Alternative Athens

Unexpected Athens Orientation Walk (Private)

<p>This is a tour about the true heart and soul of Athens. It’s a tour about its people, its habits – old and new-, its everyday life and its secrets.</p><p><br></p><p>During this walk you will witness some of Athens’ greatest contrasts: From theOld Royal Palaceand the city’s posh areas, wherethe rich and famoushave always settled, to thehotbed of rebellious young thinkers, that has been associated with forward-thinking and social experimentation, where students gather to argue the issues of the day.</p><p><br></p><p>You‘ll see buildings ofamazing architecture, that reflect the vision of modern Athens as a successor to the glory that was Ancient Athens, as well as architecture that represents the Modernist and inter-war movements. As you are slowly discovering the city you will learn that there are many secrets that lie beneath the surface and that the past is always just a few steps from the present…</p><p><br></p><p>You’ll also get a chance to explore somegentrified neighborhoodsthat are devoted to small businesses, but now they’re all interspersed withtrendy eateriesandfunky little bars. This is where you can see some of the city’s beststreet art, come across a new jewelry designer, or shop for vintage clothing at one of the retro boutiques.</p><p>And as modernity coexists with tradition, you’ll find out how theOttomanpast is still alive inAthens’ flea market, one of the liveliest neighborhoods of the city, where the old and the new generations still meet today.</p><p><br></p><p>By the end of our tour, we hope that you’ll have seenthe true soul of Athens and its people,a city with a thousand stories still standing, as it has since ancient times, right on the border between the East and the West.</p>

Offer valid until: 31 Aralık 2023

Athens Nightlife Tour

<p>One thing is sure:Athens knows how to party! If you're visiting the city, tasting the famous Athens nightlife is a must -and you should experience it not as a tourist, but as a true Athenian. At night, Athens offers an amazing array of music styles and entertainment genres; there’s something for everyone here. But what setsAthens nightlifetruly apart is thefriendly and generous character of the Greeks, you can bet your Athens nightlife tour will be really good-hearted, energetic and fun!</p> <p>Your evening begins with a visit toa local neighborhood bar,to give you a feel of the everyday laid-back atmosphere that only the best bars in Athens can offer. Then, your Athens Nightlife tour is off to thehip downtown bars, wherecelebrated mixologistscater to asee-and-be-seen crowdin the most famous spots of Athens nightlife. Your guide,an open-hearted, outgoing Athenianwho stays up longer at night than during the day, will help you find the perfect drinks at the coolest venues and give you any help you need ininterpreting local customs.During your Athens by night tour, you’ll also do what every Athenian does when going out at night-grab a few snacks along the way,because food and drinks go together, and also because it’s a great opportunity totry some Greek meze(small dishes that go with drinks).</p> <p>By the end of your Athens night tour, you’ll have seena whole new side of the cityand enjoyed the vibrant Athens nightlife like the locals do: witha bit of recklessness and a warm feelingtowards these favorite spots where they can really express themselves</p>

Offer valid until: 31 Ekim 2023

One-day trip to Aegina island from Athens (Private)

<p>The trip to Aegina, anisland steeped in historical significance,begins with a ferry ride to the island, a relaxing and enjoyable crossing during which you can loiter on deck and watch the playful seagulls or duck inside for morning refreshments in the ship's comfortable lounge.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Upon arriving at the port of Aegina, we will head straight to one of the island'straditional houses; this one has been transformed into a café, where we'll enjoylocal delicaciesand fresh homemade lemonade in the charming courtyard.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>After this refreshing pause, it's off to a lovely modernsculpture Museumwith breathtaking views, to quickly view works by an internationally acclaimed modern Greek sculptor and to hear how he was inspired by themythologyand theart of ancient Greece. From here, we'll head inland to the ruins of the island'smedieval capital, Paleochora, which is said to have once boasted 365 churches.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Further east lies theTemple of Aphaia, dating from approximately500BC. It is a remarkable edifice, perfectly placed to afford a stunning view back over the island and down to the shoreline, which is where we'll head next, for atswim at one of Aegina's prettiest beaches. The swim will be followed by a delicious lunch at a localseaside tavernaoffering authentic island cooking.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Once the meal is done, it's back to the port town for a wander through the colorful alleyways and a taste of some Aegina pistachios, the island's most famous agricultural export. Then we'llmeet some of the island’s womenthat still hold alive itstraditionsand we’ll find out about the long tradition ofarts and craftsthat the residents here still maintain; you'll have the chance totry your hand at lace-makingor, if you prefer something a little more lively, there will be an opportunity tolearn a traditional folk dance!</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>As the music fades and you finish dancing, your day in Aegina will be at an end, but on the evening boat ride back to Piraeus, you'll have plenty to look back on from your all-day island adventure.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p>

Offer valid until: 31 Ekim 2023

The Olympic Games Workout (Private)

