acropolis museum self guided tour

N°1 Acropolis

Self-guided tour.

5 of the Best Acropolis Guided Tours

Those looking to take a deep dive into Athens’ ancient past will be pleased to hear that there are now dozens of guided tours of the Acropolis taking place every day. 

The Acropolis looms high over the city (Photo: Get Your Guide)

Widely considered to be the most important site in the Western World, the Acropolis is a complete ancient Greek monumental complex that dates back nearly 2,500 years. It was crowned by the Parthenon and over the years served as a home to kings, a citadel, a home of the gods and a religious centre. Today, it’s Greece’s most famous tourist attraction. You could purchase tickets and explore the site alone, but to fully appreciate the history of this ancient citadel we recommend using a reputable tour guide. With so many to choose from, we’ve cherry-picked five of the best Acropolis guided tours based on price, itinerary and customer reviews. 

Acropolis Guided Walking Tour without Entry Ticket 

If you’ve already booked your ticket to the Acropolis but want to guarantee that a guide will be available when you arrive, this walking tour is the best option. Led by a licensed tour guide, the 1.5-hour tour offers a thorough insight into the ancient citadel. As you stroll around the gleaming white marble monuments and sanctuaries, your guide will share fascinating insights into the history of the ruins, from an early settlement to the second world war. From £21.49

Book at GetYourGuide.com

Acropolis monuments and Parthenon Walking Tour with Optional Acropolis

This brilliant tour combines trips to a handful of ancient sites (Photo: Get Your Guide)

This day trip is ideal for those looking to take a deep dive into ancient Greek history, with tours of the Acropolis, Parthenon and a handful of other famous sites. The tour price does not include transportation or admission, but it does include a two-hour tour around the Acropolis, a one-hour tour around the Parthenon and two hours at the Acropolis Museum. Customers will also get to explore the Theatre of Dionysus, Temple of Athena Nike, Propylaea, Herod Atticus Odeon and Plaka, the historic neighbourhood that sits in the shadow of the Acropolis. From £28.03

Book at Viator.com

Early Morning Acropolis & Plaka Guided Walking Tour 

This 3.5-hour experience offers excellent bang for your buck, with skip-the-line admission fees and a tour included in the price. Best suited to early risers, the tour sets off early in the morning to beat the heat (and the crowds). The day begins with a tour around the Acropolis, Theatre of Dionysus and Parthenon, followed by a stroll downhill to the cobbled streets of Plaka. Tours are led by knowledgeable, licensed guides and accompanied by audio devices to ensure you don’t miss anything along the way. From £32.67

Acropolis & Acropolis Museum Tour with Entry Tickets 

This experience includes a guided tour around the Acropolis Museum, as well as the Acropolis (Photo: Get Your Guide)

This half-day tour combines skip-the-line tickets and tours around two showstopping sights: the Acropolis and the all-new Acropolis Museum. Tours generally begin at 9:00 am with a tour of the Acropolis, led by a field expert and licensed tour guide. After this, travellers continue to the Acropolis Museum, recently ranked one of the best museums in the world. As well as providing additional context, visitors can get up close to original surviving masterpieces and excavations beneath glass floors and walkways. From £85.12 per person 

Private Acropolis and Athens City Tour 

This 3.5-hour private tour is one of the most affordable we’ve come across online. The tour price does not include entrance tickets, but customers can pay the tour operator directly to skip ahead of the long lines for no extra cost. The experience includes a whole morning or afternoon with a private licensed guide, starting at Syntagma. From here, the tour winds past the Greek Parliament and Monument to the Unknown Soldier, the National Gardens of Athens and Hadrian’s Arch to the Acropolis. From £165.93 per person 

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Visiting the Acropolis: Acropolis Entrance Fees, Hours, Best Tickets +Tours

Visiting the Acropolis and its highlights such as the remains of the Parthenon, the Temple of Athena Nike, the Propylaia, the Erechtheion, and the Odeon of Herodotus Atticus is a must for any Greek itinerary.

However, there are a few things to consider including changes made by the Greek government in 2023. This guide includes everything you need to know, from Acropolis entry fees to hours and what to expect. Check out the 3 tickets and 3 tours that are each booked hundreds of times each day to have the least crowded and fun visit to these incredible ancient monuments.

Visiting the Acropolis: Highlights

The word “Acropolis” means “highest point” and this once mighty citadel looks down and across a bustling city of 665,000 Athenians.

For anyone with even a passing interest in Greece or history or democracy, the historical site of the Acropolis is iconic.

Visiting the Acropolis, the most important archaeological site in Greece has been a dream of travelers for centuries, and many famous writers have been inspired by this incredible open-air museum.

It’s hard to imagine almost anywhere else where you can see, in one day, this amount of history, myth, and legend.

From the epic duel between Poseidon and Athena to King Aegeus, who is believed to have flung himself off the Acropolis thinking the Minotaur had eaten his son, get ready for a mythological extravaganza!

If you’d like to see the Acropolis without a guide, here’s a comprehensive self-guided walking tour of the Acropolis.

What you need to know before you visit – Changes from 2023

The Acropolis is Athens’ most famous and popular attraction, and it sees millions of visitors every year – so things are pretty well run.

However, to make the most of your visit to the Acropolis, a little bit of pre-planning goes a long way!

• In 2023 the Greek government began shutting the Acropolis from midday until after 5 pm because of the prolonged heatwave conditions in Athens.
• To minimize the number of people in distress from queueing during heatwaves, the government has now capped the number of visitors to the Acropolis at 20,000 visitors per day.
• It’s more important than ever to pre-book a ticket and be at the Acropolis when it opens if you are going to visit the Acropolis in June, July, or August.
• However, the Greek government has also introduced ticket timings and is threatening to close the Acropolis to ‘regular’ ticket holders before 9 pm and after 5 pm to accommodate small private tours that will cost several thousand Euros. This is still under consideration.
• Even if you’re there first thing, however, there will be school and coach tours there for the opening, but at least you’ll beat the worst of the heat.

How to get Acropolis Tickets

The easiest way to get Acropolis tickets is to buy them online. This will save you a lot of time and hassle in getting your ticket.

While you can usually buy them at the entrance, the lineup is usually huge – sometimes several hours in summer! So it’s much better to buy them online in advance.

(The exception is arriving in winter and there’s a ticket machine on the south-side entrance near the Theater of Dionysus).

It is possible to buy the tickets directly from the official Electronic Ticket System website which was launched in mid-2018 but they seem to be booked out by tour companies all the time.

It’s just a lot simpler to buy your ticket online through a service like Get Your Guide.

🏛️ The best instant online ticket that you can download directly to your phone (no printing or having to exchange the electronic ticket for a paper one at a site removed from the Acropolis) is here .

🏛️ The best Acropolis and Acropolis Museum online ticket combination is here. All of these entrance tickets come with an audio guide.

And the best online ticket, if you’d like to visit up to 7 ancient sites in Athens, is the Acropolis Combo Pass (more about it below).

The main reason for choosing a Get Your Guide ticket is that you can change the date (or even cancel) your ticket if your plans change.

On the other hand, tickets bought through the Ministry of Culture and Sports are non-refundable.

