| Spring is the perfect time to travel: the weather | | | | Bouleuterion and the Stoa Attalou - thought to be |
| is warm, the cost of travel is modest and the | | | | a precursor to the modern-day shopping mall. You |
| crowds of summertime tourists aren't due to | | | | can even visit fascinating archaeological exhibits |
| appear for another couple of months - so the | | | | that explain the area's history and stores |
| season provides an ideal opportunity for travellers | | | | artefacts unearthed through excavations. |
| to visit even the most popular holiday destinations. | | | | While in Athens, you should also visit the city's |
| Athens, Greece, for example, offers the best in | | | | classical museums - such as the National |
| sights, culture, food and hospitality. So why not | | | | Archaeological Museum of Athens, the Acropolis |
| pack your bags this spring, and head to the city | | | | Museum and the Byzantine Museum - as well as |
| that's known for its countless splendours? | | | | famous landmarks such as Kallimarmaro Stadium, |
| Athens certainly has a great deal to offer tourists | | | | where the first modern Olympic Games took |
| - from spectacular sights to a truly remarkable | | | | place in 1896. You can also walk atop some of |
| historical background. But one of the city's most | | | | the city's famous hills, such as Philopappos Hill and |
| exciting attractions is undoubtedly the Agora - or | | | | Lykavittos - which, according to ancient legend, |
| the marketplace - which used to stand as the | | | | was a boulder thrown down from the sky by the |
| lively heart of Ancient Athens. The Agora was | | | | Goddess Athena. |
| the focus of political, commercial, administrative | | | | If you're considering a springtime trip to Athens, |
| and social activity, as well as a religious and cultural | | | | you'll find plenty of airlines which offer direct |
| centre in the city. Over 2000 years later, the site | | | | flights to Athens from London - so getting there |
| is now a jumble of ruins - but it continues to | | | | is easy. You'll have a remarkable time soaking in all |
| conjure up the life that it once had during the | | | | the sights and culture that Athens has to offer, |
| Ancient Greek era. | | | | and you'll get to experience the city at one of the |
| The Agora's Temple of Hephaistos - one of the | | | | most beautiful times of year. Just remember to |
| best preserved ancient Greek temples - is usually | | | | set aside plenty of time to sample the succulent |
| the first stop on any tour of the district. Other | | | | Greek olives, the delicious feta cheese and of |
| highlights include the Temple of Apollo Patroos, the | | | | course, the infamous Ouzo. |