The Acropolis in Athens, one of the most attractive monuments for visitors in the world, has launched special tourist tours outside official working hours that can be used for five thousand euros, according to the electronic ticketing website of the Greek Heritage Authority.
These tours for groups of up to five people, which caused controversy when they were announced, start at seven in the morning or can be conducted in the evening after eight.
The website of Hellenic Heritage, which refers to these tours as "The Acropolis Experience," notes that "this exclusive service is only available to four groups of a maximum of five people at a time, and can include the use of a guide." "Personal" if visitors wish.
According to Greek media, the first private visit took place last Saturday after the official closing time and was made by a Russian couple accompanied by their private guide.
On Tuesday, the Greek Heritage website made it possible to book private tours without a guide, starting July 12.
These special visits will take place on Tuesdays, Fridays and Saturdays, and will spare their beneficiaries the large crowds that flock daily to the "Holy Rock" in the historic center of Athens.
These special tours of the Parthenon and other Acropolis treasures were announced last year and were scheduled to begin on April 1, but the Ministry of Culture eventually told AFP that the launch would be postponed.
The head of the Union of Guardians of Greek Archaeological Sites, Eorgia Kondili, told AFP that she opposed "the way these private visits are being organized without the participation" of union members.
She added: "We have no information about the organization of these visits.
The Acropolis, a UNESCO World Heritage site built in the fifth century B.C., has seen a steady increase in visitors, particularly due to the rise in tourists arriving by cruise ship.
0 Comments