ADAGIO LEARN & GO

ATHENS

A 4-Day Greek Getaway

Early September • Herodion Hotel

A carefully planned introduction to Athens, combining ancient history, local neighbourhoods, Greek food and a relaxing day on the island of Aegina.

WELCOME TO ATHENS

YOUR BASE — HERODION HOTELThe hotel’s location is particularly convenient for the Acropolis, Acropolis Museum, Plaka, Makrygianni and Koukaki, allowing much of the itinerary to be explored on foot.

This itinerary is designed to give you time to experience Athens rather than simply tick off attractions. Early starts are used for the major outdoor sights, followed by a proper afternoon break and relaxed evenings.

TRIP STYLE

History & culture • Greek food • Walking • Local neighborhoods • Island escape • Relaxed evenings

DAY 1

ARRIVAL • KOUKAKI • PLAKA

Afternoon                      Arrive in Athens and transfer to the Herodion Hotel. Check in, unpack and relax.

Late afternoon              Take an easy orientation walk around Dionysiou Areopagitou, the Acropolis Museum area, Makrygianni and Koukaki.

Early evening                Continue into Plaka to explore its narrow streets, traditional houses, small shops and cafés.

Dinner                            Suggested options: Arcadia Restaurant, Liondi Traditional Greek Restaurant or O Lolos.

Evening                          Enjoy your first view of the Acropolis illuminated at night.

DAY 2

ACROPOLIS • PLAKA • ACROPOLIS MUSEUM

07:15                               Breakfast at the hotel.

08:00                               Walk to the meeting point for your pre-booked Acropolis walking tour.

08:30–11:00                    Guided tour including the Theatre of Dionysus, Propylaea, Temple of Athena Nike, Parthenon, Erechtheion, Caryatids and panoramic views.

11:00–12:30                    Walk through Anafiotika and Plaka. Time for photographs, coffee and browsing.

12:30–13:30                    Relaxed Greek lunch in Plaka.

13:30–15:30                    Visit the Acropolis Museum, focusing on the Caryatids, Archaic sculptures, Parthenon sculptures and Parthenon Gallery.

15:30–18:30                    Return to the Herodion for a proper afternoon rest and refresh.

19:30–20:00                    Dinner around Makrygianni/Koukaki. Suggested options: Arcadia, Liondi, Mani Mani or O Lolos.

After dinner                   Walk along Dionysiou Areopagitou beneath the illuminated Acropolis.

DAY 3

AEGINA ISLAND ESCAPE

07:00                               Breakfast at the hotel.

07:30                               Taxi from the Herodion to Piraeus. Ask the hotel to arrange this the evening before. Morning      Morning ferry or high-speed service to Aegina. Book preferred services in advance. 09:30–10:00        Explore Aegina Town: waterfront, Agios Nikolaos, main square, traditional shops

and cafés.

11:00                               Travel to the Temple of Aphaia.

11:30–12:30                    Explore the temple and enjoy views across the Saronic Gulf.

13:00–14:30                    Lunch by the sea in Agia Marina. Try fresh fish, grilled octopus, calamari or seafood mezedes.

14:30–16:00                    Relax in Agia Marina: swim, enjoy the beach, have coffee or ice cream.

16:00–17:30                    Return to Aegina Town for a final coffee and time to browse local products, including pistachio specialties.

Evening                          Ferry to Piraeus, taxi to the Herodion and a relaxed final dinner nearby.

DAY 4

DEPARTURE

Morning                         Breakfast according to your flight time.

Check-out                      Allow plenty of time for the journey to Athens International Airport.

Transfer                         The Herodion can assist with a taxi or private airport transfer.

Homeward bound        Return home with memories of Athens, the Acropolis and Aegina.

A TASTE OF GREECE

Greek cuisine is ideal for sharing several dishes rather than ordering one large main course each.

Souvlaki                                Grilled pork or chicken served on skewers or in pita.

Loukoumades                       Small fried dough balls served with honey and cinnamon.

PRACTICAL TRAVEL ADVICE

Footwear: Wear sturdy, comfortable walking shoes or trainers with good grip. Avoid flip-flops and smooth-soled shoes on ancient stone surfaces.

Sun protection: Take a hat or cap, high-factor sun cream and sunglasses. There is limited shade on the Acropolis, even in early September.

Water: Carry water and drink regularly throughout the day.

Clothing: Choose light, breathable clothing for daytime sightseeing.

Eating: Dinner around 19:30–20:30 works well and allows you to enjoy cooler evenings.

Money: Cards are widely accepted, but carry a small amount of cash for cafés, kiosks and small purchases.

Valuables: Take normal precautions in busy tourist areas, especially around Monastiraki and crowded metro stations.

Phone: Keep Google Maps, hotel details, tour information and ferry tickets readily accessible.

BOOKING CHECKLIST

• Acropolis guided walking tour + timed entrance
• Acropolis Museum visit/check opening times
• Aegina morning and return ferry
• Restaurant reservations where appropriate
• Piraeus and airport transfers if desired

Arrival & Athens ® Acropolis & Museum ® Aegina Island ® Home

YOUR JOURNEY IN ONE LINE

ADAGIO LEARN & GO

Personally planned travel • Tailor-made experiences • Thoughtful itineraries

There are flights almost every afternoon from Bologna airport to Athens.

The hotel can organize a car to pick you up from the airport and take you back.

This is recommended as the distance from the airport is about 40 mins by car.

Use Uber taxis, they are faster and safer than buses and metro which are difficult to follow.

There are other hotels around the same area with the same star rating.

     For souvenirs

The best area is Monastiraki flea market