Another reason is that the Acropolis admission-only ticket is the best in the class “skip-the-line tickets.” The Acropolis in Athens can get extremely busy, and you don’t want to waste good exploring time lining up!

It does cost an additional €5, but I think this is well worth it – especially in the busy peak times.

I also recommend Get Your Guide instead of some other well-known online skip-the-line companies because with these companies you almost always have to exchange your online ticket for a physical one at a kiosk several hundred meters down a steep hill from the attraction. I MUCH prefer to simply have my Acropolis Admission ticket emailed to me and then show this on my phone as I enter the Acropolis.

A final reason to choose Get Your Guide rather than other skip-the-line Acropolis vendors is that I have had these companies refuse to refund tickets when they state that the Acropolis is open, but when I have turned up, it’s closed.

For the best Acropolis guided tours (and for those that include the Acropolis Museum as an option), see the Best Acropolis Tours section below.

Acropolis Entrance Fees

The Acropolis ticket price changes depending on the time of year that you are visiting. From 1 April to 31 October (high season), an adult ticket to the Acropolis is €20 .

Between 1 November and 31 March (low season), all adults are entitled to the reduced price of €10.

Other visitors may be entitled to a 50% price reduction on tickets. This includes EU citizens over 65 years old and tertiary students from non-EU countries.

You’ll need a valid ID to get discounted entry to the Acropolis.

Some visitors are entitled to free entry to the Acropolis. This includes all children under the age of 18 and students of EU universities, with a valid ID or passport. You can find the full list here.

Free Admission days for visiting the Acropolis

There are several days per year when it is free for everyone to visit the Acropolis. It can be terribly crowded on these days, however, that’s a big discount! The free days for the Acropolis are:

• Last weekend of September
• Every first Sunday from November 1 st to March 31 st

You do not need to book a ticket in advance on the free days – just queue at the ticket line at the main entrance to the site (as early as you can, to avoid waiting a couple of hours in a long queue.)

The Acropolis Combo Pass

If you are planning to visit several of Athens’s blockbuster archaeological sites, this combination ticket is fantastic value, gives you entry to up to seven sites, and saves so much hassle!

In addition to visiting the Acropolis, you can choose to visit the Acropolis Hill, Hadrian’s Library, the Ancient Agora, the Temple of Olympian Zeus, the Roman Agora, Kerameikos, The National Archaeological Museum, and Aristotle’s School on this ticket.

There is no guide and you use the “skip the line” queue at each archaeological site. The Acropolis Combo Pass includes three digital audio tours to download to your phone as well as three offline interactive maps.

So when is the Acropolis open?

Acropolis Hours

The site is open nearly every day of the year, with only a couple of annual closures. The Acropolis and Parthenon opening hours do vary a little depending on the season. The usual Acropolis open hours are:

• November 1 to March 31: 8 am to 5 pm
• April 1 to October 31: 8 am to 7 pm

Note that the last entry to the Acropolis is half an hour before closing time.

There are six days a year when the Acropolis closes, so make sure you don’t plan your visit on one of the following days:

• New Year’s Day (Jan 1)
• Easter Sunday (see Note below)
• Christmas Day (Dec 25)
• Boxing Day (Dec 26)

Note: Easter in Greece IS NOT the same date as Easter in other countries. Check the date for Easter Sunday in Greece – I have been caught out by this!

The day of your Acropolis visit

Once you’ve bought your ticket and planned your trip to Athens, it’s time to visit the Acropolis! Here’s what to expect on the day, as well as some helpful hints.

What to bring and wear for your Acropolis visit

You’ll want to spend a few hours exploring the archaeological remains atop and around the Acropolis, so you want to make sure you’re comfortable. Here are a few musts for what to bring and wear while visiting the Acropolis:

• A camera. The Parthenon is difficult to photograph without a wide-angle lens. Many of the best shots of the Acropolis include the surrounding vistas of Athens itself. Again, these shots are better with a wide-angle lens.
• Passport/ID card if you intend to get the reduced entry ( even if you have already bought your ticket online ).
• Sturdy shoes, as some of the ground is quite uneven, there are flights of rough-hewn steps and you don’t want to fall. This is especially so in the magnificent Odeon of Herodes Atticus.
• The Acropolis is a hill and there are a few steep sections walking up from the various Metro stations.
• Sunscreen, especially during the warmer months. Even if it doesn’t seem particularly hot or sunny, you can still get very burnt out in the sun for a few hours.
• A water bottle, as all that exploring is sure to see you work up a thirst! There are water fountains at the Acropolis, so you can fill it back up again for free. NOTE: Pick-pockets and bag snatchers abound in the streets below the Acropolis. Wear your bag on the front of your body and keep your hand on it until you have entered the Acropolis.

The best season and time to visit the Acropolis

Like many of the world’s most famous landmarks, the Acropolis is prone to large crowds and over-tourism in the peak season (June to August) and even shutdowns mandated during the middle of the day in heatwave conditions.

To avoid the huge crowds, it’s highly advisable to visit the Acropolis as early as you can.

If you arrive around 15 minutes before opening time (i.e. about 7:45 am), then you will stand the best chance of enjoying a peaceful time at the Acropolis.

Trust me, no sleep is worth missing the chance to experience the Acropolis at its calmest and most beautiful!

If you aren’t able to visit the Acropolis early in the morning, then crowds do start to die down again around 2 p.m. So, you could visit in the late afternoon instead.

I have visited just before closing time. Depending on the time of year, you can lose the light quickly. Great for atmosphere, lousy for photography!

In general, the peak time to avoid is between around 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. when the crowds are at their largest. Off-peak, don’t go just before closing time as there is not enough light.

How to get to the Acropolis

Many Athens hotels and guesthouses are within walking distance of the Acropolis – it’s hard to miss it hovering above the city! Staying in one of the Athens hotels with views of the Acropolis makes evening drinks a spectacular activity!

However, if you are a bit further away, your best bet is to get the metro to the Acropolis.

As befits an ancient citadel, the Acropolis has its own metro stop, Acropoli , which is very handy for the Acropolis entrance.

However, both Thissio and Monastiraki are also close to the entrance, so there are a few options.

Even a quick return trip from the airport is possible as the metro is at the airport and takes 40-50 minutes to get to the Acropolis.

The Blue Line (Line No. 3) is a direct line from the airport to Syntagma Square and Monastiraki, both of which are only a short walk to the Acropolis.

You will need to factor in at least 30 minutes on either side to get to the Acropolis from the Metro station and into the Acropolis with a skip-the-line ticket.

Thankfully the airport is modern and well organized and the Metro station is extremely close by and well signposted.

If you have a long transit through Athens – for example, of 5 hours or more, I can’t think of a better use of your time than visiting one of the most recognizable ancient sites in the world!

Since April 2023, it has also been possible to again use the UBER app in Athens.

The 3 Acropolis Guided Tours

1. acropolis and parthenon guided walking tour.

The most popular guided walking tour of the Acropolis is the Acropolis and Parthenon Guided Walking Tour.

