Join your fellow solo travellers on a city break to the oldest capital city in Europe – Athens. The city is one of the most important cities of the ancient world – the birthplace of democracy and home of western philosophy thanks to philosophers such as Plato. The Olympic games were reborn in Athens in 1896, at the Panathenaic Stadium. Exploring Athens on this escorted group city break, you’ll be walking in the footsteps of some of the most illustrious figures in human history. Standing proud is the Acropolis of Athens – the most striking and complete Ancient Greek monumental complex still existing in our times. And no visit to Athens would be complete without witnessing the impressive Parthenon, where construction began in 447 BC.
Today, we arrive into Athens and transfer to the hotel, where we can get acquainted with our surroundings. This evening, we get together at a local taverna in Athens for a welcome dinner and sample some Greek cuisine.
After breakfast, we embark on a sightseeing tour of the ancient city. We discover the secrets of Athens, including its famous Acropolis. Our expert guide will take us to see the centre of the city, the Constitution Square (Syntagma), the House of Parliament, the Memorial to the Unknown Soldier and the National Library. On our way to the Acropolis, we witness Hadrian’s Arch, the Temple of Olympian Zeus, and make a short stop at the Panathenaic Stadium, where the first Modern Olympic Games were held in 1896. On the Acropolis, we visit the architectural masterpieces of the Golden Age of Athens – the Propylaea, the Temple of Athena Nike, the Erechtheion and finally, the famous Parthenon. A visit to Athens would not be complete without a visit to the Acropolis Museum, a modern architectural building where, at last, the statues have found their home. Here, we admire the wonders and architectural masterpieces of the classical era. After the tour, the rest of the day can be enjoyed at leisure.
Today we can take the day at our own pace. After breakfast, we can relax at the hotel or explore this ancient city further, discovering more archaeological sites around Athens, enjoying some local delicacies, heading to Mount Lycabettus for a panoramic view over the city or shop down The Plaka. The list is extensive!
After breakfast, we bid farewell to Athens and transfer to the airport to catch our return flight home.
The Fresh Hotel is located downtown in the heart of Athens, next to the beautiful Town Hall, and just a few minutes walk from Syntagma Square and the old marketplace, and within walking distance to Monastiraki and Plaka.
We have breakfast daily at the hotel. The Rooftop Air Lounge Bar-Restaurant serves Mediterranean specialities and offers skyline views. The hotel’s wellness options include a sauna and a state-of-the-art fitness centre. On the rooftop, the outdoor swimming pool, operating between May and October, offers views to the Parthenon and the city.
All rooms come equipped with TV, WiFi, hairdryer, private bathroom with toiletries, towels, tea and coffee making facilities, with the hotel also having air conditioning and a lift.
Frequently Asked Questions
Transfer time from Athens Airport to the hotel is around 45 minutes.
The dress code for during the day is casual. In the evenings the dress code is smart casual. Comfortable shoes for walking and sightseeing are recommended.
There is often confusion on the question of gratuities, since it frequently depends on the type of holiday, location and, of course, your attitude towards tipping, as to what is normally expected. In order to give you a rough idea, we have given appropriate guidance below. Your Tour Leader will be on hand to offer advice or suggestions if required but gratuities are offered entirely at the sole discretion of the individual. We suggest a group collection to cover drivers, porters and hotel staff of €20.00. Your Tour Leader will collect this on your behalf and distribute it accordingly, thus relieving you of the burden of who, when and how much to tip. The tipping of housekeeping will be left to your individual discretion (a small amount left in your room on departure should cover this and would be much appreciated). As is customary, ‘the hat’ will be passed around for the driver and guide on all optional excursions. For any meals that are not included in your itinerary, or taxi fares, your Tour Leader can advise of an appropriate add on.
Passport validity
If you are planning to travel to an EU country (except Ireland), or Switzerland, Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Andorra, Monaco, San Marino or Vatican City, you must follow the Schengen area passport requirements.
Your passport must be:
You must check your passport meets these requirements before you travel. If your passport was issued before 1 October 2018, extra months may have been added to its expiry date.
Visa
You can travel to countries in the Schengen area for up to 90 days in any 180-day period without a visa. This applies if you travel as a tourist, to visit family or friends, to attend business meetings, cultural or sports events, or for short-term studies or training.
If you are travelling to Greece and other Schengen countries without a visa, make sure your whole visit is within the 90-day limit. Visits to Schengen countries within the previous 180 days before you travel count towards your 90 days.
Compulsory vaccinations: None.
At least 8 weeks before your trip, check the latest country-specific health advice from the National Travel Health Network and Centre (NaTHNaC) on the TravelHealthPro website. Each country-specific page has information on vaccine recommendations, any current health risks or outbreaks, and factsheets with information on staying healthy abroad. Guidance is also available from NHS (Scotland) on the FitForTravel website.
General information on travel vaccinations and a travel health checklist is available on the NHS website. You may then wish to contact your health adviser or pharmacy for advice on other preventive measures and managing any pre-existing medical conditions while you’re abroad.
Euro
You will need to have a reasonable level of fitness to take part in the included activities
Accommodation tax is 7 Euro per room/per night, payable locally.
“I’m sure you will enjoy it, I have been on three solos holidays to date and the people I’ve met have been great.”
“I’ve been travelling with Solos for nearly 20 years, on and off. The reason is for exactly what you want – you meet like minded people… and have loads of fun!”
“I’ve been on loads of trips with Solos over the years and can honestly say you will not regret booking your 1st one!”
“The feeling you have once you go away on your own is worth all the nerves before! I was so very anxious the first time but now having done it 4 times, I love it!”
