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If you’re short of time, let a professional guide whisk you through the city’s ancient core. Key Tours organize amusing and informative tours, starting from the Kalimarmaro Stadium (see Kallimarmaro Stadium), then wending through the city to the Acropolis.

Fantasy Travel arrange evening bus trips to the sea at Piraeus, stopping at Mikrolimani for an ouzo aperitif overlooking the fishing harbour. Then it’s back to the centre for dinner in a Plaka taverna.

An afternoon bus tour along the coast southwest of Athens, past the seaside suburbs of Glyfada, Voula and Vouliagmeni, to the stunning clifftop Temple of Poseidon. There’s just time for an early evening drink before a return to Athens.

Throughout July, Epirotiki Tours arrange evening boat trips to Epidauros for an open-air theatrical performance in the ancient theatre. A candlelit dinner is served aboard on the return journey.

Epirotiki Tours’ boats depart early morning from Paleo Faliro, then cruise around the islands of Aegina, Poros and Hydra, with a short stop at each. Lunch on board is part of the deal, and you’re back in town for the early evening.

Key Tours and Fantasy Travel both offer a full-day trip from Athens to the archaeological site of Delphi. After lunch, the tour takes in the picturesque hillside town of Arachova, renowned for its hand-woven rugs and excellent local cheese.

For a breath of mountain air, book up with Trekking Hellas for a 4-hour hiking expedition up Mount Parnitha. A professional guide will lead you along a marked route up the craggy Houni ravine from Agia Triada to the Bafi refuge.

Ghiolman Yachts have a fleet of smart boats of various sizes available for tailor-made one-day sailing trips in the company of an English-speaking skipper. This is undoubtedly the best way to explore the islands.

The Aegean Dive Center organizes diving trips to a wreck, a cave and a reef along the coast between Glyfada and Cape Sounio. With water temperatures around 26ºC (79ºF) in summer and 14ºC (57ºF) in winter, diving is possible all the year round. The staff speak excellent English, and tuition is available to those with no previous experience.

For a dramatic bird’s eye view of the city, take a helicopter ride with Hop In Zinon. Flights can be arranged throughout the year, and you can choose the route you wish to take. Expect to pay €625 per person (minimum 2 passengers) for 30 minutes’ flying time.