Great tour for first time at the Acropolis! Our guide Selena was phenomenal. She was knowledgeable, made the tour very engaging, and she was funny as well. It was overall such a fun experience! I would do another tour with her any day. The tour was well paced, with plenty of time for photos, and free time at the end. Highly recommend! The company was also very understanding of me being a bit late for my original time slot. They just immediately added me to the next tour time, no problem! Everyone I spoke to was incredibly nice. I had a very good experience. Emily, United States

It’s a 2-hour tour and you can choose English, French or German and morning or afternoon.

As you can see from the review above, it’s a well-paced tour that gives you time to rest, take photos, and free time at the end.

It’s also well-organized and the communication for guests gets high marks from customers.

2. Acropolis, Parthenon & Acropolis Museum Guided Tour

If you are very short on time, and can’t spend two days seeing the Acropolis on Day 1 and the Acropolis Museum on Day 2, this Acropolis, Parthenon & Acropolis Museum Guided Tour is perfect.

Our guide Simon was the star of the show (tour) – interactive, funny, and most importantly approachable. We have tons of insights, knowledge-sharing, and detailed explanations of the finer points regarding both the Acropolis and the Acropolis Museum. Simply put, one of the best guided tours we had the fortune of taking part in. Dattatreya, India

It’s a 4-hour tour conducted in English, Make sure you select the ‘skip the line’ option for both the Acropolis and the Acropolis Museum. Entry is through a separate Acropolis entrance.

3. Athens: Acropolis and Mythology Highlights Small Group Tour

I know and love this tour creator, Denae, and Helen, the owner of Alternative Athens. In fact, you can listen to a podcast episode where I interview Denae about the mythology of the Acropolis here!

Denae is a qualified storyteller and Greek guide and she and all the guides here are just such high-quality. As you can see, I can’t vouch for this Acropolis Mythology tour and the team at Alternative Athens highly enough!

The experience of visiting the Acropolis of Athens with storyteller Kimon is simply captivating. His way of telling the mythological stories that surround this iconic place brings each stone and column to life. Kimon masters the art of blending history and legend, transporting visitors to a time when the gods ruled the city. His passion for the subject is contagious and makes the visit to the Acropolis even more memorable. Recommended to all lovers of Greek history and mythology! Renaud, Greece

It’s a 4-hour tour beginning at the Arch of Hadrian, going to the Acropolis, then ending at the Temple of Hephaestus in the Ancient Agora of Athens, so you get to see some of the ancient sites in Athens including the Acropolis.

Frequently asked questions about visiting the Parthenon and Acropolis

Still, have some questions about your visit to the Acropolis in Greece? Here are the most common queries answered.

How long do you need at the Acropolis?

How long you should spend at the Acropolis depends on your personal preference.

A lightning-quick visit to the Acropolis takes in the region of an hour and a half, while many other visitors prefer to stay for three or four hours.

History enthusiasts may even like to stay a bit longer! Overall, I recommend keeping at least an entire morning or afternoon free for your visit. Then you won’t feel rushed and can take it at your own pace.

What are the most important things to see?

ODEON OF HERODES ATTICUS The first thing you will see at the Acropolis is the Odeon of Herodes Atticus. This impressive Roman theater was built in 161 AD. The steps can be slippery after rain.

PROPYLAEA AND TEMPLE OF ATHENA NIKE The Beulé Gate lies between the Odeon and the main entrance to the site, the Propylaea. As you climb the steps, look to your right and you will see the small Temple of Athena Nike.

PARTHENON Once through the massive Propylaea, you will see the Erechtheion to your left on the northern side of the Acropolis, and the unmistakable Parthenon to your right.

ERECHTHEION At the Erechtheion you will find the Caryatids, on the “porch of the Maidens.” These six draped figures are the supporting columns of the roof.

The Erechtheion is dedicated to both Athena and Poseidon. You will find here the Olive Tree which ancient Greek mythology tells us sprang up after the goddess Athena defeated Poseidon.

Originally the Erechtheion held a wooden effigy of Athena Polias. The battle between the two is marked on the Erechtheion.

The hole in the roof of the Temple is where Poseidon’s great trident flew threw the earth and the “scratches” on the floor of the Temple were made by his Trident hitting the ground.

On the side of the Erechtheion furthest from the Propylaea, you will see a saltwater well caused by Poseidon’s trident. If you love history and the mythology of ancient Greece, make sure you see the Erechtheion as well as the Parthenon!

THEATRE OF DIONYSUS On the southern slope of the Acropolis (or Sacred Rock), you will find the sixth-century BCE Theatre of Dionysis , part of the Sanctuary of the cult of Dionysus.

Can you climb the Acropolis?

The Acropolis is located on a hill, so to see it, you will be doing some climbing! It takes about twenty minutes to climb up the stairs from either side.

It’s relatively easy, however, you might want to take a few breaks along the way. For those with mobility considerations, there is an elevator.

Once you are at the Acropolis, actually touching or stepping on the ruins is off-limits! You’ll attract the ire of the guards very quickly if you try, so keep a respectful distance.

Should you visit the Acropolis Museum before or after visiting the Acropolis?

Most people who visit the Acropolis also like to visit the Acropolis Museum to learn more about the history of the site.

This leads to the question of whether you should visit the Acropolis, or the Acropolis Museum, first.

Opinions differ on this question. If you visit the Museum first, you may have a better context when you visit the Acropolis.

On the other hand, the Museum can be more exciting after you’ve seen the real thing!

One consideration is timing. Generally, the Museum is quieter than the Acropolis itself, so if you only have one day, I recommend visiting the Acropolis first so you can beat the crowds.

I find it easier to imagine the objects in their original places once I have seen the place from where they were removed.

Plan your visit and check out the Acropolis Museum hours here.

Should you take an Acropolis-guided tour?

Neither the online ticket nor the skip-the-line ticket includes a guide.

You can, however, download an audio guide ( Rick Steves’ guide is free and very well-regarded) to add some extra context to your Acropolis visit).

Another option is to take a guided tour, either privately or as part of a group. If you love history, then this can add a huge amount to your visit.

Otherwise what you see are a bunch of disjointed, empty, and partially destroyed buildings (they’re amazing in their own right and just to see them is spectacular) but…

but to actually have a clue about why they’re there and their relationship with each other – that’s what you get on a tour of an ancient site.

You’ll have the chance to ask questions and hear insider stories – plus, it entitles you to skip the line entry!

🧳 Ministry of Culture and Sports Acropolis Visitor Information:

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Tour the Acropolis Without the Crowds: Pristine Parthenon Early Morning Acropolis Tour, Athens

Wondering how to tour the Acropolis, Greece, without the crowds?

Taking an early morning Acropolis tour is your chance to explore the Parthenon with fewer people. Take advantage of visiting during the early hours of the day to explore this iconic landmark at a more relaxing pace. 

No trip to Athens would be complete without a visit to the Parthenon – it’s a must-see for any traveller! On my recent trip to the Greek capital, I took a morning tour to see it without the noise and bustle of other tourists.

Pristine Parthenon might just be the best Acropolis tour you’ll find. Read on to find out why.

Some of the links on Meet Me In Departures are affiliate links. If you click through and make a purchase, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Thank you for your support!

Table of Contents

Why Take an Early Morning Acropolis Tour?

There has to be a pretty solid reason to make me haul myself out of bed anytime before 9 am – I’m naturally a night owl. A few things do entice me to get up early: when I have a flight to catch or I want to get out, explore and take photos before the crowds arrive. 

