Early Access Acropolis and Museum Guided Tour
Active
3h - 4h
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Instant confirmation
Mobile or paper ticket accepted
About this experience
Embark on an early morning, 4-hour skip-the-line tour to the most significant monument in Athens and beat the summer heat and crowds for a more pleasant experience. This informative and fun tour, led by an English-speaking field expert and licensed guide, will take you on a journey back in time. Discover the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Acropolis of Athens through captivating history, mythology, and storytelling. The tour continues at the Acropolis Museum, ranked among the top museums in the world. Here, you can admire the original surviving masterpieces from the temples of the Acropolis displayed using natural light, as well as view excavations visible under glass floors and walkways. Enjoy the added benefit of having free time after the tour to explore Athens further at your own pace.
Available options
Early Access Acropolis & Museum Guided Tour
Admission Tickets Included: Entrance tickets to the Acropolis and the Acropolis Museum are included in the price<br/>Acropolis and Museum Visit: Choose this option to visit the Acropolis Hill and Parthenon in a guided tour followed by the visit of the Acropolis Museum.<br/>Duration: 4 hours<br/>Shared group tour
Without entry tickets
Admission Tickets Not Included: Tickets to the Acropolis and to the Acropolis Museum are NOT included in the price.<br/>Acropolis and Museum visit: Choose this option to visit the Acropolis Hill and Parthenon in a guided tour followed by the visit of the Acropolis Museum.<br/>Duration: 4 hours<br/>Shared group tour
What's included
Tickets to Acropolis & Acropolis Museum are included (if option selected)
Skip the lines at the ticket offices to the Acropolis of Athens & Museum (if option selected)
Enter through a separate entrance to the Acropolis Museum
English speaking licensed guide
Detailed itinerary
1
Stop 1
Meet your guide at the Acropolis metro station 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.
2
Stop 2
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.
3
Stop 3
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.
4
Stop 4
Pass by
Breeze past the line and experience the thrill of seeing the Theater of Dionysus where many famous ancient comedies and tragedies were first performed.
5
Stop 5
Pass by
Continue to the Roman Herodion theater which was built in memory of the wife of Herodes Atticus.
6
Stop 6
Climb up to the gateway of the Acropolis, the Propylaea.
7
Stop 7
Pass by
Take in views of the Temple of Athena Nike.
8
Stop 8
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.
What's not included
Hotel pickup and drop-off
Gratuities
Skip-the-line separate entrance to the Acropolis. No one can skip the lines to Acropolis.
Use of the elevator at the Acropolis Hill
Available languages
Guide guide
EN
Important information
Public transportation options are available nearby
Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
Not recommended for pregnant travelers
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
In an effort to ensure that you will avoid any kind of discomfort and most importantly that you will feel comfortable, our guides may change order of the sites you may visit.
Choose the private option for a more intimate experience at a starting time that can be arranged upon request
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 (around 35 euros per person). 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.
Due to strict Acropolis entry times, punctuality is crucial. Latecomers cannot be accommodated, and no refunds will be provided.
Entrance tickets (if you select option with entry tickets included) to be handed by the guide in paper form on date and time of the visit, at the meeting point.
We cannot use the elevator to the Acropolis on group tours
Strollers are not allowed in Acropolis
The Acropolis of Athens is a citadel built on top of a relatively steep hill which can be slippery at specific spots especially when raining.
Bring a bottle of water (no cafe-bar at the site, only a water fountain), a hat, sunglasses, and an umbrella on a rainy day.
Audio quality may be affected by other groups' equipment during crowded times.
Not suitable for children under 6 years old
Not suitable for people with mobility impairments.
Meeting point
Meet your guide at Athenian Tours' tour office at Mitsaion 2, 11742
Important notes
If you booked the option with the entry tickets included, you will receive your tickets at our office at 2 Mitseon Street, 11742 Athens, during check-in before the start of your tour.
About Athens
Athens, the capital of Greece, is a city rich in history and culture, often considered the cradle of Western civilization. It is home to iconic ancient landmarks, vibrant neighborhoods, and a thriving modern scene.
Top Attractions
Acropolis of Athens
The Acropolis is the most iconic landmark in Athens, featuring ancient ruins and temples, including the Parthenon.
Historical
2-3 hours
€20 (combined ticket for multiple sites)
Ancient Agora of Athens
The heart of ancient Athens, featuring the Temple of Hephaestus and the Stoa of Attalos.
Historical
1-2 hours
€8 (included in the combined ticket)
Plaka
A charming, historic neighborhood with narrow streets, neoclassical houses, and vibrant nightlife.
Cultural
2-3 hours
Free to explore
Acropolis Museum
A modern museum showcasing artifacts from the Acropolis and its surroundings.
Museum
1-2 hours
€10
Temple of Olympian Zeus
An ancient temple dedicated to Zeus, once the largest temple in Greece.
Historical
30 minutes to 1 hour
€6 (included in the combined ticket)
Must-Try Local Dishes
Moussaka
A baked dish with layers of eggplant, minced meat, and béchamel sauce.
Dinner
Vegetarian versions available
Souvlaki
Grilled meat skewers, often served with pita bread and tzatziki.
Snack
Can be made with chicken, pork, or vegetarian options
Tzatziki
A yogurt-based dip with cucumber, garlic, and herbs.
Snack
Vegetarian and vegan options available
Baklava
A sweet pastry made with layers of filo, nuts, and honey syrup.
Dessert
Vegetarian
Popular Activities
Hiking in the mountains
Rock climbing
Scuba diving
Beach visits
Spa treatments
Café hopping
Museum visits
Theater performances
Best Time to Visit
April to June, September to October
The best time to visit Athens is during the spring and autumn months when the weather is pleasant and the tourist crowds are smaller.
18°C to 32°C
64°F to 90°F
Practical Information
Language
- Official: Greek
- Widely spoken: English, French, German
- English: Moderately spoken
Currency
Euro (EUR)
Time Zone
GMT+2 (EET)
Electricity
230VV, 50HzHz
Safety Information
Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe
Athens is generally safe for travelers, but petty crime and pickpocketing can occur in tourist areas. Be cautious with your belongings and avoid poorly lit areas at night.
Important Precautions:
- • Keep valuables secure
- • Use licensed taxis or ride-sharing apps
- • Be cautious with ATMs and credit cards
Getting there
By air
- Eleftherios Venizelos International Airport • 30 km from city center
By train
Athens Central Railway Station
By bus
KTEL Bus Station
Getting around
Public transport
Clean, efficient, and air-conditioned. Easy to navigate with clear signage in English.
Taxis
Available • Apps: Beat, Uber
Rentals
Car, Bike, Scooter
Neighborhoods
Plaka
Monastiraki
Psiri
Koukaki
Kolonaki
Day trips
Cape Sounion
65 km from Athens • Half day to full day
A scenic coastal area featuring the Temple of Poseidon with stunning views of the Aegean Sea.
Delphi
180 km from Athens • Full day
An ancient archaeological site and home to the famous Oracle of Delphi.
Meteora
350 km from Athens • Overnight
A unique landscape featuring rock formations and medieval monasteries perched atop cliffs.
Festivals
Athens Festival • May to October
Athens Epidaurus Festival • June to August
Athens International Film Festival • October
Pro tips
- Visit major attractions early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid crowds and heat
- Use the metro for easy and efficient travel around the city
- Explore local neighborhoods for an authentic Greek experience
- Try local street food for a quick and delicious meal
- Learn a few basic Greek phrases to enhance your experience and connect with locals
From $25
per person
Price varies by option
Secure booking
Free cancellation available
Instant confirmation
