By Anita Jain Shah

When you land in Athens on a business FAM (familiarization) trip, there’s one destination that towers above all others—literally and figuratively. The Acropolis. It’s a rite of passage, a must-see, and, let’s be honest, a total showstopper for your itinerary. So, when WOFT Group (represented in India by Global Destinations) teamed up with Grecotel Hotels & Resorts for this FAM, visiting the Acropolis was a no-brainer.

Picture this: it’s an early winter afternoon, and the Athenian sun is playing coy, warming us just enough as we stand at the base of this ancient marvel. Jackets on, sunglasses ready, and water bottles in hand, our group of travel journalists is itching to dive into the history that we’d once skimmed over in school textbooks.

The First Ascent

We began our climb (yes, there’s a bit of walking involved, so wear comfy shoes!) through the olive tree-dotted paths. The vibe is surprisingly serene despite the steady flow of visitors. Our guide, a walking encyclopedia with just the right amount of sass, leads us through the ancient ruins with stories that make the stones come alive.

Pro Tip: Book a guided tour for your clients. It’s one thing to admire the ruins; it’s another to know the tales of gods, wars, and transformations that these stones hold. Trust us, a good guide makes all the difference.

The Parthenon: Star of the Show
As we crested the hill, there it was—the Parthenon. Even with scaffolding in places (restoration is ongoing), the structure is magnificent. Columns reach skyward, their golden hue kissed by the winter sun, while the views over Athens are just chef’s kiss.
Cue the selfies. It’s impossible not to stop and snap at least 100 photos. And don’t miss out on the panoramic shots. You’ll want those for your Insta reels or for wowing potential clients with visuals that scream “bucket list.”

Tip for agents: Suggest early afternoon visits during winter. The light is soft, and the crowds are manageable compared to peak tourist seasons. Plus, the cooler weather makes the climb less of a sweat fest.

Erechtheion and Its Famous Ladies
Next up: the Erechtheion, where the Porch of the Caryatids steals the spotlight. These intricately carved female figures are actually replicas (the originals are in the Acropolis Museum), but they’re still stunning.

This is where our group collectively geeked out. One journalist declared it “the most Instagrammable spot in Athens,” while another marveled at the craftsmanship of an era without power tools.

Pro Tip: Highlight the cultural value. Indian travellers, particularly families, often seek deeper connections with history. Position the Acropolis as not just a tourist spot but a living museum of civilization.

The Views: Athens in 360 Degrees
The Acropolis isn’t just about ruins; it’s also about the views. Standing atop this ancient city, we were treated to a panorama of modern Athens sprawling below, with Mount Lycabettus on one side and the sparkling Aegean Sea on the other.

We spotted landmarks like the Temple of Olympian Zeus and the Panathenaic Stadium, perfect conversation starters for clients looking to explore more of Athens.

Pro Tip for agents: Encourage clients to pair their visit with stops at these nearby sites. It creates a well-rounded day without overwhelming them.
Selling the Acropolis to Indian Clients
Here’s why the Acropolis works perfectly for Indian travellers:

Rich History: Indian travellers, especially families, love destinations with stories to tell. The Acropolis delivers with its mix of mythology and historical significance.
Easy Access: It’s centrally located, so adding it to an Athens itinerary is seamless.
Cultural Appeal: Greece’s emphasis on family and hospitality aligns well with Indian sensibilities.
Photo Opportunities: For those who love travel photos (which is pretty much everyone), the Acropolis offers stunning backdrops.

Final Thoughts
The Acropolis isn’t just a sightseeing spot; it’s an experience. It’s the kind of place that leaves you awestruck, humbled, and already planning your next visit to Athens. For travel agents, it’s a golden ticket—an attraction that caters to every kind of traveller, from history buffs to Instagrammers.

So, if you’re curating Athens itineraries, the Acropolis deserves to be front and centre. And don’t forget to remind your clients to pack their walking shoes and cameras. They’ll thank you later!