Essential Highlights Tour of the Acropolis and Parthenon

Skip the line and get to know Greece’s most important ruins, including the Temple of Athena Nike

Travel Flexibly 5 / 5 See All 11 Reviews · 2.00h · Athens, Greece

Prefer a shorter tour of the Acropolis that still explores all of the ruins? This Acropolis tour won't disappoint since you'll follow an expert guide through ancient paths, into the Parthenon, around the Temple of Athena Nike, and into the Theater of Dionysus. All that and a bit more in just a couple of hours! Your skip-the-line tickets are included, and your archaeologist guide knows how to entertain you with stories and facts of these historic ruins that you would miss on your own.

  • Skip-the-line Acropolis tour
  • Walk in history's footsteps
  • Explore the Acropolis
  • The Parthenon
  • Stories of ancient Greece
  • Theater of Dionysus
  • Expert guide

After meeting your friendly guide at a convenient location near the Acropolis, it's time for you and your group of no more than 16 people to make your way up Athens' most famous hill. Along the way, you'll listen to your guide begin to craft the story of ancient Greece as you step where legends once walked. Wandering among the columns of the Parthenon and Temple of Athena Nike just might bring chills as you consider how important and historic these monuments are.

Acropolis Tour Description

Your 2-hour tour includes:

  • Skip-the-line entry and guided tour of Acropolis

  • Tour of Parthenon and Temple of Athena Nike

  • Other ruins and monuments

  • A fun, archaeologist guide

  • Maximum group size of 16

Explore the Acropolis

Your journey begins at the entrance of the Acropolis where you will pass through the Propylaea, the imposing gateway that’s stood since the 5th century B.C. Stepping inside, you will feel the weight of history on your shoulders as your guide explains the significance of this gateway to ancient Greek culture.

The Imposing Parthenon

This is the building you usually think of when talking about the Acropolis. Step inside the columns and listen to its rather remarkable history as a treasury, temple, mosque, church, and even an arsenal! Dedicated to the goddess Athena, the Parthenon is considered one of the greatest achievements of ancient Greek architecture. Marvel about its construction, its role in ancient Greek culture, and the secrets of its stunning beauty as you stand inside.

The Temple of Athena Nike

Perched on a rocky outcropping of the Acropolis, the Temple of Athena Nike awaits you with stories to tell of her own. You’ll be impressed by the intricate carvings and impressive architecture while learning about its history in the ancient Greek world. This temple was a symbol of victory in war and peace, and it nearly didn’t survive on more than one occasion.

Theater of Dionysus and Odeon of Herodes Atticus

The adventure doesn't end there! You'll follow your guide to the ancient Dionysus Theater, one of the world's oldest theaters (6th century B.C!), and imagine the magnificent performances and dramatic spectacles that once took place here. A whopping 17,000 used to sit here, so be sure to take a seat and imagine them sitting next to you. Then, explore the smaller Odeon of Herodes Atticus from Roman times. It’s another amphitheater that is still used for concerts and events even today.

Breathe in the majestic aura of the ruins that you understand so well now before you head off to explore more of Athens. Be sure to ask your guide for a lunch or dinner recommendation!

What you get with this tour
Skip-the-line entry and guided tour of Acropolis
Tour of Parthenon and Temple of Athena Nike
Other ruins and monuments
A fun, archaeologist guide
Maximum group size of 16
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See what people are saying

11 total reviews

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5.0/5 (based on 11 reviews)
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1 stars
13 November 2023
H
Reviewed by
Heather McFee

History made fun!
12 November 2023
S
Reviewed by
Stacy Perez

Our guide Ermis was amazing. He is so incredibly knowledgeable and has a great sense of humor. He made our tour so much fun. We also appreciated that during the climb to the top of the Acropolis, he would have us stop every so often and find a nice spot in the shade to share some information about the area and thing we were seeing. Our group is from Florida and it's very flat there so the frequent stops made the climb very manageable for us. Sure, you can go up to the top of the Acropolis on your own, but why not do it with a guide who can share insights on the things you're seeing? I would absolutely recommend this tour to anyone visiting Athens and the Acropolis.

21 October 2023
C
Reviewed by
Christopher Ruud

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Frequently Asked Questions

What to bring?

This is a 2-hour walking tour, so make sure you're wearing comfortable shoes and bring some water, sunscreen in summer months, and a camera.

What to bring?

This is a 2-hour walking tour, so make sure you're wearing comfortable shoes and bring some water, sunscreen in summer months, and a camera.

How much walking is involved in this tour?

Quite a lot. There will be opportunities to take a break occasionally, but you'll be on your feet and moving around for most of the 2 hours.

Will I skip the line on this tour?

Yes, your guide will lead you into the Acropolis without the wait.

Is this tour run by The Tour Guy?

No, this tour is operated by one of our vetted partners in Athens.

Does this tour include the Acropolis Museum?

No, this is a shorter tour that only goes to the ruins of the Acropolis. If you would like to also tour the museum, check out our other Acropolis Tour.

Start From: $58.76

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$58.76 / per person
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