Athens: Acropolis, Parthenon and Acropolis Museum Guided Tour
Description
Travel back in time on a 4 hours Skip-the-line informative and fun tour to the most significant monument in Athens. This tour is guided by an English speaking field expert and licensed tour guide. Discover the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Acropolis of Athens through a journey into history, mythology and storytelling. The tour continues with a visit to the Acropolis Museum, which has been ranked among the top Museums in the world. All the original surviving masterpieces from the temples of the Acropolis are displayed with the use of natural light. Excavations are also visible under glass floors and walkways.
Tour Options
Itinerary
Meet your guide at our office at Mitseon 2, Athens, 11742, at least 15 minutes before the starting time of the tour and start the tour with a visit to the Acropolis hill. On your way up, you will visit the Dionysus Theater, where all the famous ancient dramas and tragedies were first performed. You will walk around the stunning Odeon of Herodes Atticus, and the sanctuary of the healing god Asclepius. On the top of the hill you will visit the Propylea, the Temple of Nike, the Erechtheion Temple, and of course the Parthenon; the symbol of democracy and western civilization. Dating back to 5th century B.C, these monuments are testimonials of the glorious ancient Athens and the Golden Age of Pericles. Take a short break before you continue to the Acropolis Museum, during which you can use the bathroom.
Right after the Acropolis tour you will have the opportunity to visit the Acropolis Museum located just a few minutes walk from the Acropolis site. On the ground floor the exhibited artifacts reveal to you facets of the Athenian daily life; you get to know the wedding customs, the children's favorite toys, the healing techniques, the religious practices. On the first floor, you will experience standing at a breathing distance from the mysterious archaic statues of the 6th century B.C that once adorned the Acropolis. Be fascinated by walking next to the Caryatids and huge pieces of the Acropolis entrance. At the last floor, next to the breathtaking view of the Acropolis, one can admire the original unique in concept and artistic excellence Parthenon frieze.
Walk to the Parthenon which was dedicated to the goddess Athena, the patroness of the city of Athens. Admire this 5th-century zenith of the Doric order architecture.
Breeze past the line and experience the thrill of seeing the Theater of Dionysus where many famous ancient comedies and tragedies were first performed.
Continue to the Roman Herodion theater which was built in memory of the wife of Herodes Atticus.
Climb up to the gateway of the Acropolis, the Propylaea.
Take in views of the Temple of Athena Nike.
Finally, see the Erechtheion which is a unique masterpiece of architecture mainly due to its asymmetrical composition, and its supports include 6 sculpted female figures.
Highlights
What's included
Traveller Ratings
Important Information
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Confirmation will be received at time of booking
- Not wheelchair and strollers accessible; not suitable for people with mobility impairments, children under 6, pregnant travelers, or those with serious medical conditions
- If you opted for the "WITHOUT tickets" choice, please bring cash to purchase your admission ticket at our check-in spot just before the tour. We can reserve tickets for your designated time as long as you let us know in advance that you will get them from us. Otherwise you must buy them on your own from the official sites at least 24 hours before the tour. When you book the option without entrance tickets, ask for instructions about the correct time slot of the tickets, before you buy them on you own.
- Elevator use to the Acropolis is not permitted on group tours
- Our guides may adjust the order of sites for your comfort
- Choose the private option for a more flexible start time
- Entrance tickets: If you booked with tickets, your guide will hand them to you at the meeting point. If you booked without tickets, please buy them online at least 24h in advance (ask us for the correct time slot), or you may purchase them from us (30€ Acropolis / 20€ Museum per person, adult tickets only) only if you notify us, at least 24h in advance, to ensure availability.
- Punctuality is crucial due to strict Acropolis entry times; latecomers cannot be accommodated and no refunds are possible
- Meeting point: Athenian Tours Office, Mitseon 2, 11742 Athens (short walk from Acropolis Metro). From the Port of Piraeus allow 30–40 minutes by taxi, longer in morning traffic
- The Acropolis is on a steep hill; some paths are slippery when wet
- Bring water, hat, sunglasses, and umbrella if it rains (no cafés on site, only a water fountain)
- Audio quality may occasionally be affected by other groups’ equipment
- Please note: On days when the Acropolis or Acropolis Museum offers free entry, our tour prices are adjusted accordingly, ensuring you are not charged for these complimentary tickets.
