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Home , Benaki Museum, Kerameikos, Stoa of Attalos, Zappeion

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5-day City Guide A preplanned step-by-step time line and city guide for Athens. Follow it and get the best of the city. 5-day Athens City Guide 3 Page 5 Page 5 Page 6 Page 6 Page 6 Page 7 Page 7 The heart of Athens Guards in skirtlike garments Fine example of Neoclassical architecture UNESCO World Heritage Site of Best known example Greek Typical Roman Forum architectural style Best known shopping street of Athens PromptGuides.com © Tested and recommended hotels in Athens > hotels in Athens recommended Tested and Take a walk to National Library - 20’ Lunch time Take a walk to Take a walk to Take a walk to Parliament Take Red Metro Line to Akropoli station Take Red Metro Line - Forum and Take a walk to Roman 15’ Library - 5’ Take a walk to Hadrian’s END OF DAY 1 Parliament National Library Ermou Street Syntagma Square Roman Forum and Tower of the Winds Roman Forum Hadrian's Library Acropolis LEAVE HOTEL LEAVE 17:10-17:20 16:30-16:50 16:00-16:30 15:00-16:00 13:05-13:15 12:15-13:00 09:30-12:00 Overview of Day 1 Day of Overview PromptGuides.com © Overview of Day 1 of Overview

5-day Athens City Guide 4 5-day Athens City Guide 5 (Aiolou and Diogenous, ticket that gives access to Akropolis, Agora, Roman Forum, Temple of Olympian Zeus and and Kerameikos Wear comfy shoes Be prepared for a crowd all year through of Other highlights: Agoranomeion (Office the Market Officials), Vespasianae (68-seat Public Latrine), Byzantine Grave Markers, East Gate, Courtyard and the Fountain Walk around the small area and admire the ancient site Do not miss the main ruins: the gate entrance to the market and the Tower of the Winds Save some money by buying a combined Start your tour at the ruins of the ancient Start your tour at the at the lower level theater of Dionysos Atticus Theater, the Walk towards Herodes Festival venue of the Athens through the Beulé Walk to the upper level Propylaia the Gate. Beyond lies the entranceway monumental 5th c. B.C. the view, and soak up Walk around, admire the atmosphere beautiful structure of the The highlight is the Finish your tour at the Rock where trials were held in classical times Save some money by buying a combined ticket that gives access to Akropolis, Agora, Roman Forum, Temple of Olympian Zeus MORE Info and Photos > MORE Info and Photos > MORE Info and Photos TIPS & INSIGHTS TIPS & INSIGHTS THINGS TO DO THERE THINGS TO DO THERE THINGS 2 € 12 € PromptGuides.com © (Dionysiou Areopagitou Street, Athens 10558) Areopagitou Street, (Dionysiou Admission: Admission: April 1 - Oct 31, daily: 8am - 8pm, Nov 1 - March 31, daily: 8am - 5pm, Public April 1 - Oct 31, daily: 8am - 8pm, Nov April 1 - Oct 31, daily: 8am - 8pm, Nov 1 - March 31, daily: 8:30am - 3pm, Public 31, daily: 8:30am - 8pm, Nov 1 - March 31, daily: 8am - April 1 - Oct 1458 to commemorate the Turkish sultan's, Mehmet II the Conqueror's visit to Athens fulfill its purpose. Athens-loving Romans moved into the old Agora site and crowded out the merchants The new forum overtook the old Agora's role of being the city's commercial and administrative center until the 19th century The octagonal Tower of Winds was built in 50 B.C. It depicts the eight winds on its sides. A waterclock was operated inside the tower by a stream from the Acropolis Gate of Archegetis used to be the Western entrance of the marketplace. The columns are made of marble The picturesque Fetiye mosque was built in pleasures, Dionysos. Ancient dramas were performed here by Aristophanes, Sophocles or Euripides in Julius Caesar founded the Roman Forum 51 B.C. and moved Athens' marketplace here from the old Agora. It used to be larger than what we see today The old marketplace was not sufficient to Highlights are the Parthenon, Erechtheion, Highlights are the Parthenon, Theater of Dionysos, and Areopagus The temples of the Acropolis influenced Western architecture to the extent like nothing else and are considered to be in the among the most important monuments Western