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Activities in Athens

Athens Greek Philosophy Tour

Calling all history buffs! What legacy did Plato and Socrates leave behind? Join us to find out on this fascinating tour of Greek philosophy in Athens.

Calling all history buffs! What legacy did Plato and Socrates leave behind? Join us to find out on this fascinating tour of Greek philosophy in Athens.

Tour Details

At the indicated time, we'll meet at the Statue of Theseus in Athens, a fitting place to begin our fascinating journey into the world of Greek philosophy.

Our first stop will be the Kerameikos Archaeological Site—a hidden gem often overlooked by tourists despite its historical importance. The name, which translates to 'ceramic' in English, is fitting, given the many pottery workshops that once thrived here. This site also served as Athens' cemetery for centuries, and many prominent figures in Athenian history were laid to rest here. It's also the place where Pericles delivered his famous “Epitaph” speech, honouring the first casualties of the Peloponnesian War and celebrating the virtues of democracy.

Next, we'll walk to the Ancient Greek Agora, the heart of ancient Athens. This was where philosophers like Socrates and Plato, alongside politicians like Solon and Pericles, debated matters of life, politics, and ethics. We'll take in the grand atmosphere of this once-bustling centre of Athenian public and political life, and explore how Socrates used the Agora to challenge the societal norms of his time.

We'll then continue to the lively Monastiraki Flea Market, the first of its kind in Athens. This bustling market will give us a taste of an Eastern bazaar. From there, we'll make our way to Hadrian's Library, built by the Roman Emperor Hadrian in 132 AD. Once the second-largest library in the ancient world, it was a hub of knowledge where scholars gathered to read and debate. We’ll talk about its role in spreading ideas and learning across the city.

Then, we'll make our way to the Roman Agora, located to the north of the Acropolis and to the east of the Ancient Agora and an extension of it. Did you know that to this day, it still hasn't been fully excavated? From there, we'll head to the Tower of the Winds, a remarkable octagonal structure built by the astronomer Andronicus of Kyrristos in the 1st century BC. This early meteorological station was both a sundial and a water-powered clock—a true marvel of ancient engineering!

Afterwards, we'll stroll through Plaka, a charming neighbourhood known for its labyrinth of narrow streets and traditional houses, before heading to the Prison of Socrates. Here, we’ll reflect on the tragic fate of the great philosopher. After his unjust execution, the Athenians later regretted their decision and honoured him with a statue in the Agora, where he had once taught. We'll discuss his life, trial, and the enduring impact of his ideas.

Our next stop is Pnyx Hill, often called the “cradle of democracy.” This was where Athenians gathered to make decisions about their city and future. The hill also offers fantastic views of the Acropolis and Athens. We'll also visit the St. Dimitrios Loumbardiaris Church, a medieval 9th-century church nestled in the city. Here, we'll delve into the incredible philosophies of Ancient Greece and their influence on Western thought.

Finally, we'll end our tour at Philoppapos Hill, where we'll enjoy the breathtaking views and reflect on the philosophical discussions we've encountered along the way. After about 3 to 3.5 hours of exploring Athens and its philosophical heritage, our tour will come to a close.

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More Information

Duration

3h - 3h 30m.

Language The activity takes place with a guide that speaks in English.

The activity takes place with a guide that speaks in English.

Included

English–speaking guide

When to book?

You can book up until 12 hours before the activity as long as there are still places. Book now to guarantee your spot.

Type of voucher

Electronic. Show the voucher on your phone.

Accessibility

Not wheelchair accessible.

Sustainability

All services published on Civitatis are carried out in accordance with our Sustainability Code.

Sustainability Code

Our providers commit to:

  • Provide a safe and satisfying experience.
  • Reduce, reuse, recycle.
  • Incorporate eco-conscious technologies.
  • Uphold fair employment standards.
  • Foster the growth of local communities.
  • Preserve the integrity of local culture.
  • Safeguard both cultural and environmental heritage.
  • Ensure ethical treatment of animals.
  • Operate with honesty and transparency.
  • Encourage sustainable behaviors among customers and staff.

This particular activity contributes as follows:

  • No printing of documentation required.

Provider

Athens Classic Tour Show more

  • Athens Classic Tour

    Corporate name: Panagiotis Fotiadis

  • Show less

Pets

Permitted.

Frequently asked questions

  • Q - Why do this activity with Civitatis?

    A - At Civitatis we guarantee the best quality and prices, click here if you want to know how we select our activities.

  • Q - How to book?

    A - To reserve the activity, choose the date and complete the form on this page. You will receive your confirmation immediately.

  • Q - Is a minimum number of participants required?

    A - This activity requires a minimum of 2 participants. Should this number not be reached, we'll get in touch with you to offer alternatives.

If you have any other questions please contact us.

Meeting point

Where does the activity end?

Statue of Theseus

Philoppapos Hill

View map
Where does the activity end?

Philoppapos Hill

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