- ID check required upon entry for reduced/free tickets holders
- Not suitable for children under 6 years old
- Not suitable for people with mobility impairments.
Reviews(2,144)
Eli was a superb guide. She is so knowledgeable and personable. She wonderfully delivered the history of Acropolis. She is the best guide we have ever had on a tour, by far! The Acropolis left us awestruck. It was an experience we will remember all of our lives.
Dear Sarah, Thank you so much for your wonderful review! We are truly delighted to hear that you had such a memorable experience at the Acropolis and that Eli made such a strong impression. Her knowledge, warmth, and ability to bring history to life are qualities we deeply value, and she will be thrilled to know she contributed to what you consider your best tour experience. It’s wonderful to hear that the Acropolis left you awestruck and created memories you will carry with you for a lifetime. Thank you again for your kind words. We would be very happy to welcome you back for another unforgettable experience in Athens. Warm regards, The Athenian Tours Team Experience the Essence of Athens
Guide was fantastic. Knowledgeable, articulate, funny, and personable. We went in the morning and the crowds were not too bad. Really enjoyed her extensive knowledge of the Acropolis, Parthenon, and all of the items in the museum.
Dear Traveler, Thank you very much for your wonderful review! We are delighted to hear that you had such a great experience and that your guide made such a positive impression with her knowledge, humor, and engaging personality. It’s wonderful to know that her insights into the Acropolis, the Parthenon, and the museum exhibits helped bring everything to life for you. We also agree that morning visits can offer a more relaxed experience, and we’re glad you were able to enjoy it with lighter crowds. Thank you again for your kind words. We hope to welcome you back for another memorable experience in Athens. Warm regards, The Athenian Tours Team Experience the Essence of Athens
The guide was very knowledgeable and patient We went to the Acropolis and Museum The weather was very warm but it was a great experience
Dear Traveler, Thank you very much for your kind review! We are glad to hear that you found your guide knowledgeable and patient, and that you enjoyed both the Acropolis and the Museum experience. Even with the warm weather, it’s wonderful to know that you were still able to fully enjoy the visit. We truly appreciate your feedback and hope to welcome you again in the future for another memorable experience in Athens. Warm regards, The Athenian Tours Team Experience the Essence of Athens
We had trouble with booking and the tour company went above and beyond to make (my mistake) correct. Our tour guide, Angel, was wonderful and very knowledgeable. She was very funny and also made sure to take breaks in shaded spots as to not overheat during the climb.
Dear Kalyn, Thank you very much for your kind review! We are delighted to hear that, despite the initial booking issue, our team was able to assist and ensure everything was resolved smoothly for you. We always strive to support our guests wherever possible, so it’s very rewarding to know this made a difference to your experience. Angel will be especially pleased to read your comments. Her knowledge, sense of humor, and attentive care for the group—including making sure to take breaks in shaded areas—are all qualities we truly value, and we’re glad they helped make your tour more comfortable and enjoyable. Thank you again for your understanding and kind words. We hope to welcome you back in Athens for another great experience in the future. Warm regards, The Athenian Tours Team Experience the Essence of Athens
Lydia was awesome! She was very knowledgeable, informative and incredibly passionate which enhances the experience. The first 1/2 to 2/3 part of the tour was inside the museum (~1600-1845) and the final portion up at the Parthenon. It was FABULOUS! The experience is so rich in history and so close to the artifacts it’s a MUST do. Lydia delivered on her “best picture without other tourists and scaffolding” (which is what all the hundreds of tourists were seeking 😆). The timing of the tour is well planned; we were in the museum first and atop the Parthenon for the end, with a lovely evening view (& sun). HIGHLY RECOMMEND!!!!
