Acropolis: Premium Acropolis and Parthenon Guided Tour
Hightlight
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English-Speaking
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Group-Friendly
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Reservations
History
The Acropolis, Athens’ sacred rock, has been a fortress, sanctuary, and symbol of democracy since the Mycenaean era (1600 BCE). Pericles’ 5th-century BCE Golden Age transformed it into a marble masterpiece: the Parthenon for Athena Parthenos, the Erechtheion honoring Poseidon and Athens’ mythical kings, and the Propylaea as a monumental gateway.
Damaged by Persians (480 BCE), Venetians (1687), and Lord Elgin’s removals (1801–1812), it survived as Christianity’s cathedral and Ottoman mosque. UNESCO-listed since 1987, ongoing restoration preserves its 2,500-year dialogue between myth, power, and art.
Highlights
- Skip-the-line entry to the Acropolis with a licensed archaeologist-guide
- Explore the Theatre of Dionysus—birthplace of Greek drama
- Marvel at the Caryatids of the Erechtheion and Parthenon’s optical illusions
- Stand inside the Propylaea, Odeon of Herodes Atticus, and Temple of Athena Nike
- Enjoy panoramic Athens views from the sacred rock
- Optional Acropolis Museum add-on with skip-the-line access
Full Description
Meet your archaeologist-guide at Porinou 5 (2-minute walk from Acropolis Metro) and ascend the southern slope. Begin at the Theatre of Dionysus (5th century BCE), where Sophocles and Euripides premiered tragedies. Pass the Asklepieion healing sanctuary, then enter via the Beulé Gate.
At the Odeon of Herodes Atticus (161 CE), imagine Roman concerts in its restored marble tiers. Climb the Propylaea—Pericles’ grand staircase—and admire the tiny Temple of Athena Nike celebrating victory.
The Erechtheion captivates with its porch of Caryatids (originals in the museum) and the sacred olive tree of Athena. Finally, the Parthenon: 30 minutes inside the cella to decode its Doric perfection, Pentelic marble glow, and myths of Athena vs. Poseidon.
End at the Acropolis Museum entrance (add-on) or exit gate with sweeping city views.
Why Choose This Experience?
This premium small-group tour (max 15) delivers expert archaeology without crowds or confusion. Skip ticket lines, hear every detail via wireless headsets, and walk in the footsteps of Socrates and Pericles.
Perfect for history lovers, families, or anyone wanting an intimate, insightful Acropolis visit—morning for golden light, afternoon for cooler temps and sunsets.
What’s Included
- 2-hour guided Acropolis tour with licensed archaeologist
- Wireless headsets for crystal-clear commentary
- Skip-the-line Acropolis entry (if ticket option selected)
- Acropolis Museum guided tour & skip-the-line entry (if add-on selected)
- Small group (max 15)
- Morning or afternoon timing
- Detailed digital map & timeline post-tour
- All taxes and booking fees
Itinerary
- Meet at Porinou 5 (Athens Walks office) – 10 min before start
- Walk to Acropolis south slope (5 min)
- Theatre of Dionysus: Context & walk (15 min)
- Asklepieion: Guided overview (10 min)
- Odeon of Herodes Atticus: Guided tour (15 min)
- Temple of Athena Nike: Guided tour (10 min)
- Propylaea: Guided ascent & history (15 min)
- Erechtheion: Caryatids & myths (15 min)
- Parthenon: In-depth guided tour (30 min)
- Exit via Propylaea or to Acropolis Museum (add-on)
- Tour ends at Museum entrance or Acropolis exit (~2 hours)
Pricing
From $35 per person
Meeting Point
Athens Walks Office – Porinou 5, 11742 2-minute walk from Acropolis Metro (Makrigianni exit). Look for guide with company sign. Arrive 10 minutes early.
