Private Electric Bike, 3 Hours

Overview

Three hours on an electric bike, with the whole vehicle reserved for your group alone, is the shape of this tour. Athens by bike supplies the e-bike and a helmet, plus an English-speaking leader who rides with you from stop to stop. Because it is private, the pace belongs to your party rather than a larger crowd.

The route strings together most of the classical centre: the Acropolis exterior, the Parthenon seen from below, the Ancient and Roman Agoras, the Temple of Olympian Zeus passed by, the Panathenaic Stadium and the Arch of Hadrian. Stops are short, often around five or ten minutes each, and the tour does not enter any archaeological site. Instead it is built around reading the city's layout, taking photos and enjoying the ride, with a stop at the National Observatory of Athens, where one reviewer described a stunning view of the Acropolis.

It suits able cyclists of all fitness levels, according to the listing. It is not a history lecture on wheels, though. Travellers who want a relaxed orientation to Athens, with a guide pointing out what matters and where things sit relative to each other, tend to get the most from it. The meeting point is the Athens by Bike shop on Athanasiou Diakou, a short walk from the Acropolis metro station, and the ride finishes back there.

Itinerary

1. Meet at the bike shopStart at Athens by Bike, Athanasiou Diakou 16, about 60m from the Acropolis metro station. Allow 5 minutes here to collect the electric bike and helmet.
2. Acropolis area and museumRide past the Acropolis Museum and the Herod Atticus Odeon, a 5-minute pass-by with no entry to the museum.
3. National Observatory hillA 10-minute free stop at the National Observatory of Athens, which one reviewer praised for its view of the Acropolis.
4. Acropolis, Parthenon and ThissioRide past the Acropolis and the Parthenon, also passing the Pnyx, then roll through Thissio. These are exterior views only, about 10, 10 and 5 minutes, with no site entry.
5. Ancient sites stretchContinue past the Temple of Ares, Kerameikos Cemetery, the Roman Agora and the Ancient Agora, with Adrianou Street and the Tower of the Winds passed by. Roughly 5 minutes at each, entry not included.
6. Cathedral and Presidential MansionStop for 10 minutes at the Metropolitan Cathedral of Athens, then pass the Presidential Mansion. Entry is not included at either stop.
7. Plaka and ZappeionTen minutes in Plaka, then pass the Zappeion and the Temple of Olympian Zeus. Expect pedestrian crowds in Plaka, as one reviewer noted.
8. Hadrian's Arch and stadiumFinish the sightseeing at the Arch of Hadrian, free to view, and the Panathenaic Stadium, seen from outside over 10 minutes.
9. Return to the shopThe ride ends back at the meeting point on Athanasiou Diakou.

Common Questions