Acropolis Tour

Survey the heart of ancient and modern Greece with a leading expert
From US$222 for 1 person
Book a Tour
Tour Details
Duration
3 hours
Product Type
Tour
Venues
  • Acropolis
  • Parthenon
  • Acropolis Museum
Photos & Highlights
  • Join an engaging local expert at the top of their field, such as archaeology or history, as you explore the heart of Athens
  • Unique, personal tours for the intentional traveler. Choose from private tours for just you and your party, or join a small group tour with up 6 other travelers
Select a date
Tour Description
Your tour begins near the Acropolis Museum where you’ll have an overview of the sites you’re about to discover at the top of the Acropolis hill, such as the Temple of Athena and the Parthenon. As you make your way up to the Acropolis hill, you’ll discuss the sites’ history. From construction to ruin, rediscovery to reconstruction, you will 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. 

At the top, you’ll learn the differences between the Doric, Ionic, and Corinthian orders of architecture and together build a vocabulary to discuss and understand the many amazing structures of the archaeological site. The Acropolis offers wonderful views over Athens, and you will also look at how the rock of the Acropolis itself serves as a reference point for the modern development of Athens. 

The second part of the tour will be devoted to the stunning 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. You'll look at some of the museum’s treasures, including the beautiful re-creation of the Parthenon frieze. By the end of the tour, you’ll emerge from the Acropolis with a deeper understanding of Athenian society and the central position of this monument within the city.

In the summer, our afternoon tours offer the chance to witness the Acropolis at its most stunning, accompanied by the enchanting sunset views of Athens and an escape from the heat and crowds.
Experts
Antigone Antigone
Historian
Marina Marina
Local Guide
Amaryllis Amaryllis
Local Guide
Panos Panos
Historian
Stefania Stefania
Local Guide
Alexandros Alexandros
Local Guide
Filio
Local Guide
Christiana Christiana
Art Historian
Alexandros Alexandros
Local Guide
Popi Popi
Historian
Marili Marili
Local Guide
Alexandros Alexandros
Archaeologist
Evita Evita
Local Guide
Sophia Sophia
Local Guide
Smaro Smaro
Anthropologist
Stella Stella
Anthropologist
Anthi Anthi
Archaeologist
Anastasia Anastasia
Archaeologist
Maria Maria
Local Guide
Ifigenia Ifigenia
Local Guide
Konstantina Konstantina
Local Guide
Effie Effie
Archaeologist
Stefanos Stefanos
Archaeologist/Tour Guide
Yiouli Yiouli
Archaeologist
Ioannis Ioannis
Local Guide
Konstantinos Konstantinos
Local Guide
Demetra Demetra
Archaeologist
Dionysios Dionysios
Archaeologist
Maria Maria
Local Guide
Maria Maria
Local Guide
Sophia Sophia
Historian
Marina Marina
Local Guide
Elias Elias
Local Guide
Alexandra Alexandra
Local Guide
Xenia Xenia
Archaeologist
Eleftheria Eleftheria
Historian
Dimitria Dimitria
Local Guide
Aris Aris
Local Guide
Anastasia Anastasia
Local Guide
Lena Lena
Archaeologist
Mara Mara
Archaeologist
  • It’s your first time in Athens and you’re seeking to explore these world-famous ruins
  • You’re returning to Athens in an effort to make deeper sense of the Acropolis's historic importance and modern incarnation.
  • If you’re traveling with children under the age of 12, we recommend our family-oriented Acropolis Tour for Kids.
Acropolis Archaeological Site, including the Parthenon – The Acropolis is an ancient citadel located in Athens, Greece, and is one of the most important historical and archaeological sites in the world. Within the archaeological complex, you will find:

  1. The Parthenon: A magnificent temple dedicated to the goddess Athena, the patron deity of Athens. The Parthenon is an iconic symbol of ancient Greek architecture and is renowned for its Doric columns and exquisite sculptures.
  2. Propylaea: The monumental gateway that serves as the entrance to the Acropolis. This impressive structure features intricately designed marble columns and a grand staircase.
  3. Erechtheion: An elegant temple that houses multiple shrines, including those of Athena and Poseidon. The most notable feature of the Erechtheion is the "Porch of the Maidens," a stunning porch supported by six Caryatid statues.
  4. Temple of Athena Nike: A small temple dedicated to the goddess Nike, the Winged Victory. This elegant Ionic temple stands at the Acropolis' southwest corner and boasts breathtaking views of Athens and its surroundings.

