Acropolis and Ancient Agora Tour: The Rise & Fall of Democracy

5.0 (16 reviews) 3 hours Free cancellation

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16 reviews

5.0

Acropolis and Ancient Agora Tour: The Rise & Fall of Democracy — Photos: the activity supplier, via Viator

The Parthenon — Photos: the activity supplier, via Viator

About this activity

**Small group size: 15 people maximum**

For centuries, ancient Athenians experimented with a variety of political regimes until they invented the one that suited them best... or so they thought! Visit the Acropolis & the Ancient Agora, learn the backstory on how democracy was born, and understand its principles, its values, the purposes it served, and, ultimately, the reasons for its failure.

Walk in the footsteps of the great minds that established Democracy: Socrates, Pericles, Solon, and Cleisthenes. Explore the Ancient Agora, the heart of ancient Athens, where democracy was first born. Understand why democracy was an experiment, the values and principles it served, and the reasons for its failure. Discover how contemporary democracy compares to Ancient Greek Democracy

Half-day Tours Private and Luxury Cultural Tours Historical Tours Walking Tours Archaeology Tours Excellent Quality Additional fees

At a glance

Duration: 3 hours
Confirmation: Confirmed within 48 hours
Ticket: Mobile or paper ticket accepted
Group: Up to 30 people
People per booking: 1–30
Guide: English, French
Operated by: Alternative Athens

Ages: Infants (0–5 years) · Children (6–17 years) · Adults (18–99 years)

What is included

Included

Included: Small group tour
Included: Expert certified guide
Included: Fun ancient Athens map

Not included

Not included: Entry fees to all attractions (we can pre-purchase for you)
Not included: Meals
Not included: Transfer from/to meeting point

Itinerary

Acropolis

one hour Admission not included

The greatest and finest sanctuary of ancient Athens, dedicated primarily to its patron, the goddess Athena, has been dominating the center of the City for Millenia. The monuments of the Acropolis (the Parthenon, the Temple of Athena Nike, the Erechteion, the Propylae, the Theater of Dionysus), all unique masterpieces of ancient architecture, have influenced art and culture for many centuries and stand in harmony with their natural setting.
Stop 2

15 min Admission not included

Dionysus was the god of wine and grape harvest. The theatre of Dionysus was the oldest to be founded in Athens; it was in this theatre that the unsurpassed works by Aeschylus, Sophocles, Euripides and Aristophanes were performed for the first time.
Stop 3

15 min Admission not included

The Temple of Athena Nike was dedicated to the goddesses Athena and Nike. Nike was the goddess of victory in Greek mythology, and Athena was worshipped in this form, representative of being victorious in war. It is said that the cult statue of the goddess at the temple had no wings so that she would never leave Athens.
Erectheion

15 min Admission not included

The Erechtheion is an ancient Greek temple constructed on the Acropolis of Athens in order to house the ancient wooden cult statue of Athena and generally glorify the great city at the height of its power and influence.
Parthenon

30 min Admission not included

The Parthenon is temple that dominates the hill of the Acropolis at Athens. It was built in the mid-5th century BCE and dedicated to the Greek goddess Athena Parthenos (“Athena the Virgin”). The temple is generally considered to be the culmination of the development of the Doric order, the simplest of the three Classical Greek architectural orders.
Ancient Agora of Athens

30 min Admission not included

The Agora was the heart of ancient Athens, the focus of political, commercial, administrative and social activity, the religious and cultural centre, and the seat of justice.
Temple of Aries

15 min Admission not included

The magnificent temple of Hephaestus, one of the best preserved ancient temples in the world, was the place of worship for two important deities for many merchants and shop owners of the Ancient Agora: god Hephaestus, protector of all metallurgists, and goddess Athena Ergani, protecting all potters and the cottage industries.

Meeting point and pickup

Everyone meets at the meeting point.

Meeting point

In front of the Holy church of Aghia Sophia.

Your guide will be holding an ALTERNATIVE ATHENS sign.

End point

Using your ticket

For this tour you will need entrance tickets to the Archaeological sites - Acropolis & the Ancient Agora (not included in the tour price) - Adult ticket: 50 euros

Children aged 0–18 and individuals from EU countries under 25 are entitled to free admission.

They must still reserve a free (“zero-value”) ticket and present a valid identity card or passport on the day of the tour.

You can buy your tickets online from the official website www.tickets.hh.gr (please make sure you choose the correct time slot for the tour) or contact us and we can arrange them for you.

Your meeting points is at 45 Dionysiou Areopagitou str. Infront of the Holy church of Aghia Sophia. https://maps.app.goo.gl/qx8TWqjZM1LJ6DvW7

The closest metro station is ACROPOLIS (red line), then it's an 8 mins walk to the Church. Your guide will be waiting for you holding a sign "ALTERNATIVE ATHENS"

Strollers and backpacks are not allowed on the Acropolis

Comfortable walking shoes and sun hat are recommended

Minimum numbers apply. Cancellation after confirmation may occur if the minimum participant number is not met. In the unlikely event of a cancellation, you will be offered an alternative tour date or full refund.

Cancellation

Free cancellation

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

If you cancel	You get back
At least one day before	100%
Less than a day before	0%

The operator may cancel if the weather does not allow it; you then get another date or your money back.
The operator may cancel if too few people book; you then get another date or your money back.

Good to know

Public transportation options are available nearby
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Entry fees are non-refundable, non-exchangeable
ID card or passport are required for people under the age of 25 for possible discounts
Strollers, backpacks and big bags are not allowed at the Acropolis and should not be taken on the tour
Premium, small group tour
We can pre-purchase entry tickets for you, just let us know!