Alternative Athens Private tours and a night at the opera

Beyond the columns of the Parthenon and the Olympic Stadium, modern Athens is also worth discovering. Five days in Athens allows you to break free from the usual itineraries - it's not about avoiding the highlights, but about experiencing the city in a different way. Behind the ancient monuments, you find a modern, lively city that is constantly reinventing itself despite the difficulties. As you wander through the different neighbourhoods, from the chic boutiques of Syntagma to the cafes of Plaka, the streets become a theatre of happy living. And today's Greeks are the worthy heirs of those who came before them. To better understand the soul of the city, stay in one of its liveliest neighbourhoods: Metaxourgeio. Although often overlooked by tourists who prefer the more popular Psiri or Monastiraki, it is now the epicentre of Athens' trendy scene. Originally a working-class neighbourhood, it takes its name from a former silk factory that once thrived there. Gradually abandoned in the 1970s, it slowly fell into oblivion and decay. The 2004 Olympic Games brought its outdated streets back to life, driven by artists and those nostalgic for an authentic Athens. Today, Metaxourgeio buzzes with street art, lively cafes and bars tucked away in courtyards, restaurants housed in majestic neoclassical buildings, live music, popular theatres, and so on. It is in this vibrant neighbourhood that your hideaway is nestled. Combining tradition, elegance and well-being with finesse, it opens like a window onto the Greek way of life. The Cycladic-patterned tiles and exposed stone walls in your room transport you to an authentic world, evoking the charm of both the Greek islands and the Peloponnese. Carefully managed by a family, the welcome here is most attentive. As for breakfast, it is truly Greek and will delight your taste buds with its exquisite flavours. What better way to start the day than by exploring the streets of the Greek capital?

Add it to your itinerary

There are several highlights throughout the trip - then it's up to you to tailor the itinerary to suit your tastes. First, an alternative tour of Athens, focusing on architecture, history and the blend of eras. Stroll through streets where past and present meet, see monuments from the 19th-century industrial revolution and royal palaces, wander through colourful markets, and pass between pockets of greenery and graffiti-covered walls. The capital reveals a special colour and undeniable charm. Of course, fast-track tickets for the Acropolis are provided. While this trip celebrates the unexpected and encourages you to step off the beaten track, the ancient citadel perched at the top of Athens remains essential. In addition to the famous Parthenon dedicated to Athena, you can admire the Theatre of Dionysus, the Odeon of Herodes Atticus, the Stoa of Eumenes, the Propylaea, the Temple of Athena Nike and the Erechtheion. And to truly grasp the essence of Athens, there is nothing better than exploring with an Athenian, a local who knows the city like the back of their hand. You can wander the streets, share your favourite places and secret spots, letting the itinerary unfold according to your conversations and desires. Also included are tickets to a performance by the National Opera at the Stavros Niarchos Hall. Designed by master architect Renzo Piano and equipped with the latest acoustic technology, this is one of the most modern opera houses in the world. The glass and concrete building features a large Mediterranean garden, a breath of fresh air in the city, and a terrace offering a 360-degree view. The new auditorium is an architectural gem. Its walls are adorned with red wood, a nod to traditional theatres. Its multi-storey configuration allows for scene changes and means the most demanding operas and large-scale international productions can be performed there. Finally, if you have any questions or encounter any issues during your stay, you can rely on our on-site Concierge to help you. They work with your travel specialist and can also adjust, enhance or extend your trip while it is in progress.