Athens is not only the Acropolis, there are also many destinations around that you can visit in half a day or day trips.

Find some of the best, grouped as:

• Half day trips
• Full day trips     
• Cruising / Yachting

Half day trips (4-6 hours)

2. Marathon and Marathon lake

Also a great half day trip!  You may visit the Marathon, the place of one of the most important battles of the ancient world, where the Athenians defeated the Persians thus saving their newly born democracy. You can visit the Tomb (tumulus) where Athenians buried their dead after the battle, the Marathon Archeological Museum, the nearby beach and the Marathon Run Museum, near the start of the Authentic Marathon Race (held annually on November). Last but not least, you may visit the Dam for a coffee with a beautiful view!

You may also contact us for a tailor made tour. It can be combined with a visit to the Dragon houses of Evia (see below) or a visit to the Amfiaraeion archeological site, one of the most beatiful in Attica.

Viator: https://www.viator.com/searchResults/all?text=Marathon

Resources: 

https://www.britannica.com/event/Battle-of-Marathon

https://www.thisisathens.org/activities/sports-outdoors/athens-marathon-guide

 https://www.athensauthenticmarathon.gr/site/index.php/en/

3. Marathon, Marathon lake and Dragon houses

This is the above trip plus the Dragon houses of Styra, in Evia island. After Marathon, we take the ferry across (40 minutes) and we drive up to these strange ancients structures known as the "Houses of the Dragons". These buildings are ancient and are still a mystery to archeologists. The bigger and most impressive ones are on top of mountain Ochi, but it takes a 2,5-3 hours hiking (difficult terrain) so we will see the three houses that are within easy reach near Styra. There are also some great tavernas near! We make tailor made tours, contact us if interested!

Resources:

https://www.greece-is.com/news/scientists-investigate-ancient-riddle-evias-dragon-houses/

https://www.esag.swiss/regional-studies-surveys/drakospita/

4. Loutraki, Heraion, Vouliagmeni and Ancient Corinth

How about visiting a seaside town with famous thermal spa, an ancient temple, the "rectangular lake" and an ancient city, in half a day?

Loutraki, to start with, is a seaside town, famous since antiquity for its thermal waters that Spartans, often visited, after their battles. Sylla, the Roman Emperor, was also a frequent visitor. Not far, from there (10 min. drive) is the Heraion Temple, a well preserved archeological site, dedicated to Godess Hera, next to the sea. Another 10 min. drive will take you to the weird shaped (rectangular) Vouliagmeni lake, which is not a lake as it is connected to the sea through a narrow passage, and offers an amazing view. Last but not least, you pass the Isthmus (Canal) and find yourself in Ancient Corinth, the place that played an important role to Apostle Paul's history. If interested, contact us!

Resources:
https://www.visitloutraki.com/en

https://www.loutrakispa.gr/en

https://www.britannica.com/place/Corinth-Greece

Full day trips (7-10 hours)

5. Mycenes, Nafplion and Epidavros

"Agamemnon's face!", shouted Heinrich Schliemann, an amateur archeologist, who discovered Troy and Mycenes (not bad for an amateur!), when he found the famous golden mask, exhibited now in the National Archeological Museum in Athens. In case you were absent from history class that day, Agamemnon was the leader of the Greek army that destroyed Troy (along with the notorious gang of Achilles, Ulysses, Ajax and the other vigilante!).

You may feel his excitement when you face the "Gate of Lions" at the ancient city entrance as the place gives chills to anyone and perhaps even more , when you visit the tomb (Treasure of Atreas)!  Afterwards, you can head to Nafplion, a charming city by the sea that was the capital of Greece, for a short while, stroll in its streets, marvel the view from the castle and walk down the 990 (or so, i lost counting) steps (better not do it vice-versa!).

