Lunch in Athens serves up the city’s best flavors with minimal tourist fuss. Traditional tavernas offer authentic Greek dishes at reasonable prices, while modern rooftop venues combine stunning Acropolis views with contemporary cuisine. I’m especially fond of the small-group food walks through local neighborhoods – they’re the perfect mix of eating and learning. Walking tours that include taverna stops are particularly good, letting you rest and refuel while hearing stories about Greek food culture. For a special treat, cooking classes with local chefs teach you to make classics like moussaka and souvlaki. Check out these tried-and-tested lunch experiences that showcase the best of Athenian dining.
Key Points
Key Points:
- Athens offers diverse lunch options, including traditional Greek cuisine like moussaka and souvlaki, as well as modern interpretations with scenic city views.
- Unique culinary experiences include food tours highlighting local cuisine, coffee, and alcoholic beverages, and traditional Greek cooking classes with hands-on instruction.
- Day trips from Athens to sites like Meteora and Saronic Islands provide scenic cruises and lunches featuring Mediterranean cuisine and local specialties.
- Cultural and historical tours of landmarks like the Acropolis often include lunch as part of the package, with knowledgeable guides enhancing the experience.
- Many tour operators offer flexible booking and cancellation policies, and visitor feedback emphasizes the importance of ambiance and service in completing the dining experience.
All Day Cruise -3 Islands to Agistri,Moni, Aegina With Lunch and Drinks Included
This all-day cruise from Athens takes passengers on a scenic journey through the Saronic Islands, with stops at Agistri, Moni, and Aegina. Priced at $160.06 per person, the cruise offers a lowest price guarantee and free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.
The 10-hour experience includes a Greek lunch, traditional wine and beer, and opportunities for swimming, snorkeling, and exploring ancient temples. The friendly, attentive crew receives high praise, with seamless service from pickup to drop-off.
Guests consistently rate the cruise 5.0 out of 5, highlighting the excellent food, beautiful scenery, and memorable moments, making it an ideal celebration for events like birthdays.
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Hard Rock Cafe Athens With Set Menu for Lunch or Dinner
The Hard Rock Cafe Athens offers a set menu option for both lunch and dinner, starting at $23.78 per person. Guests can make reservations with a “reserve now & pay later” option, and free cancellations are available up to 24 hours in advance.
The dining experience lasts 1-1.5 hours, with the ability to skip the ticket line. Located near the historic city center, the cafe features a beautiful atrium with a sliding roof.
Menu options include the Gold Menu with a main course and dessert, and the Diamond Menu with a starter, main, and dessert. The cafe also offers a kids’ menu and gluten-free options.
With an overall rating of 4.3/5, guests can expect excellent service and delicious food.
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Delphi One Day Trip From Athens With Pickup and Optional Lunch
For those seeking a captivating day trip from Athens, the Delphi One Day Tour offers a chance to explore the renowned archaeological site of Delphi, a UNESCO World Heritage destination.
Priced at €27 per person, the tour provides a Lowest Price Guarantee and flexible booking options, including free cancellation up to 24 hours before.
Spanning 10-11 hours, the tour includes hotel pickup, mobile ticketing, and all entrance fees.
While feedback suggests room for improvement in managing guest flow and timing, travelers praise the knowledgeable guides and scenic countryside drive.
The lunch experience, however, received mixed reviews, with recommendations for enhancing the dining options.
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Athens: Meteora Day Trip With Audio Guide and Lunch Option
Frequently, visitors to Athens seize the opportunity to embark on a captivating day trip to the stunning monastic complex of Meteora.
This full-day excursion provides an immersive experience, featuring a 4-hour bus ride, a guided tour of two monasteries, and the option to enjoy a complimentary Mediterranean meal.
Travelers can appreciate the flexibility of the tour, with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance and convenient pickup locations throughout the city.
While entrance fees to the monasteries aren’t included, the tour’s overall value and positive customer reviews make it an appealing choice for those seeking to explore the breathtaking landscapes and rich history of Meteora.
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Athens Day Cruise: 3 Islands Tour in the Saronic Gulf With Lunch
Visitors to Athens can embark on a captivating day cruise exploring the scenic Saronic Gulf, which offers the opportunity to visit three enchanting islands.
