Acropolis & Time On Your Own in the Plaka (Guided in Spanish)

6.5 hours | Athens (Piraeus) | A T H - 1 8 2
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Points of Interest

  • Temple of Olympian Zeus
  • Old Olympic Stadium
  • Acropolis
  • The Plaka
Shopping Opportunities, Strenuous activity

Description

Be sure to read the Special Notes further down this page for important requirements and restriction.

Board your motorcoach for the approximately 30- to 40-minute scenic drive into the heart of Athens en route to the famed Acropolis. Your narrated tour passes a host of major sites, including Hadrian's Arch, the statue of Lord Byron, the Temple of Olympian Zeus, Constitution Square, the former Royal Palace, the National Gardens, the Academy, and the University Library.

The Acropolis dominates the Athenian landscape and your guided walking tour reveals the wonders of these ancient ruins and the stories behind each of its landmarks. You'll begin by climbing the 80 steep steps through the Propylaea, the monumental marble gateway to the Acropolis. Once at the top, you'll be rewarded with spectacular views of Athens below.

On the highest point of the Acropolis stands the Parthenon, one of the greatest monuments of ancient civilization and a perfect representation of Doric-style architecture. Dedicated to the virgin goddess Athena, the white Pentelic marble temple was built 446 - 437 B.C. An enduring symbol of ancient Greece, the Parthenon has survived the passage of time and its architectural sophistication still impresses all who study it.

On the north side of the Acropolis lays the Erectheum. This sacred site is where it is said it was once decided which god would rule the city. When Poseidon thrust his trident into the ground, water burst forth, but when Athena touched the ground with her spear and an olive tree grew, she was named ruler of the city. On the south side of the building, you will discover the Porch of the Caryatids, or Porch of the Maidens. Notice how these graceful sculptures are engineered to support the weight of the roof on the slender neck of each female figure. Legend has it that when Lord Elgin removed one of the original statues to decorate his Scottish mansion, the remaining stone maidens could be heard crying in the night.

At the completion of your Acropolis tour, an informative drive takes you through Athens, showcasing its most historic sites. A photo stop at the Old Olympic Stadium is an opportunity to see first-hand the marble structure built to host the first modern Olympic Games in 1896.

Your two and a half hour, independent exploration of Athens begins from the Plaka which is close to the center of the city. A short walk brings you to the Plaka, the city's historic shopping district.

Once in the Plaka, stroll through cobblestone pedestrian lanes lined with boutiques, souvenir stands, jewelry stores and colorful flea market stalls. Street musicians entertain as you browse the shops. A host of local cafes and tavernas offer traditional Greek fare. The seafood is exceptional, the salads fresh and flavorful and the house wines a delight. The area is also home to such small, local museums as the Museum of Greek Folk Art and the Jewish Museum of Greece.

Special Notes:

This tour is not available to passengers beginning or ending their voyage in Piraeus (Athens).

Please be aware that ongoing restoration work is often carried out at the sites visited.

Security restrictions at the Acropolis prohibit entrance with large bags and backpacks. Passengers should expect lines and crowds at the Acropolis.

The tour involves climbing approximately 80 steps at the Acropolis, as well as walking over some uneven and slippery paths. There will be a 10-minute walk from the motorcoach drop-off point to the Plaka area. Wear comfortable walking shoes. Passengers with limited mobility should take this into consideration before booking this tour.

Euros are required for entrance fees (Acropolis entrance fee is included in tour price); Euros and/or credit cards are recommended in retail and dining venues; change your money onboard the ship or at a currency exchange in Athens.

Use of an audio headset (included) will enhance your tour experience.

Tour timeline may vary to avoid overcrowding, etc.

Guided tour of Acropolis

Transport type:
Air Conditioned Motorcoach
Transport Capacity:
40
Travel time:
00:30
Time at site:
02:00
Free time at site:
30
Inside visit:
Yes
Air conditioned:
No
Walking distance:
900
Steps:
80
Wheelchair accessible:
No
Restroom available:
Yes

Driving tour of Athens and photo stop for Olympic Stadium

Transport type:
Air Conditioned Motorcoach
Transport Capacity:
40
Travel time:
00:40
Time at site:
00:15
Free time at site:
15
Inside visit:
Yes
Air conditioned:
No
Walking distance:
30
Wheelchair accessible:
Yes
Restroom available:
Yes
Photo/video opportunity:
Yes

Walk from Motorcoach drop off to Plaka Area for shopping

Transport type:
Air Conditioned Motorcoach
Transport Capacity:
40
Travel time:
00:10
Time at site:
02:25
Free time at site:
145
Walking distance:
800
Wheelchair accessible:
Yes
Restroom available:
Yes
Shopping available:
Yes

Re-board your motorcoach and return to your ship

Transport type:
Air Conditioned Motorcoach
Transport Capacity:
40
Travel time:
00:30