EXCURSIONES EN TIERRA

Settle in for a panoramic drive through Athens and the port of Piraeus on a double-decker sightseeing bus, passing key landmarks that tell the story of both cities. Feel free to ride inside the bus or on the second-level, which is open air to provide spectacular 360° views. You will hear commentary about the destinations that explains their historical importance and points out significant architectural features. Highlights include icons such as the Acropolis and Parthenon and sites that may be lesser known such as Omonia Square. Although one of Athens’ oldest square, Omonia had been somewhat forgotten until it was beautifully renovated in 2020. The bus will also drive through several characteristic neighborhoods, including historical Plaka and lively Monasteraki, home to attractions as diverse as flea markets and Roman ruins. Depending on the traffic, stops will be made along the way for photos and to stretch your legs.

HIGHLIGHTS
• See the landmarks in Athens and Piraeus from a double-decker sightseeing bus.
• Drive by must-see ancient icons such as the Acropolis and Parthenon
• Travel through neighborhoods that highlight the diversity of Athens and Piraeus.
• Pause on occasion for photos of the attractions.

Audio commentaries in 12 different languages to learn about Athens & Pireaus' culture and history: English, Spanish, Italian, French, Russian, Portuguese, Turkish, Greek, Arabian, Japanese, and German.

Explore Athens on your own with this pass by visiting the attractions that interest you the most. Your attraction pass will cover all the entrance fees so you can choose from over 10 attractions without thinking about the cost. The pass allows you to ride the buses that loop through town from one attraction to another, choose wisely what you want to do and when you want to do it, according to the time you have in Athens. Hop on a bus whenever you’re ready and hop off at an attraction that sounds intriguing. You might stop at the horseshoe-shaped Panathenaic Stadium, where the first modern Olympics were held. Military history buffs may enjoy browsing the weapons from antiquity in the Athens War Museum. If you wish to delve deeper into history, ride the bus to the Acropolis of Athens, one of the world’s most famous archaeological sites. Attractions Included: Acropolis and Parthenon Archaeological Site, Gray Line Athens Get On Get Off Bus Tour (Brown Bus), Athens War Museum, Cycladic Museum, Museum of Greek Culture, The Ghika Gallery, Herakleidon Museum, Bairaktaris - Syntagma Sq., Panathenaic Stadium, Athens Self Guide Walking Tour, Acropolis Self Guided Walking Tour.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Use the Attraction Pass to see Athens’ best attractions leisurely and at no additional cost.
• Ride a double decker bus around town, stopping at the attractions that you find most appealing.
• Stay as long as you like at each attraction to enhance your understanding of it.
• Hop on another bus whenever you please and ride it to another intriguing destination.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

Explore Athens on your own with this pass by visiting the attractions that interest you the most. Your attraction pass will cover all the entrance fees so you can choose from over 10 attractions without thinking about the cost. The pass allows you to ride the buses that loop through town from one attraction to another, choose wisely what you want to do and when you want to do it, according to the time you have in Athens. Hop on a bus whenever you’re ready and hop off at an attraction that sounds intriguing. You might stop at the horseshoe-shaped Panathenaic Stadium, where the first modern Olympics were held. Military history buffs may enjoy browsing the weapons from antiquity in the Athens War Museum. If you wish to delve deeper into history, ride the bus to the Acropolis of Athens, one of the world’s most famous archaeological sites. Attractions Included: Acropolis and Parthenon Archaeological Site, Gray Line Athens Get On Get Off Bus Tour (Brown Bus), Athens War Museum, Cycladic Museum, Museum of Greek Culture, The Ghika Gallery, Herakleidon Museum, Bairaktaris - Syntagma Sq., Panathenaic Stadium, Athens Self Guide Walking Tour, Acropolis Self Guided Walking Tour.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Use the Attraction Pass to see Athens’ best attractions leisurely and at no additional cost.
• Ride a double decker bus around town, stopping at the attractions that you find most appealing.
• Stay as long as you like at each attraction to enhance your understanding of it.
• Hop on another bus whenever you please and ride it to another intriguing destination.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

Enjoy the city of Athens & Piraeus from the top of our brown double-decker buses. Get in touch with the architecture and culture of Athens & Piraeus cities and learn all about their history in your own language with commentary on board, available in 12 languages. Switch from the Piraeus line to the Athens line, where, you’ll find a city full of historical and cultural monuments and sights. Take the chance to admire, on your own, a range of attractions and venues including the Acropolis & Parthenon archaeological sites, the new Acropolis museum, the Archaeological museum and the picturesque area of Plaka and Monastiraki, full of neoclassical buildings, archaeological findings and souvenir shops.