Over a million people visit the Acropolis every year. It’s Greece’s most popular attraction. 

Even outside of the peak season, the Acropolis can resemble an ant hill as tourist steam up and down it. The best way to avoid crowds is to get there early, and the most efficient way to do it is on an Acropolis early morning tour .

If you’re planning your Athens Acropolis visit, check out the Pristine Parthenon tour I did with the guys from Take Walks and find out what to expect. 

TLDR: The Pristine Parthenon Tour is the best way to see the Acropolis without the crowds. Your guide and skip-the-line tickets for the Acropolis AND the Acropolis Museum are part of an all-inclusive price with no nasty hidden extras.

Click here to go straight to the official page for the Pristine Parthenon Tour.

I’ve partnered with Take Walks to bring you this travel guide. This article is based on the destination and experiences I took part in. All views and opinions are my own.

Guide to the Acropolis – What You’ll See on This Tour

During our Acropolis of Athens tour, we had the opportunity to see all the iconic landmarks with next to no crowds blocking our view. These are some of the ruins you’ll visit:

The Odeon of Herodes Atticus

The propylaea.

• Temple of Athena Nike

The Parthenon

The erechtheum.

• The Friezes from the Parthenon (in the Acropolis Musieum)
• The Original Caryatids (in the Acropolis Museum)

Pristine Parthenon: Tour the Acropolis Without the Crowds

After booking, my tickets were sent by email. The tickets have instructions about where to meet and the time – 7.15! For me, that felt like a deathly hour. Our meeting point was near the foot of Acropolis Hill where I joined our small group as we waited for our guide – group sizes are capped at 15!

One of the great things about Athens is that there are bakeries open at this time of the morning. I was able to pick up breakfast on the way to the meeting point and eat it while our licensed tour guide for the Acropolis explained to us how the tour would pan out.

Before the Tour

Our guide explained that the Acropolis and Museum Tour would last around 3.5 – 4 hours, starting with the Acropolis, to beat the crowds, and then moving on to the museum. We were then handed our audio sets, did a sound check and started our stroll to the main entrance.

The Acropolis opens its doors to visitors at 8 am and we wanted to be the first in. Because this was an Acropolis skip-the-line tour , our tickets fast-tracked us through the entrance – no queuing and waiting in line. 

Beat the Crowds Tour of Acropolis

If you visit the Acropolis on a Sunday and arrive at 8 am, you’ll catch the tail end of the Evzones – the Presidential Guards – making their way back down from the Acropolis. Every Sunday they make their way to the top of the Acropolis to raise the Greek flag at sunrise. 

Once through the gates, we made our first stop. Our Athens Acropolis tour guide stopped us next to the Odeon of Herodes Atticus.

Built in 161 AD, the Odeon of Herodes Atticus is one of the most recognizable structures in the Acropolis. One of the most interesting facts is that it’s still in use today! 

It was primarily used for music performances and theatrical plays – its use hasn’t changed much over the centuries. 

The Ancient Greeks sure knew a thing or two about how to make a building that stands the test of time. Although it was renovated in the 1950s, despite centuries of erosion and degradation from natural elements, a substantial amount is still original. 

Our Acropolis walking tour continues through the main entrance – through a structure called the Propylaea. 

The Propylaea is an enormous structure that has stood since 437 BC. Its purpose was to serve as a grand gateway to the sacred area of the Acropolis. It features marble staircases, porticos, and once would have been adorned with sculptures.

The Temple of Athena Nike

As you walk up the stairs and through the Propylaea, turn your head upwards and to the right. Here you’ll see the Temple of Athena Nike. This small temple was built on a platform near the entrance looking out upon the city of Athens and the sea in the distance.

It was built between 426-421 BC as a dedication to Athena Nike; the goddess of victory, and would have been covered with sculptures and friezes.  

No tour of the Acropolis of Athens would be complete without spending a decent amount of time perusing around the Parthenon. This, after all, is what most people come to see, and it didn’t disappoint.

The Parthenon is the largest and most well-known temple on the Acropolis of Athens. Construction began in 447 BC when the Athenian Empire was at its height. It’s approximately 30 metres wide and 69 metres long. It features 46 outer columns and 23 inner columns and once would have housed an inner temple. 

Currently, the Parthenon is undergoing some substantial renovations which will hopefully preserve it for another few thousand years! Renovations started in 2017 and are set to be completed by Summer 2023.

On the outside, you can still see some of the decorative sculptures and friezes that would have adorned the upper part of the building. However, many of these have been lost over time – one of the most renowned cases was by Lord Elgin. He removed a large portion of the sculptures and took them to the UK in 1801. They are on display in the British Museum.

The final iconic building at the Acropolis was the Erechtheum. This building is instantly recognisable thanks to its north porch. It features six female figures known as Caryatids which support the roof. 

These sculptures are thought to represent the priestesses of Athena or her maidens, and they have become the symbol for the city of Athens. The ones you’ll see at the Acropolis are reconstructions. The original ones have been moved into the Acropolis Museum to help preserve them.

The Erechtheum is believed to have been built between 421-405 BC. It was dedicated to both Athena and Poseidon . 

Wander around to the back of this building to see the ancient olive tree. The legend goes that this was a gift from the goddess Athena. The ancient tree has miraculously survived for over 2,500 years!

Free Time at the Acropolis

We finished the main part of our walking tour of the Acropolis with an opportunity for some free time. We were given about 20 minutes to go back and explore the area on our own.

I took advantage of this time to wander around and go back to get more photos of everything we had seen. Even though it was still before 10 am, you could really feel the crowds starting to pick up.

Our group gathered back together. Walking back out through The Propylaea you could really see how many people were swarming in through the entrance. As much as I would have loved to have spent longer here, I knew I’d hate how busy it was at this point. Time to leave. 

We exited through the main entrance where a snake-like queue had already started to form. I’m glad we got to experience the Acropolis in its relative quiet before the crowds arrived.

Guided Tour of the Acropolis Museum

The next part of our morning was a skip-the-line Acropolis Museum guided tour. 

The Acropolis Museum is a state-of-the-art museum offering a great insight into the history of the Acropolis. It is home to many important artefacts discovered at the site, including the famous Parthenon Marbles. 

We started on the 3rd floor. Here is where you’ll find the friezes from the Parthenon. They depict battles, mythological creatures and other scenes from Ancient Greece. Our guide explained in detail the history behind each of these friezes, giving us a better appreciation for them.

She then pointed out the differences in the colour of the stone. If they were a brownish colour, they were original pieces, if they were whiter, they were reconstructions taken from an original piece displayed somewhere else in the world. The gaps are where there is no record of the piece.

Even though they are thousands of years old, it was incredible to see how much detail was on the carvings. I took an arts-based degree, and even after my training, there’s no way I’d be able to produce anything as remarkable as these. They are incredibly beautiful pieces of artwork.

Another highlight was the original Caryatids which came from the Erechtheum. These are located on the 1st floor. Because you can be much closer to the sculptures in the museum compared to the ones in the Acropolis, you’re able to see the level of detail on each of the Caryatids. It’s astonishing to think these are thousands of years old!

