Acropolis & City Highlights Tour
Duration: 4 hoursThis Acropolis walking tour brings together the historical and architectural highlights of Athens, along with some of the most adorable alleys of the city far and beyond the touristic trails.
A wonderful walking route that will amaze you for its diversity and the many perspectives that you will discover: a great tour to navigate among all the fundamental must-see sights in Athens from the locals’ perspective. You will enjoy a personal hassle free experience without having to worry about getting around in a city that you visit for the first time.
The Athens essentials that you just can’t miss!
The reference list of what you will see and experience during the Acropolis and City Highlights includes but is not limited to:
- Acropolis
- Parthenon
- Propylaea
- Temple of Wingless Nike
- Erectheion
- Odeum of Herodes Atticus
- Temple of Olympian Zeus
- Hadrian’s Arch
- Old Olympic Stadium
- Presidential Palace
- Changing of the Guards
- Constitution (Syntagma) Square
- National Gardens
We can customize this tour to your needs.
If you want to skip or add something, please let us know in advance.
First thing to do on our Acropolis and City Highlights walking tour is to visit the Acropolis Hill, before the crowds and the heat begin to rise. There you will be able to explore the magnificent gate of Propylaea, the Temple of the wingless Nike, the Erectheion with the widely known female statues, the imperious maidens called Karyatides, and last but not least the masterpiece of Classical architecture, the Parthenon.
From the Acropolis Hill you will be able to gaze the other historical hills of Athens that are Areopagus, Philopappus Hill (or Hill of the Muses), Hill of the Nymphs, Pnyx,and the Hill of Lycabettus.
The Acropolis, meaning the highest edge of the city gives you the chance to enjoy a panoramic view of the theater of Dionysus, the Odeum of Herodes Atticus, the Ancient Greek Agora, the modern city of Athens and even the port of Piraeus. After your visit to the sacred rock of the Acropolis, we will continue to explore the rest of the city on your own pace.
Next comes the visit to the biggest temple that ever existed, that is the Temple of Olympian Zeus and the Hadrian’s Arch marking the ancient Greek boarders of the city. Your next stop is the Old Olympic Stadium, where the first modern Olympics took place.
Right after you will have the chance to witness the trade mark of Athens’ Presidential Palace. Just in time for the intricate changing ritual of the guards in front of the Presidential Palace, you will enjoy the tireless and valiant Evzones on their duty, guarding their post in front of the Greek Parliament for 365 days a year, 24 hours a day.
The walking tour continues with a nice stroll through the National Gardens. After the refreshing breeze of the gardens your guide will take you to the last point of your tour to present you the Athens of the 19th century with its remarkable neoclassical buildings preserved until today.
The greatest example lies on Constitution Sq. (Syntagma Square) with the House of the Parliament, the former Royal Palace. In front of this building is where you can also have the chance to admire the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, a memorial of great significance for the Greek people.
From this point and already feeling well oriented after the walking tour you can continue by yourselves to continue exploring the city. Do not hesitate to ask your guide for any advice.
Entrance fees, to the Acropolis and Temple of Zeus are 26 Euro total pp (combined ticket obtained at the ticket office of any site) and 20 Euro for just the Acropolis.
Entrance fee to the Acropolis Museum is 10 Euro pp. Free admission for: Journalists Persons under 18 (with current identification to prove age) University students from Greece and the E.U
Free admission (regardless age) on the following dates:
- 6 March
- 5 June
- 18 April
- 18 May (International Museums Day)
- The last weekend of September annually (European Heritage Days)
For prices updates please click here
To buy your tickets in advance click here
- Summer period 1 April – 31 October
- Winter period: 1 November – 31 March
Opening hours for the archeological sites of Athens including Acropolis:
- Winter period:8:30am – 15:00
- Summer period:8:00am – 19:30
Opening hours for Temple of Poseidon in Cape Sounio:
- Winter period: 9:30am until sunset
- Summer period: 8:00am until sunset.
Last entry 20 min before closing.
All sites and museums are closed or have reduced opening hours, on the following holidays:
- 1 January
- 6 January
- Shrove Monday: 08.30-15.00
- 25 March: closed
- Good Friday: until 12:00 closed
- Holy Saturday: 08.30-15.00
- Easter Sunday
- Easter Monday: 08.30-15.00
- 1 May
- Holy Spirit Day: 08.30-15.00
- 15 August: 08.30-15.00
- 28 October: 08.30-15.00
- 25 December
- 26 December
For updates on opening hours please click here
There are a few things that are useful for you to know before participating in one of our tours.
- Comfortable clothing and sensible, flat-soled walking shoes are recommended for most locations. Sun glasses, a hat and sun screen are also suggested since the Mediterranean sun is extremely hot during the summer months. As far as walking is concerned you have to keep in mind that climbing up to the Acropolis is a rather challenging task. Guests must be able to walk over paved, inclined paths, some with steps and then climb a series of steps to reach the Propylea. The walking surface on top of the Acropolis is rather raw and uneven. It has been preserved in this manner in order to showcase the authentic environment of the monuments.
- Photography is permitted in almost every site throughout the tours and if it is prohibited you will be informed beforehand.
- Local currency (euros) might be needed in order to pay at the spot small entrance fees and small expenses.
- In case one of our guests has some special needs, is under certain medication or has a limited walking endurance you can let us know during the organization of your customized tour and we will make sure that small breaks are incorporated into your itinerary.
- Also it is suggested that you bring with you a small bottle of water or something small to eat in case you need to during the tour. Furthermore if an individual has advanced accessibility needs you can let us know and allow us to customize the tour to fit your needs.