world Parthenon is the most important monument of the site. It is a colonnaded, all-marble temple dedicated to Athens' patron, Athena in Parthenos (Athena, the Virgin). It was built the 5th c. BC Theater of Dionysos is Athens' first theater (built 6th c. BC) dedicated to the god of is the starting point of Acropolis of Athens polulated for the first antique Athens. It was time around 3000 BC means citadel or high The word 'acropolis' is located on a city. The Athenian acropolis 150 m (490 ft) above flat-topped hill rising the city with magneficient Today the site is scattered squares, buildings temples, and theaters Roman Forum and Tower of the Winds Roman Forum and Tower Opening hours: holidays: Closed • THINGS YOU NEED TO KNOW Opening hours: • holidays: Closed YOU NEED TO KNOW THINGS Acropolis 12:15-13:00 09:30-12:00 Attraction Details Attraction ) , Ermou Street Walk along the street and take in the atmosphere: the bustle and the stunning architecture of the street's buildings Do some shopping Athens' main shopping street, leads off from the square. Designer boutiques and major department stores are both present there This is a good place to stop for a rest or for a coffee near the central fountain If you use the subway system do not miss the glass wall overlooking the archaeological site Later the library was seriously damaged in was seriously Later the library Thanks to extensive military invasions. of the site and restorations, part excavation survived of three temples Other highlights: remains times erected during Byzantine the library Discover the ruins of Beyond the street are loads of used-furniture, antique and speciality shops Sunday's Monastiraki flea market at the lower end provides a truly unique experience MORE Info and Photos > MORE Info and Photos MORE Info and Photos > MORE Info and Photos > MORE Info TIPS & INSIGHTS TIPS & INSIGHTS TIPS & INSIGHTS THINGS TO DO THERE THINGS TO DO THERE THINGS TO DO THERE (Aiolou and Diogenous, Monastiraki) (Aiolou and (Syntagma Square, Athens) (Ermou Street) PromptGuides.com © exercises on the hour forced to issue the document in 1843 after public demonstrations taking place at the square Highlights include the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, top of the Ermou Street and the Syntagma subway station Syntagma subway station is both a transport hub and an archaelogical museum. Finds excavated while building the station are displayed as if in a museum The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier is a monument to Greek soldiers died in battles. Traditionally dressed soldiers guard the memorial 24/7 and engage in ceremonial department stores are present here Greek shoemakers are a vital part of the of street. It is an excellent place to buy a pair stylish Greek leather shoes or the emblematic Greek sandals It Syntagma Square is Athens' main square. lies in the historic center in front of Parliament The square is named after the Greek Constitution (Syntagma). King Otto was Ermou Street is a pedestrian shopping street Ermou Street is a pedestrian shopping in in Athens. It is one of the busiest streets the city all The street starts at Parliament and runs the way into the acient Kerameikos district. The area closer to Parliament is more is a upmarket while the lower (western) end bit funkier Designer boutiques and all the main chain Roman Emperor Hadrian built this luxurious Hadrian built Roman Emperor side of the 132 on the north library in AD Acropolis style of a typical It followed the architectural one entrance with high Roman Forum. It had courtyard walls surrounding a took up much The showy central courtyard decorated with mosaic of the space. It was and a pool. Fancy floors, marble, gardens surrounded the central Corinthian columns area the building Along with the library, rooms, music rooms accomodated lecture and a theatre Syntagma Square THINGS YOU NEED TO KNOW Ermou Street THINGS YOU NEED TO KNOW Hadrian's Library Hadrian's YOU NEED TO KNOW THINGS 13:05-13:15 16:00-16:30 15:00-16:00 Attraction Details Attraction