Besides an abundance of other artefacts, the museum also featured so many digital and physical models of what the Acropolis would have looked like in its heyday. It would have been quite something to look at all those thousands of years ago. 

Is the Early Morning Acropolis Tour Worth It?

Yes, especially if you’re not a fan of crowds, which the Acropolis has. Getting there early, as soon as the gates open, in my opinion, is the best way to visit the famous Greek landmark. 

If you’re looking to book a skip-the-line Acropolis tour, then Pristine Parthenon by Take Walks not only offers that, but you also have a knowledgeable and official guide giving you tons of information about the site. 

Why Pristine Parthenon Is the Best Guided Tour of Acropolis

If you’re still not convinced why I think this is one of the best Acropolis tours in Athens, here’s a rundown:

• Bookable online with instant confirmation
• Small group sizes: maximum of 15
• Fast track skip-the-line entry for the Acropolis
• Early entry tour of Acropolis and Parthenon
• Licenced expert guide
• Whisper system used to hear your guide better
• Fast track skip-the-line entry for the Acropolis Museum
• All-inclusive ticket with no hidden extras

Booking the Early Morning Guided Tour Acropolis, Athens

Booking this skip-the-line Acropolis of Athens tour is easy. The best way is to book directly through the official Take Walks website , skipping any third-party vendors.

Buying your ticket direct is how you can guarantee you get the best price, and more importantly an official ticket. When you come to book, they also have an on-screen calendar to show what their availability is for different days.

Tours are capped at 15 to ensure you have the best experience, however, if you’re travelling as a group of friends or a family, then book well in advance to ensure you can all get on the same tour.

The price you see on the screen is the final price you pay, and you won’t have any sneaky hidden extras on the day. Your ticket is even sent straight to your inbox, so you won’t have the hassle of finding somewhere to get it printed out.

Then all you have to do is turn up and enjoy. Simple!

Check Availability for the Pristine Parthenon Tour

Tips for Visiting the Acropolis

If you’re planning to visit the Acropolis, Athens here are some useful tips based on both of my visits to the site. 

1. Arrive early – Crowds start to get big from about 10 am onwards, so get there as soon as the gates open. Ideally with a skip-the-line ticket to fast-track your way through. 

2. Bring water – It can get very hot and humid in Athens during the summer months so it’s important to keep hydrated throughout the day. It’s quite an exposed site, so there aren’t many chances to get away from the heat. The great thing is that there’s an onsite water fountain to refill your water bottle.

3. Wear comfortable shoes – Even though there’s a main path, a couple of things to be aware of is that it’s slippery: the polished marble in particular. Make sure your shoes have a decent grip. There are also plenty of rocks to navigate through. My advice; don’t wear your high heels!

4. Don’t forget to look up – The ancient architecture is stunning and some of the best views aren’t always at eye level. The Parthenon still has plenty of detail at roof height.

5. Respect the rules of the site – Make you don’t go to off-limits areas. Some parts are cordoned off, partly because they are undergoing renovation and partly to protect the site from damage. There are plenty of guards around, so if you do step into an off-limit area, you can be sure to hear their warning whistle. 

6. Dress appropriately – Although there is no strict Acropolis dress code – like the dress codes for visiting religious temples in Thailand   –  make sure you’re wearing something suitable. The site is exposed, so you’ll need a hat and sunglasses for sure. During the winter, it can get windy on top, so you’ll certainly need a jacket.

7. Make sure your camera is fully charged – You won’t want to miss out on taking some awesome pictures of the sights, especially if you’re there without the crowds!

The Best Acropolis Tour, Athens  – FAQs

So, I’ve gone into detail about the best Athens Acropolis tour, and given you Acropolis tips and advice to help plan your visit. This section covers any other questions you might have about your visit.

Do You Need a Tour Guide for Acropolis?

No, you need to go on a guided tour. However, it is highly recommended to book a guided tour of Acropolis , Athens. They will help put everything you’re seeing into context. 

Can I Do a Self Guided Tour of Acropolis?

Yes, you could opt to do an Acropolis self-guided tour. On my first visit to the site, this is exactly what I did because the focus of my visit at that time was to go at my own pace to take hundreds of photos.

However, the downside was that I didn’t have a clue what most of the stuff was that I was looking at. I knew I had a guided tour booked for later in the week, so I wasn’t too worried, but if you don’t plan on doing a guided tour then I recommend reading up on the site beforehand for a better overall experience. 

Which Is the Best Acropolis of Athens Tour?

There are dozens of different tours available. Be sure to check what’s included – on some tours you have to pay extra for entrance when you arrive! Doing the Pristine Parthenon tour of Acropolis in Athens not only guaranteed early entry, but was an all-inclusive price, with a skip-the-line entry for the Acropolis and the Acropolis Museum. 

Where Can I Buy Acropolis of Athens Tickets?

To make sure you’re buying legitimate Athens Acropolis tickets, I either suggest buying from the on-site ticket booth or the official Acropolis website. You can also buy them from reputable vendors, like the included ticket on the Pristine Parthenon tour I did.

If you’re buying tickets to Acropolis in Athens through a vendor, check that they are officially licenced to sell tickets and not a scam. 

What’s the Difference Between Acropolis vs Acropolis Museum?

Your Acropolis tour tickets don’t automatically include entry to the Acropolis Museum. They are two different attractions.

The Acropolis is an ancient citadel that includes the ruins of several historic structures, including the Parthenon. The Acropolis Museum is more modern, and it showcases artefacts from the archaeological site at the Acropolis as well as other sites around Athens.

When Is the Best Time to Visit the Acropolis?

The Acropolis is a year-round attraction. However, the best time to tour the Acropolis and Parthenon is during the shoulder and low seasons – October and April. Aim to arrive early morning on a weekday for fewer crowds. 

When Are Acropolis Visiting Hours?

The Acropolis hours vary depending on the time of the year although it opens at 8 am daily all year round.

Acropolis of Athens hours in the winter: 8 am – 5 pm (last entry at 4.30 pm) Acropolis of Athens hours in the summer: 8 am – 8 pm (last entry at 7.30 pm)

Can You Visit the Acropolis at Night?

No, you need to plan your Acropolis Athens visit during opening hours. The site is closed at night. However, the whole of Acropolis Hill is illuminated at nighttime, so head to one of the nearby rooftop bars in Plaka to take in the view.

Is It Easy to Tour the Acropolis With Mobility Problems?

The Acropolis does have some facilities to make this site accessible for visitors with mobility issues. However, this particular Athens Acropolis tour took a route that would not have been accessible for a wheelchair user. 

Now Go and See the Acropolis Without the Crowds!

If you’re in Athens, the Acropolis guided tour is a must. 

Although you can visit the site at any time of day, because of the crowds, a lot of the charm is lost and it can feel like a wrestling match at times trying to see things. 

On the Pristine Parthenon Tour, the Acropolis was pretty much empty – particularly at the beginning of the tour when the gates had just opened. As much as I dislike early starts, I know I dislike crowds more so it was 100% worth getting there before the chaos. 

Enjoy the benefits of skip-the-line early access, with a knowledgeable guide. Now go and experience the best Acropolis guided tour for yourself. 