The cruise starts at $139.65 per person and provides a Lowest Price Guarantee, flexible cancellation and rescheduling policies, and a reserve now, pay later option.
Highlights include traditional Greek lunch, snacks, and unlimited beverages, as well as activities like swimming, snorkeling, and sightseeing.
Guests praise the comfortable ship, excellent crew service, and the chance to experience the natural beauty of Aegina and Agistri.
While some found the itinerary slightly underwhelming, the overall cruise experience is described as a fun and varied day out in the Saronic Gulf.
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Porto Rafti: Hidden Gems Cruise With Mediterranean BBQ Lunch
Situated just 25 kilometers from the heart of Athens, Porto Rafti offers a captivating cruise experience that allows visitors to discover the region’s hidden gems.
The 5.5-hour Porto Rafti: Hidden Gems Cruise With Mediterranean BBQ Lunch takes guests on a journey along the scenic coastline, stopping at secluded bays and islands.
Highlights include swimming in crystal-clear waters, exploring tucked-away beaches, and indulging in a delicious Mediterranean-style BBQ lunch on board.
With an optional audio guide, travelers can learn about the area’s rich history and natural wonders.
Priced at $30.62, this excursion provides an ideal balance of relaxation, sightseeing, and authentic local cuisine, making it a popular choice for those seeking a more immersive Athens experience.
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Meteora Monasteries and Hermit Caves Day Trip With Optional Lunch
Embark on an awe-inspiring day trip to the majestic Meteora monasteries and hidden hermit caves, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Priced at €96 per person, this immersive experience includes transportation, a local guide, and entrance to three active monasteries.
Upgrade your tour with an optional lunch at a local restaurant, featuring plentiful vegetarian options. Traverse the Grecian countryside, capturing stunning views, before exploring the historic monasteries and caves.
Guides are praised for their expertise and ability to enhance the journey. While transportation comfort can be mixed, the overall tour is highly recommended, especially for sunrise photography.
Dress modestly and be prepared for climbing, as this 14-hour adventure offers an unforgettable glimpse into Greece’s spiritual and natural wonders.
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Food Experience in Athens Including Unlimited Lunch
Frequently, travelers enjoy the culinary delights of Athens through a captivating food experience that includes an unlimited lunch.
This 4-hour tour provides an opportunity to explore the city’s vibrant neighborhoods, sample traditional Greek fare, and indulge in coffee and alcoholic beverages.
The itinerary highlights key stops like the Psyri neighborhood, Evripidou Street, the Central Municipal Athens Market, and Monastiraki Square.
Lunch is served in Peristeri, and the tour includes a traditional Greek breakfast, snacks, and a range of alcoholic drinks.
While not suitable for wheelchair users or those with gluten intolerance, the tour is highly rated for its engaging guides and immersive local insights.
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Meteora Day Trip From Athens by Bus With Optional Lunch
Visitors exploring Athens often embark on a captivating day trip to the Meteora monasteries, located approximately 4.5 hours north of the city.
This full-day tour departs at 7:30 am from the Athens Railway Station, taking travelers to the stunning monasteries perched on cliffs, with optional lunch included.
The 14-hour experience allows 5 hours to explore two or three UNESCO-listed monasteries and hermit caves, with an English-speaking guide providing historical and cultural insights.
While the long travel times may cause some discomfort, the awe-inspiring beauty and unique architecture of the monasteries make this a memorable bucket list experience for many guests, who rate the tour 4.5 stars out of 667 reviews.
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Athens: Early Entry Parthenon, Agora and Lunch Walking Tour
Alongside the popular Meteora day trip, Athens also offers an immersive walking tour that takes visitors on an early-entry exploration of the iconic Parthenon and Ancient Agora.
The 3-hour Athens: Early Entry Parthenon, Agora and Lunch Walking Tour provides skip-the-line access to these must-see historical sites, allowing travelers to beat the crowds and enjoy the city’s rich heritage.
The tour also includes a traditional Greek lunch, offering a chance to savor local cuisine while learning about Athenian culture.
With 4.9 out of 5 stars from over 2,000 reviews, this comprehensive experience is an excellent option for those seeking an in-depth, time-efficient discovery of Athens’ top attractions.
