A unique city tour to experience the Jewish heritage of Athens and the main landmarks and sights of classical and modern Athens.
We will pick you up from your hotel and drive to Etz Hayyim, the old Synagogue of Athens built in 1904, and used today only for the High Holidays. Right across it we find another, newer and larger synagogue that is still in fully functioning; we visit the Beth Shalom Sephardic synagogue erected in 1935 and renovated in the 1970s. Its exterior covered in white marble with neoclassical elements, while the spacious interior bears not much resemblance to the Greek tradition regarding synagogue design.
We continue with a visit to the Jewish museum that exhibits the 2.300 years of Jewish life and culture in Greece. The museum was founded in 1977 and has created a collection of over 10.000 artefacts related to the domestic and religious life and the history of the Greek Jews. It is conveniently located under the slopes of the Acropolis, ideal for a short walk to the next stop of the tour.
The Acropolis, a UNESCO’S world heritage monument, and the eternal symbol of democracy, education and inspiration will amaze you. Your guide will explain the history of the Golden Age of Athens as you visit the architectural masterpieces the Propylea, the Temple of Athena Nike, the Erechtheion and finally the Parthenon, the one of the world’s most famous landmark monuments dedicated to the goddess Athena.
The tour ends with a panoramic drive around the city centre of Athens. You will see among others the Greek Parliament, the Presidential Guard and Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, Temple of Olympian Zeus and Hadrian’s Arch, as we return to your ship on time for your embarkation.