Historical Centre Bike Ride

Athens: Bike Tour of Athens Historical Centre

★ 4.9 97 reviews

from $45 per person

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Duration: 3 hours
Meeting point: Tzireon 12
Cancellation: Free cancellation
Run by: Active Athens Holidays

Overview

This three-hour ride keeps almost entirely to the pedestrian zone around the Acropolis, where cars are not allowed, so the cycling stays calm even though the route covers a lot of ground. The group is capped at 12 riders and moves at a relaxed pace, with frequent photo stops at the main monuments of the historical centre. Bikes, helmets and a water bottle are provided, and riders need to be at least 1.55 m (5'1") tall for the equipment to fit.

The route threads together the National Garden, the Presidential Palace, the Panathenaic Stadium, Zappeion and Dionysiou Areopagitou before swinging past the Acropolis slopes to Kerameikos, the Ancient Agora and the Roman Forum. It then narrows into Plaka and Anafiotika, calling at the Metropolitan Cathedral, Little Mitropolis and the Benizelos Mansion along the way. Midway there is a reserved table at a local café for coffee or tea with a chocolate waffle, with the Acropolis in view.

Many reviewers suggest this tour as a first-day orientation, since a guide leads the whole loop and points out the main sites along the way.

From$45 per person

Duration3 hours

Rating4.9 from 97 reviews

What's Included

Included

Bike & helmet
Coffee and/or Tea
Bottled water
All Fees and Taxes
An English speaking, certified facilitator
Third Party Liability Cover

Not Included

Entrance fees to sites, monuments & museums
e-Bike upgrade

Run byActive Athens Holidays

Itinerary

Meet at Tzireon 12The tour starts near the National Garden at Tzireon 12, Athina 117 42. There is no hotel pickup; riders make their own way to this meeting point.
Garden and palaceThe ride sets off through the National Garden and past the Presidential Palace. Some groups catch the changing of the guards here, as one reviewer described.
Stadium and Acropolis streetsContinuing past the Panathenaic Stadium and Zappeion, the group rides Dionysiou Areopagitou along the Acropolis before heading to Kerameikos.
Café breakA reserved table at a local café is held for the group. Coffee or tea and a chocolate waffle are included, with Acropolis views.
Ancient sites loopThe route then takes in the Ancient Agora, the Roman Forum, the Metropolitan Cathedral, Little Mitropolis Church and the Benizelos Mansion.
Plaka and AnafiotikaThe final stretch winds through Plaka and Anafiotika on narrow paths, with stops for photos.
ReturnThe ride finishes back near the starting point after roughly three hours in total.

BikeIncluded

HelmetIncluded

GuideIncluded

What To Expect From The Tour

A few practical points will help you decide whether this ride fits your trip and your legs.

What to wear. The listing asks for comfortable clothes.
Fitness and pace. The listing describes a relaxed pace on quiet streets, and the route is rated easy going by guests.
First-day tour. Multiple reviewers used this as their opening activity in Athens, saying it gave an immediate impression of the city plus tips for the rest of their stay. It suits anyone who wants the layout of the centre explained early.
Food and drink. A coffee or tea and a chocolate waffle at a café with Acropolis views are included, at a reserved table.
Group feel. Groups run to a maximum of 12 riders, and the guides keep everyone together and safe, as one reviewer put it. Reviewers repeatedly praise the guides as knowledgeable and friendly.
Photo stops. The tour makes many stops for photos at the must-see locations, per the listing. The pedestrian streets around the Acropolis make this easy, so keep a phone or camera reachable rather than buried in a bag.

From$45 per person

Rating4.9 from 97 reviews

Ready To RideCheck Price & Availability →

Common issues. Riders under 1.55 m (5'1") cannot use the bikes as equipped. There is no hotel pickup and no transportation included, so travellers must reach the meeting point at Tzireon 12 on their own. One reviewer rode in 38-degree heat and still found it manageable thanks to shady stops, but summer heat is a real consideration for a three-hour outdoor ride. Alcohol and drugs are not allowed on the tour.

Common Questions

What Is Included In The Price?

The tour includes a bike, helmet and water bottle, plus a coffee or tea and a chocolate waffle at a café stop with Acropolis views, at a reserved table. A certified guide accompanies the group for the full three hours. An e-bike upgrade is available as an optional extra that is not included.

Is Hotel Pickup Included?

No. There is no pickup or transportation included. The meeting point is Tzireon 12, Athina 117 42, near the National Garden, and riders make their own way there.

How Long Is The Tour And How Far Does It Go?

The tour lasts three hours and loops through the pedestrian historical centre around the Acropolis, where no cars are allowed. It covers the National Garden, Panathenaic Stadium, Zappeion, Kerameikos, the Ancient Agora, the Roman Forum and Plaka, among other sites.

Is The Ride Suitable For Children Or Casual Cyclists?

The pace is relaxed and the streets are quiet, and reviewers found the route fairly easy. However, the bikes fit riders from 1.55 m (5'1") tall upward, so smaller children are excluded.

Can I Cancel If My Plans Change?

Yes. The listing allows cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

What Should I Bring?

Comfortable clothes are the only item the listing specifies. The operator provides a water bottle for each rider.