OVERVIEW

Explore some of Athens’ most architecturally important ancient buildings and discover how their construction reflected the city’s urban evolution. Even in the ruins, the monuments built on the Acropolis around the 5th century B.C. still symbolize the classical spirit and civilization of Greek antiquity. Fortified walls have surrounded the summit of the Acropolis for more than 3,300 years and the buildings within – most famously the Parthenon – were built to last and even withstand earthquakes. Hadrian’s Library, constructed nearby in the 2nd century A.D., represents Roman emperor Hadrian’s plan to rebuild Athens. A short walk will bring you to the Kapnikarea, an 11th-century Greek Orthodox church with austere stone walls and a simple rectangular layout. After learning about its construction and distinct Byzantine design, you will spend free time in the bustling Monastiraki neighborhood. To enhance your understanding of how Athens has changed over time, the guide will use captivating visuals and historical photos.

HIGHLIGHTS
• Discover how the ancient monuments on the Acropolis were cleverly constructed to last.
• See historical photos that clearly show how Athens’ urban landscape has evolved.
• View the exterior of Hadrian’s Library for an understanding of the Roman influence.
• Learn about the Byzantine features that distinguish the 11th-century Kapnikarea church.
• Independently explore Monastiraki, a vibrant neighborhood full of archaeological sites.

HELPFUL HINTS
• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

OVERVIEW

Visit historically important sites that illustrate the mythical life of Hercules and come away with a deeper understanding of the famed demi-god and his trials and tribulations. The guide will provide relevant and refreshing commentary that describes the legend of Hercules, his 12 labors and his induction to Mount Olympus after his death. Your immersion into the myth of Hercules – the son of Zeus and the mortal Alcmene – will begin at the Acropolis, whose museum holds friezes that depict scenes of Hercules’ greatest deeds. Similarly, at the Temple of Olympian Zeus, you will learn about its decorative sculptures that also portray the seemingly impossible labors of Hercules, which were acts of atonement after he killed his family in a fit of madness. The guide will further elaborate on Hercules at the Royal Garden which offers a serene oasis in the city's heart. At this stop, you'll interactively review the myth and the labors learned during this immersive experience. Free time follows in Monastiraki, one of the oldest neighborhoods in Athens.

HIGHLIGHTS
• Learn about the mythological demi-god Hercules at the most historical sites in Athens.
• Hear details of Hercules’ legendary life and the purpose of his famed 12 labors.
• Visit the Acropolis and Temple of Olympian Zeus, which is dedicated to Hercules’ father.
• Independently explore Monastiraki, a neighborhood full of archaeological sites.

HELPFUL HINTS
• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

From Piraeus, drive down the modern highway past Eleusis until you reach the ancient town of Corinth where Saint Paul lived and preached for two years. In ancient times, Corinth was amongst the richest cities and this is quite evident by its remains. Excavations of the area are still continuing today and have brought to light the Agora (marketplace), temples, fountains, shops, porticoes, baths and various other monuments you'll see. Peruse the nearby Corinth Museum, housing an impressive collection of antiquities unearthed from nearby areas. Most of them, including superb mosaics, are Roman in origin.

The next site you'll visit is the famous Corinth Canal. Boarding a local boat from the village of Isthmia, you'll navigate the canal that is considered an engineering wonder. Carved into a massive rock, the 76 foot wide and 26 foot deep canal dramatically separates the Peloponnese from the rest of mainland Greece. Before taking the return journey to Piraeus, a unique photo opportunity can be had 200 feet above water, from the center of the bridge that spans its banks.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

OVERVIEW

Walk through the oldest neighborhoods in Athens and stop along the way to sample foods that reflect the local cuisine. Your foodie adventure will begin in Monastiraki Square, a lively meeting place with plenty of nearby cafés and restaurants. The exact offerings will depend on what’s freshest and seasonal, but you can expect to sample traditional Greek sweets. The Psirri neighborhood is also historical but has gained a reputation for being arty and bohemian, so the samples may be trendier. Even so, classic street foods such as cheese and Paksimadia may also be found here. Chances are, you will also be offered souvlaki, probably the most beloved Greek fast food. The guide will know the best spots for the tastiest samples. For an overall understanding of the mostly readily available ingredients, you will browse a market.