Looking for more Greece travel guides to help plan your trip?…

• 29 Great Reasons to Visit Athens
• Island Hopping In The Aegean Sea, Greece
• Greece: Adventure Holiday Destination

Hey, I'm Becki......and I'm a self-confessed DIY travel addict and experience connoisseur!

In other words, I’m a solo traveller on a mission to experience the best adventures our fabulous little planet offers. I love creating my own itineraries that focus on unforgettable experiences, from climbing mountains and scuba diving to spotting wildlife and exploring ancient ruins.

When I'm not on an adventure, you'll probably find me sipping coffee or with a glass of wine in hand, planning my next journey.

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Izhevsk city, Russia

The capital city of Udmurt republic .

Izhevsk - Overview

Izhevsk is a large industrial, commercial, scientific, educational, and cultural center of the Volga and Ural regions, the capital of the Udmurt Republic. This city located about 1,300 km east of Moscow is known for its defense and engineering industries and is unofficially called the “arms capital” of Russia.

The population of Izhevsk is about 645,200 (2022), the area - 315 sq. km.

The phone code - +7 3412, the postal codes - 426000-426076.

Izhevsk city flag

Izhevsk city coat of arms.

Izhevsk city map, Russia

History of izhevsk, foundation of izhevsk.

According to archaeological excavations, the first settlements appeared on the territory of Izhevsk in the 3rd-5th centuries AD. Over time, this land became part of the Kazan Khanate (1438-1552). In 1552, Russian troops captured Kazan and the Kazan Khanate ceased to exist. By 1558, the peaceful incorporation of the Udmurt lands into the Tsardom of Russia was completed.

In 1582, Ivan the Terrible granted the land in the lower reaches of the Izh River to the Tatar Prince Bagish Yaushev. In 1733, his descendants sold it to Alexei Ivanovich Tevkelev, a Russian diplomat of Tatar origin.

In 1734, in the Urals, a mountain was discovered with large deposits of iron. Several state-owned factories were built to extract and process ore in its vicinity. Ore reserves were so abundant that these factories could not cope with its processing. It was necessary to build additional factories.

In 1757, Count Peter Ivanovich Shuvalov received permission from Empress Elizabeth Petrovna to build three more ironworks in the Kama River area. It was decided to build one of the factories near the Izh River. In 1760, the construction of the Izhevsk factory and the village of the same name began here. This year is considered the founding year of Izhevsk. The population was about 200 people.

More Historical Facts…

Izhevsk Factory in the Russian Empire

By 1763, a dam was built and the Izhevsk Pond was created. After the death of Shuvalov, in order to pay off family debt, Catherine II signed a decree on transferring the Izhevsk factory to state ownership.

In 1774, during a peasant uprising led by Yemelyan Pugachev, the settlement was captured and all the factory superiors (42 people) were executed, the factory was looted and partially burned. After the liberation, production was partially restored, but because of the lack of large orders, difficult times came. In 1780, the population of Izhevsk was about 2,000 people.

At the beginning of the 19th century, the threat of war against Napoleonic France forced the Russian government to think about increasing the output of firearms and cold steel. In 1807, Emperor Alexander I signed a decree establishing a new weapons factory in the Urals on the site of the Izhevsk ironworks.

To staff the factory with qualified personnel, more than one hundred German, Swedish, and Danish gunsmiths, as well as toolmakers, blacksmiths, turners, and other artisans were invited. In addition, more than 1,000 artisans from other factories in Russia were transferred here. In 1840, the population was about 16,000 people.

In 1867, Izhevsk officially became a village. In 1885, in order to avoid a reduction in arms production in peacetime and a decrease in its technical level, the Main Artillery Directorate of the Russian Empire allowed the acceptance of orders for the manufacture of hunting weapons from private individuals. The production of civilian guns had begun, which ceased because of the start of mass production of the Mosin rifle in 1897. In 1917, the population was about 40,000 people. Until 1918, the settlement continued to be called Izhevsk Zavod (Factory).

Izhevsk in the 20th century and beyond

February 21, 1918, by the decision of the Izhevsk Soviet of workers, soldiers, and peasants deputies, the Izhevsk factory was transformed into the town of Izhevsk. In November 1920, the indigenous population of this region gained their autonomy. On June 10, 1921, the capital of the Votsk Autonomous Region was transferred from Glazov to Izhevsk. The first Russian motorcycle was produced in Izhevsk in 1929.

The beginning of the 1930s was a turning point in the development of Izhevsk and Udmurtia. In 1930, the first conference of Udmurt writers took place in Izhevsk, the Udmurt State Philharmonic Society, the theater and art school were formed.

In 1931, the Udmurt Pedagogical Institute (Udmurt State University), the Udmurt Institute of History, Language, and Literature, the Udmurt State Drama Theater (the State National Theater of the Udmurt Republic) were opened.

In 1934, Izhevsk became the capital of the Udmurt Autonomous Soviet Socialist Republic. The acquisition of capital status, as well as the deployment of large industrial enterprises in the city, led to its rapid development. By the end of 1935, Izhevsk became a large industrial center of the Urals. In 1939, the population of Izhevsk was about 175,000 people.

In the fall of 1941, during the Second World War, several defense enterprises were evacuated to Izhevsk. In June 1942, the Izhevsk Machine-Building Plant (“Izhmash”) was organized. During the war years, 11 million 145 thousand rifles and carbines, more than 15 thousand aviation guns, almost 132 thousand anti-tank rifles were produced in Izhevsk.

In 1949, the legendary designer of small arms Mikhail Timofeevich Kalashnikov moved to Izhevsk. His AK-47 assault rifle, manufactured at the Izhevsk Machine-Building Plant, successfully passed military tests and was adopted by the Soviet Army. December 12, 1966, the first Izhevsk car was produced. In 1967, the population of the city was about 376,000 people.

On December 27, 1984, at the initiative of the party authorities, Izhevsk was renamed Ustinov in memory of Dmitry Ustinov, the Minister of Defense of the USSR, who died 7 days earlier. Later, on June 19, 1987, after numerous protests by locals, the original name was returned to the city, and the name Ustinov was assigned to one of the new districts of Izhevsk.

In 1989, the population of the city was about 635,000 people. Izhevsk survived the turbulent post-Soviet period quite well thanks to the continued demand for its military products.

In 2008, Izhevsk became the main venue for the celebration of the 450th anniversary of the voluntary entry of Udmurtia into Russia. On September 3, 2010, Izhevsk celebrated its 250th anniversary. In autumn 2010, a reconstructed embankment was opened on the shore of the Izhevsk Pond.

Pictures of Izhevsk

Izhevsk cityscape

Author: Igor V. Kuznetsov

The central square of Izhevsk

Author: Boris Busorgin

Soviet-era apartment building in Izhevsk

Izhevsk - Features

Izhevsk is located in the eastern part of the East European Plain, between the Vyatka and Kama rivers, on the non-navigable Izh River. The main reservoir of the city is the Izhevsk Pond. Created in the second half of the 18th century, the Izhevsk Pond is one of the largest artificial reservoirs in Eastern Europe.

The name of the city comes from the name of the Izh River on the bank of which the Izhevsk Ironworks was built and a village was founded in 1760. The City Day of Izhevsk is celebrated on June 12.

