Acropolis Tour with Skip-the-Line Tickets
- Gain an understanding of ancient Greece in the context of contemporary Athens
- Led by an archaeologist
- Acropolis Museum, Acropolis, and Parthenon
Our visit will cover the main buildings on the Acropolis, including the Erechtheion, the Temple of Athena Nike, the Propylaia, and, of course, the Parthenon. As we explore the sites with an archaeology expert, we’ll discuss their history, from construction to ruin, rediscovery to reconstruction, and learn how these sites grew and evolved along with the city of Athens, gaining insight into ancient Greek history and the role of religion in Athenian culture. We’ll learn the differences between Doric, Ionic, and Corinthian orders of architecture and together build a vocabulary to discuss and understand the many amazing structures on the Acropolis.
The Acropolis offers wonderful views over Athens, and we will also look at how the rock of the Acropolis itself serves as a reference point for the modern development of Athens. This walk will also include a visit to the stunning new Athens Acropolis Museum, designed by Bernard Tschumi and opened in 2009. Designed to echo the topography of the actual Acropolis, the museum is an illuminating companion to the ruins of the original site. We'll look at some of the museum’s treasures, including the wonderful re-creation of the frieze of the Parthenon. By the end of the tour, we'll emerge from the Acropolis with a deeper understanding of Athenian society and the central position of this monument in it.
FAQ
What is the Acropolis Combined ticket and how does it work?
The Acropolis combined tickets are valid for admission to Acropolis and Slopes, Ancient Agora, Hadrian's Library, Kerameikos, Aristotle's Library [Lykeion], Olympieion, Roman Agora and can be used for 5 days after the first entrance.
Kelly holds an MA in modern letters from the Sorbonne in Paris, and a certificate in archaeology from the National School in Athens. She has extensive experience leading individuals and groups through the monuments of her hometown. In addition to her years of experience on site in Athens, Kelly has also undergone training in interpretation and museum education at both the Metropolitan Museum of Art and MoMA in New York City, and in cultural heritage management at the University of Paris IX. A gifted teacher, Kelly has guided a wide range of visitors in Athens, from members of the International Olympic Committee to heads of state and diplomats.
Vassilios is a historian who has taught for several years in local Athens schools. He earned his undergraduate degree in archaeology from the University of Athens, and has conducted specialized research in the history of the Orthodox Church, Byzantine studies, and modern Greek history. Vassilios is a gifted teacher with extensive on-site experience with adults, children, and families.
Yiouli was born in Athens and lives in the city with her family. She studied history and archaeology at the University of Athens, and became a licensed guide for the city in 2005.