- "Impressive tour from start to finish! Dimitris and his team went above and beyond to accommodate our special requests and try to include the philosophy tour in our limited time in Athens. Our guide, Sotiris, is such a charismatic and knowledgeable person! We felt Socrates and the people of ancient Athens brought back to life by virtue of his storytelling skills and the philosophical discussions we had with him. An uplifting experience and a dream tour come true! Can't recommend it enough."
- Michael K.
|
2. What you can expect
Our walking tour begins in the heart of ancient Athens, at the Ancient Agora, the marketplace and center of civic life in ancient times. This is where Socrates spent most of his life, discussing philosophy and politics with his peers. Here, we will explore the ruins of ancient temples, government buildings, and the famous Stoa of Attalos. As we wander through the Agora's ancient streets, our guide will lead us in discussions of Socrates' ideas and his impact on the world.
Next, we will climb the Areopagus Hill, the seat of the criminal court of Ancient Athens. This hill is also known as Mars Hill and is considered one of the most significant places in Athens for its historical and cultural importance. Your guide will provide an in-depth exploration of Socrates' trial and how he defended his philosophical beliefs against charges of impiety and corrupting the youth. The breathtaking views from the hilltop offer a unique perspective on the city and an opportunity to reflect on the principles of justice, morality, and the role of the individual in society.
From the Areopagus Hill, we will make our way to ‘Socrates’ prison’ where the great philosopher was thought to be imprisoned while he was awaiting his death. This visit will give us a unique opportunity to examine Socrates’ acceptance of his fate and the insights we can get for his opinion and stance in regard to the laws of the state.
Our last visit will be to the Philopappos Monument, a grand ancient tomb with panoramic views of the Acropolis and the Aegean Sea. Here, we will get to know Philopappos, a prominent philosopher in the Greco-Roman world who is best known for his contributions to the area of ethics. He sought to bring together the best of Greek and Roman philosophy in a quest for greater wisdom and understanding.
As our philosophy tour in Athens comes to a close, we will take a short break at a nearby local café, where we can relax and reflect on the insights we have gained from our journey. Like another Symposium gathering (the favorite happenings of Socrates), we will discuss how the timeless wisdom of the great Greek philosopher can still be applied to our modern lives, helping us to navigate the complexities of the world around us and to live with greater clarity, purpose, and fulfillment.
Throughout the tour, our guide will lead thought-provoking discussions and encourage you to contemplate Socrates' ideas and their relevance to your own life. This tour is an opportunity to immerse yourself in the rich history and philosophy of ancient Athens, and take inspiration from one of the greatest thinkers in human history. The tour will leave you with a deep understanding of Socrates' legacy and the way it shaped Western philosophy as we know it today.
Join us on this inspiring journey through the footsteps of Socrates and discover the transformative power of philosophy in your own life.
Optional: Extend your guided philosophy tour by adding a visit to the Academy of Plato, Socrates’ most famous peer and successor. You can also add a guided visit to the Lyceum of Aristotle, Plato’s most prominent pupil.
|
