Private Full Day Tour in Athens & Optional Olive Oil Tasting

If you’re planning a trip to Athens and want to see its key attractions without the hassle of navigating busy streets or rushing through sites, this private full-day tour might just be your answer. While we haven’t personally taken this exact tour, the package offers a well-balanced mix of highlights, personalized flexibility, and local flavor — all set to a reasonable price point.

What we really appreciate are the customizable itinerary and the comfortable transportation that allow you to soak in the sights at your own pace. Plus, the optional olive oil tasting at Yoleni’s is a lovely chance to indulge in Greek flavors beyond just sightseeing. On the flip side, the tour does involve some entrance fees, which are not included, so budget accordingly. Suitable for travelers who want a relaxed yet rundown of Athens without the stress of self-guided wandering, this tour could be especially appealing if you’re after a personalized experience.

Key Points

• Personalized Experience: Private driver and flexible itinerary allow you to choose what interests you most.
• Comprehensive Sightseeing: Visits to major attractions like the Acropolis, Syntagma Square, and Mount Lycabettus.
• Cultural Flavors: Olive oil tasting provides a taste of Greek gastronomy.
• Time-Saving & Comfortable: Skip the public transport and walking fatigue; your driver takes care of all the navigating.
• Cost & Value: At around $295 per person, it’s a fair price for the convenience and private service.
• Ideal For: Travelers seeking an easy, stress-free way to see Athens with some local tasting included.

Why Consider a Private Driving Tour in Athens?

Athens is an energetic city with layers of history, vibrant neighborhoods, and scenic viewpoints. But navigating it on foot or via public transportation can be a little overwhelming, especially if you’re pressed for time or traveling in a group. That’s where this tour shines. It offers a luxurious, laid-back way to cover a lot of ground without feeling rushed or exhausted.

A private driver means no waiting around for buses or trains—your group gets picked up at your hotel and dropped off right where you want. Plus, a driver who is also knowledgeable about the city’s highlights can offer insights you might not get from just wandering on your own. The fact that it’s a fully private experience makes it perfect for couples, small groups, or families seeking a personalized touch.

What’s Included & How It Works

For $295.19 per person, this tour packs a lot into eight hours—more than enough to explore the heart of Athens comfortably. It includes hotel pickup and dropoff, so you don’t have to worry about logistics. Your English-speaking driver acts as both guide and chauffeur, providing commentary and local tips along the way.

The tour features several stops, each with a specific purpose—some to marvel at history, others to enjoy sweeping views or indulge in Greek delicacies. While entrance fees aren’t included, the driver can point you in the right direction for where to pay or buy tickets.

Most travelers find that the flexibility to customize the itinerary means they can spend more or less time at each site, depending on their interests. If a particular spot sparks your curiosity, you can linger longer or skip others—your driver is there to assist.

A Detailed Breakdown of the Itinerary

1. The Acropolis

First stop: Athens’ most iconic landmark. The Acropolis is a must-see, home to ancient temples and ruins that tell the story of classical Greece. While the tour itself doesn’t include entry tickets, you’ll get a good sense of the site’s grandeur from outside and can choose to explore further on your own. Many visitors love the way the view over Athens from here is breathtaking. One reviewer mentioned that their driver “took us to the Acropolis and told us the best places to get ice cream,” which shows how this tour combines sightseeing with local insider tips.

2. Syntagma Square & Changing of the Guards

Next, your driver will take you to the Hellenic Parliament at Syntagma Square. Watching the Changing of the Guards is a classic Athens experience—an ornate, ceremonial display that’s free to observe. A quick stop, but one packed with visual and cultural significance.

3. Panathenaic Stadium

Then, up to the Panathenaic Stadium, where the first modern Olympic games were held in 1896. While entrance fees aren’t included, the outside view and the history make it worth passing by. Some visitors enjoy snapping photos here, imagining the energy of the ancient games.

4. Mount Lycabettus

For panoramic views, Mount Lycabettus is unbeatable. You can take the cable car up to the summit and look out over the city—you’ll love the scenic vistas. It’s a brief stop, but the photos you’ll take are worth it.

