Day One: Athens, Greece

Visitors will want to spend their first day in this incredible city packed rich with history and wonder. In Athens, you can enjoy both the city’s historical landmarks as well as its more modern sights. Travelers will be enthralled by the intriguing contrasts between Athens’ glorious past and contemporary future. This modern city signifies the beautiful union of the past with the present.

 

Begin by stopping in at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier found in front of the Parliament House on Constitution Square. Here the first modern Olympic games transpired in 1896 at the Panathenian Stadium. Next, visit the vistas of the Presidential Palace, prestigious homes, and government buildings. Make sure your drive includes Panepistimiou Avenue where you can observe the Catholic Cathedral, the University, National Library and Academy. 

 

After exploring this area, head over to the Acropolis, where you can take in the ancient glory that was Athens. The Acropolis boasts magnificent historical monuments on top of its rocky base. This magnificent religious complex is made up of several temples, which were constructed during the 5^th century B.C., and is visible from almost everywhere in the city. The most fascinating sight to behold on the Acropolis is the Parthenon. This temple was dedicated to Athena, and became the model of classical Greek architecture. After exploring the Parthenon, make sure you stop in at the Temple of Athena Nike and the Propylaea. In the late afternoon, visit the Acropolis Museum.

 

Spend the evening in Athens taking a scenic drive through the boulevards of Athens lit up with the city lights. Drive to Marina Zea, which is one of the busiest yacht harbors in the whole Mediterranean. Return to the city and spend a restful evening in the infamous Plaka district, found below the Acropolis in a narrow labyrinth of streets. This is the oldest section of Athens, virtually all that existed of the city before it was declared the country’s capital, and contains restaurants, cafes, and tourist shops. In this district, enjoy dinner at a typical Greek taverna.