Hike the Marble Road to Athens | Mount Penteli & Spelia Quarry

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Hike the Marble Road to Athens

Magnificent marble near Athens: Discover the ancient marble road to the Acropolis

Are you interested in ancient architecture and construction techniques? Do you love nature? Are you only satisfied when you have discovered how things work or came to be? Then this day tour in the Penteli Mountains on the Marble Road to Athens is the perfect fit for you!

The Athenian Acropolis has fascinated its visitors for thousands of years, and many have wondered how the ancient Greeks managed to haul the incredible masses of stone onto the rugged rocky plateau of the Acropolis in the heart of the city.

Behind this lie immensely complex processes and highly developed technology. Manolis Korres, the architect responsible for the restoration of the Parthenon, has been researching these for many years. He has succeeded in uncovering some of the well-kept secrets of the Penteli, whose marble quarries supplied the building material for the Acropolis.

On our tour, we visit the most important marble quarry of Penteli and learn many interesting facts about ancient methods of quarrying and transporting the coveted white stone. We end the hike with a visit to the open-air marble museum in Dionysos. One thing is certain: after these exciting insights into the world of marble, your admiration for the architecture of antiquity will be even greater!

Highlights

  • Visit to the Spelia quarry in Penteli, source of the marble for the Acropolis
  • Look forward to fantastic panoramas over Attica from the summit of Penteli
  • Amazement included: Impressive insights into ancient construction techniques


5 hrs
All Year Round
Easy
Athens
Athens
Persons: 4+
Age: 14+

Included Activities

  • Guided hike along the ancient paths of Penteli
  • Visit to the marble open-air museum in Dionysos
  • Picnic in the museum’s beautiful surroundings

Dates

This hike is available all year round on any day.


WHAT TO EXPECT
We collect you from your accommodation in Athens and following a short drive we arrive in Vrilisia on the outskirts of Athens. From here, where the southern slope of the Penteli Mountain begins, we start our climb along winding trails towards the quarry of Spelia. After a short hike along a forest path, we reach the spectacular quarry.

Here we learn all about the process of quarrying, smoothing, and transporting of the huge marble blocks to the construction site of the Acropolis, 17 km / 10.5 mi. away. This famous Athens landmark as we see it today was finished an incredible 2,500 years ago in the golden age of antiquity.

Once our hunger for knowledge has been satisfied, we take a transfer to the top of Mt. Penteli, 1,100 m / 3,608 ft. above sea level. From here we enjoy an incredible view over Athens and Attica. From the summit, we walk down the northern slope of the mountain.

After about 4 km / 2.5 mi. we reach the open-air museum in Dionysos. We enjoy a picnic lunch at this magnificent site, designed and created by enthusiastic architects and traditional marble sculptors. While we are here we learn more about the wonderful world of marble. Afterwards, we transfer you directly back to your accommodation in Athens.

When can I do this tour?
We offer this tour every day all year round.

What are the age requirements for this tour?
The minimum age for this tour is 14 years.

In which language is this tour conducted?
This tour is offered exclusively in English.

Are changes to the tour itinerary possible?
We are constantly updating our unique itineraries based on new information and experiences. The hikes, accommodations, and visits listed are therefore subject to change. We reserve the right to make changes to the published itinerary if, in our opinion, weather conditions warrant it, or the safety of participants can no longer be guaranteed.

How difficult is this tour?
We have classified this 4 km/2.5 mi. hike as easy. It is therefore an ideal outdoor activity for anyone who enjoys walking and has a normal level of physical fitness. Good footwear and surefootedness are required.

What should I bring on this tour?
We recommend bringing as little as possible with you on this tour. Below you will find a small list that you can use as a guideline for what to bring. You can, of course, modify this according to your own personal preferences.

Luggage:

  • 20 L daypack to carry a change of clothes, camera, water bottle, snacks, etc.
  • Clothing: Casual clothing, if necessary multi-functional shirt Possibly rain trousers / poncho
  • Sturdy shoes
  • Headwear for protection from the sun
  • Sun cream
  • Sunglasses

Basic Tour Price

110 € per person

INCLUDED SERVICES

  • Guided hike on Mt. Penteli
  • Transfers as described in the itinerary
  • Picnic & snacks during the tour
  • Visit to the Marble Open Air Museum in Dionysos

NOT INCLUDED

  • Drinks & Snacks during the tour
  • Tips for guide and transfer driver

Trip

Tour Extensions