Shore Excursion: Acropolis, Athens City Tour And The New Acropolis Museum

The excursion covered 1 parts, first the city tour, then followed by visit to Acropolis and the museum. Both the guides were great, one took care of the city tour (sorry I forgot her name, and Rina covered Acropolis. They had been very patient (there were some participants were late), and had extensive knowledge on the Ancient/Modern history of Greece. The walking tour took 5 hours, and demanded some fitness. Do remember to bring enough water to keep hydrated during the hot dry summer.

We really appreciated Philippia sharing her extensive knowledge of Greek ancient history. Her passion and enthusiasm made the tour an absolute pleasure. ‘To tell the truth’ Philippia was the best local tour guide we’ve had on our trip. Thank you for an informative day!

The headline is that the tour guide abandoned me on a group tour of the Acropolis. It was very crowded and the group got separated. I waited for him to return and he did not. Perhaps the most unsettling aspect is the company did not even ask me what happened, and instead believed a self-serving description from the guide and even blamed me for losing him!! I was not able to visit the Museum and got lost in Athens until the driver (a hero!) rescued me. The company has refused so far to provide even a partial refund (initially they said they would refund the cost of my Museum ticket, but even if they follow through it was only 20 euros. Even before abandoning me, the tour guide himself was terrible, He was cartoonishly self-important, and somehow managed to be smug and condescending in his role as a guide. He also loved to hear himself talk and the group members would collectively cringe when we stopped for one of his frequent self-referential diatribes. One of the reasons he lost me was because he would periodically stop and say into our devices "is everyone here"?, but of course we didn't know where "here" was in the middle of a very crowded Acropolis. Any company can have an incompetent tour guide, but it is a major caution for consumers when a company's response to a problematic situation is a knee-jerk, circle the wagons approach. This happened two days ago and no one from Athens Walking Tours has reached out to ask me what happened. I would avoid them.

Our guide was extremely knowledgeable. She was friendly and provided great detail many people want to see the sites and get good pictures. One’s ability to absorb information may improve with some brevity as energy levels wane.

Mr. Appollon is our guide and he is amazing! We walked through the city centre first , had a glimpse of changing of guards, and went into the cool and wonderful Royal garden. Mr Appollon always told us interesting stories and history whenever he could find a shade (rescue us from the fierce sun) . Our visit of Acorpolis, the Patheon and the Acorpolis museum will be less interesting if we didn’t have Mr. Appollon as our guide. Highly recommended this tour if you’re in Athens

Unfortunately this experience was not as we expected. There were to many tours going on with multiple companies. We had to slow down our tour due to so much volume. We stopped frequently for the tour guide to explain the area in which we were in, however I think this was done more so that crowds could move forward.

This was a very informative and well run tour! Our guide was wonderful and so knowledgeable! The Acropolis is incredible but an extremely strenuous climb. I would recommend this tour!

Arrival at the Acropolis was a very memorable moment! The guide had great stories and was very informative!

We saw amazing things but this tour needs a longer break for lunch in the middle. We came on a cruise ship, we met our transport around 8:30 am to meet at the Kolomaki train station around 9:30 am. We began the walking tour through the train station with amazing artifacts, walked to watch the changing of the guard at the Hellenic Parliament (very interesting), and then walked through the National Gardens towards the Acropolis. Prior to heading to the Acropolis, we we stopped for just a 20 minute break at around 11:10 which included a long line for bathroom, thus no time for food nor was it explained that there would not be another opportunity to eat. At 11:30am or so we headed up to the Acropolis on foot (long lines). After the Acropolis tour which is a 1 and 1/2 hour walk up hill with little shade, we went straight to the museum, at that point it was close to 2pm. We were tired hungry and unfocused and could barely appreciate the museum. We then finished the museum tour around 3:30 to rush back to ship transport by 3:45pm. We were starving and had no time to eat at the restaurants and shops in the area around the Acropolis and museum. Perhaps start the tour directly at the Acropolis earlier in the morning when it is cooler, allow about hour or so for lunch and then hit the museum at 2pm. Or explain that when we buy the tickets for these things there will be no time allocated for an appropriate lunch. Although it was hot, mid 80s and sunny, it was the hot summer days of June, July and August. Please make it more clear to people, especially those coming from cruise ships, of the structure of the day.

It was a fantastic tour with Marguerite our guide. I felt I’m back in school learning history. So much information!

It was a busy day and a little strenuous walking up to the ruins. One needs to have good footwear and be very cautious. We had a beautiful day. It would be have been treacherous if there was any dampness on the ground. Very informative and helpful Guide.

Our Guide - Margarite was absolutely outstanding!!! Her knowledge & expertise in maintaining control of our large group was exceptional! She is a true professional & a credit to the tourism industry.