Dear Tiffany, Thank you so much for your fantastic and detailed review! We are delighted to hear that you had such a fabulous experience with Lydia. Her knowledge, passion, and energy truly help bring the Acropolis and the Museum to life, and she will be thrilled to know how much you appreciated her guidance. It’s wonderful to hear that you enjoyed the flow of the tour, from the museum to the Parthenon, and that the timing allowed you to experience both the artifacts up close and the stunning evening views from the Acropolis. We’re especially glad you managed to capture those memorable photo moments Lydia promised! Thank you for your enthusiastic recommendation. We would be absolutely delighted to welcome you again for another unforgettable experience in Athens. Warm regards, The Athenian Tours Team Experience the Essence of Athens
The tour started on time. The guide tried his best to explain everything clearly , the history …… we were given enough time for photo opportunity. The museum is a must. Surely, it is a long excursion.
We booked the Acropolis and Museum tour with tickets through Athenia Tours just two days before our visit after another tour company let us down, and we’re so glad we did. Our guide, Lydia, was exceptionally organized and managed to pack an impressive amount of information, historical context, and visual references into a relatively short tour. Some people might find her pace a little faster than usual, but we actually appreciated it, especially given the huge crowds that day—which will likely only increase as the summer season reaches its peak. We learned so much throughout the tour. Lydia pointed out the best photo spots and highlighted the most significant and memorable artifacts and landmarks, helping us make the most of our visit. She also made a consistent effort to keep the entire group together and regularly reminded everyone about the slippery marble surfaces, which showed genuine care and concern for the group’s safety. Highly recommended for anyone wanting an informative, efficient, and well-organized Acropolis experience.
Terrific! Easy check in process, tickets were provided for both the Acropolis and Acropolis Musuem, and our tour guide (Yolanda) was fantastic!
Dear Abby, Thank you very much for your wonderful review! We are delighted to hear that you had such a smooth experience from the check-in process to the visit of the Acropolis and the Museum. It’s great to know everything was well organized for you and that the included tickets made your experience even easier. Yolanda will be very happy to hear your kind words. Her professionalism and enthusiasm truly help make each tour special. We truly appreciate your feedback and hope to welcome you again for another fantastic experience in Athens. Warm regards, The Athenian Tours Team Experience the Essence of Athens
This was a fantastic tour! Our tour guide Georgina was so nice and knowledgeable about everything having to do with the acropolis and the Parthenon and all of the Greek Gods. The Parthenon is just amazing and the views from there are breathtaking. The climb up was not too bad and we took stops on the way up for Georgina to explain something else we were seeing. Would highly recommend this tour when visiting Greece. We also opted to do the museum tour which was a great addition . Loved seeing the uncovered ruins that were discovered when they started building the museum.
Dear Linda, Thank you very much for your fantastic review! We are delighted to hear that you enjoyed your tour and that Georgina made such a positive impression. Her kindness and deep knowledge of the Acropolis, the Parthenon, and Greek mythology truly help bring these incredible sites to life, and she will be very happy to read your kind words. It’s wonderful to know that you were able to fully appreciate the beauty of the Parthenon and the breathtaking views from the Acropolis. It is indeed a truly unforgettable experience. We really appreciate your recommendation and hope to welcome you again in the future for more amazing experiences in Athens. Warm regards, The Athenian Tours Team Experience the Essence of Athens
The tour is wonderful. We learned so much about the Acropolis and the Parthenon. It was fascinating to learn the culture and the government 2500 years ago! Our tour guide was excellent. We recommend including the museum in your tour. Beautiful artifacts and a city below the museum!
Dear Sandie, Thank you very much for your wonderful review! We are delighted to hear that you enjoyed the tour and found the experience of the Acropolis and Parthenon both educational and fascinating. It’s always rewarding to share the rich history, culture, and governance of ancient Athens, and we’re so pleased it resonated with you. We also appreciate your recommendation regarding the Acropolis Museum. It truly is an incredible complement to the site, offering beautiful artifacts and unique views over the ancient city beneath it. Thank you again for your kind words and recommendation. We hope to welcome you back in the future for more memorable experiences in Athens. Warm regards, The Athenian Tours Team Experience the Essence of Athens
