep watch over the tomb 24 hours a day no matter the weather conditions. You'll also swing by the National Garden, Schliemann's House, and other popular locales near the square.

Another major attraction included on this Athens sightseeing tour is the Athens Trilogy: the National Library, the University of Athens, and the Academy of Athens. These majestic buildings serve as shining examples of neoclassical architecture and make for great photographs. Panathinaiko Stadium, the site of the first modern Olympic Games in 1896, also awaits you. Aside from being one of the oldest stadiums in the world, Panathinaiko is also the only one to be made completely of white marble.

Your final stop is the Acropolis of Athens, an ancient citadel that houses the remains of many historic structures, including the Parthenon, a temple dedicated to the goddess Athena. The temple has served various roles throughout its history. It was used as a treasury, Christian church, and even an Islamic mosque. The building was extensively damaged in 1687 when an explosion blew out much of the building. You will spend about two hours soaking in the history and beauty of this important landmark. Entrance into the Acropolis is included in your tour. Climb the steps for an unforgettable view of the city below. In 1975, restoration efforts began to repair its structural integrity. All this and more is waiting for you on this convenient and comprehensive half day bus tour. For an unforgettable morning full of adventure and history, look no further than this comprehensive Athens sightseeing tour.

Depart the port in an air-conditioned vehicle for a scenic ride to Paleokastritsa Monastery, stopping along the way to sample some of the island's traditional tastes. Local honey and jams, homemade olives and olive paste, homemade wine, ouzo, and the ever-popular limoncello are waiting to tantalize your taste buds! Be sure to try the kumquat, a tangy citrus fruit brought over to Corfu from China in 1846.

Continue to Paleokastritsa Monastery, a large Byzantine complex dedicated to the Virgin Mary. Located atop a promontory, this 12th-century monastery is visible from every direction and offers breathtaking views of the island and the sea. Step inside to find Byzantine icons and other relics in the small, on-site museum. Within the complex, you will also see the cells of the monks as well as a traditional olive oil press.

While in the area you can opt to board a boat and visit the nearby Caves of Paleokastritsa just offshore (15 Euro not included). These 6 caves rising out of the crystal clear turquoise waters are an Insta-grammable moment you won't find anywhere else on the island.

From there you will make your way to Corfu's Old Town with its famous Greek, Venetian, French and British architecture. While here enjoy some free time to roam its ancient, narrow streets and see the highlights including Spianada Square, Liston, and the Old Fortress before your return trip to port. This 4-hour, small-group tour is a fabulous introduction to the beauty, history, and culture of Corfu. Book now.

Essential Istanbul Full Day Exploration

Explore Istanbul's rich history and vibrant culture with our shore excursion. This full-day tour is an ideal way to discover the key highlights of this fascinating city, blending historical intrigue with modern charm.

Your journey into the heart of Istanbul begins at the Hippodrome of Constantinople, the epicenter of social and sports activities in ancient times. Here, you'll encounter historic treasures like the Egyptian Obelisk, the Serpentine Column from Delphi, and the Fountain of Wilhelm II, each with its own story.

Next, marvel at the architectural splendor of the Blue Mosque, known for its six striking minarets that define Istanbul's skyline. Its intricate interiors and symmetrical design make it a marvel of Ottoman architecture.

The tour continues to the Topkapi Palace, the opulent residence of Ottoman emperors from the 15th to the 19th centuries. While the entrance fee for Topkapi Palace is not included, your guide will provide convenient Skip-the-Line tickets for a seamless experience. Once inside, be dazzled by the jewel-filled treasury, imperial collections, and exquisite displays of Oriental porcelain, showcasing the grandeur of the Ottoman Empire.

Your journey then leads to the Hagia Sophia Mosque, an iconic monument treasured by both the Byzantine and Ottoman Empires. Witness the awe-inspiring dome and stunning mosaics as your guide unveils its tumultuous history (entrance fee not included).

Conclude your day with a visit to the Grand Bazaar, a sprawling marketplace with over 4,000 shops. Before your visit to Grand Bazaar, carpet demonstrations and ceramic workshops will be done in order to provide you with a preview of the atmosphere and the emotions of the Grand Bazaar and to inform you about the culture behind it. Kindly note that you are not obliged to purchase anything, but are welcome to if you wish

Come and be a part of the tour, immersing yourself in the enchanting blend of history and culture that defines this city. Book now to embark on a day filled with history, culture, and shopping delights.

Please Note: The entrance fees to Hagia Sophia and Topkapi Palace are not included and are payable on the day of the tour. The costs are Hagia Sophia: 30 EUR and Topkapi Palace: 60 EUR. Topkapi Palace is closed on Tuesdays, New Year's Day, the first day of Ramadan Bayram, and the first day of the Feast of the Sacrifice.