Athens Acropolis Museum – Situated at the southeastern slope of the Acropolis in Athens, Greece, the Athens Acropolis Museum is a modern marvel that houses an extensive collection of artifacts excavated from the Acropolis site. The museum's highlights include:

  1. Gallery of the Slopes of the Acropolis: This gallery showcases artifacts found on the slopes of the Acropolis, giving visitors insight into daily life and activities in ancient Athens.
  2. Archaic Gallery: An impressive collection of statues and sculptures dating back to the 6th and 5th centuries BCE, representing the evolution of ancient Greek art and architecture.
  3. Parthenon Gallery: The crowning glory of the museum, this gallery displays original marble sculptures from the Parthenon, including several metopes, friezes, and the famous Caryatid from the Erechtheion.
  4. Gallery of the Roman Acropolis: Exhibits in this gallery illustrate the Roman influence on the Acropolis and its transformation during the Roman period.
The Athens Acropolis Museum complements the Acropolis site, providing a deeper understanding of the history, art, and culture of ancient Athens.
Tickets
  • Includes tickets to the Acropolis Archaeological Site and the Acropolis Museum
  • While your visit includes advance reservations to the museums, you will need to pass through the security checkpoint. Therefore, you may spend some time at the beginning of the tour waiting in the reserved entry line while your guide will provide an overview and contextualization for the tour.
  • The Acropolis archaeological site tickets don't include the Acropolis Museum, that's why we purchase a different ticket for the Acropolis Museum.
Meeting and Ending Point 
  • We meet near the Acropolis Museum and end inside the Acropolis Museum so you can stay inside and continue to visit on your own if you choose to do so.
  • The exact meeting point and map are communicated in your confirmation email.
Start Time
  • While visiting the Acropolis in the morning is a popular choice amongst travelers, our experts recommend trying an early evening tour in the summer months. The afternoon heat has died down, the crowds are smaller and you will have a chance to experience the unique charm of sunset over Athens. 
Resources
  • For more information on planning your tour, take a read through our How to Visit the Acropolis resources page.
  • If you are looking to learn more about Athens prior to a visit, check out our online lectures at Context Learning.
Itinerary
  • This tour covers a lot of ground and so best suited to those who are ready and able to do a lot of walking.
  • The route can be adapted for clients who are less able to walk long distances, but this may involve missing some of the sites. We would advise booking a private tour if this applies to you.
Wheelchair accessibility
  • The Acropolis has made certain efforts to allow access to clients of varying levels of mobility. Clients who think they will need elevator access to avoid the numerous stairs should come prepared with a justification of disability-anything from a disability card or placard to a signed doctor's note will suffice.
For more information about Context tours, please visit our FAQs.

If children under 18 qualify for free tickets, why am I required to purchase a ticket for my child?
While children may enter for free,  they are required to purchase the reduced ticket only on-site and stand in the general entrance line if they do so. In order to save time and expedite the tour, we purchase tickets in advance so your group may enter as quickly as possible.

Why can’t I book this tour for more than 9 people?
Our Acropolis tours are capped at 9 due to venue restrictions, this also helps your tour experience in order to best navigate the museum and crowds. Should you have a larger group, we suggest splitting into multiple groups.
Book with confidence — see Context's flexible cancellation policy here.
Where You'll Start
(4.87) 807 Reviews

Reviews can only be left by Context customers after they have completed a tour. For more information about our reviews, please see our FAQ.

She was great!
Giannis was excellent. Very passionate and knowledgeable. He takes his craft seriously. Would definitely recommend
Antigone was a fabulous companion as we explored the Acropolis and the Acropolis museum. She was happy to accommodate our earlier start time to allow us to visit the site with smaller crowds than the many crowds that arrived later in the morning. She shared insight into history, mythology, architecture and change on the Acropolis over time, not just limited to the Classical Era. It was a fabulous day!

Acropolis Museum Tickets: See the Acropolis with a Local Expert

Uncover the hidden stories of the Acropolis. Context walking tours dive deeper, so you can make the most of your acropolis museum tickets and truly understand the history and significance of this living artifact. Choose a small group walking tour for a semi-private experience or a private tour for just you and travel companions. All experiences include Acropolis Museum Tickets.

Context's tour of the Acropolis will take you deeper as your local expert personalizes your experience to suit your interests. Walk the paths of ancient civilization as you visit the Acropolis Museum. See the Temple of Athena alongside a local expert. See the towering columns of the Parthenon first hand. Before you travel, enjoy our Pre-Trip Talks to get the most out of your time in Greece. And if you you want to dig even deeper after your tour of the Acropolis, choose one of our audio guides to see the rest of Athens on your own schedule.

Need advice on how to plan your visit to the Acropolis? Read our comprehensive guide to get you started.