Acropolis Evening Guided Tour
About this activity
Highlights
- Skip-the-line access to the Acropolis
- Guided tour with a licensed expert
- Evening visit to the Parthenon and other ancient sites
- Explore the Temple of Athena Nike
- Enjoy panoramic views of Athens at sunset
Full description
Included / Excluded
- Skip-the-line access to the Acropolis
- Guided tour with a licensed expert
- Evening visit to the Parthenon and other ancient sites
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
Itinerary
The Acropolis hill (acro – edge, polis – city), so-called the “Sacred Rock” of Athens, is the most important site of the city and constitutes one of the most recognizable monuments of the world. It is the most significant reference point of ancient Greek culture, as well as the symbol of the city of Athens itself as it represents the apogee of artistic development in the 5th century BCE. During Perikles’ Golden Age, ancient Greek civilization was represented in an ideal way on the hill and some of the architectural masterpieces of the period were erected on its ground.
The Propylaea is the monumental entrances to the sacred area dedicated to Athena, the patron goddess of the city. Built by the architect Mnesicles with Pentelic marble, their design was avant-garde. To the south-west of the Propylaea, on a rampart protecting the main entrance to the Acropolis, is the Ionian temple of Apteros Nike or Wingless Victory.
The temple of Athena Nike, designed by the architect Kallikrates, was built between 426 and 421 BC on a bastion at the southwestern edge of the Acropolis. It replaced older temples whose remains are preserved inside the bastion. As the name implies, the statue of Athena Nike was situated in the temple as a symbol of victory. Nike usually had wings, but in this case, the statue did not have them, so it was named Athena Apteros, which means "wingless".
It is the most important and characteristic monument of the ancient Greek civilization and still remains its international symbol. It was dedicated to Athena Parthenos (the Virgin), the patron goddess of Athens. It was built between 447 and 438 B.C.E. The temple is built in the Doric order and almost exclusively of Pentelic marble. It is peripheral, with eight columns on each of the narrow sides and seventeen columns on each of the long ones.The sculptural decoration of the Parthenon is a unique combination of the Doric metopes and triglyphs on the entablature and the Ionic frieze on the walls of the cella. The metopes depict the Gigantomachy on the east side, the Amazonomachy on the west, the Centauromachy on the south and scenes from the Trojan War on the north. The Parthenon, the Doric temple, the pinnacle of Pericles’ building program is beyond question the building most closely associated with the city of Athens, a true symbol of ancient Greek culture and its universal values.
The elegant building known as the Erechtheion was erected in 421-406 BC. The name derives from Erechtheus, the mythical king of Athens, who was worshippedSounio Half Day Private Tour - Olive Sea Travel there. The temple was made of Pentelic marble, the frieze of Eleusinian grey stone with white relief figures attached to it and the foundations of Piraeus stone.The stone paving of this propylon was thought to preserve the traces made by Poseidon’s trident when it hit the ground and produced salt water. Finally, another door on the south facade of the western temple opened onto the porch of the Karyatides, a pi-shaped structure with six female statues instead of columns to support the roof. Five of them are in the Acropolis Museum and another in the British Museum those on the building are casts. The frieze probably depicted scenes related to the mythical kings of Athens.
The Theatre of Dionysus is an ancient Greek theatre in Athens. It is built on the south slope of the Acropolis hill, originally part of the sanctuary of Dionysus Eleuthereus. The first orchestra terrace was constructed on the site around the mid- to late-sixth century BC, where it hosted the City Dionysia.
Meeting point
Start Location
Unknown location
Important information
Know before you book
- The tour is conducted in English; ensure you understand the language.
- Photography is allowed; bring a camera to capture the stunning views.
- The tour operates rain or shine; plan accordingly.
Know before you go
- Wear comfortable walking shoes suitable for uneven terrain.
- Bring a bottle of water to stay hydrated during the tour.
- Check the weather forecast and dress accordingly for the evening temperatures.
Cancellation policy
0All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.
Accessibility
- Wheelchair Accessible
- Stroller Accessible
- Easy Public Transport
Traveler reviews
Manos, The Best Guide in Athens
Manos was an outstanding guide in Athens. He was funny, sharp, and a true student of history, he brought the city to life beyond the usual facts. Great conversations, real debates, and a lot of laughs. It felt more like exploring with a knowledgeable friend than taking a tour. Our touring with him is certainly one of the highlights of our trip!
Awesome Tour, Awesome Guide...We loved every minute of it!!!
Our Athens Acropolis Guided tour with Dmitrios as our guide was fantastic. Dmitrios was wonderful at expaining everything we were going to see. His knowldge about all of the ancient buildings and artifacts we were seeing was amazing. After visiting the Acropolis and the Agora, and a few other interesting sights like the Changing of the Guard in front of the Presidential Palace. Dmitrios took us to a few places to shop for several items that we wanted to purchase. He also took us to a wonderful restaurant for lunch where we had a Greek Salad and Gyro that were absolutely delicious. Traffic is terrible in Athens but Dmitrios navigated the city like a true pro and got us every where that we wanted to go with time to spare. The sites were amazing and Dmitrios made it even better with his expert commentary. Book this tour with Dmitrios, you'll be glad you did!
Awesome Athens and Magical Manos !
We had the greatest experience - Manos was professional but hugely passionate and entertaining about his great city - he truly brought it alive for us and nothing was too much trouble. We will definitely be back in Athens for a week asap!
Manos the great
Amazing tour with a great tour guide Manos. Great views and such a good experience. The whole family loved it and would highly recommend
A Must See!
Tour was nice and informative. Need to wear a comfortable walking shoe or sneaker with good grips on the soles for walking on the rocks and marble ground. Walking up wasn’t too bad, the incline and stairs are gradual. It looks worse than it is. Although, going there is best in the early morning or before sunset, when it is cooler. It is hot here in the summer. Once reaching the top, you will have great views of the city and ruins.