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Meteora Daytrip English or Spanish, Option Lunch by Local Agency
For those seeking an immersive day trip from Athens, the Meteora Daytrip in English or Spanish, with an optional local lunch, is a must-consider experience.
Priced at $103.12 per person and offering a lowest price guarantee, the tour provides free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance and a pay later option.
The 14.5-hour excursion includes visits to three monasteries, with cash needed for monastery entry. While not wheelchair accessible, the tour is stroller-friendly and permits service animals.
Reviews praise the knowledgeable guide Clement and the stunning views of Meteora’s rock formations, though the quality of provided meals has received mixed feedback.
Visitors are advised to dress appropriately and come prepared for a long but memorable day.
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Traditional Greek Cooking Class and Lunch or Dinner With an Acropolis View
Those seeking an immersive Greek culinary experience against the backdrop of the Acropolis will find the Traditional Greek Cooking Class and Lunch or Dinner a rewarding option.
The 3-hour hands-on class covers the preparation of 5 traditional dishes, from appetizer to dessert, led by the excellent instructor Marilena. Participants enjoy the meal together and leave with recipes for recreating the dishes at home.
Rated 5.0 based on 158 reviews, the class is suitable for all skill levels and accommodates up to 16 travelers. Priced at $102.33 per person, advanced booking is recommended due to high demand, with a flexible cancellation policy.
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Athens: Greek Cooking Class, Market Visit and Lunch
Travelers can embark on an engaging four-hour culinary journey through Athens with the “Athens: Greek Cooking Class, Market Visit and Lunch” experience.
Priced at $91.87 per person, this immersive activity includes exploring the city’s central market, learning to prepare authentic Greek dishes from a professional cook, and savoring the prepared meal for lunch.
Highlights include making classic dishes like tzatziki, dolmadakia, and chocolate salami. Participants receive a recipe book and enjoy the flexibility of a private tour.
With an overall rating of 4.9/5 from 11 reviews, this experience offers an authentic taste of Greek cuisine and culture.
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Athens Tour: Acropolis, Acropolis Museum, and Greek Lunch
Offering an immersive exploration of Athens’ rich history and culinary delights, the “Athens Tour: Acropolis, Acropolis Museum, and Greek Lunch” experience takes travelers on a captivating 5.5-hour journey.
Covering the iconic Acropolis and Acropolis Museum, the tour provides in-depth insights from knowledgeable guides.
Travelers are treated to a traditional Greek meal at a local restaurant following the tour, though service quality can vary.
While some found the tour length tiring, others appreciated the cultural and historical value, as well as the overall tour experience.
With a private, small-group format and clear communication of policies, this tour offers a well-rounded introduction to Athens.
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Day Tour to Mycenae and Epidaurus With Lunch
A day tour to the ancient sites of Mycenae and Epidaurus, accompanied by a delectable lunch, provides travelers with a captivating glimpse into Greece’s storied past.
Departing from Athens, the tour takes visitors through the scenic Corinth Canal and Ancient Corinth before exploring the legendary city of Mycenae. Highlights include the impressive Lion Gate, the Tomb of Agamemnon, and the ancient palace.
After a three-course lunch, the tour continues to the renowned Ancient Theater of Epidaurus, renowned for its remarkable acoustics.
With a licensed guide and included entrance fees, this comprehensive experience offers an immersive way to discover the rich cultural heritage of these iconic Greek destinations.
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Athens Sea Kayak Tour to the Temple of Poseidon With Entrance Fee and Lunch
Departing from Athens, the Athens Sea Kayak Tour to the Temple of Poseidon provides travelers with a captivating opportunity to explore the scenic Athenian Riviera and one of Greece’s most iconic archaeological sites.
The half-day adventure includes kayaking along the Saronic Gulf, visiting the Temple of Poseidon, and enjoying a traditional Greek lunch. Priced at $204.10 per person, the tour offers a lowest price guarantee, free cancellation, and a reserve now, pay later option.
Suitable for families, the tour is led by BCU certified guides who ensure safety and share local insights. Participants can look forward to a personalized experience, with a maximum group size of 10 travelers.
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Athens: Agistri and Aegina Yacht Tour With Lunch & Swimming
This full-day excursion whisks travelers away from the bustling streets of Athens to the idyllic islands of Agistri and Aegina in the Saronic Gulf.
