Athens: West Hills Walking Tour and Herakleidon Museum Visit

Athens’ West Hills hold a treasure trove of history waiting to be explored. On this walking tour, visitors will uncover ancient ruins, iconic sites, and interactive exhibits that celebrate the foundations of democracy and theater. With breathtaking views of the Acropolis and modern Athens, this engaging 1.5-hour experience promises to immerse travelers in the rich cultural legacy of this legendary city. But the journey doesn’t end there – a special farewell gift awaits those who dare to venture beyond the familiar.

Key Points

• This 1.5-hour walking tour explores the lesser-known paths around the Acropolis, focusing on ancient Greek theater, democracy, and the Herakleidon Museum exhibition.
• The tour starts at the Acropolis Metro Station and includes visits to the Dionysian Theater, Odeon of Herodes Atticus, Mouseion Hill, Pnyx Hill, and the Herakleidon Museum.
• Highlights include learning about the societal role of ancient Greek theater, the evolution of theater architecture, and the historical significance of the Athenian parliament meetings.
• The tour offers breathtaking vistas of the Acropolis, Ancient Agora, Mount Lycabettus, and modern Athens, as well as interactive exhibits at the Herakleidon Museum.
• The tour includes a farewell gift of three bookmarks and has a cancellation policy of a full refund up to 24 hours in advance.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview

The West Hills Walking Tour and Herakleidon Museum Visit is a 1.5-hour activity that takes participants on a journey through the lesser-known paths of the West Hills of the Acropolis.

Priced from Kč 626 per person, the tour departs from the Acropolis Metro Station, Dionysiou Areopagitou exit. Participants are advised to arrive 10 minutes early and look for the guide wearing a hat with the museum’s logo.

The tour can be cancelled up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Highlights include viewing ancient ruins, learning about Greek theater and democracy, and exploring the Herakleidon Museum’s exhibition on ancient Greek science, art, and technology.

Tour Highlights

As participants embark on the West Hills Walking Tour, they’ll have the opportunity to explore lesser-known paths around the Acropolis.

The tour highlights include:

Learning about ancient Greek theater, democracy, and significant building construction.

• Learning about ancient Greek theater, democracy, and significant building construction.

• Admiring the Ancient Theater and the Odeon of Herodes Atticus.

• Viewing the Pnyx, where the Athenian Parliament (Ecclesia) convened.

• Enjoying breathtaking vistas of the Acropolis, Ancient Agora, Mount Lycabettus, and modern Athens.

After the walking tour, visitors will explore the Herakleidon Museum’s exhibition "Eureka, Science, Art, and Technology of the Ancient Greeks."

Itinerary

Participants begin the tour at the Acropolis Metro Station, meeting the guide at the Dionysiou Areopagitou exit.

The first stop is the Dionysian Theater, where the guide discusses its role in Athenian society.

Next, they explore the Odeon of Herodes Atticus to learn about the evolution of theater.

The tour then takes them through Mouseion Hill and Pnyx Hill, where they view the ruins of ancient Athens.

At the Pnyx, the guide explains the historical significance of the Ecclesia.

The tour concludes with a visit to the Herakleidon Museum and its exhibition "Eureka, Science, Art, and Technology of the Ancient Greeks."

Acropolis Metro Station and Meeting Point

Your walking tour and museum visit in Athens begins at the Acropolis Metro Station.

Look for your guide wearing a hat with the museum’s logo.

Arrive 10 minutes early and meet at the Dionysiou Areopagitou exit.

The key things to remember are:

1. Meet at the Acropolis Metro Station.

2. Look for the guide wearing a hat with the museum’s logo.

3. Arrive 10 minutes early.

4. Meet at the Dionysiou Areopagitou exit.

Once the group is assembled, your guide will lead you on a walking tour through the West Hills of the Acropolis.