<p>You begin your day as an Olympic athlete at the beautiful neoclassical building known as theZappeion, just below theNational Garden. Here, you’ll find out in detailwhat role the Ancient Olympics played in societyover the millennium in which they were held. You’ll learnhow the athletes trained, what disciplines were includedas the games evolved and you’ll load up on some really old sports trivia to stump your friends. You’ll also find out abouthow the Modern Olympics were first proposed, organized and held in Athens, more than 1500 years after they were last staged, and you’ll do this all right in the building that served as the first Olympic Village.</p><p><br></p><p>After knowledge comes exercise – there’s a historic gym nearby, and that’s where you’ll get totrysome classic techniques for really old events,such as thediscusand thejavelin throwand practicenewer ones like theshot put, long jumpandrelay races.</p><p><br></p><p>By the time you reach thePanathenaic Stadium, a beautiful white marble structure (and the only stadium in the world made entirely of marble!), you’ll be psyched up for a truly unique experience –a race in the stadium itself,on the hallowed track where the first modern Olympians competed more than a century ago. Don’t worry about personal bests, it’s the run, not the finish line that counts here.</p>

Offer valid until: 31 Aralık 2023

The Olympic Games Workout (Group)

<p>You begin your day as an Olympic athlete at the beautiful neoclassical building known as theZappeion, just below theNational Garden. Here, you’ll find out in detailwhat role the Ancient Olympics played in societyover the millennium in which they were held. You’ll learnhow the athletes trained, what disciplines were includedas the games evolved and you’ll load up on some really old sports trivia to stump your friends. You’ll also find out abouthow the Modern Olympics were first proposed, organized and held in Athens, more than 1500 years after they were last staged, and you’ll do this all right in the building that served as the first Olympic Village.</p><p><br></p><p>After knowledge comes exercise – there’s a historic gym nearby, and that’s where you’ll get totrysome classic techniques for really old events,such as thediscusand thejavelin throwand practicenewer ones like theshot put, long jumpandrelay races.</p><p><br></p><p>By the time you reach thePanathenaic Stadium, a beautiful white marble structure (and the only stadium in the world made entirely of marble!), you’ll be psyched up for a truly unique experience –a race in the stadium itself,on the hallowed track where the first modern Olympians competed more than a century ago. Don’t worry about personal bests, it’s the run, not the finish line that counts here.</p>

Offer valid until: 31 Aralık 2023

Delicious Athens Food Tour (Private)

<p>The Delicious Athens Food Tour lets you discovera different side of the cityby joining the Greeks in what is probably their favorite activity: eating! With so much on offer in a city that never stops cooking up great things, you’ll quickly come to feel the same way yourself, taking the experience one delicious bite at a time.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Your English-speaking guide will meet you and take you for that essential eye-opener,Greek coffee, at one of the landmark coffee houses of the city. You’ll get an explanation ofthe role of food in Greek life,and of the eating habits of Athenians in particular. Next, it’s a treat from the street, as you sample akoulouri, one of the all-time classic snacks on the go, before you duck into a carefully selected specialty food store that prides itself on its wide selection of Greek products. Here, you’ll be able to taste differentolive oils, oils,spreadsand other surprises, but remember to pace yourself – there are seven more food stops to follow!</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>This is your chance to be food-adventurous – among the upcoming stops is abaklavabakery with a long history and some of the best syropy sweetsin Greece. Then, it’s time for authenticsouvlaki andfried potatoesat a popular grill spot before heading into the traditional “belly of the city”,the bustling Varvakios Market, the biggest and most popularfish, meat and vegetable marketin the whole of Athens. This is where the locals come to shop for their everyday needs as well as for their Easter lamb or Christmas turkey. The market is boisterously lively, and the butchers and fishmongers that work here compete with one another for the attention of the passing shoppers, using humor, hyperbole and hand gestures. At the stalls, you’ll see plenty of familiar foods, but you’ll find lots of surprises as well, particularly in the central fish hall, where the catch of the day is often some unusual deep-water denizen.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>As we continue our walk, we’ll take the city’sSpice Streetand drop in at a shop with an incredible variety oflocal condimentsandherbssuch asGreek oreganoand Krokos Kozanis, otherwise known asGreek Red Saffron. Find out how these items and others are used in Greek cooking (as well as other culinary secrets the locals have to offer) while you browse the shelves for exotic cooking ingredients. We’ll also stop by a local pastry shop for a serious sugar rush as we tuck into abougatsa(a traditionalcream-filled phyllo treat).</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>The last stop on the tour is for a selection of scrumptiousGreekmeze(like tapas, only better) at a charming deli. Here, you’ll be able to try classicappetizers, variety ofcheeseandcured meats. When they finally clear the plates away here, our mission will be accomplished – you’ll leave with a full and happy stomach and a much better understanding of the world of Greek food.</p>

Offer valid until: 31 Aralık 2023