As the largest city in Greece, Athens is a thriving metropolis where the modern and ancient worlds collide seamlessly. It brings a truly unique blend of culture, cuisine and entertainment to any adventure, suiting the demands of family holidays as easily as corporate excursions. Those drawn in by the antiquity of this location will surely find themselves drawn to such sites as the Acropolis. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is often cited as being one of the greatest statements of Greek history on this planet today. It was once the homeplace of many of the most important buildings in this ancient city, including The Parthenon. Step inside this iconic temple and you’ll find an expression of dedication to the Greek goddess, Athena, as well as a symbol of Athenian democracy.

The Acropolis sits atop a 150m high limestone hill, creating one of the most alluring climbs in the city. It’s entirely possible to travel here by metro or bus. However, for those looking to dictate their own arrival times and embrace the intrinsic luxury that Athens has to offer, there’s no finer way to get there than by luxury car hire. Slip into a Porsche Cayenne S for the journey. This exquisitely crafted and sleek vehicle is a celebration of Italian craftsmanship. It maintains the synonymous charm of Porsche while elevating it to a whole new level with added space and speed. The S model boasts a 4.0-litre twin-turbocharged V8 engine that has the capacity for a 0-62mph sprint time of just 4.2 seconds. While the narrow streets here rarely provide the opportunity to reach these heights, the honed air suspension works to deliver a refined ride that is a perfect precursor to the upcoming hike. 

Equally, no trip to this corner of Greece would be complete without a visit to the Odeon of Herodes Atticus. This stone Roman theatre structure is a legend in its own right, originally built as an ode to Herodes Atticus’s late wife. Throughout its time, some of the world’s most iconic performances have been held within its walls, including Luciano Pavarotti and Frank Sinatra. And, in 1950, the venue was reconstructed and became the main location for the much-anticipated Athens and Epidaurus Festival. While you can catch a glimpse of this impressive building during your climb to the Acropolis, attending a performance here is one of those pinch-yourself moments. 

Elevate this experience even further and hire a Mercedes C Class for the journey there and back. Now in its fourth iteration, this powerful vehicle is a celebration of beauty and prestige. It offers near-perfect handling – ideal for Athen’s complicated road system – and four preset driving modes to smooth out all discomfort. Inside, state-of-the-art technology allows you to create a comforting haven during any drive. Dress in your evening dress or suit, slip inside and enjoy a drive that feels just as exquisite as the performance you’re about to see. Keep in mind that the theatre has a no-heels policy and those seated in the top tier will have a climb ahead of them to reach their viewing position.