The Greek Ministry of Culture and the Hellenic Organization of Cultural Resources Development have launched a new way to experience Greece’s most famous historical site, the Acropolis.
Labeled the Acropolis Experience, the new initiative allows visitors, in groups of up to five, to book a private tour of the site outside of the usual operating hours – meaning either early in the morning or after dusk.
The fee for having the Acropolis all to yourself is set at €5,000, with the proceeds, according to the Ministry of Culture, going toward the ancient citadel’s restoration and preservation. Officials expect the private tours to generate over €400,000 in revenue per year.
Locals in the historical Plaka district at the foot of the Acropolis had much to say about the initiative.
“My first reactions that it would be an incredible experience, but it also feels a bit unfair because the Acropolis belongs to everyone and not many people will have the opportunity to experience it in this way,” said Lydia Kampanellis, an Athenian who spends part of the year in Paris for her studies.
