Athens Acropolis Guided Tour: Parthenon, Plaka & Syntagma

Syntagma to the Parthenon to Plaka: three Athens in one morning

A guided tour of the Acropolis in Athens with hotel pickup and drop-off, starting at Syntagma Square and the Parliament building before heading to the South Entrance for a 1 hour 25 minute exploration of the Parthenon, Erechtheion, and the Temple of Athena Nike. After the guided portion, you have time to wander Plaka's narrow streets on your own. Groups stay under 20 people.

Step-by-step itinerary

Stops and time spent at each

1. Acropolis1h 30m · entry included
2. Syntagma Square30m
3. Plaka1h 30m
4. Olympic Stadiumpassing by
5. Herakleidon Museumpassing by

Athens Acropolis and Plaka tour

• Hotel pickup at 10:00
• Visit Syntagma Square and Parliament
• Guided tour of the Acropolis
• Explore Parthenon and Erechtheion
• Enjoy views of Athens and Aegean Sea
• Free time to wander Plaka neighborhood
• Hotel drop-off at 18:00

The experience

Your day starts with hotel pickup at 10am and a drive to Syntagma Square, the political heart of Athens and home to the Changing of the Guard ceremony by the Evzones. From there, the tour heads to the South Entrance of the Acropolis, where your guide leads you through the monuments that have defined the city for 2,500 years. The Parthenon, built in the 5th century BC and dedicated to Athena, stands at the center. The Erechtheion and the Temple of Athena Nike flank it. Your guide walks you through the site for 1 hour 25 minutes, pointing out the scale of the Corinthian columns, the views across Athens and the Aegean Sea, and the details that made this a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

After the guided portion ends, you're free to explore on your own: many travelers spend time at the viewpoints or walk back through the monuments at their own pace. The tour then takes you down into Plaka, the oldest neighborhood in Athens, where narrow cobblestone streets wind between neoclassical houses and lively tavernas. This is where you can stop for lunch, browse local shops, or simply wander. The air-conditioned vehicle returns you to your hotel by 6pm, giving you the rest of your evening free.

The group stays under 20 people, which means you're not moving as part of a crowd. Your guide speaks English or French, and children from age 5 are welcome. Entry tickets are included. Meals are not.

What’s included

• Air-conditioned vehicle.
• Acropolis entrance tickets.
• live guide in English or French.
• hotel pickup at 10am and drop-off at 6pm.

Before you book

Days and timesMonday, Wednesday, Saturday and SundayDeparts at 10:00

AgesAdult (18 to 75 years) · Youth (11 to 17 years) · Child (5 to 10 years) · Under 5: can't be booked

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish and French

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.You can choose from 10 pickup points.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 2 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortPublic transport nearbyNot recommended with heart problems

Operated by Follow up Greece

Is this one for you?Book this tour if you're visiting Athens for the first time or have only a few hours free in the afternoon: the fixed schedule packs Syntagma, the Acropolis monuments, and Plaka into a single day, with your guide handling the route and the history while you handle the pace once the tour ends. The group size under 20 means you move without the crush of larger tours.

Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English and French.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (11 to 17 years); Child (5 to 10 years). Children under 5 can't be included in the booking.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What exactly will I see on the Acropolis during the guided portion?

The Parthenon, the Erechtheion, and the Temple of Athena Nike are the main monuments your guide will walk you through. The Parthenon, built in the 5th century BC, is the largest and most famous; the Erechtheion sits nearby with its distinctive Caryatid columns; the Temple of Athena Nike stands at the entrance to the site. Your guide covers these for 1 hour 25 minutes and points out the views of Athens and the Aegean Sea from the hilltop.

Is there time to explore on my own after the guided tour ends?

Yes. Once your guide finishes the 1 hour 25 minute tour, you're free to wander the Acropolis at your own pace, return to viewpoints, or head down into Plaka. The tour doesn't rush you off the site. You have flexibility to spend as much time as you want before the group moves on to Plaka.

What is Plaka like, and how much time do I spend there?

Plaka is the oldest neighborhood in Athens, with narrow cobblestone streets, neoclassical houses, and traditional tavernas. It sits just beneath the Acropolis. After leaving the Acropolis, the tour brings you to Plaka, where you can walk, eat, shop, or simply explore at your own pace. There's no set time limit. You're free to spend as much or as little time there as you want before heading back to your hotel.

Does the tour include a stop at Syntagma Square, or do we just pass through?

Syntagma Square is your starting point after pickup. The tour visits the square and the Parliament building before heading to the Acropolis. Syntagma is the central square of Athens and home to the Changing of the Guard ceremony by the Evzones, so you'll see that part of the city before moving on to the ancient sites.

What's included in the price, and what do I need to pay for separately?

The tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off, the air-conditioned vehicle, your live guide in English or French, and Acropolis entrance tickets. Meals are not included, so you'll want to budget for lunch, likely in Plaka where there are many tavernas to choose from.