Athens: Acropolis, Parthenon & Acropolis Museum 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 citadel since the Bronze Age. Its 5th-century BC monuments—built under Pericles during the Golden Age—represent the pinnacle of classical architecture and democracy.
The Parthenon, dedicated to Athena, once housed a 12-meter gold-and-ivory statue. The Acropolis Museum, opened in 2009, displays every surviving artifact from the hill, including the original Caryatids and Parthenon frieze, under natural light and with visible excavations below.
Highlights
- Skip-the-line entry to both Acropolis and Acropolis Museum
- Explore the Parthenon, Erechtheion, Propylaea, and Temple of Athena Nike
- Visit the Theater of Dionysus—birthplace of Western drama
- See original Caryatids and Parthenon marbles in the world-class museum
- Enjoy expert storytelling from a licensed archaeologist guide
Full Description
Begin at the south slope and ascend past the Theater of Dionysus and Odeon of Herodes Atticus. Your licensed guide brings each monument to life with myths, history, and architectural secrets.
Stand before the Parthenon’s optical perfection, circle the Erechtheion’s porch of maidens, and pass through the grand Propylaea. After a short break, enter the Acropolis Museum via a private entrance.
Walk on glass floors over ongoing excavations, admire the five original Caryatids, and view the Parthenon Gallery—aligned perfectly with the temple outside. A seamless journey from ancient hill to modern masterpiece.
Why Choose This Experience?
This expertly guided tour combines skip-the-line access, deep historical insight, and the world’s finest classical museum—all in 3–4 hours. Your licensed guide (Natasa, Eli, Kiki, and more) delivers passion and clarity, while disposable earphones ensure you hear every word.
Perfect for first-timers, history lovers, or anyone wanting the complete Acropolis story without the hassle. Private or shared options available.
What’s Included
- Licensed English-speaking archaeologist guide
- Skip-the-line Acropolis ticket (if option selected)
- Skip-the-line Acropolis Museum ticket with separate entrance (if option selected)
- Disposable earphones (groups >8)
- Guided visit to all major Acropolis monuments
- Full museum tour: ground floor excavations, Caryatids, Parthenon Gallery
- Short comfort break between sites
- Private or shared group (depending on booking)
- Flexible pacing based on group and weather
Itinerary
- Meet at Mitsaion 2 office
- Walk to Acropolis south entrance (5 min)
- Theater of Dionysus & Odeon of Herodes Atticus (20 min)
- Ascend to Propylaea, Temple of Athena Nike (15 min)
- Erechtheion & Parthenon (40 min)
- Panoramic views and photo stops
- Short break (10 min)
- Walk to Acropolis Museum (5 min)
- Museum: excavations, Archaic gallery, Caryatids, Parthenon Gallery (1–1.5 hours)
- Tour ends inside or outside museum
Pricing
From $37 per person
Meeting Point
Athenian Tours Office – Mitsaion 2, 11742 (near Acropolis metro). Look for the guide with signage. Arrive 10 minutes early.
How to get there
- Metro: Line 2 (red) to “Akropoli” → 3-minute walk
- Walking: 10 minutes from Plaka or Monastiraki
- Taxi: Request “Mitsaion 2, near Acropolis Museum”
- Bus: 230, A2 to “Akropolē”
Good to Know
What to bring
- Comfortable walking shoes (marble, stairs, slopes)
- Hat, sunscreen, water
- Light jacket (museum is air-conditioned)
- Charged phone (for photos)
- ID (for discounted entry if applicable)
Know before you go
- With Tickets: Entry included—no action needed
- Without Tickets: Buy online 24h+ in advance & confirm slot with operator
- No strollers, large bags, or pets
- No true skip-the-line at Acropolis (separate queue for groups)
- Free entry days: ticket cost deducted from tour price
- Museum has cafe and gift shop
Reviews
- Natasa was a history wizard—engaging, clear, and made 2,500 years feel alive. Best Acropolis tour!
- Eli’s passion was contagious. Skipped lines, saw everything, learned so much. Worth every euro.
- Kiki is a national treasure—warm, witty, and brilliant. The museum’s Parthenon view? Unforgettable.
Maps
Contact
Video
FAQ's
Are tickets to the Acropolis and Museum included?
It depends on your selected option. If you choose “with tickets,” skip-the-line entry to both the Acropolis (€20) and Acropolis Museum (€15) is fully included—no further action needed. If you select “without tickets,” you must purchase timed tickets online at least 24 hours before and confirm the slot with the operator. On free entry days, the tour price is automatically reduced. Your guide cannot sell tickets on-site.
Is there a true skip-the-line entrance?
Yes for the Acropolis Museum—your group uses a separate entrance. For the Acropolis, there is no dedicated skip-the-line gate, but pre-booked group tickets avoid the main ticket office queue. You still pass through security (which can take 15–30 min in peak season). Your guide manages the flow. This system ensures faster access than individual buyers.
How long do we spend at each site?
Approximately 1.5–2 hours on the Acropolis hill (including all monuments and views) and 1–1.5 hours in the Acropolis Museum (full guided tour). A 10-minute comfort break separates the two. Total duration: 3–4 hours, depending on group pace, crowd levels, and weather. The guide may adjust order to avoid congestion.
Can I bring a baby stroller or large bag?
No—strollers, large bags, and backpacks are not allowed on the Acropolis or in the museum. Small personal bags are permitted. Lockers are available at the museum entrance (€1). Baby carriers are recommended. This rule protects the ancient site and ensures safety on narrow paths.
What happens on free entry days?
On official free entry days (e.g., March 6, April 18, last weekend of September), the cost of Acropolis and/or Museum tickets is automatically deducted from your tour price. You still benefit from the guided experience, skip-the-line group entry, and expert commentary. The operator adjusts pricing transparently. Check the calendar in advance.
