Sensing the Acropolis: a Tour for the Visually Impaired

A unique visit to fully experience one of the most emblematic monuments in human history

Duration

2 hours

When

4:30pm Apr-Oct: Fri

Languages

english, french

From

€55per person

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A world first, Alternative Athens has developed and designed a regular guided visit of the Acropolis exclusively for the visually impaired, enabling them -and their sighted partners- to experience a universal landmark monument like never before.

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We offer all our tours as private and are happy to customize them for you!

Highlights

  • The 1st guided visit of an open-air monument specially designed for visually impaired travelers.
  • A true multisensory experience: visitors can sense the Acropolis by touch, sound, and smell, to see it in their minds' eyes and make a meaningful connection with the site.
  • The visit’s pace and itinerary are specially designed for low-vision and blind visitors, allowing them to enjoy it without feeling rushed or pressured by time.
  • The visit makes use of the latest guiding techniques and supporting materials such as 3D models and tactile maps.
  • Discover the sites and the myths behind them following a narrative tailored to the needs of the visually impaired.

What you can expect

Step back in time and discover how Athens became one of the greatest cities in the world and the cradle of western civilization through a multisensory experience exclusively designed for visually impaired and low-vision visitors made available for the first time in Athens. Under the guidance of a specially trained, expert licensed guide, you'll marvel at the Acropolis and masterpieces of Antiquity such as the awe-inspiring Parthenon, ancient Greece’s mythical gods and its legendary heroes.

Thanks to a wealth of knowledge and a wonderful ability to bring history and mythology to life through lively accounts and descriptions, your specially trained guide will show you one of humanity’s most defining landmarks in a way never experienced before. Even more impressive, however, is how your guide will use 3D models and tactile maps to allow you to fully appreciate through your sense of touch the grandeur and beauty of the Parthenon, the Erechtheion, the Temple of Athena Nike and the other structures on the city's Sacred Rock.

Learn about mythical Greek gods, legendary heroes and actual historical figures such as Pericles and Phidias, and their connection to this special place. Discover the many different functions that the Acropolis buildings served and the changes they have undergone, all as you enjoy a one-of-a-kind tour offered at an outdoor archaeological site anywhere in the world!

Practical info

Duration
2 hours
Walking pace
Easy
Languages
english, french
When
4:30pm Apr-Oct: Fri
Group size
Up to 15 persons
  • Entrance fees

For this tour visually impaired travelers and one escort are entitled to free entrance upon presentation of a valid certification of disability. All other participants will need tickets for the Acropolis  (not included in the price). 

Children 0-18 years old & individuals from EU countries under 25 need to present a valid identity card or passport to be entitled to free entry or discounts

  • Strollers & Wheelchairs

Strollers and wheelchairs cannot be used throughout the tour and especially on the rock of the Acropolis and have to be left at the WEST entrance of the Acropolis (not the south entrance which is used for this tour

  • English-speaking licensed guide, specially trained in guiding visually impaired travellers
  • 3D figures and monument replicas
  • Tactile maps
  • Entry fees
  • Transfers
  • Food or drinks

Meeting point

  • The meeting point is at 45 Dionysiou Areopagitou Street, in front of the Holy Church of Agia Sophia.

Entry is free for people with disabilities over 67% - and one escort- upon presentation of a valid certification of disability.

Guide dogs are allowed on the Acropolis site

Sensing the Acropolis is a guided sensory experience designed for visually impaired and blind visitors. The tour focuses on touch, sound, storytelling, and physical orientation to help participants experience the Acropolis beyond visual observation, while explaining its historical, social, and cultural significance.

This tour is designed specifically for visually impaired and blind participants. It is also suitable for companions or family members who wish to share the experience in an inclusive and meaningful way.

To the best of our knowledge, this is the only guided tour for visually impaired visitors offered at an outdoor archaeological monument in Europe, making it a unique and pioneering accessibility experience.

Entrance to the Acropolis is free for participants with a certified disability of 67% or more, as well as one accompanying escort.
Any additional participants are required to pay the standard entrance ticket price.

No. The Acropolis lift is operated manually and is exposed to weather conditions, so its availability cannot be guaranteed at all times. This is outside the control of the tour organizers.

Yes. It is highly recommended that each visually impaired participant is accompanied by an escort, as the Acropolis terrain can be uneven and challenging to navigate safely.

Each group consists of approximately 15 participants, allowing for a more personalized, attentive, and supportive experience.

The tour takes place on the Acropolis, where surfaces can be uneven and sloped. The pace is adapted to the needs of the group, with frequent pauses and guidance, but participants and escorts should be prepared for outdoor walking on archaeological terrain.

Testimonials:

"As a totally blind man the guide, Helen, was terrific and the tour exceeded my expectations. It is an experience I will always remember. The guide told us amazing stories of Ancient Greece. She also had tactile models and they were so helpful for me. Thanks for offering this kind of tour for the blind and visually impaired . The only part that was difficult was climb up to top. But excited and proud that I did it."

William P

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You'll love:

a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the symbol of Greek civilization made truly accessible for the 1st time

Sensing the Acropolis: a Tour for the Visually Impaired
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