- Duration
- 1 hour and 25 minutes
- Product Type
- Lecture
Lecture Details
Photos & Highlights
- Presented by the same world-class experts as our walking tours, Context Lectures highlight must-see attractions, reveal hidden landmarks, and explore the best things to do during your trip so you don’t miss a thing.
- Dive into Athens' 5,000-year history with a local expert, during this lecture exploring its diverse culture, landmarks, art, and gastronomy.
Lecture Description
Athens is a modern metropolis with a unique past. This lecture offers an introductory exploration of this fascinating city as we touch on its past, and focus on its modern-day life and charming local neighborhoods. Join a local expert as we discover this majestic Greek capital.
Meet Your Expert
Smaro was born in Piraeus, lives in Athens, and has family roots in Greek Macedonia. As an undergraduate she majored in sociology and later studied at the School for Professional Tourist Guides and finally went on to complete her MA in Cultural Heritage Studies at University College London. She has been guiding all around Greece since 1998. Fluent in Greek, English, and Italian, Smaro has also lead tours for Stanford, Harvard, Yale and other Ivy League Alumni groups; Swan Hellenic; Abercrombie & Kent; the British Museum; the National Geographic and Lindblad Expeditions; the American Institute of Archaeology; the Biblical Archaeology Society; the Smithsonian Institution and several universities. She enjoys reading, traveling, trekking, scuba diving, building in stone using traditional methods, teaching and – still - studying!
Athens is a modern, vibrant urban landscape with 5,000 years of history. After a very brief overview of the city’s ancient beginnings, we will travel through the vibrant contemporary city. We will dive into the puzzle pieces that make Athens so diverse: from the Acropolis area that impressed men like Lord Byron and Sigmund Freud, to historic churches and mosques; from the picturesque backstreets of the Plaka district and Greek food culture to the local markets where Athenians shop and eat; from the overwhelming street graffiti and political or historic landmarks to the must-see art museums and venues; to the Central food market, eateries and gastronomy, cozy neighborhoods and busy squares where life happens, ancient and modern, in the many pockets of the city. We’ll also share tips for things to do in and around Athens.
Led by a local expert, Smaro Touloupa, this lecture will explore the city of Athens. Designed to inform curiosity as well as future travels, participants will come away with a deeper appreciation for the city, its roots, and its contemporary culture.
How do I access the lecture?
Once you complete your purchase, you will receive an email with a link to stream the lecture on the Context Travel website. You can also access your past purchases anytime under My Orders. Please ensure you are logged into your account to open the streaming page.
Is closed captioning (i.e. subtitles) available?
Yes! All of our lectures have the option to turn on closed captioning should you have difficulty hearing the expert.
How long does each event last?
Our recorded lectures typically run for 60 minutes.
How can I share this lecture with friends or family?
You are welcome to watch together with friends or family but each person viewing on their own device will need to purchase the lecture individually.
How long does my access to the lecture last?
Once you purchase a lecture, you are welcome to view it as many times as you like and your access does not expire.
What is your cancellation and refund policy?
Sales for recorded lectures are final upon purchase. Please contact us at digital@contexttravel.com if you have any questions or concerns about your purchase.
Can I purchase a gift card for a friend who is traveling?
Absolutely! Gift cards can be purchased here. Gift cards are good for 365 days from the date of purchase.
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21 Reviews
Reviews can only be left by Context customers after they have completed a tour. For more information about our reviews, please see our FAQ.
There are few professional guides like Smaro Touloupa: not only does she hold multiple advanced degrees apart from her professional license, Smaro is able to bring together the long and rich history and mythology of Athens into the contemporary life of one of the most vibrant European cities. From myths to history to contemporary politics and art, Smaro weaves a complex narrative that keeps you on the edge of your seat. If you cannot travel, the next best thing is to travel virtually to Greece with Smaro Touloupa.
Aliki
Feb. 22, 2021
I have been to Athens several times, but not for many years, unfortunately. So I was excited to see this beautiful city and hear about her from Smaro Touloupa who clearly is a knowledgeable and eloquent advocate for her city and country. I learned a lot, appreciating the orientation with maps and pictures that showed me places I knew and many I did not. I highly recommend this program to anyone and look forward to taking more tours with Smaro, whom I now feel is a friend. Thank you.
Pamela
Feb. 19, 2021
The talented Smaro Touloupa did it again! Her task to present Athens, ancient & modern, a rich, multilayered city was incredibly difficult; Yet she managed to take us by the hand & travel us through time and space: from the most iconic parts of the Ancient city to the unknown hidden gems of modern Athens with a smart, perfect paced lecture that made time fly by...I am going to be watching everything she does! Looking forward to Sunday when Smaro will travel us to Mykonos and Delos!!!!
Dimitra
Feb. 17, 2021
