ERECHTHEION

Immerse yourself in the rich tapestry of Athenian history at your own pace with this self-guided audio tour. Download the tour before you arrive and start your exploration at the Acropolis entrance. Wander freely through the archaeological site, following the path that takes you past architectural marvels like the Parthenon, a temple once dedicated to Athena, and the Propylaea gateway, the grand entrance that frames the Acropolis. Uncover the Athenian history Listen to the narration on your audio guide, available in multiple languages, to unlock the stories behind each monument. Admire the Caryatids, the graceful maidens supporting the Erechtheion porch, and take in breathtaking panoramic views of Athens from atop the Acropolis. Descend from the Acropolis and use the audio guide to navigate your way to the nearby Acropolis Museum, where you can dive deeper into the unearthed treasures and artifacts. The museum's glass floor sections offer a mesmerizing glimpse into the archaeological site buried beneath your feet – a true window to the past.

Your adventure begins with an entry to the Acropolis, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Led by a licensed guide, you'll ascend the slopes, passing the Theatre of Dionysus, one of the oldest theaters in the world. Reaching the summit, prepare to be awestruck by the architectural marvels – the Parthenon, a temple dedicated to Athena, the goddess of wisdom; the Propylaea, the grand entrance gate; and the Erechtheion, famed for its Caryatid maidens. Your expert guide will bring these monuments to life, sharing their fascinating stories and architectural significance. Go deeper into ancient history After soaking in the breathtaking views, descend the Acropolis and head to the awe-inspiring Acropolis Museum. Here, with your guide, explore the captivating displays of artifacts unearthed from the Acropolis itself. Marvel at everyday objects, and breathtaking sculptures, and learn how these pieces fit into the grand narrative of Athenian history. The museum's modern design, with glass floor sections revealing the archaeological site beneath, adds another layer of intrigue. Opt for the early morning tour to avoid the crowds and experience the Acropolis bathed in the soft glow of the morning sun.

Designed by Swiss architect Bernard Tschumi, the Acropolis Museum is a striking tribute to the glorious history and modernity of Athens. Opened in 2009, the museum is a must-visit for Greek history lovers and archaeology enthusiasts. An expert guide will take you through artifacts unearthed from excavations across Athens. A must-see attraction is an excavation site left intact under the Museum, believed to once have been a vibrant Athenian town. The excavation site consists of ruins of baths and workshops that can be observed through a glass floor. Journey through various Greek historical periods Halls in the Acropolis Museum are dedicated to various periods of Greek history and artifacts from them. You can see various antiquities used by the earliest settlers from the 3rd millennium BC to the 6th century AD in The Gallery of the Acropolis Slopes. In the Archaic Acropolis Gallery, catch a glimpse of marble statues commissioned by Athenian aristocracy and nobility. Installed under skylights, the Archaic Gallery can transport you back to ancient Athens where the sculptures were originally erected. An entire section of the Museum is dedicated to the sculptures and architectural remnants from the Propylaia, the temple of Athena Nike, and the Erechtheion. On the third floor, you will find the Parthenon Gallery dedicated to statues from the ancient Parthenon Temple. These marble statues of Athena, Zeus, and Poseidon, among others in this section bring history to life.

Save your time and money with this combo ticket to the Museum of Illusions and the Acropolis & Parthenon. Enter a world that tricks your senses with visual, sensory, and educational illusions. You'll find over 15 exhibits at the Museum of Illusions, each one creating a fascinating deception that will make you question your surroundings. Whether it's Plato's Intense Gaze following you as you move around, or the Infinity Tunnel – which seems like walking through a bottomless pit – you're sure to have a blast at the museum. Suitable for all ages, this is the place to be for some family-friendly fun! Acropolis & Parthenon The Acropolis is a stunning Athenian temple complex located on a rocky outcrop above the city. Stop by the ruins of legendary structures like the Propylaea, the entrance to the ancient temple of Parthenon. With your audio guide in 3 languages, wander across the once-sacred halls of Athena Nike and the Erechtheion. The Odeon of Herodes Atticus will leave you in awe. This large amphitheater was built in AD 161 by wealthy Roman Herodes Atticus in memory of his wife Regilla and is still used today for music festivals.

From the Acropolis to the Ancient Agora, see Athens’ most legendary sites with a guided tour or explore at your own pace with a multilingual audio guide. Getting started Your visit begins at the Acropolis, where you’ll either meet your guide at the designated entry point or start your self-guided tour with an audio guide. If you’ve chosen a guided tour, your expert will introduce the site's history before leading you through this ancient citadel. What to expect The Acropolis Walk through the Propylaea, the grand gateway to the Acropolis, and soak in sweeping views of Athens. Explore the Parthenon, the crown jewel of classical Greece, as you learn about its construction, famous sculptures, and how it evolved over time. Visit the Erechtheion, known for its elegant Caryatid columns, and the Temple of Athena Nike, dedicated to the goddess of victory. Your guide (or audio tour) will share the myths behind these temples, including Athena and Poseidon's legendary rivalry for Athens. Head down to the Theater of Dionysus, the birthplace of Greek drama, where ancient playwrights once staged their works. Stop by the Odeon of Herodes Atticus, a Roman amphitheater still hosting performances today. Acropolis Museum (optional) Upgrade your ticket to explore artifacts from the Acropolis, including the original Caryatids, the Parthenon Marbles, and the Frieze of the Parthenon. Visit the museum’s underground excavation, where an ancient Athenian neighborhood is preserved beneath glass floors. Additional archaeological sites (optional) Depending on your ticket, access up to 6 other archaeological sites: Ancient Agora: The center of Athenian democracy, home to the Temple of Hephaestus. Roman Agora: A later marketplace built under Roman rule, featuring the impressive Tower of the Winds, an ancient weather station. Temple of Olympian Zeus: One of the largest temples of the ancient world, dedicated to Zeus. Hadrian’s Library: A grand Roman-era structure built by Emperor Hadrian. Kerameikos: Athens' ancient cemetery. Aristotle’s Lyceum: The original site of Aristotle’s famous school of philosophy. Old Town (Plaka) (optional) Opt for an Athens Old Town audio guide to explore Plaka’s historic streets, Byzantine churches, and local tavernas while learning about the city’s evolution.

Join a small group of no more than 10 people and start your Acropolis tour, led by an expert local guide. By entering just as the gates open, you avoid the long tourist queues. Inside, pause by temples and monuments on your way up the hill, before heading to the main spot, the Parthenon. As you stand on the rocky outcrop and take in its beauty, your guide will explain the Parthenon's millennia-spanning history and answer some of your burning questions, such as why it has never been replicated. Slowly, the crowds will begin to arrive, and your guide will lead you down the hill to enjoy the other attractions here, including the Erechtheon, the Temple of Athena Nike, the Theater of Dionysus (the oldest theater in the world), and the Theater of Herodes Atticus. You’ll also enjoy spectacular views over the Greek Agora, once the civic center of the ancient city. At the foot of the Acropolis, enter the New Acropolis Museum with skip-the-line tickets. Browse through a carefully curated collection of artifacts that once adorned the hill. Some of these include the Caryatids, huge statues of women that once supported the entablature of the Erechtheion (the ones you saw on the actual temple are recreations) and the Parthenon Marbles. Continue onwards and admire the archeological excavations that come with access to the underground area of the museum. Your guide is a passionate art and history expert and will regale you with stories behind the stones. By the end of the tour, you will have a newfound appreciation for why we still consider these to be among the greatest works of art. The tour ends inside the museum so you can spend more time looking at the exhibitions or sit down in the cafe for some lunch.