Last is the Epidavros ancient healing complex of Asclepios, the best and more luxurious "hospital" of that era! There is also the Epidavros Theater still in excellent shape and famous for its acoustics. Every summer many performances of ancient tragedies and directors from all the world are proud to participate.You will find dozens of suggestions in Viator, but you can also ask us for a tailor made trip, as we give some surprises!

Viator: https://www.viator.com/Peloponnese-attractions/Ancient-Mycenae/d4135-a22346

Resources: 

https://www.visitgreece.gr/experiences/culture/archaeological-sites-and-monuments/archaeological-site-of-mycenae/

https://www.visitgreece.gr/mainland/peloponnese/nafplio/

https://www.discovergreece.com/experiences/ancient-epidaurus-original-deluxe-healing-centre

6. Ancient Olympia

Ancient Olympia, the birthplace of modern Olympic Games, is another fascinating day trip from Athens. On the west side of Peloponnese, 330 km from Athens. The experience of running in its stadium, no matter if you are an athlete or not, is unforgettable when you know that the first athletes run there in 776 B.C.! A World Heritage site, located in a beautiful valley, the Olympia complex carries a special aura, while you should not miss a visit in the Museum to see the Hermes of Praxiteles statue, considered as the quintessential model of male beauty!

You will find dozens of tours in Viator, while ours (always tailor made) include some more surprises! Contact us if interested.

Viator: https://www.viator.com/searchResults/all?text=Ancient%20Olympia&destId=4135

Resources: 

https://www.visitgreece.gr/mainland/peloponnese/olympia/

https://www.discovergreece.com/western-greece/ancient-olympia

https://www.ioa.org.gr/the-academy/ancient-olympia

7. Delphi

This trip is like a pilgrimage! Even though Pythia (the prophet) is not available any more (she was fired, along with all priests, from Byzantine emperor Theodosios A' on 395 A.D.) you come to this place to wonder about yourself and your destiny in the world, in the place that declared Socrates as the wisest of all!  Do not ommit to visit the Museum and see the charioteer's eyes.  May the force be with you!

You will find lots of trips in Viator. As usually we offer tailor made trips, with some additions!

Viator: https://www.viator.com/searchResults/all?text=Delphi%20tours%20from%20athens

Resources:

https://www.history.com/topics/ancient-greece/delphi

https://whc.unesco.org/en/list/393/

https://www.visitgreece.gr/experiences/culture/archaeological-sites-and-monuments/archaeological-site-of-delphi/

8. Meteora

The wonder of nature, the marvel of men! This is truly a once in a lifetime sight! These monoliths that seem to have fallen from heaven would be spectacular on their own, however human spirit has created yet another miracle. Since the 11th century A.D. monks that wanted to be closer to God created many monasteries on top of the rocks and they offer a spectacular sight! If you can spare a full day outside Athens, don't think twice, just go there! 

By train is an easy (and the cheapest) way.

Viator: https://www.viator.com/searchResults/all?text=Meteora%20from%20athens

Resources:

https://www.visitgreece.gr/experiences/religious-tourism/monasteries/meteora-monasteries/

https://www.discovergreece.com/thessaly-sporades/meteora

https://www.britannica.com/topic/Meteora

https://meteoraphototour.com/monasteries-of-meteora/

9.  The big battles of ancient Greece

This is a thematic day tour dedicated in two of the most important battles against the Persians, the first in Marathon being a great victory and the second in Thermopylae (300 Spartans) being one of the most famous defeats in military history! Marathon created a legend for the Athenians who won a greatly superior army but this was only the beggining of the Persian wars, the next act, in Thermopylae, was a lot more dramatic.

The Hollywood film (300) was a lousy distortion of the truth (there were around 5.000 Greeks, who fought untill they were about to be encircled. Leonidas asked the other Greeks to leave the battle field, to fight again another day. He and his 300 would stay to cover their retreat and die gloriously. The example of their noble sacrifice hardened the will of all Greeks who won the following battles and saved Greece and newborn democracy. There's a great book about it, the "Gates of Fire" by Steven Peterson, if you read it, you will enroll for this tour!  Just contact us.