HIGHLIGHTS
• Sample a variety of classic Greek foods while walking through historical neighborhoods.
• Follow the guide’s recommendations for finding the best spots for samples.
• Taste traditional dishes and street foods as simple and delicious as souvlaki.
• Browse a market for an understanding of the available ingredients.

HELPFUL HINTS
• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

Drive through the picturesque marinas of Zea and Microlimano in Piraeus as your tour heads to the center of Athens. You’ll have the opportunity to admire some of the most important sites of Athens such as Constitution Square, the Monument of the Unknown Soldier, Temple of Zeus, Royal Palace, and the Old Marble Olympic Stadium. The Acropolis is one of the most photographed and recognizable hills in the entire world. Sights include the Propylaea, Temple of Apteros Niki, Erectheum and Architectural Triumph of the Parthenon.

Afterwards, you’ll have free time to wander around the picturesque streets of Plaka, the old preserved district of Athens with numerous art and craft shops, restaurants and cafes. You’ll have plenty of free time for shopping or to independently enjoy Greek specialties at one of the traditional colorful taverns. After your wanderings at the old district of Athens, board your coach from a designated point at a set-up time for your return to the pier.

This excursion is an ideal introduction to the city’s major highlights. Reach the natural fortress of the Acropolis, and with your guide you’ll walk up the uneven footpath heading to the summit. Sights include the Propylaea, Temple of Apteros Niki, Erectheum and the Architectural Triumph of the Parthenon. Continue with a city drive and see Constitution Square, the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, Royal Palace, Hadrian’s Gate and the Old Marble Olympic Stadium.

After lunch, drive along the scenic coastal road which affords splendid views of the Saronic Gulf and takes you through some of Athens' most beautiful suburbs. Arrive at Cape Sounion to visit the Temple of Poseidon, standing some 200 feet above the sea at the edge of a cliff. It is one of the most breathtaking and deeply moving sights in all of Greece. Fifteen of the original 34 columns of the Doric order still stand in majestic splendor.

Commissioned by Pericles and built by Pheidias, the perfectly proportioned Parthenon crowns the Acropolis, representing the Golden Age of Classical Greece. Follow the winding path to 'the upper city' entrance through the Propylaea gateway. Beyond, on the highest part of the hill, stands the crowning glory of the Acropolis, the Parthenon, looking out over the graceful Temple of Athena Nike, the Erechtheion and the Old City below. After the Acropolis, you’ll drive to both the old and new sections of Athens, separated by Hadrian’s Arch.

You’ll pass the statue of Lord Byron, the Corinthian Temple of Olympian Zeus and Constitution Square to the former Royal Palace. Here you’ll have a chance to take a photo of the Presidential Guard or Evzones in traditional uniform, as they stand watch over the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. Other sights on the drive include the Academy, National Gardens and the Old Marble Olympic Stadium, built in 1895 for the first modern Olympic Games.

A 30 minute scenic drive from Piraeus will bring you 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 and the Old Olympic Stadium where a brief photo stop will take place. Commissioned by Pericles and built by Pheidias, the perfectly proportioned Parthenon crowns the Acropolis, representing the Golden Age of Classical Greece. Follow the winding path to 'the upper city' entrance through the Propylaea gateway.

Beyond, on the highest part of the hill, stands the crowning glory of the Acropolis, the Parthenon, looking out over the graceful Temple of Athena Nike, the Erechtheion and the Old City below. A delicious lunch complimented by wine will be enjoyed at one of Greece’s famous restaurants with breathtaking views of the Acropolis. Considered one of the great museums of the world, the New Acropolis Museum, located at the foot of the Acropolis, displays a dramatic collection of artifacts and statues from the Pantheon, the Porch of the Caryatids and surrounding sites. After visiting the museum, you’ll enter the old part of the city called the Plaka and explore its predominately pedestrian streets with the picturesque houses, shops and numerous cafes. After some free time in this area you’ll return to your ship by coach.