5. Neighborhoods of Plaka & Monastiraki

Then, explore the labyrinth of streets in Plaka, with its neoclassical architecture, quaint shops, and lively cafés. A good 40-minute stop gives you time to wander, shop for souvenirs, or grab a quick coffee. Monastiraki Square follows, lively and diverse with a mix of street vendors, shops, and cultural buzz.

6. Stavros Niarchos Foundation Cultural Center

A more modern highlight, this cultural hub boasts a beautiful park and the Greek National Opera. Your 30-minute visit offers a glimpse of Athens’ contemporary cultural scene, with space to relax amid greenery.

7. Greek Gastronomy & Olive Oil Tasting

Finally, the Yoleni’s Greek Gastronomy Center and Delta Morea olive oil workshop bring a delicious, sensory ending to your day. You’ll get to taste Greek products and learn about olive oil production, which many reviews highlight as a memorable, authentic experience. One guest raved about the guided olive oil workshop, calling it “a behind-the-scenes ride of the production process,” and a curated tasting of award-winning oils.

Practicalities & What You Should Know

While the tour is ideal for those wanting a comprehensive, relaxed day, keep in mind that entrance fees are not included, so you should budget for those if you wish to go inside any sites. The price point of roughly $295 per person might seem steep at first glance, but considering the private transport, personalized service, and multiple stops, many find it offers good value.

The duration of about 8 hours** allows plenty of time to see the sights without feeling rushed. The group size is limited to your private party, which makes for a more intimate and flexible experience. Plus, the driver’s local knowledge and friendliness seem to be a highlight—one reviewer said their driver “felt like a friend” by day’s end.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This experience suits travelers who want a personalized, hassle-free way of exploring Athens’ highlights. It’s perfect if you’re short on time, dislike navigating public transit, or simply prefer a more relaxed pace. The inclusion of the olive oil tasting adds a genuine taste of Greek culture—great for food lovers or those curious about local products.

If you’re traveling with family or a small group, the private setting offers flexibility—just be aware that some attractions require separate tickets, which aren’t included. For solo travelers or couples wanting a guided experience without a large group, this is a solid choice.

Final Thoughts

All in all, this private full-day tour offers a balanced blend of sightseeing, cultural insight, and local flavor in Athens. The opportunity to customize your day with stops tailored to your interests makes it stand out from generic city tours. The knowledgeable driver and delicious olive oil tasting elevate the experience, making it as much about enjoying the city as understanding its soul.

While it might be pricier than a self-guided day, the convenience and comfort are often worth the extra expense—especially if you want a stress-free, personalized introduction to Athens. It’s particularly well-suited for travelers who prefer to skip the crowds and focus on a curated, intimate exploration of this historic city.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for families?
While the tour itself is private and flexible, it doesn’t specifically highlight family-friendly features, but families comfortable with a full day of sightseeing should find it manageable. Just keep in mind that entrance fees for attractions are not included.

How long is the tour?
The tour lasts approximately 8 hours, giving you plenty of time to see all the major sites without feeling rushed.

Are entrance fees included?
No, entrance fees for attractions like the Acropolis and Panathenaic Stadium are not included, so you will need to pay separately if you choose to go inside.

What’s the significance of the olive oil tasting?
It’s a chance to taste a variety of Greek olive oils and learn about their production, adding a delicious, authentic touch to your day.

Can I customize the itinerary?
Yes, the tour is customizable, and your driver can tailor the stops to your interests and preferred pace.

Is transportation comfortable?
Absolutely. The tour includes private pickup, dropoff, and air-conditioned transportation, making the day comfortable and convenient.

How far in advance should I book?
Most bookings are made about 141 days in advance, so it’s wise to plan early to secure your preferred date.

What is the price for?
The listed price is per person, covering private transport and the services of an English-speaking driver. Additional costs include attraction entrance fees and meals.

If you’re seeking a relaxed yet comprehensive way to experience Athens with some delicious Greek flavors, this tour offers a lot of value. It’s ideal for those who want to enjoy the city at their own pace, with the bonus of a heartfelt olive oil tasting to finish.