Resources: 

https://www.history.com/topics/ancient-greece/battle-of-marathon

https://www.thecollector.com/battle-of-thermopylae/

https://www.amazon.com/Gates-Fire-Novel-Battle-Thermopylae/dp/0553580531

Cruising / Yachting

10. Nearby islands in a day cruise

First things first, make sure to have sunscreen with you!  There are some lovely islands near Athens (named Saronic islands) and you can visit some of them with a day cruise. Alternatively you may go to one island only so that you have more time to spend in the destination of your choice. Aegina, Hydra, Poros and Spetses are the most popular, with different reasons for each one. We would not suggest Myconos because it's far and (especially in summertime) it is overpriced.

There are many cruises that you can choose from, so read on first:

Aegina

Aegina is an island that provides the best pistachios!  Well, there are more reasons to visit, apart from culinary quests, as it encompasses a traditional and cosy environment that includes some nice beaches, like Agia Marina, Perdika and Moni, an exquisite ancient temple (Afea), the impressive monastery of Agios Nektarios and a capital city that somehow keeps its serene atmosphere, despite the hordes of visitors!

https://www.visitgreece.gr/islands/saronic-islands/aegina/

https://www.discovergreece.com/attica/aegina

https://www.thisisathens.org/excursions-day-trips/things-to-do-aegina-greece

TripAdvisor: https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attractions-g189492-Activities-Aegina_Saronic_Gulf_Islands_Attica.html

Hydra:

There are no cars and motorcycles on this island (except the municipal ones) and you come to appreciate the sound of silence (not in the peak season, of course) and the picturesque place. Since Sophia Loren loved this place, during filming a movie here, Hydra became an attraction to many artists over the years, visiting it repeatedly or having a house here.

https://www.visitgreece.gr/islands/saronic-islands/hydra/

https://www.discovergreece.com/attica/hydra

https://www.thisisathens.org/excursions-day-trips/things-to-do-hydra-weekend

TripAdvisor: https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attractions-g189493-Activities-Hydra_Saronic_Gulf_Islands_Attica.html

Poros

The greenest of all Saronic islands, this charming island offers a glimpse to the past. Swimming in the beach of the Russian Naval Station, of the 19th century, gives you a weird feeling as if you will see at any moment, wooden ships with old canons, coming to dock here.

https://www.visitgreece.gr/islands/saronic-islands/poros/ves

https://www.discovergreece.com/attica/poros

https://www.thisisathens.org/excursions-day-trips/things-to-do-poros-weekend

TripAdvisor: https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attractions-g189494-Activities-Poros_Saronic_Gulf_Islands_Attica.html

Spetses

A historic island as it offered lots in the Greek Independence War, this cosmopolitan place boasts the most famous hotel (Poseidonion) among Saronic islands, a jewel of the past. On the second week of September there's the Armata festival where they explode a wooden ship in tribute of their contribution in the naval battles of 1821-1827.

https://www.visitgreece.gr/islands/saronic-islands/spetses/

https://www.discovergreece.com/attica/spetses

https://www.thisisathens.org/excursions-day-trips/things-to-do-spetses-weekend

TripAdvisor: https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attractions-g189496-Activities-Spetses_Saronic_Gulf_Islands_Attica.html

11. Yachting out of Athens

There are quite many marinas in the Athens riviera, where you can either rent a yacht (if you can afford it!) or enroll in one of the scheduled yacht tours that go to nearby islands, or even around the Athenian Riviera. It's pretty much like the above cruises, however you will be fewer people on board and the costs are much more reasonable then renting a yacht (still not cheap, though). 

Check options and schedules in Viator: https://www.viator.com/searchResults/all?text=Athens%20Yachting%20tours

You want more suggestions???

If you wish any further information and/or clarification, just contact us:  https://www.athensclassictour.com/contact