Whether it's your first time to Athens and the Acropolis or one of many, this ingenious structure will never cease to take your breath away. But Athens is not just the Acropolis, it is a thriving modern metropolis with much to explore. Start the day at the Syntagma metro station, where you will enjoy a brief visit to the metro Museum and its fascinating archaeological artifacts from daily life in ancient Athens that came to light during the construction of the metro. Continue on to the National Gardens and pass the neoclassical architectural design of Zappeion Hall. From this vantage point, you can see the remaining colossal columns of the Temple of Zeus, as well as Hadrian’s Arch. The tour then continues to the Acropolis, entering from the southern slope to avoid the crowds, and the great Dionysus Theatre, the most significant theatre of its kind in Europe. Ascend the Sacred Hill of the Acropolis, stopping along the way at the great monuments, including the Parthenon, the Erectheion, the Propylaia, the Nike Temple, the Odeon of Herodes Atticus and the ancient Agora. Enjoy some free time to explore the Acropolis and Plaka before you begin to make your way back to Athens.