Discover the cradle of civilization, birthplace of democracy, and home of philosophy on a private half-day tour of Athens. You will experience some of the greatest monuments ever built, with visits to all the major attractions, from the site of the first modern Olympics, to the former Royal Palace. The 4.5-hour tour takes in the Panathenaic Stadium, the only marble stadium in the world. Built over the ruins of the ancient Roman stadium of Athens, it was where the first modern Olympic Games took place in 1896. Continue to the famous Arch of Emperor Hadrian, and the Temple of Olympian Zeus, dedicated to the King of the Olympian Gods, and the largest temple of the ancient world. Go to the Acropolis, considered a work of architectural perfection. Admire the Theater of Dionysus, the first theater ever built in the world. You will also see the Odeon of Herod the Atticus, and go to the Hill of Pnyx, visit the Propylaea, the Temple of Apteros Nike, the Erechthion, and the New Acropolis Museum. Take in some wonderful panoramic city views from Lycabettus Hill, and visit the Parliament buildings to see the changing of the Royal Guards at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. Continue to Omonia Square and the open-air flea market in the lively Plaka neighborhood. Finally, see the 19th-Century Anglican church of St. Paul, the former Royal Palace, the Numismatic Museum, Academy of Arts and Sciences, National Library, and the Benaki Museum, Byzantine and Christian Museum, and Museum of Cycladic Art.