On the steps of Mysticism Private Tour from Athens

Athens
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Price from: €190Check availability
  • Price from
    €190
  • Duration
    8 h
  • Group size
    Private tour
  • Guide languages
    English

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    Overview

    Follow the same route that ancient Athenians followed every four years from the Acropolis to Eleusis (the entrance to the underworld) to be initiated to Eleusinian Mysteries, the most famous of the secret religious rites of ancient Greece.

    What's included

    • Hotel/ AirBnb/ Port pick up & drop-off
    • Professional Drivers with Deep knowledge of history. [Not licensed to accompany you in any site.]
    • Transport by private vehicle
    • Bottle of water

    Not included

    • Acropolis, Ancient Agora, Eleusis Archaeological site, Kerameikos Cemetery
    • Licensed Tour guide upon request depending on availability [Additional cost – 390€]

    What you will do

    • Acropolis

      Sightseeing in Athens starts with the hill of Acropolis which will make your day. On the historical hill, you will have the opportunity to see the Odeon of Herodes Atticus, the Temple of the Athena Nike, the monumental gateway (Propylaea), the Erechtheum and of course the famous Parthenon, the main temple dedicated to the virgin goddess Athena.

      1 h 30 min

    • The Propylaea is the monumental entrances to the sacred area dedicated to Athena, the patron goddess of the city. Built by the architect Mnesicles with Pentelic marble, their design was avant-garde. To the south-west of the Propylaea, on a rampart protecting the main entrance to the Acropolis, is the Ionian temple of Apteros Nike.

      Pass by, no stop

    • Parthenon, the main temple dedicated to the virgin goddess Athena, the eternal symbol of the Athenian democracy and the western civilization.

      Pass by, no stop

    • Temple of Poseidon and Athena, the most sacred place in ancient Athens.

      Pass by, no stop

    • Temple dedicated to the goddess Athena Nike or Wingless Victory.

      Pass by, no stop

    • Ancient Greek Agora which is considered the birthplace of democracy, philosophy and free speech.

      50 min

    • In the ancient Greek Agora, you will visit the Temple of Hephaestus (the best-preserved temple in Greece standing largely as built) devoted to the God of blacksmiths and volcanoes.

      10 min

    • Ancient Greek Agora which is considered the birthplace of democracy, philosophy and free speech, in its small museum you will see findings from their daily life and learn about their constitution.

      10 min

    • Kerameikos was named after the community of the potters (kerameis) who occupied the whole area along the banks of the river Eridanos. The walls of Athens, which were constructed in the 5th century BC by Themistocles, divided the area into two sections, the "inner" and "outer" Kerameikos. The wall had two monumental gates, Dipylon and the Sacred Gate, placed at the outset of the two most important processional roads of Athens, the Panathenaic Way which led to the Acropolis, and the Sacred Way which led to Eleusis.

      Nearby is the Dipylon gate which was the main entrance to the city, where the Panathenaic procession began and where the prostitutes congregated so they could make themselves available to weary travelers.

      Between the two gates is the Pompeion, where the preparations were made for the Panathenaic procession which was in honor of Athena.

      1 h

    • Iera Odos was the most importan Sacred Way in ancient Greece. It began at the Sacred Gate in the Kerameikos and led from Athens to Eleusis following the same course as modern Iera Odos. The street and adjacent cemetery were revealed during excavations for the extension of Line 3 of the Athens Metro.

      Pass by, no stop

    • Visit the archaeological site of Eleusis with the Great Propylaea, the Sacred Well, the Telesterion, Demeter’s Temple, the entrance to the Underworld and the little church. The mycenean cult of Demeter was introduced, as the worship of a deity connected to nature and the growing of cereals. The continuity of Demeter's cult is attested until Roman times, by the erection of successive temples on the east side of the hill. Here were celebrated the famous Eleusinian Mysteries in which the participants swore to secrecy. While in the Museum are exhibited findings from the area, most important the huge statue of Kore, a female featured statue that decorated the Propylaea.

      1 h

    • We will drive back to Athens, following the same, sacred way like the ancient mystics.

      Pass by, no stop

    Meeting point

    Pickup: Pick up time adjustable upon your request.

    Important information

    • Wheelchair accessible
    • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
    • Specialized infant seats are available
    • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
    • The drivers are not licensed to accompany you inside any site or museum. If you require a licensed guide to tour the sites with you, you need to hire one additionally. If you have any questions you can contact us on the phone number provided by Viator.
    • The duration of the tours is approximate, the exact duration will depend on the time of day and traffic conditions

    Cancellation policy

    For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.