5-day Athens City Guide 6 5-day Athens City Guide 7 Attraction Details Attraction viewed in a large reading room Admire the beautiful building from outside Have a look at the neo-classical palace at the neo-classical Have a look of the the elaborate ceremonial Do not miss two guards on Sunday to see the You must make time of Changing of the Ceremonial Parade Guard be It does not lend books. Its holdings can MORE Info and Photos > MORE Info and Photos MORE Info and Photos > MORE Info TIPS & INSIGHTS TIPS & INSIGHTS THINGS TO DO THERE THINGS TO DO THERE THINGS (Panepistimiou 28-29, Athens) PromptGuides.com © (Amalias Avenue and Vas. Georgiou Street, Athens) and Vas. Georgiou (Amalias Avenue Academy of Athens and the Athens University The library was built between 1887 and 1891 palace. Two soldiers guard the tomb in traditional Greek outfit (foustanellas) and perform ceremonial exercises on the hour in The National Library of is located central Athens. The building is a fine example of mature Neoclassicism Danish architect Theophil Freiherr von the Hansen designed the library, as part of the Neoclassical Trilogy of Athens including The Hellenic Parliament is located at Parliament is located The Hellenic It is the Square in central Athens. Syntagma city center landmark in the most notable in 1842 as The building was built Otto's royal palace. Otto Bavarian-born King after Greece won its was Greece's first king 4-century Turkish rule independence from from Munich to design Otto hired architects building's plain his palace. Hence the neoclassical design to the Hellenic The palace gives home Greece has a parliament since 1935. of 300 members unicameral legislature Soldier fronts the The Tomb of the Unknown National Library THINGS YOU NEED TO KNOW Parliament YOU NEED TO KNOW THINGS 17:10-17:20 16:30-16:50 Page 10 Page 10 Page 11 Page 11 Peaceful walk among the ancient ruins Heart of ancient Athens the Amazing view over whole city One of the most attractive districts of Athens Tested and recommended hotels in Athens > hotels in Athens recommended Tested and PromptGuides.com © Take a walk to neighborhood - 45’ Take a walk to Plaka neighborhood Take Green Metro Line to Thissio station Take Green Metro - 15’ Take a walk to Agora Lunch time Hill Take a walk to Filoppapos Philopappos Hill Philopappos Plaka neighborhood END OF DAY 2 LEAVE HOTEL LEAVE Kerameikos Agora 17:45-18:45 15:00-17:00 09:30-11:00 11:15-12:35 Overview of Day 2 Day of Overview

5-day Athens City Guide 8 5-day Athens City Guide 9 Overview of Day 2 of Overview PromptGuides.com © Walk around and explore the ancient sites, statues, ruins The is an absolute must-see Do not miss , Odeon of Agrippa, Altar of Zeus Agoraios old Relax on a bench in a shady spot under olive trees and be impressed by the surroundings Enjoy the stunning view over the acropolis Save some money by buying a combined ticket that gives access to Akropolis, Agora, Roman Forum, Temple of Olympian Zeus and Kerameikos The Oberlander Museum displays a wild Museum displays The Oberlander the area. The collection range of finds from original tombs includes many of the houses exhibits Enter the museum that customs, such as mainly related to burial urns and monuments littered with ancient Walk around the site remains buying a combined Save some money by ticket that gives access to Akropolis, Agora, Roman Forum, Temple of Olympian Zeus and Kerameikos MORE Info and Photos > MORE Info and Photos > MORE Info and Photos TIPS & INSIGHTS TIPS & INSIGHTS THINGS TO DO THERE THINGS TO DO THERE 4 € 2 € Admission: Admission: (Ermou 148, Thissio) (Ermou 148, PromptGuides.com © April 1 - Oct 31, daily: 8am - 8pm, Nov 1 - March 31, daily: 8:30am - 3pm, April 1 - Oct 31, daily: 8am - 8pm, Nov April 1 - Oct 31, daily: 8am - 8pm, Nov 1 - March 31, daily: 8:30am - 3pm, 31, daily: 8:30am - 8pm, Nov 1 - March 31, daily: 8am - April 1 - Oct (Adrianou Street, Monastiraki ) back to the 5th c. BC Stoa of Attalos is the reconstruction of its 2nd c. BC version. It houses a museum that displays all the finds excavated at Agora Stoa is a covered colonnaded walkway open to public usage. Merchants sold their goods, artists displayed their works, and