Athens on Foot

I am going to Athens to attend a conference from 11-13 July. From 14-15 I will be free to explore the sites of Athens. Can you suggest any tours I can cover on foot? - Alethea de Villiers

One of the best options for you would be to join one of the organised walking tours of the city. A company called Athens Walking Tours has set up a number of excellent guided tours, with small groups escorted by trained university student. Ranging from three-hour tours to full day itineraries, they cover the Acropolis, Agrippa monument, Dionysus Sanctuary, Zeus Temple. Hadrian's Arch, the Parthenon and Nike Temple. You can choose to watch the Changing of the Guard at the House of Parliament, enjoy a meal on the colourful Plaka and tour the National Gardens.There are also some speciality tours such as an Athens Food Tour, where the tour ends with lunch or dinner. Costs start at 36 Euros per person and you will be liable for entrance fees where applicable. Check out the tours on www.athenswalkingtours.gr. There is another company offering more exclusive walking tours. They are more expensive, with an average price of around 70 Euros, but groups are restricted to six people and they have very interesting itineraries. Find out more on www.contexttravel.com. Finally, you can also take a free walking tour which covers most of the major attractions (www.athensfreewalkingtours.com). However, dates and times vary, depending on demand. In priniciple you do not have pay for tickets to join the tour, but guides do expect to be tipped for their services. (1 July 2012)