Private Licensed Guide for Acropolis

[fsdorado]

We'll be stopping in Athens next summer. We're thinking about taking the train from Piraeus to the Acropolis and arranging for a private licensed guide to meet us there. Has anyone ever tried this? Does anyone have any suggestions on a guide? Does anyone have a recommendation for a good Acropolis guide book? Thanks!!

 

 

Frederick

[ab0si]

It depends how crazy you are. I can not help the completely sane, but if you are merely boardline, Architecture and Meaning on the Athenian Acropolis by R. Rhodes is good. If you are completely insane, I can recommend my favorite tome on the subject:

The Athenian Acropolis: History, Mythology, and Archaeology from the Neolithic Era to the Present by Jeffrey M. Hurwit or the shorter version of the same work:

The Acropolis in the Age of Pericles

 

For a simple guidebook, it is hard to beat Lonely Planet's Athens book.

 

For a guide: You might consider: http://www.athenswalkingtours.gr/tour01.html

 

This is the Acropolis tour run by Athens Walking Tours. Not private, but well done and samll groups only (no cast of thousands).

 

I have not used the following, but a friend told me it was well done:

http://www.travelswithfriends.com/Private_Driver-Guides_in_Greece.htm

 

If you change your arrival to January, I'll be there and offer a tour of the acropolis in exchange for a coffee. :)

 

Paul

[fsdorado]

Paul,

 

Thanks for the great info. The books look great (especially the INSANE one), though I'm not sure how practical it would be to take what is in effect a textbook to the site (and on the plane!!). From a practical viewpoint (if that's possible), which book would you pick if you wanted to know about what you were seeing? I'll check out the walking tours too. Thanks!!

 

 

Frederick

[ab0si]

Paul,

 

Thanks for the great info. The books look great (especially the INSANE one), though I'm not sure how practical it would be to take what is in effect a textbook to the site (and on the plane!!). From a practical viewpoint (if that's possible), which book would you pick if you wanted to know about what you were seeing? I'll check out the walking tours too. Thanks!!

 

 

Frederick

 

Frederick:

 

My method when going to a "site" for the first time is to read up on it at home first (hence the insane and boardline suggestions - check the local library). The Lonely Planet guide is actually well done. If you have the background done, it will help you find your way around.