Greece will offer visitors the opportunity to have a private, two-hour guided tour of the famous Acropolis – with nobody else around – for 5,000 euros starting in 2024.
The decision was made by the country’s top advisory body on the protection of antiquities, the Central Archaeological Council (KAS).
The exclusive Acropolis tours is an initiative aimed at attracting premium tourism and generating additional revenue.
Private tours of the Acropolis at sunrise or sunset
The private tours will be aimed at small groups, which will be able to tour Greece’s most famous archaeological site either at sunrise (7-9 a.m.), before other visitors arrive, or at sunset (8-10 p.m.) after the last has left, accompanied by an experienced guide.
The new service will be offered in the summer months on Tuesdays, Fridays and Saturdays, except full moon nights, and for up to five groups, with a maximum number of four people.
The private tours will begin on April 1, 2024.
New ticketing policy
At the same meeting, KAS also revised its ticket policy for the first time after five years, increasing entrance fees for museums and archaeological sites, eliminating unified tickets for multiple sites, and reducing ticket categories to five, although these changes will not be implemented until April 1, 2025.
Greece is a treasure trove of ancient sites and museums, offering a fascinating glimpse into the country’s rich history and culture. From the majestic Acropolis of Athens to the mystical ruins of Mycenae, these landmarks provide a tangible connection to the past.
The five new categories of ticketing are as follows:
A. Acropolis of Athens, 30 euros
B. Archaeological sites and museums (over 200,000 visitors), 20 euros
C. Archaeological sites and museums (75,000-200,000 visitors), 15 euros
D. Archaeological sites and museums (15,000-75,000 visitors), 10 euros
E. Archaeological sites and museums (under 15,000 visitors), 5 euros
These ticket prices will be in effect regardless of season, as lower winter prices are abolished.
Five museums in Greece will establish their pricing policy
The five major Greek museums that were turned into independent entities of public interest, will establish their pricing policy.
These include the National Archaeological Museum, the Archaeological Museum of Thessaloniki, the Archaeological Museum of Heraklion, the Byzantine & Christian Museum (Athens), and the Museum of Byzantine Culture (Thessaloniki).
The above museums were turned into independent entities earlier in the year, meaning they are now managed by technocrats and not civil servants or archaeologists.
Single tickets for multiple sites will be abolished except for the following sites: Ancient Olympia, Delphi, Mycenae, and Aegae, or where necessary due to spatial considerations.
Free entrance will continue to be offered for EU citizens up to age 25, and for non-EU citizens up to age 25, and reduced ticket prices for EU citizens aged 65+ (October 1-May 31).