ATHENS.- Do you want to visit the old Acrpolis from Athens, Greece, without thousands of tourists taking selfies? There is a solution on the way, but you will have to shell out 5,000 euros ($5,500).
Starting April 1, 2024, Greece plans to offer guided tours of its biggest tourist attraction to small groups of wealthy tourists after hours. The measure is part of a general reform of entry prices to archaeological sites and museums, which will increase in full by April 2025.
A Culture Ministry official said Friday that the new service to the Acropolis will accommodate up to four groups of five people. It will cost 5,000 euros per group, but individuals willing to pay the full cost can do so if they want to visit alone.
Investment of funds
Nikoletta Divari-Valakou, head of cultural resources development at the ministry, said the proceeds will be invested in cultural projects.
“We decided to apply (the measure) because there is demand and people have asked for it,” Divari-Valakou told The Associated Press.
“It will not harm the archaeological site, and on the contrary, will help promote it,” he added. “And the proceeds will be reinvested in cultural projects and monuments.”
Visits with certified guides will last up to two hours, from 7 to 9 in the morning, before opening to the general public, and from 8 to 10 at night, after closing.
Divari-Valakou said that if the project is successful, it could be expanded to include other important sites.
FUENTE: AFP