religious gatherings took place here Other highlights are: ruins of Middle Stoa, Agii Apostoli Solaki, Tholos (first Athenian parliament), and Odeon of Agrippa (a large concert hall) The Agora was Athens' market place, the heart of city, and the birth place of the world's first democracy c. The marketplace was laid out in the 6th BC. It served as the center for all civic activities (politics, religion, philosophy, commerce, arts and athletics) Such historic figures addressed the pulic here as Socrates, Aristotales, or St. Paul The Temple of Hephaistos (god of technology, blacksmiths and craftsmen) is the best preserved Greek Temple. It dates a long interior court (41 by 22 m) with four a long interior court towers acting as death trap to attackers The lera Odos ('Sacred Road') passed through the Sacred Gate gate. The sacred of road led to Demeter's temple (goddess harvest and fertility) in ancient Along the road important statesmen and heroes were buried beneath imposing of tombs. Highlight is the tomb of Dionysios Kollytos with a marble bull Kerameikos used to be ancient Athens' Kerameikos used to word 'ceramic' stems pottery district. The district, Kerameikos from the name of the outer city wall (built in The ancient Athens' the district. It was built 478 BC) ran through that could be in haste and all materials marble from found in the city, including were incorporated temples and tombs, the Gate, Athens' main entrance, so-called corridor gate: stood here. It was a Public holidays: Closed • THINGS YOU NEED TO KNOW Agora Opening hours: Opening hours: Closed • Public holidays: YOU NEED TO KNOW THINGS Kerameikos 11:15-12:35 09:30-11:00 Attraction Details Attraction

5-day Athens City Guide 10 5-day Athens City Guide 11 Attraction Details Attraction Wander the winding, narrow alleyways, pedestrian only streets with many outdoor bars and restaurants, and of course millions of souvenir shops Relax by having a drink in an outdoor café and watch the world go by Don't go there for bargain shopping or overall authenticity On the first day of Lent, hundreds of day of Lent, hundreds On the first kites gather here and fly Athenians the winding the hill following Walk around the various monuments paths and discover views from the Acropolis Enjoy the sweeping to the sea the tiring sightseeing Relax on a bench after church, Do not miss Agios Dimitrios the Philopappos Socrates' Prison and Monument MORE Info and Photos > MORE Info and Photos > MORE Info TIPS & INSIGHTS TIPS & INSIGHTS THINGS TO DO THERE THINGS TO DO THERE THINGS PromptGuides.com © Plaka is the oldest and most charming district in Athens. It lies right below the Acropolis Winding medieval alleyways with romantic narrow steps, neoclassical mansions and houses with red tiles and balconies with colorful flowers characterize the negithborhood the The Greek literature often called Plaka neighbourhood of the Gods Typical Greek taverns and street cafés serving icecold frappés are also characteristics of the area Greek culture. He spent his retirement here and died in Athens in 114 AD is a Church of Agios Dimitrios Loumbardiaris charming 15th c. Byzantine church decorated with some fine frescoes. A from lightnign prevented a Turk commander demolishing the temple with his cannons, hence its name 'Saint Dimitri the Bombardier' Philopappos Hill is a Philopappos right next to hill pine-and-cypress-covered shaded to the southwest. Winding Acropolis ideal for taking strolls paths make the area of the best views of The hilltop offers one to be the favorite the city. This place used vantage-point of generals cave where the ancient Socrates' Prison, the captive after his death philosopher was held here. Socrates died sentence, is located poisenous liquid here after drinking a monument, on the Philopappos tomb and was erected in honor peak of Hill of Muses, a lover of of Roman senator Philopappos, Plaka neighborhood THINGS YOU NEED TO KNOW Philopappos Hill Philopappos YOU NEED TO KNOW THINGS 17:45-18:45 15:00-17:00 5-day Athens City Guide 13 Page 15 Page 15 Page 16 Page 16 Page 17 Page 17 Beautiful marble stadium Tranquil oasis in the