Athens Holidays from €262pp

The cradle of European civilisation, Athens has been part of our history for almost 3,500 years. Even the Romans looked to Athens for inspiration in art, philosophy, and government. Today, to journey through the city is to visit a vast open-air museum. Everywhere you look, History is speaking to you.

No trip to Athens is complete without seeing the Acropolis, the high citadel overlooking the city. Here you'll find the Parthenon Temple dedicated to the goddess Athena after whom the city was named. Below that is the Agora, in classical times the city's meeting place, marketplace, and stock market. Today it is a green space of great beauty and serenity with the Temple of Hephaestus at its centre.

Plaka is the oldest inhabited part of Athens. Much more laid back than the rest of the city, its cobbled streets and relaxed atmosphere give it an almost island feel. A plethora (Greek word) of craft shops, galleries, stalls, restaurants, and cafes means that a trip to Plaka could easily and happily take up several hours of your day.