How to get there
- Metro Line 2 to “Acropolis” (2 min walk)
- Walk from Plaka hotels (5–7 min)
- Taxi from Syntagma (5 min)
- Tram to “Acropolis” stop
Good to Know
What to bring
- Passport/ID (required for entry & reduced tickets)
- Comfortable walking shoes (marble is slippery)
- Sun hat, sunglasses, sunscreen
- Reusable water bottle (no glass)
- Light jacket (windy on hill)
- Camera (no flash/tripods inside Parthenon)
- EU Disability Card (free entry)
Know before you go
- Acropolis entry: €20 (Apr–Oct) / €10 (Nov–Mar) – included if selected
- Reduced: Free (EU under 25, non-EU under 6) with ID
- No reduced senior tickets
- Total walking: ~1.5 km uphill on marble – moderate fitness
- No large bags, pets, smoking, or food
- Toilets at entrance and museum
- Museum add-on: 1.5 hours extra
Reviews
- Rainy day, double rainbow from the Parthenon! Guide made history fun despite weather. Small group = personal.
- Anna was hilarious and brilliant! Caryatids and Parthenon myths came alive. Best Acropolis tour!
- Ours was 1.5 hours, but saw everything. Other group lingered—ours was perfect pace. Highly recommend!
Maps
Contact
Video
FAQ's
Do I need to buy Acropolis tickets separately if I don’t select the “with tickets” option?
Yes—strongly recommended to select the “with tickets” add-on (€20–30 depending on season) to guarantee entry and skip all lines. Without it, you must purchase timed tickets online via the official Greek Ministry site for your exact tour slot (e.g., 10:00–10:30 AM). These sell out weeks in advance, especially in summer. At the gate, you’ll wait in long queues and risk no availability. The guide cannot hold your spot without a ticket. Reduced entry (free for EU under 25, non-EU under 6) still requires pre-booking online with ID. EU Disability Card holders select “no ticket” and show card at entrance. The add-on ensures seamless access and supports site preservation.
How strenuous is the walk, and is it suitable for children or seniors?
The tour covers ~1.5 km on uneven marble paving with a steady uphill climb (60m elevation) from the south slope entrance to the Parthenon. The pace is relaxed with frequent stops for explanations and photos. Sturdy shoes are essential—marble is slippery when wet. Children 6+ manage well; younger ones may need carrying on steep sections. Seniors with moderate fitness are fine, but those with mobility issues should note there’s no wheelchair access beyond the Propylaea (elevator available with prior request via official site). The guide adjusts pacing and offers shaded breaks. Total time on foot: ~90 minutes. For limited mobility, consider the Acropolis Museum-only tour.
What’s the difference between the standard tour and the Acropolis Museum add-on?
The Museum add-on (+1.5–2 hours, +€15) includes skip-the-line entry and a guided tour of the Acropolis Museum—home to the original Caryatids, Parthenon frieze fragments, and 4,000+ artifacts in a light-filled modern building. You’ll see the Parthenon Gallery (life-size replica) and Archaic statues with your same guide. Total duration: 3.5–4 hours. Choose this if you want the full story—hill + artifacts. The museum is air-conditioned, flat, and wheelchair-friendly.
Can I take photos, and are tripods or drones allowed?
Yes—photography is encouraged throughout the Acropolis and museum (no flash inside museum galleries or near fragile artifacts). Smartphones and small cameras are ideal. Tripods, selfie sticks, and professional equipment are banned on the hill for safety and preservation—security will confiscate them at the gate. Drones are strictly prohibited over the entire archaeological zone (fines up to €500). The best photo spots: Parthenon from the northeast corner, Erechtheion Caryatids porch, and panoramic Athens from the flagpole. Morning light (8–10 AM tours) is golden; afternoon (3–5 PM) offers dramatic shadows and sunsets. The guide suggests optimal angles.
What happens if it rains or is extremely hot?
The tour operates rain or shine—marble paths become slippery, so wear grippy shoes and bring a poncho (provided if needed). In heavy rain, the guide focuses more on covered areas (Propylaea, museum add-on) and shortens open exposure. Summer heat (35–40°C) is managed with early morning (8:30 AM) or late afternoon (4:00 PM) slots, shaded breaks, and water stops. The guide carries extra water and sun hats. In extreme heatwaves (>40°C), the Ministry may close the site midday—tours are rescheduled or refunded. Check the forecast and choose cooler timing. The museum add-on is fully