city Beautifully presented ancient artifacts Monumental gateway Magnificient Greek columns Perfect for a refreshing walk PromptGuides.com © Tested and recommended hotels in Athens > hotels in Athens recommended Tested and Lunch time Take a walk to Gardens Take a walk to Kallimarmaro Stadium Take a walk to National Gardens - 10’ Take Red Metro Line to Akropoli station Take Red Metro Line Arch - 15’ Take a walk to Hadrian’s of Olympian Zeus Take a walk to Temple National Gardens END OF DAY 3 Zappeion Gardens Kallimarmaro Stadium Temple of Olympian Zeus Temple of Olympian New New Acropolis Hadrian's Arch LEAVE HOTEL LEAVE 16:00-16:45 15:30-15:50 15:00-15:30 11:25-12:55 11:15-11:25 09:30-11:00 Overview of Day 3 Day of Overview PromptGuides.com © Overview of Day 3 of Overview

5-day Athens City Guide 14 5-day Athens City Guide 15 5 € Admission: enjoy the view of the Acropolis from the terrace of the restaurant It bears two inscriptions: "This is Athens, once the city of Theseus" (facing east towards the old city) and "This is Hadrian's, and not Theseus's city" (facing west toward the new city) read Admire the 2nd-century gate and try to the two inscriptions on it Admire the impressive modern building from Admire the impressive the outside do not miss the Upon entering the museum floor that provides a occasionally transparent excavation view of the archaeological exhibition route. It Follow the well marked way up to the third floor will take you all the to the ground floor and guide you back video in the third floor Watch the informative video area from the top floor Enjoy the splendid view ! It is not allowed to take photos inside you If you do not have the time for a full visit can get a free ticket that only gives access can to the second floor restaurant area. You MORE Info and Photos > MORE Info and Photos MORE Info and Photos > TIPS & INSIGHTS TIPS & INSIGHTS THINGS TO DO THERE THINGS TO DO THERE THINGS (15 Dionysiou Areopagitou Street, Athens 11742) Areopagitou Street, (15 Dionysiou (Leoforos Amalias Street, Athens) PromptGuides.com © Tue - Thurs, Sat, Sun: 8am - 8pm, Friday: 8am - 10pm, Monday: Closed, Jan 1, 10pm, Monday: Closed, 8pm, Friday: 8am - Sat, Sun: 8am - Tue - Thurs, Hadrian's Arch is a monumental gateway a southeast of the Acropolis. It reminds of Roman triumphal arch The arch stood on a road that connected Athens' city center and the site of the Temple of Olympian Zeus Citizens of Athens built the arch to honor Roman Emperor Hadrian for his many benefactions to Athens (e.g. finishing Temple of Olympian Zeus) The monument was erected in 132 AD. It is made of Pentelic marble Four of the original 6 Caryatids (female Four of the original shaped columns) from the Erechthion (an ancient temple in the Acropolis) are displayed here to Lord Elgin removed one of the Caryatids decorate his Scottish mansion. It was later sold to the . The other rule Caryatids disappeared during Ottoman Multiple unsuccessful requests were made to reclaim the statue form the British Museum. An area is reserved for the return of the Elgin marbles The New Acropolis Museum houses all the The New Acropolis from the Acropolis sculptures and fragments works are on display of Athens. Some 4000 in 2009. The original The museum opened (1874) became too Old Acropolis Musuem new artifacts small to house all the excavations uncovered in successive on an archeological The museum was built gives a view over the site. The glass floor early Byzantine Athens ruins of Roman and THINGS YOU NEED TO KNOW Hadrian's Arch Opening hours: Closed • 1, Dec 25 and 26: Easter Sunday, May March 25, YOU NEED TO KNOW THINGS New Acropolis Museum New Acropolis 11:15-11:25 09:30-11:00 Attraction Details Attraction Next to the Zappeion is Aigli, Athens' oldest open air cinema Stroll through the park Relax on a bench Walk around the area to see the ancient the area to see the Walk around the remains of the ruins that surround temple temple's 15 remaining The highlights are the columns buying a combined Save some money by to Akropolis, Agora, ticket that gives access of Olympian Zeus Roman Forum, Temple and Kerameikos for