The climate is temperate continental with short warm summers and long cold winters. The warmest month is July with an average temperature of plus 19 degrees Celsius. The coldest month is January, its average temperature is minus 12.4 degrees Celsius.

Izhevsk is a developed industrial center of Udmurtia and the Urals. This city is known in Russia and in the world for the production of high-quality steels, advanced mechanical engineering, in particular: the production of weapons and military equipment, small arms and rifles, cars, and instruments. The legendary designer of small arms, General Mikhail Timofeevich Kalashnikov is an Honorary Citizen of Izhevsk.

The largest transport hub in Udmurtia, the city is located at the intersection of air routes, rail, and road transport. The main types of public transport are buses, trams, trolleybuses. The airport of Izhevsk offers mainly regular flights to Moscow and St. Petersburg. It takes about 17 hours to go from Moscow to Izhevsk by rail.

On the territory of Izhevsk there are more than 300 objects of historical and cultural heritage: 166 architectural monuments, 4 monuments of archeology, 81 objects of monumental art, and about 60 plaques.

The city has a lot of beautiful churches, unusual monuments, interesting museums, and pleasant green areas for walking. Tourists often buy souvenirs with weapons themes, patterned woolen socks and mittens, dolls in national Udmurt clothes, and paintings made by local artists.

Main Attractions of Izhevsk

St. Michael’s Cathedral . Located in the central part of Izhevsk, this church is considered a symbol of the revival of the spiritual life in Udmurtia and all of Russia. The original cathedral was built with the money of the workers of the Izhevsk factory in 1907-1915. In 1937, it was completely destroyed. In 2007, the building was restored. This church is 67 meters high and stands on the highest place in the city. Karla Marksa Street, 222.

Museum and Exhibition Complex named after Mikhail Kalashnikov - the most popular museum in the Udmurt Republic, a must-see place for everyone who is interested in the history of Russian small arms.

Here you can see not only the weapons created by Mikhail Kalashnikov, but also all models of small arms that have ever been or continue to be produced by the Izhevsk arms factory. The collection also includes numerous gifts and souvenirs presented to Mikhail Kalashnikov. Borodina Street, 19.

National Museum of the Udmurt Republic named after Kuzebay Gerd . Located in the building of the former Arsenal of the arms factory, an architectural monument of the 19th century, it is one of the largest museums in Udmurtia.

In total, the museum has about 200 thousand exhibits in several collections: weapons (cold and firearms), written sources and photographs, historical, archeological and ethnographic exhibits (national costumes, peasant utensils, etc.). The exhibitions are mainly devoted to the history and nature of Udmurtia, the history of peoples living here. Kommunarov Street, 287.

Udmurt Republican Museum of Fine Arts . The museum has about 13,000 exhibits: works of artists and folk craftsmen of Udmurtia, a collection of graphics, paintings, arts and crafts, Russian icons, and sculptures. Each collection in one way or another reflects the development of fine and decorative art of Russia in the 19th-20th centuries. Kirova Street, 128.

Museum of Izhmash (Izhevsk Machine-Building Plant) . The collection of this museum shows visitors the history of the development of small arms in Russia. In the hall #1, you can see firearms (rifles, carbines) and cold steel produced from 1808 to 1947. In the hall #2, there are weapons of the Second World War. Part of the exhibits in the hall #3 is dedicated to Mikhail Kalashnikov. Sverdlova Street, 32.

Alexander Nevsky Cathedral (1818-1823). This church built in the style of Russian classicism is located in the historic center of the city and stands out against the backdrop of the traditional architecture of Izhevsk. Maksima Gorkogo Street, 66.

Izhevsk Zoo - one of the main attractions of the capital of Udmurtia and one of the largest zoos in the Volga region with an area of 16 hectares. There are several exhibition zones: “White North”, “Far East”, “Our Taiga”, “Pond”, and “Udmurt Village”. Kirova Street, 8.

Embankment of the Architect Dudin . Located on the shore of the Izhevsk Pond mostly in the central part of the city, it was named in honor of the first architect of Izhevsk S.E. Dudin. In 2010, the embankment was reconstructed and became one of the most popular places among locals and visitors of Izhevsk. This is one of the most picturesque places in Izhevsk.

Monument “Friendship of Peoples” (“Forever with Russia”) . This monument was erected in honor of the 400th anniversary of the entry of Udmurtia into Russia in 1972. It is a 46-meter stela consisting of two pylons symbolizing Udmurtia and Russia. The monument has an inscription in Udmurt and Russian languages: “Glory to the great friendship between Russian and Udmurt peoples”. Likhvintseva Street (on the shore of the Izhevsk Pond).

The main building of the Izhevsk arms factory (1808-1815) - the first multi-story industrial building in Russia, a monument of urban planning and architecture of national significance. Deryabina Street, 3.

Monument to the Izhevsk Crocodile . This postmodern monument is a two-meter statue of an imposing anthropomorphic crocodile sitting on a bench. It was planned that the monument was to become an unofficial symbol of Izhevsk. The choice of a crocodile as a symbol was not accidental. At the beginning of the 20th century, there was a legend about crocodiles living in city rivers. Crossroads of Kommunarov and Sovetskaya streets.

Museum-Reserve “Ludorvay” - an architectural and ethnographic complex located on the territory of the village of Ludorvay about 15 km south-west of Izhevsk. It consists of 21 buildings including two manor houses, village houses, and outbuildings. On the territory of this museum you can get acquainted with the culture of the Udmurt people, try dishes of national cuisine, take part in a folklore event.

Izhevsk also has such cultural institutions as an opera and ballet theater, a Russian drama theater, a national theater, a puppet theater, a circus, a philharmonic.

Izhevsk city of Russia photos

On the streets of izhevsk.

Winter in Izhevsk

Izhevsk architecture

Architecture of Izhevsk

Sights of Izhevsk

House of Merchant Ogloblin in Izhevsk

Udmurt State University

Author: J.Huusko

Holy Trinity Cathedral in Izhevsk

Churches of Izhevsk

Alexander Nevsky Cathedral in Izhevsk

St. Michael Cathedral in Izhevsk

Church of the Kazan Icon of the Mother of God in Izhevsk

The questions of our visitors

All 6 questions

The comments of our visitors

I visited Izhevsk with my partner who is from the area. We travelled from Scotland to Moscow and took the train to Moshga. We spent 2 days in Izhevsk with friends. Really nice place spent the morning at the Kalashnikov museum and on the firing range.

We also spent time at the museum and had a guided tour. A history I had never heard about being from the west.

For westerners like myself. Russia is not what the media tells you.. I loved it, and the people. I will be returning regularly.

• Currently 2.96/5

Rating: 3.0 /5 (225 votes cast)

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• The Location

Know before you book

Know before you go, the acropolis of lindos: the rhodian epic.

€  11,99 per person

• Important Information

Contributors and Bibliography

The ancient citadel of Lindos stands proudly over the town, inviting visitors to indulge in its history. Fortified by the Byzantines , and again by the Knights of Saint John, the acropolis was a strategic point for the island’s defense strategy. Take a tour and learn all about its vivid and glorious past.