Priced from Kč 3,615 per person, the 10-hour tour includes a yacht cruise with a 5-person crew, free time for sightseeing and swimming, a Greek buffet lunch, and complimentary drinks.
Highlights include a 1.5-hour stop on Agistri Island and another 1.5 hours on Aegina, where participants can explore, shop, or opt for a horse-drawn carriage ride.
With an impressive 4.9/5 rating from over 500 reviews, this excursion promises memorable experiences, from scenic boat cruises to refreshing swims in the turquoise waters.
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Meteora Full Day Private Tour From Athens Including Lunch
Explore the breathtaking landscapes of Meteora on a private day tour from Athens. The tour offers flexible pickup options, an air-conditioned vehicle, and a knowledgeable driver who provides commentary.
Visit the UNESCO-listed monasteries perched atop towering rock formations, and enjoy a delicious Greek lunch during a midday break. With a customizable itinerary, you can choose which monasteries to explore and capture the best photo opportunities.
The long drive is worth it, as travelers consistently praise the tour’s exceptional quality and the spiritual, breathtaking experience of Meteora. Benefit from the Lowest Price Guarantee and the option to reserve now and pay later, ensuring a stress-free adventure.
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Athens: Agistri, Moni, and Aegina Cruise With Lunch & Drinks
Travelers embark on a captivating 10-hour cruise that whisks them away to the picturesque islands of Agistri, Moni, and Aegina, just a stone’s throw from the bustling streets of Athens.
The cruise offers a well-rounded experience, including free time for swimming, optional bike tours, and visits to local markets and archaeological sites.
Onboard, guests enjoy a traditional Greek buffet lunch, unlimited drinks, and activities like snorkeling.
With an overall rating of 4.6/5 based on over 1,100 reviews, this cruise delivers excellent value for money and rave reviews for its beautiful scenery, timely pickups, and helpful crew.
Guests should pack appropriately and arrive punctually to ensure a seamless experience.
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Athens Full Day Tour, Acropolis, Museum & Cape Sounion With Lunch
Setting out on a comprehensive full-day tour, guests enjoy the rich historical and cultural tapestry of Athens.
The tour covers all the must-see sites, including the iconic Acropolis, the informative Acropolis Museum, and the picturesque Cape Sounion with the Temple of Poseidon.
Lasting approximately 10 hours, the experience provides a seamless journey with convenient hotel pick-up, instant mobile tickets, and a complimentary lunch.
Knowledgeable guides enhance the experience, offering in-depth insights into the sites.
While the lunch quality has received mixed reviews, the overall value and memorable experiences make this tour a popular choice for visitors seeking a well-rounded introduction to Athens.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What Are the Physical Requirements for the Cruise Activities?
The cruise activities typically require participants to have the physical ability to board and disembark the vessel, navigate the on-board facilities, and engage in any optional excursions or activities offered. Specific requirements may vary by cruise line and itinerary.
Can Dietary Restrictions Be Accommodated for the Included Meals?
Yes, most cruise lines can accommodate dietary restrictions for included meals. Passengers should notify the cruise line in advance of any special dietary needs, and the staff will work to provide suitable meal options.
Is There Flexibility in the Schedule or Itinerary for the Day Trips?
There’s generally flexibility in the schedule and itinerary for day trips, allowing guests to accommodate dietary needs or preferences. The itinerary can often be adjusted to suit individual requirements and ensure a comfortable, enjoyable experience.
What Are the Policies for Cancellations or Rescheduling the Experiences?
The policies on cancellations and rescheduling vary by experience provider. Many offer flexible options, with full refunds for cancellations made within 24-48 hours. Rescheduling is often possible, subject to availability. It’s best to check the specific terms for each booking.
Are There Any Age or Mobility Restrictions for the Tour Participants?
Most lunch experiences don’t have strict age or mobility restrictions, but guests with special needs should check with the provider. Accessibility and accommodation for all participants is generally a priority for reputable tour operators.
The Sum Up
Athens offers an array of exceptional lunch experiences, from island cruises to historic site tours. Whether you’re seeking a laidback island getaway or a more structured day trip, there’s a lunch option to suit your preferences. These experiences provide not just a delicious meal, but also the opportunity to learn about the city’s rich culture and natural beauty.