photographs of the To get the best light 3pm and 4pm columns, visit between It is one of the few uncrowded Athens attractions MORE Info and Photos > MORE Info and Photos MORE Info and Photos > MORE Info and Photos TIPS & INSIGHTS TIPS & INSIGHTS THINGS TO DO THERE THINGS TO DO THERE THINGS (Vas. Olgas Street and Amalias Avenue, Athens) Street and Amalias (Vas. Olgas 4 € Admission: PromptGuides.com © April 1 - Oct 31, daily: 8am - 8pm, Nov 1 - March 31, daily: 8:30am - 3pm, 31, daily: 8:30am - 8pm, Nov 1 - March 31, daily: 8am - April 1 - Oct Today it hosts both official and public meetings and ceremonies Zappeion Gardens is a public park adjacent ac) to the National Gardens. It is a 14 ha (35 garden with shady tree-lined promenades Zappeion, the imposing edifice in the middle of the park, was the first building constructed specificly for the revival of the modern Olympic Games. It opened in 1888 One of the main characters behind the Olympic movement was businessman and philanthropist Evangelias Zappas, hence the name of the building and the garden During the 1896 Summer Olympics Zappeion was used as the main fencing hall. standing Pheidias's statue of Zeus was one of the seven wonders of the acient world Athenians erected a two-storey arch for for Hadrian next to the temple to thank him to completing the temple and offered the city him Other hightlights nearby: Ruins of Ancient Houses, Law Court at the Delphinion, Themistoklean Gates and walls Temple of Olympian Zeus was the largest in Olympian Zeus was Temple of measured 96m by 40m mainland Greece. It 104 17m-high (315 by 131 ft.) featuring columns in 515 BC but, due to Its construction started only some 600 political turmoil, completed The temple was years later in AD 124. Hadrian finished by Roman Emperor two colossal gold and The temple housed statue of Zeus and ivory statues: Pheidias's the statue of Hadrian columns 15 are still Out of the original 104 THINGS YOU NEED TO KNOW Zappeion Gardens Public holidays: Closed • Public holidays: YOU NEED TO KNOW THINGS Temple of Olympian Zeus of Olympian Temple Opening hours: 11:25-12:55 15:00-15:30 Attraction Details Attraction

5-day Athens City Guide 16 5-day Athens City Guide 17 Attraction Details Attraction 3 € Admission: ponds, benches, playground and numberous statues make it an ideal place for relaxation The estate gives home to a Botanic Museum a and a small zoo with birds, wild goats and donkey Stroll through the park Relax on a bench After excavation the stadium was rebuilt for the stadium After excavation in 1896. In Olympic Games the first modern finished Marathon Race 2004 the Olympic here known as Today it is more commonly beautiful marbel), 'Kallimarmaro' (meaning for major events and and serves as a venue concerts (included in the Take an audioguide tour the Stadium admission fee) and It spans 16 ha (40 ac). Its maze of shady paths with quiet dead ends, duck and turtle MORE Info and Photos > MORE Info and Photos MORE Info and Photos > MORE Info TIPS & INSIGHTS TIPS & INSIGHTS THINGS TO DO THERE THINGS TO DO THERE (Vas. Konstantinou Street, Athens) (Vas. Konstantinou (Leoforos Amalias Street, Athens) PromptGuides.com © Roman Colosseum March - Oct: 8am - 7pm, Nov - Feb: 8am - 5pm • - Feb: 8am - 5pm • 8am - 7pm, Nov March - Oct: independence from Ottoman rule More than 15,000 exotic trees, plants and flowers were imported from all over the world and planted here. Many of them are still alive The government nationalized the park in 1923 and opened it to the public For a long time the building was neglected and it deteriorated The National Gardens of Athens is located It in the city center behind the parliament. used to be the Royal Palace's (now Parliament) gardens Queen Amalia, King Otto's wife, commissioned the gardens in 1839. Otto was Greece's first king after its Originally the stadium was built in the 4th the stadium was built Originally games to host the Panathenian century BC Atticus rebuilt held every 4 year. Herodes in AD 143-44 the stadium in marble name is Panathinaiko The stadium's official It is the only major or . built entirely of white stadium