We landed in Athens on Tuesday, April 29, flying in from Heraklion and stepping into the final leg of our Greek adventure. A driver—arranged through Fresh Hotel, a sleek Marriott property—met us at the airport and whisked us into the city. The hotel was perfectly located within walking distance of Athens’ historic center, and the rooftop bar? Let’s just say sipping wine under the Acropolis lit up at night felt like the closing scene of a movie I didn’t want to end.
With three nights in Athens, we hit the ground running. After lunch near the hotel, we began our DIY walking tour, compiled from local recommendations and mapped by ChatGPT. (Yes, seriously—tech meets travel for the win.)
Athens in an Afternoon: A Self-Guided Walking Tour
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Monastiraki Square – The city’s vibrant heart, full of street vendors, ancient ruins peeking out between buildings, and the hum of modern life.
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Ancient Agora & Temple of Hephaestus – Once the epicenter of public life, and home to one of the most preserved temples in Greece.
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Plaka Neighborhood – Winding streets, cafes, and iced coffee. This is Athens’ oldest—and most charming—neighborhood.
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The Acropolis – We climbed to see the Parthenon, Erechtheion, and panoramic views of the city. As a Nashvillian, seeing the original after growing up with the replica was surreal.
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The Acropolis Museum – A must-visit for understanding the context and artistry of what you just walked through.
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Temple of Olympian Zeus – Towering columns and the scale of ambition that marked ancient Greece.
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Royal Gardens + Changing of the Guards – A peaceful interlude before the ceremonial grandeur of Syntagma Square.
We did all of this in an afternoon. Yes, my feet hated me, but my heart was full. My mythology knowledge (shoutout to Athena, Theseus, and Phaedra) gave the ruins even more resonance. After witnessing the changing of the guards, we grabbed dinner and collapsed in our hotel, ready for the next day’s big excursion.
Day Trip to Delphi, Thermopylae & Corycian Cave
William and I booked a group tour (our only one all trip!) that took us deep into mainland Greece. Word to the wise: be on time. Our driver was not impressed when we came out five minutes late.
Our first stop was the village of Arachova, a mountain town that looked like it belonged on a postcard. I wish we had more time there—just a short stroll left me wanting more.
Then came Delphi. This was a highlight for me. With mythology fresh in my mind, standing on the Sacred Way leading to the Temple of Apollo, where the Oracle of Delphi once spoke to kings and conquerors, had me in awe. We saw the Castalia Spring, the ancient theater, and the stadium where the Pythian Games were once held—second in prestige only to the Olympics. These games, held every four years in honor of Apollo, included athletic competitions and artistic performances.
After a quick visit to the Delphi Museum, we had lunch at To Patriko Mas, perched above the Gulf of Corinth, with Mount Parnassus looming in the background. The view was almost as good as the meal.
Next stop: the Corycian Cave, a spot linked to Dionysus and his maenads. The cave is steeped in mythology and mysticism, and let’s just say… the stories that could come from there are spicy. The bumpy road was a wild ride, but worth it for the eerie atmosphere and incredible views. I half-expected Claire from Outlander to pop out and time travel.
Our final stop was Thermopylae, site of the legendary stand of King Leonidas and the 300 Spartans. There’s not much to see—just a monument and an open field—but the weight of history is still present. Nearby was a sulfuric hot spring, with a strong enough scent to remind me of Yellowstone’s geysers.
Back at the hotel, we capped the night with wine and dinner on the Fresh Hotel rooftop, watching the Acropolis glow one last time.
May Day in the City
Our last full day in Athens, May 1, was May Day, a national holiday. Most historical sites were closed, but the streets were still alive. We walked past the Panathenaic Stadium, the only stadium in the world built entirely from white marble (also called the Kallimarmaro). It was restored in 1896 for the first modern Olympic Games and is still used today.
We spent most of the day wandering the Plaka neighborhood, shopping for souvenirs—soccer jerseys for our boys were a major win.
My friend Jocelyn and I slipped away for a wine tasting at Brettos Bar, a colorful Athenian institution lined with glowing bottles of every hue. The guys joined us afterward for an olive oil tasting, which was equally fun and surprisingly flavorful. These experiences came highly recommended by a friend with deep ties to Athens, and I’m so grateful we listened.
Our final meal was at Thes, where I devoured lamb that melted in my mouth and toasted to one hell of a trip.
Read more adventures from Greece:
- A Greek Getaway | 12 Days of History, Mythology & Island Magic
- Postcards from Paros: Stone Streets, Mythical Ruins & Sunset Donuts
- Santorini: Sunsets, Scarves & the Hike of a Lifetime
- Crete: Lobster Pasta, Labyrinths & Olive Wood Gifts