Waltz in the Acropolis of Lindos with a self-guided audio tour on your phone designed by an accredited expert. Listen to fascinating stories, based on an award-winning storytelling concept, and gain great insights into the most iconic landmark of Rhodes, the Lindos Acropolis. Start your tour from the entrance of the Acropolis and continue to meet The Relief of a Semi-Circular Bench , getting acquainted with The statue of Colossus , The semi-circular bench of Pamphilidas,  and the temple of The Church of Saint John .

This is an unmissable opportunity to experience at your own pace the Acropolis of Lindos with a captivating audio tour on your phone.

* * Ticket/entrance fee to the Acropolis of Lindos is not included.

As you arrive at the gate of the lower fortifications of the acropolis, you’ll find a ticket booth on your right by the entrance. Pay the entrance fee and proceed ahead to the barriers to validate your ticket. After that, walk straight ahead, climb up the stairway and reach the plateau. Find a comfortable spot, turn to your right and look towards the bedrock. This is where our journey into ancient history starts!

Prodromos Papanikolaou

• Self-guided audio tour in English or Italian on your smartphone (Android & iOS)
• An activation link to access your audio tour
• Offline content (text, audio narration and maps) to avoid roaming charges
• Entrance ticket to the acropolis is not included.
• Smartphone or headphones
• Food and drinks
• Transportation
• App not compatible with Windows phones
• Hotel pick-up and drop-off

Mandatory items

• Charged smartphone

Charged smartphone, headphones, comfortable shoes, hat & sunscreen

The location

Starting point.

There is no meeting point. The self-guided audio tour is designed to start at the entrance of Lindos Acropolis (Acropolis of Lindos, Lindos 851 07).

Directions to starting point

Important information.

• Please consider that admission fees for the Acropolis of Lindos are not included.
• This is a downloadable self-guided audio tour for your smartphone, accessible through our app. No live guide will accompany you. No VR / AR is included.
• No live guide or meeting point provided.
• After booking, you will receive an email with further instructions on how to access and download your audio tour. Check your spam folder as well.
• Book per device to be used, not per participant.
• An Android (version 5.0 and later) or iOS (version 15.0 and later) smartphone is required. The audio tour is not compatible with Windows Phones, iPhone 6/6 Plus or older, iPod Touch 6th generation or older, iPad 4th generation or older, iPad Air 1st generation, iPad Mini 3rd generation or older.
• You will need storage space on your phone (100-150 MB).
• Mobile signal may be weak at the site(s). Download your audio tour on your smartphone prior to your visit to fully enjoy it.
• After booking, you will receive an email with further instructions on how to access and download your audio tour. Please check your email spam folder as well
• Ensure that your smartphone is fully charged & that you bring your earphones
• Visitors are advised to wear comfortable shoes 

Contributors

Image Credits:

Central: © Thomas Berwing / Commons Wikimedia

Download the app

To take this self-guided tour, you will need to download the Clio Muse Tours app on your iOS or Android device. Enjoy your tour!

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Udmurtia history & culture, Kalashnikov & Chaikovsky 2-day tour to Udmurtia covering its capital Izhevsk and second city Votkinsk Udmurtia The history of Udmurtia starts in ancient times, when the Udmurt people lived in the current Kirov and Tatarstan areas. Ethnic conflicts with other local people (among which the Tatars) as well ,as violent christianisation drove the Udmurts to the north-east, further away of the banks of the Volga river. They settled down in an uninhabited area around the Izh River, which later became the Republic of Udmurtia. The first Russians came to Udmurtia in the 12th century, but it was not until 1552 - when the Russians overthrew the Tatar leadership of neighbouring Tatarstan - that Russian presence in Udmurtia became obvious with foundation of towns. Izhevsk Izhevsk, the city that became capital of Udmurtia in 1921, was founded in 1760 on the banks of the Izh river/pond ,as a settlement for the workmen of a local iron plant producing ship anchors. In the early 1800's, arms and tool factories were built. It was mainly the arms (and arms mechanics) industry that hugely developed over a relatively short period of time.Until now it supplied 12,5 million (!) arms to the army. It is the very same industry that Izhevsk became famous for - especially when Kalashnikov, a local mechanics engineer, had his huge successes in gun engineering. Kalashnikov became a Soviet hero when his AK-47 won many (international) prizes and eventually became the world's most popular automatic machine gun. Modern Izhevsk has 800.000 inhabitants, of which one third are Udmurts. In spite of its importance, Izhevsk has poor transport connections,it is not located at the Trans Siberian Railroad - but it can be easily accessed by road from Perm... Program Day 1 Transfer (5 hours) from Perm to Izhevsk in the morning. Small tour through the centre, seeing the Udmurt presidential residence, the Great Patriotic War memorial with its eternal flame and the central orthodox church. Visit to the Kalashnikov Museum, a large and very modern museum, which boasts a complete range of Kalashnikov models. The world famous AK-47 is, of course, among the collection. Lunch on arrival. Visit to the"National centre of decorative and applied art of Udmurtia". The centre functions as a museum, but additionally offers several workshops where one can see how art is applied, including patterned weaving, patterned needlework, decorative wood working, decorative painting, etc. The centre has a large souvenir shop - the only of its kind where traditional Udmurt applied art (its own work) can be purchased. The building in which the museum is located was built in 1810 and now is an architectural monument. Transfer to architectural and ethnographic museum “Ludervai” ( 20 km). Excursion in the museum with demonstration of udmurt folklore ceremonies and traditions. Transfer back to Izhevsk. Dinner in museum-inn "Podkova". Podkova is a strikingly original combination of a restaurant and ethnographic museum, of which the excellent menu offers some traditional Udmurt dishes. Transfer to hotel, overnight stay in hotel in centre of Izhevsk. Day 2 Breakfast. The Udmurt language (Finno-Ugric) originally had no written form. Instead, decorative art (always rich in colour and variety of typical patterns) was commonly practised to replace the need of cultural expression. It is this very skill that the Udmurts remain famous for in present times. Transfer to Votkinsk, the town where famous composer Chaikovsky was born and spend 8,5 years of his life. Just before arrival in Votkinsk, a short visit to the museum of Galina Kulakova - Udmurtia's most famous sport legend (cross country skiing) - is planned. She won silver and bronze on the winter olympics in Grenoble in 1968, three times gold in Sapporo (1972), gold and bronze in Innsbruck (1976) and silver in Lake Placid (1980). Lunch on arrival in Votkinsk. Visit to the impressive former house of Chaikovsky: the Chaikovsky Museum. Excursion 2 hours. Transfer to Chaikovsky (town on the way to Perm, south of Perm region). Visit to ethnographic museum “Saigatka”. Transfer to Perm, arrival in the evening. Optional program. Dinner. Overnight stay at the museum-house of artists Svedomsky. Day 3 Breakfast. Transfer to Perm. On the way stop in the town of Osa, visit to museum of local lore with unique diorama of historic events, that took place in the 17 th century. Lunch. Arrival to Perm in the evening.   Persons 2 3 4 5 6 7 8-12 12-16 16+ 2-day tour to Udmurtia 942 786 577 504 455 421 394 375 req. Optional 3-day tour 1188 898 752 665 608 567 535 521 req. Prices p.p. in euro (€), subject to change Back to Cultural tours page