in the world marble people, It was able to hold 50,000 the same as the 1 stade (600 Greek The building measured stems the word feet) in length; hence stadium National Gardens THINGS YOU NEED TO KNOW THINGS YOU NEED TO KNOW THINGS Kallimarmaro Stadium Kallimarmaro Opening hours: 15:30-15:50 16:00-16:45 Page 20 Page 20 Page 21 Page 21 the city Tasty Greek delicacies of Widest collection ancient art Eclectic and unique collection Best panoramic view of Tested and recommended hotels in Athens > hotels in Athens recommended Tested and PromptGuides.com © Take a walk to the funicular station at the end of Take a walk to the funicular station Ploutarchou street Hill - 60’ in all Take the funicular to the top of Lykavittos Take Green or Red Metro Line to Omonia station Take Green or Red Archaeological Museum - 30’ Take a walk to National Lunch time Museum Take a walk to Benaki Lykavittos Hill END OF DAY 4 LEAVE HOTEL LEAVE Central Market Museum National Archaeological 16:30-17:30 14:00-15:30 09:30-10:30 11:00-12:30 Overview of Day 4 Day of Overview

5-day Athens City Guide 18 5-day Athens City Guide 19 Overview of Day 4 of Overview PromptGuides.com © (44 Patission Street, Athens 10682) The highlights include famous works from by the great Bronze Age cultures described Homer to the Golden Age of and beyond You will get an orientation map with your the entrance ticket. It will guide you through well marked galleries of the museum Free admission to the museum on the first and Sunday of April, May, June, September October There is a market 6 days a week (closed market 6 days a week There is a an ideal starting at 6 am. It is Sundays) place to start a day shop for some tasty Stroll the market and herbs, dried nuts specailities: feta cheese, Greek fruits Do not miss the incredible MORE Info and Photos > MORE Info and Photos MORE Info and Photos > MORE Info TIPS & INSIGHTS TIPS & INSIGHTS THINGS TO DO THERE 7 € (42 Athinas Street, Athens) (42 Athinas Admission: PromptGuides.com © April 1 - Oct 31, Tue - Sun: 8am - 7:30pm, April 1 - Oct 31, Mon: 12:30pm - April 1 - Oct 31, Tue - Sun: 8am - 7:30pm, Mon - Sat: 6am - 3pm Mon - Sat: finds from all over Greece were brought here finds from all over Greece were brought More than 11.000 exhibits are on display including prehistoric and antique sculptures, vases, pottery, minor objects and more It is housed in an imposing end of 19th century neoclassical building Discover the museum to see the richest collection of artifacts from Greek antiquity worldwide The National Archaeological Museum is the The National Archaeological Museum is largest Greek museum. Its rich collection includes the most important Greek artifacts from prehistory to late antiquity Originally it was opened to house the finds Later from the 19th c. Athenian excavations. Central market on Athinas Street is Athens' on Athinas Street Central market is one of the liveliest main market hall. It places in the city of meat, fish, Vendors sell all sorts dried nuts, sweets, vegetable, cheeses, herbs and spices atmosphere itself, The market's vibrant a visit well worth it without shopping, makes and energetic sounds The bustle, the loud mixture of spice filling the air and the all senses fragrances engage THINGS TO DO THERE National Archaeological Museum National Archaeological Opening hours: - 3pm, Nov 1 - March 31, Mon: 1:30pm - 8pm, 7pm, Nov 1 - March 31, Tue - Sun: 8:30am Public holidays: Closed • THINGS YOU NEED TO KNOW Opening hours: YOU NEED TO KNOW THINGS Central Market Central 11:00-12:30 09:30-10:30 Attraction Details Attraction

