Athens Discovery
Strenuous Activity
Includes meal
Shopping Opportunities
Be sure to read the Special Notes further down this page for important requirements and restriction.
Board your motorcoach for a 30 to 40-minute scenic drive into the heart of Athens. Along the way, your narrated drive will pass 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.
Ahead, the mighty Acropolis dominates the landscape. Your guided walking tour begins as you climb the 80 steep steps through the Propylaea, the monumental gateway to the Acropolis, which extends 150 feet across the western side. The views of the city of Athens below are incredible.
Beyond the Propylaea, on the highest point of the Acropolis, stands the Parthenon, one of the greatest monuments of ancient civilization. Dedicated to the virgin goddess Athena, the white Pentelic marble temple was built 446 - 437 B.C. The architectural sophistication of its creation has captivated visitors for centuries.
Beyond the Parthenon lies the Erectheum, situated on the most sacred site of the Acropolis, where Athena and Poseidon are said to have held a contest to decide who would be Patron of the city. When Poseidon thrust his trident into the ground, water burst forth, but when Athena touched the ground with her spear, an olive tree grew and she was named goddess of the city. The building itself contains the graceful Porch of the Caryatids, which features replica columns of marble maidens supporting the roof of the temple.
The Plaka, located in one of the oldest areas of Athens, is home to lively markets, cobblestone lanes, and shops filled with antiques, jewelry and handicrafts. Many streets have been closed to automobile traffic, so browsing the area is a delight. A stop in one of the local cafes and tavernas is an opportunity to experience traditional culinary delights. An hour an d15 minutes of free time is provided to explore this area on your own.
Lunch is a welcome respite in your busy day, and a delicious lunch in a local Taverna in the Plaka area.
Your Athens tour continues as you drive through the city en route to the National Archaeological Museum. Along the way you will pass the Old Olympic Stadium where a brief photo stop is offered from the bus (traffic permitting). Re-built to host the first, modern Olympic Games in 1896, this marble stadium stands on the site of the original stadium of Ancient Athens, dating from the 4th century B.C., and was used in the 2004 Olympics for the finish of the marathon and the archery competition.
The neo-classically-designed National Archaeological Museum is considered one of the great museums of the world, containing the richest collection of Greek antiquities in the world. Marvel at the power of the bronze statue of Poseidon along with a plethora of gold items such as the Mask of Agamemnon. Recent expansions include exhibits dedicated to Minoan Frescos and Egyptian antiquities.
In the famous Plaka area is a new Museum dedicated to the Production of one of Greece's most famous products; Olive Oil. A special tasting of 4 olive oil varieties led by a trained specialist accompanied by bread, olive oil pate and olives. You will have free time to visit the shop where you can purchase the special wares produced.
Schedule
Special Notes
This tour can accommodate guests continuing on to the next segments of their cruise, as well as guests finally disembarking on the same day and extending their staying in downtown Athens. In this case, luggage will travel on the same bus. Although specifics hotel-drop off cannot be made, this may be arranged at a central location where guests can take independent transportation to their hotel. Please contact the onboard Shorex Excursions Desk for arrangements.
The tour may run in reversed order or the sequence of the visits may be altered.
This tour is similar to ATH-100 with more free time in Plaka and the addition of visit of the Olivium Museum and Olive Oil Tasting.
Please be aware ongoing restoration work is often carried out at the Acropolis.
The tour involves climbing approximately 80 steep 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 taking this tour.
Security restrictions at the Acropolis and Archaeological Museum prohibit entrance with large bags and backpacks. Passengers should expect lines and crowds at the Acropolis.
Photo stops in downtown Athens as stated in the description are not guaranteed and will only be made from the bus if time and daily traffic regulations allow.
Flash photography is not permitted in the National Archeological Museum.
Use of an audio headset (included) will enhance your tour experience.
Exceptional Value
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Strenuous Activity
Includes meal
Shopping Opportunities
Be sure to read the Special Notes further down this page for important requirements and restriction.
Board your motorcoach for a 30 to 40-minute scenic drive into the heart of Athens. Along the way, your narrated drive will pass 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.
Ahead, the mighty Acropolis dominates the landscape. Your guided walking tour begins as you climb the 80 steep steps through the Propylaea, the monumental gateway to the Acropolis, which extends 150 feet across the western side. The views of the city of Athens below are incredible.
Beyond the Propylaea, on the highest point of the Acropolis, stands the Parthenon, one of the greatest monuments of ancient civilization. Dedicated to the virgin goddess Athena, the white Pentelic marble temple was built 446 - 437 B.C. The architectural sophistication of its creation has captivated visitors for centuries.
Beyond the Parthenon lies the Erectheum, situated on the most sacred site of the Acropolis, where Athena and Poseidon are said to have held a contest to decide who would be Patron of the city. When Poseidon thrust his trident into the ground, water burst forth, but when Athena touched the ground with her spear, an olive tree grew and she was named goddess of the city. The building itself contains the graceful Porch of the Caryatids, which features replica columns of marble maidens supporting the roof of the temple.
The Plaka, located in one of the oldest areas of Athens, is home to lively markets, cobblestone lanes, and shops filled with antiques, jewelry and handicrafts. Many streets have been closed to automobile traffic, so browsing the area is a delight. A stop in one of the local cafes and tavernas is an opportunity to experience traditional culinary delights. An hour an d15 minutes of free time is provided to explore this area on your own.
Lunch is a welcome respite in your busy day, and a delicious lunch in a local Taverna in the Plaka area.
Your Athens tour continues as you drive through the city en route to the National Archaeological Museum. Along the way you will pass the Old Olympic Stadium where a brief photo stop is offered from the bus (traffic permitting). Re-built to host the first, modern Olympic Games in 1896, this marble stadium stands on the site of the original stadium of Ancient Athens, dating from the 4th century B.C., and was used in the 2004 Olympics for the finish of the marathon and the archery competition.
The neo-classically-designed National Archaeological Museum is considered one of the great museums of the world, containing the richest collection of Greek antiquities in the world. Marvel at the power of the bronze statue of Poseidon along with a plethora of gold items such as the Mask of Agamemnon. Recent expansions include exhibits dedicated to Minoan Frescos and Egyptian antiquities.
In the famous Plaka area is a new Museum dedicated to the Production of one of Greece's most famous products; Olive Oil. A special tasting of 4 olive oil varieties led by a trained specialist accompanied by bread, olive oil pate and olives. You will have free time to visit the shop where you can purchase the special wares produced.
Schedule
Special Notes
This tour can accommodate guests continuing on to the next segments of their cruise, as well as guests finally disembarking on the same day and extending their staying in downtown Athens. In this case, luggage will travel on the same bus. Although specifics hotel-drop off cannot be made, this may be arranged at a central location where guests can take independent transportation to their hotel. Please contact the onboard Shorex Excursions Desk for arrangements.
The tour may run in reversed order or the sequence of the visits may be altered.
This tour is similar to ATH-100 with more free time in Plaka and the addition of visit of the Olivium Museum and Olive Oil Tasting.
Please be aware ongoing restoration work is often carried out at the Acropolis.
The tour involves climbing approximately 80 steep 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 taking this tour.
Security restrictions at the Acropolis and Archaeological Museum prohibit entrance with large bags and backpacks. Passengers should expect lines and crowds at the Acropolis.
Photo stops in downtown Athens as stated in the description are not guaranteed and will only be made from the bus if time and daily traffic regulations allow.
Flash photography is not permitted in the National Archeological Museum.
Use of an audio headset (included) will enhance your tour experience.