Amazing tour. Started off learning about Athens subway and how it is truly a museum. Watched the changing of the guards. Very cool. Then stroll through royal gardens. Quick snack break and on to the main attraction. Margaret was the best tour guide we have had this trip. She is well educated, so energetic about Greek history and an amazing communication style and voice. Learned so much. The tour of Acropolis was a bucket list we learned every step from the bottom to the top. Stunning place to visit. I am not a museum person the Acropolis museum has converted me. So well designed. Transport was easy. Be aware you are walking for 6 hours with steps and inclines. Margaret gave us various time to break. Margaret’s knowledge and excitement made for a very memorable tour

Excellent tour guide and itinerary. It was a grueling day but worth every minute of it. The guide was very knowledgeable and thorough.

This tour was very memorable. The bus ride to the meeting point was comfortable. The tour guide was very knowledgeable about the history of all sites. She spoke English very well. Walking up to the Acropolis was challenging. With a few stops on the way up there helped to keep going. The views of Athens city are just amazing from the top. Highly recommended.

Very intense excursion that covered everything. More intense than I planned, however due to the large crowds and heat, it was enjoyable.

Our guide was very knowledgeable! He gave us enough background and history of Athens to make the experience of seeing ancient Athens more enjoyable. We loved the museum where we had a welcome time to sit while he expanded on the history of the artifacts.

Good tour. 4 solid hours of Greek history while walking. Informative. Taxi transfer was flawless. Some confusion with missing entrance tickets but was eventually resolved by the time we got to Acropolis and museum. Wear good footwear!

During the start of our walking tour we experienced torrential rain for almost an hour. The Acropolis was temporarily shut down due to the rain and chance for slipping/injury. Our guide Margarita was phenomenal in being patient, listening to the frustrations of those who were expecting not to be able to see it. In the end, we were able to make it up there and also time for the museum. We can’t say enough about Margarita’s warmth, deep knowledge of history, and her passion for sharing about the country she loves so dearly. Highly recommend!

Out taxi driver G was the absolute best, informative and great fun , would highly recommend him to all.

Our driver, Geramismo and guide, Tina were great! Very organized and informative. G gave us lots of great Greek tips and info

The host was so knowledgeable and easy to understand. You can feel the passion she has for the past and how her country can to be.

Our guide Charoula was wonderful. Very knowledgeable. The tour of Athens was great. The Acropolis and museum was fascinating and our guide provided us with many facts and stories to keep the excursion all the more interesting.

Other than it being a crazy hot day, this was an excellent tour with a very knowledgeable guide. I highly recommend.

We weren’t really sure how we could strategically hit the archeological sites and we didn’t really know our homework for reading classical greek art to appreciate the wonders of the surroundings. So my friend decided to book the tour so we can have the experience. And we were all glad that we did. The history and background of the archeological sites were talked about as well as how the past traditions were incorporated to the today’s world we live in. It feels profound to see and feel where the ancient Greeks hone in their talents such as Plato and the gods’ stories relate from the development of healthcare as we know it to the brand names of shoes and apparel. I forgot the name of our tour guide but she made our experience in Athens really great. Her name starts with “E” and it’s a 3 letter name. Maybe Edi or Eli. Anyway, her knowledge, humor and enthusiasm paved way for further awe I felt during the tour. I appreciated history more so by experiencing the tour.

We had a great time on this trip, it was one of the highlights of our holiday. Our taxi driver was very friendly and helpful; the transfer to and from the cruise terminal was very smooth. Our tour guide Eli was fantastic, very knowledgeable and had a real passion for the acropolis which shone through. I would definitely recommend this trip.

we spent a very nice day with our guide KIMON who is a grate guide it was wonderfull to go with him we were so lucky. Thank you so much KIMON

He was incredibly well educated on the history and motivations that drove these monuments, very witty and personable. We feel very fortunate to have been guided through this tour by Hermes and very much appreciate his professionalism and genuine efforts to represent Greece culture honestly and with great pride in his heritage.

Bus picked us up at cruise port just outside of front door of cruise terminal. Our guide Constantine is an archeologist and was very kind and knowledgeable. It is a steep uneven climb up the steps to the top of acropolis and would not recommend for anyone with a cane. Wear tennis shoes and bring a bottle of water. The museum tied it all together and worth seeing. They returned us to the cruise port terminal at end of tour.

Our guide was Costas, He was amazing. Very informative, answered everyone's question and was very patience. Be in mind this is a walking tour. You walk about 5 or more miles. He keeps a good pace. TheAcropolis and the museum were overwhelming and amazing and everything I wanted. Dream come true!!