5-day Athens City Guide 20 5-day Athens City Guide 21 Attraction Details Attraction 6 € Take the funicular railway (daily every 30 min) to the top of the hill. The ride takes around 10 minutes at Take a walk on the top and take a look the picturesque small chapel of St. George If you fancy a coffee have a break in the café Enjoy the fabulous view of the city on A restaurant and a café are also located the top. Both are rather expensive The hill is a steep climb. We recommend taking the funicular instead Discover the museum and learn about museum and learn Discover the from the Stone Greek history and culture Age to the 20th century icons, sculptures, The exhibition contains collections textiles and costume on the top floor that Do not miss the café offers amazing view museum is free every The entrance to the Thursday audioguide available Although there is not descriptions next to the well written English each artifact will give you ample information MORE Info and Photos > MORE Info and Photos > MORE Info and Photos TIPS & INSIGHTS TIPS & INSIGHTS Admission: THINGS TO DO THERE THINGS TO DO THERE THINGS (1 Koumbari Street and Vas. Sofias Avenue, Athens) Street and Vas. (1 Koumbari PromptGuides.com © Mon, Wed, Fri, Sat: 9am - 5pm, Thursdays: 9am - 12midnight, Sundays: 9am - - 12midnight, Sundays: Thursdays: 9am Fri, Sat: 9am - 5pm, Mon, Wed, footpaths running through them The name Lykavitos means: the one [the it hill] that is walked by wolves. Legend has area that long ago wolves took refuge in the It At its peak is a 19th Chapel of St. George. the provides a fabulous panoramic view of city both day and night Also on the top lies a large open-air theater. It hosts numerous events and concerts including the summer Lykavittos Festival where bands play with the sun going down behind them evolution of Greek painting, sculpture and handicrafts Other collections such as Islamic or Chinese art have been moved to satellite museums Over 20 000 items are on display Lykavitos Hill is a 277 m (908 ft) high limestone hill in Athens. It is the highest point of the city The hill is clad with pine trees with pleasant Benaki Museum is a world class art museum is a world class Benaki Museum Benakis in central Athens. Antonis in 1930 in memory established the museum Benakis of his father, Emmanouil used to be one of The Benakis family families. Emmanouil Athens' most prominent merchant and Benakis was a wealthy politician in a mansion that The museum is housed influential family once belonged to the the museum's Since the 2000 re-opening art showing the main focus is Greek Lykavittos Hill THINGS YOU NEED TO KNOW 3am, Tuesdays: Closed, Public holidays: Closed • holidays: Closed Closed, Public 3am, Tuesdays: YOU NEED TO KNOW THINGS Benaki Museum Benaki Opening hours: 16:30-17:30 14:00-15:30 5-day Athens City Guide 23 Page 25 Excellent side trip from Excellent side trip the city PromptGuides.com © Tested and recommended hotels in Athens > hotels in Athens recommended Tested and Take the ferry from Piraeus port to Aegina Island Take the ferry from Aegina Island 5 END OF DAY LEAVE HOTEL LEAVE 10:00-16:00 Overview of Day 5 Day of Overview PromptGuides.com © Overview of Day 5 of Overview

5-day Athens City Guide 24 5-day Athens City Guide 25 for more detailed information this site Take the local bus (or rent a quad) to the bus (or rent a quad) Take the local Marina) Aphaia (direction Agia Temple of Agia Marina of the beaches of Head to one walk) (take the bus or a long ferry back to Pireaus From there take the ! pistachio ice Do not miss the delicious cream Pireus try the flying On your way back to permitting) dolphin hydrofoil (weather in more islands you can If you are interested Hydra and Poros in do the islands Aegina, one day See MORE Info and Photos > MORE Info and Photos TIPS & INSIGHTS PromptGuides.com © very frequently on The ferry will take you to the main town the island of From there take the first boat to the island Angistri (20 min by boat). It is a small paradise. Swim, relax and take a lunch the Take a boat back to Aegina and discover port area Aegina Island is an island about 28 km (17 is an island about Aegina Island Sea. The in the Aegean mi) from Athens is also call Aegina island's largest town for its tasty The island is best known Temple of Aphaia pistachios and the Doric Aphaia Temple was built The well preserved when Aegina's power in the 5th century BC that of Athens was comparable to 19th century port The town has a lovely (Hellenic Seaways, Take a regular ferry Pireaus port. They run Nova Ferries) from THINGS YOU NEED TO KNOW THINGS THINGS TO DO THERE Aegina Island Aegina 10:00-16:00 Attraction Details Attraction