More Great Tours Nearby

Dionysian Theater

The Dionysian Theater stands as a testament to ancient Greek culture, where the art of drama and civic discourse intertwined. At this historic site, the guide will explore the pivotal role of theater in Athenian society. Visitors will learn how these theatrical performances not only entertained but also educated the public on important issues of the day.

| Role of Theater | Significance |

|—————–|————–|

| Entertainment | Bringing the community together |

| Education | Addressing social and political topics |

| Civic Discourse | Shaping public opinion and decision-making |

The tour will provide a deeper understanding of how this iconic venue fostered the exchange of ideas and the development of Athenian democracy.

Odeon of Herodes Atticus

As visitors explore the West Hills, they’ll encounter the impressive Odeon of Herodes Atticus. This ancient open-air theater, constructed in 161 AD, once hosted musical performances and poetry recitals.

Key features include:

1. Large seating capacity of around 5,000 people.

2. Impressive stone and marble construction.

3. Adaptation of the classical Greek theater design.

4. Excellent acoustics, allowing performers to be heard without amplification.

The Odeon’s evolution reflects the shift from classical to Roman-style entertainment in ancient Athens.

Exploring this site provides insight into the cultural landscape of the city during its golden age.

Westward Walk Through the West Hills

After exploring the Odeon of Herodes Atticus, the walking tour ventures westward through the West Hills of the Acropolis.

Guides lead the group through Mouseion Hill and Pnyx Hill, pointing out the ruins of ancient Athens. Participants learn about the Ecclesia, the Athenian parliament, which met on the Pnyx.

Along the way, they enjoy breathtaking views of the Acropolis, Ancient Agora, Mount Lycabettus, and modern Athens.

Breathtaking views of the Acropolis, Ancient Agora, Mount Lycabettus, and modern Athens await along the way.

This portion of the tour provides a unique opportunity to discover lesser-known paths and gain deeper insights into ancient Greek democracy, theater, and the construction of significant buildings.

Herakleidon Museum Visit

Upon completing the walking tour through the West Hills, visitors are guided to the Herakleidon Museum.

The museum’s exhibition, "Eureka, Science, Art, and Technology of the Ancient Greeks," provides an in-depth exploration of ancient Greek achievements.

Visitors can expect to:

1. Marvel at the museum’s impressive collection of artifacts and interactive exhibits.

2. Gain a deeper understanding of the Greeks’ pioneering contributions to fields like mathematics, engineering, and philosophy.

3. Enjoy the museum’s peaceful courtyard, where they can refresh themselves with cold refreshments.

4. Depart with a set of three bookmarks as a farewell gift.

Things To Know

Can I Purchase Additional Items at the Herakleidon Museum?

Yes, visitors can purchase additional items at the Herakleidon Museum’s gift shop. The shop offers a variety of souvenirs, books, and educational materials related to the museum’s exhibits and ancient Greek history and culture.

Are Children Allowed on the Tour?

Children are allowed on the tour, but it may not be suitable for young children due to the walking and duration. The tour website states it’s not suitable for pregnant women or individuals with mobility impairments.

Is the Tour Wheelchair Accessible?

The tour is not suitable for individuals with mobility impairments. It involves walking through West Hills and visiting historical sites, making it inaccessible for wheelchair users. Those with mobility issues may want to consider a more accessible tour option.

Can I Take Photographs During the Tour?

You’re allowed to take photographs during the tour, except inside the Herakleidon Museum where photography may be restricted. Be mindful of your surroundings and follow any instructions from the guide regarding appropriate photography.

Do I Need to Bring My Own Water and Snacks?

No, water and refreshments are included in the tour. A bottle of cold mineral water is provided at the meeting point, and cold drinks are served in the Herakleidon Museum’s yard at the end of the tour.

Sum Up

The West Hills Walking Tour and Herakleidon Museum visit offer a captivating exploration of Athens’ rich history. Discover ancient ruins, iconic sites, and interactive exhibits that celebrate the foundations of democracy and theater. With breathtaking views of the Acropolis, this 1.5-hour experience culminates at the Herakleidon Museum, where visitors receive a special farewell gift.

You can check availability for your dates here: