Exploring the rich history of Athens has never been easier. With self-guided audio tours from SmartGuide, visitors can discover the city’s iconic sites at their own pace. Available in English for just $8.19 per group, these tours provide GPS-enabled audio playback and offline maps, allowing for a truly immersive experience. Whether you’re interested in the Theatre of Dionysus, the Acropolis, or the Ancient Agora, SmartGuide’s flexible and cost-effective tours offer a unique opportunity to uncover the secrets of this ancient city. With the ability to customize your exploration and avoid crowded guided tours, the stage is set for an unforgettable journey through Athens’ captivating past.
Good To Know
- SmartGuide offers self-guided audio tours of Athens sites in English, starting at $8.19 per group (up to 1000 participants).
- Tours cover significant locations like the Theatre of Dionysus, Ancient Agora, Acropolis Hill, Parthenon, PNYX, and Mars Hill.
- The tours provide a flexible, self-paced experience accessible through the SmartGuide app, with offline access to audio, maps, and geodata.
- The tours are valid for 30 days from first activation, allowing for multiple visits and customized exploration of over 6 walking routes.
- Optional entry fees may be required for some attractions, and transportation and admission costs are not included in the tour price.
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Tour Overview and Pricing
The self-guided audio tours in Athens are offered by SmartGuide, with prices starting from $8.19 per group (up to 1000 participants).
The tours are available in English and provide a flexible, self-paced experience. Visitors can enjoy free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, as well as a "Reserve now & pay later" option.
The audio tours are valid for 30 days from first activation, allowing travelers to explore the city at their convenience.
Explore Significant Sites
Across the city, visitors can explore a range of significant historical sites through the self-guided audio tours.
The tours guide travelers to the Theatre of Dionysus, where drama was born. They’ll also discover the Ancient Agora, the cradle of democracy, and the iconic Acropolis Hill, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The centerpiece of the Acropolis is the Parthenon, an enduring symbol of ancient Greek glory. Plus, the tours cover the PNYX and Mars Hill, the cradles of ancient democracy and justice.
With the GPS-enabled app, visitors can enjoy Athens’ rich heritage at their own pace, pausing and resuming the tours as they please.
Highlights of the Experience
Self-guided audio tours in Athens offer visitors a chance to enjoy the city’s rich history and heritage.
Explore the iconic Theatre of Dionysus, the birthplace of drama, and the Ancient Agora, the cradle of democracy, nestled beside the Temple of Hephaestus.
Discover the magnificent Acropolis Hill, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that symbolizes the glory of ancient Greece, and marvel at the iconic Parthenon.
Venture to the PNYX and Mars Hill, the cradles of ancient democracy and justice.
These self-guided tours, accessible through the SmartGuide app, provide an intimate and flexible way to uncover the city’s treasures at your own pace.
SmartGuide App Features
SmartGuide’s app features enable travelers to explore Athens at their own pace. The app offers:
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GPS-enabled automatic audio play, even offline, so users can seamlessly navigate the city.
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The ability to pause and resume the audio tours as desired, allowing for a personalized experience.
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Access to over 6 walks around Athens with a single purchase, providing a comprehensive tour of the city’s highlights.
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Offline access to audio, maps, and geodata, ensuring a smooth experience even without an internet connection.
These features make the SmartGuide app a versatile and convenient tool for self-guided audio tours in Athens.
Important Considerations
While the SmartGuide app offers a convenient way to explore Athens, there are a few important considerations travelers should keep in mind. Some attractions may require optional entry fees, so it’s essential to budget accordingly. Plus, visitors should verify the opening hours of included sights before their tour to avoid disappointment. It’s also worth noting that transportation and admission fees to attractions are not included in the tour price, so travelers will need to factor those costs into their plans.
| Consideration | Importance |
|---|---|
| Optional Entry Fees | High |
| Attraction Opening Hours | High |
| Transportation Costs | Moderate |
| Admission Fees | Moderate |
| Headphones Required | Low |
Customer Feedback
According to the review information, only a single review was available for the self-guided audio tours in Athens. The review gave the tours a rating of 2 out of 5 stars, with the comment that "Not worth the money. Very small amounts of information. Wikipedia is a better source."
The key feedback points include:
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Lack of detailed information provided in the audio tours.
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The audio tours being perceived as not providing value for the money.
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Suggestions that free resources like Wikipedia offer better information.
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An overall unfavorable impression of the self-guided audio tour experience.
Tour Duration and Flexibility
The self-guided audio tours through Athens offer users remarkable flexibility. Visitors can explore the city’s iconic landmarks at their own pace, pausing and resuming the audio as desired. The tours are valid for 30 days from the first activation, allowing travelers to experience the tours multiple times or over several days. The flexibility of the self-guided format empowers visitors to customize their Athens exploration, maximizing their time and experience.
| Features | Description |
|---|---|
| Pace | Explore at your own speed |
| Duration | 30-day validity from first activation |
| Accessibility | Pause and resume audio as needed |
| Versatility | Access over 6 walks with one purchase |
| Offline Mode | Audio, maps, and geodata available offline |
Accessing the Audio Tours
Accessing the self-guided audio tours in Athens is a straightforward process. The tours are available through the SmartGuide app, compatible with both Android and iOS devices.
To begin, users can:
- Download the SmartGuide app and purchase the desired tour.
- Upon arrival in Athens, the app will automatically play the audio when GPS-enabled, even without an internet connection.
- Explore the city at your own pace, pausing and resuming the tour as needed.
- With a single purchase, users gain access to over six different walking routes around the city, allowing for a comprehensive sightseeing experience.
The offline access to audio, maps, and geodata ensures a seamless and flexible tour, enabling visitors to discover the city’s rich history and landmarks at their convenience.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Are the Audio Tours Suitable for Children and Families?
The audio tours may not be the best fit for children and families. The tours provide detailed historical information that younger audiences may find less engaging. More interactive, family-friendly options would likely be more suitable.
Can I Access the Audio Tours in Languages Other Than English?
The audio tours are currently only available in English. There’s no information provided about the availability of other language options. Travelers who prefer tours in different languages may need to explore alternative options.
Are the Walking Routes Wheelchair-Accessible?
The walking routes are not explicitly mentioned as wheelchair-accessible. However, visitors should check with the tour provider or local authorities regarding the accessibility of the historical sites and paths.
How Extensive Is the Coverage of the Audio Tours?
The audio tours cover significant historical sites across Athens, including the Theatre of Dionysus, Ancient Agora, Acropolis Hill, and the Parthenon. However, reviewers have noted that the information provided is fairly limited.
Is There a Special Rate for Large Tour Groups?
The audio tour offers a group rate starting at $8.19 for up to 1,000 participants. This is a cost-effective option for large tour groups looking to explore the key sites in Athens at their own pace.
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The Sum Up
The self-guided audio tours from SmartGuide offer a convenient and cost-effective way to explore the rich history of Athens. With GPS-enabled audio playback, offline access to maps, and the flexibility to explore at your own pace, these tours provide an immersive experience of the city’s iconic sites. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned traveler, these tours are an ideal choice for discovering the wonders of Athens.