Unveiling Athens: A Journey Through Ancient Ruins, Lively Markets, and Unforgettable Experiences

October 2023

As a GCSE Classics student, I’ve always been fascinated by Ancient Greece. So, when my mum surprised me with a trip to Athens, I was over the moon! We spent a week exploring the city’s ancient ruins, museums, and lively markets. It was an incredible experience that I’ll never forget.

After our journey from London, we arrived in Athens feeling tired but excited. We dropped our bags at our hotel and headed straight to Monastiraki Square, a bustling hub of activity in the heart of the city. We wandered through the maze of stalls selling everything from souvenirs to jewellery to traditional Greek food.

Next, we made our way to the Parliament building to watch the changing of the guard ceremony. This hourly spectacle is a must-see for any visitor to Athens. The guards, dressed in their traditional uniforms, march with perfect precision, their movements synchronized like clockwork.

On Tuesday, we embarked on a day trip to the ancient site of Delphi, a UNESCO World Heritage Site located in the mountain’s northwest of Athens. Delphi was considered the centre of the world by the ancient Greeks, and it’s easy to see why. The site is home to the ruins of temples, theatres, and other important structures.

After Delphi, we visited the picturesque town of Arachova, nestled in the foothills of Mount Parnassus. We strolled through the cobblestone streets, admiring the whitewashed houses and breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside.

Back in Athens, we explored the flea market at Monastiraki Square, where you can find everything from antiques to vintage clothing to handmade crafts.

On Wednesday, we visited the Acropolis, the most iconic landmark in Athens. The Acropolis, a rocky hilltop plateau, is home to the Parthenon, the Temple of Athena, and other ancient monuments. The views from the top are simply stunning.

Next, we visited the Roman Agora a vast square surrounded by colonnades. The Roman Agora was the commercial and political centre of ancient Athens.

Finally, we explored the Ancient Agora, the former heart of Athens. We saw the Temple of Hephaestus, one of the best-preserved temples in Athens, and wandered through the ruins of other important buildings.

On Thursday, we spent the morning at the National Archaeological Museum, home to an incredible collection of artifacts from ancient Greece. We saw the Death Mask of Agamemnon, a gold mask that was believed to be Agamemnon, an old mythical ruler of Mycenae, and something I had studied.  After the Mycenaean exhibit we visited the statue of Hercules and many other fascinating pieces.

In the afternoon, we took a coach trip to the Temple of Poseidon, perched on a cliff overlooking the Aegean Sea. We arrived just before sunset, and the view was absolutely magical.

On Friday, we ventured to Mycenae, an ancient city located in the Peloponnese region of Greece. On the way there we stopped at the Corinth Canal, a man-made canal that separates the Peloponnese from the mainland. The canal is very narrow and deep, and the water is a striking shade of blue.

At Mycenae we saw the Cyclopean walls, the Lion Gate, and the Treasury of Atreus, a beehive-shaped tomb.

We also had lunch in Nafplio, a charming seaside town with a rich history. We enjoyed a delicious meal of fresh seafood and strolled along the harbour.

The last place we stopped at was Epidaurus, a sanctuary dedicated to Asklepios, the god of healing. We saw the Theatre of Epidaurus, the most famous part of the sanctuary, a well-preserved ancient theatre with incredible acoustics.  We were impressed at how well preserved it was.

We had an amazing week in Athens. I am determined to visit Greece again someday and explore it further I am once again incredibly grateful to Tutors International. Not just for their ongoing support in sponsoring me through school, but for also generously contributing to my trip by paying for the longer excursions out of Athens, which helped make our visit so valuable and memorable. Thank you!