EXCURSIONES EN TIERRA

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

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.

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.

Journey back in time to the evolution of Greek Civilization. You’ll visit the Acropolis and its famous landmarks and see the highlights of Athens. Admire the Propylaea, the temple of Apteros Niki, the Erectheum, and stand in awe in front of the Parthenon. Enjoy a traditional lunch in the Plaka, followed by some free time to explore this old and interesting district. Visit the National Archaeological Museum, housing an unrivaled collection of treasures of Cycladic, Minoan, Mycenaean, and Classical Greek Art. A few of the most important exhibits include the bronze statue of Poseidon, Head of Hygeia "Goddess of Health", a bronze statue of the "Jockey Boy" of Artemision, Golden Mask of Agamemnon and brilliant Minoan-style frescoes from Santorini.

Spend hours of free time exploring the attractions in Athens that sound most appealing to you. A wonderfully panoramic drive will bring you to the Plaka neighborhood, where you will be dropped off and later picked up. This oldest section of Athens exudes history and its narrow cobblestone streets couldn’t be more atmospheric or pedestrian-friendly. The Plaka is known for its shopping and dining and proximity to the Acropolis, a UNESCO World Heritage site that is home to the Parthenon and many other iconic buildings from antiquity. Feel free to meander through the hilltop ruins at your leisure and browse the Acropolis Museum, a repository of archaeological remains that were unearthed from the surrounding slopes. The Plaka also has its share of archaeological sites, including the octagonal Tower of the Winds, a 1st-century landmark that is considered to be the world’s first meteorological station. If you wish to explore areas beyond the Plaka, be sure to allow time.

Experience Athens and its ancient treasure in a small group, traveling by minibus. After a visit to the Acropolis and its famous landmarks, you’ll enjoy a scenic drive though the highlights of Athens; admire the Propylaea, the temple of Apteros Niki, the Erectheum, and stand in awe in front of the Parthenon. You’ll then stop in the Plaka area for a traditional lunch followed by some free time to wander around the old district on your own.

After, visit the National Archaeological Museum, housing an unrivaled collection of treasures of Cycladic, Minoan, Mycenaean, and Classical Greek Art. A few of the museum's most important exhibits include the bronze statue of Poseidon, Head of Hygeia "Goddess of Health", bronze statue of the "Jockey Boy" of Artemision, Golden Mask of Agamemnon and brilliant Minoan-style frescoes from Santorini. Following your visit to the museum, you’ll return to your ship in Piraeus.

Following an enlightening tour of Athens and the spectacular New Acropolis Museum, you will watch an innovative chef prepare your lunch and elaborate on the joys of Greek cuisine.

After departing from the pier, you will enjoy a wonderfully scenic drive to Athens, where you will see the Old Marble Olympic Stadium. In 1896, the first modern Olympics were held here in the white horseshoe-shaped stadium, which is the world’s only arena made entirely of marble. Although the stadium is primarily used for musical performances, it hosted the 2004 Olympics’ archery competition and the finish to the marathon.

Continuing on into Athens, you will pass the 19th-century Royal Palace and the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. The monument’s main element is a carved bas-relief of a fallen Greek soldier that resembles a sculpture of a hoplite soldier found in a 5th-century B.C. temple.

Before long, you will stop at the New Acropolis Museum, which holds a collection of artefacts excavated from the slopes of the Acropolis and the surrounding foothills. You might see a lengthy section of the Parthenon frieze, various marble sculptures and a detailed balustrade slab from the Temple of Athena Nike.

You will then drive to Aiolou 68, a restaurant renowned for its creative seafood dishes. The chef will present an enlightening cooking demonstration explaining how to prepare classic Greek dishes and offer tips regarding other Mediterranean cuisine. Afterwards, you will enjoy a leisurely meal of the chef’s creations.

Enjoy a wonderful drive along the scenic coastal road which affords a splendid view of the Saronic Gulf, passing through some of Athens' most beautiful suburbs of Glyfada, Kavouri, Vouliagmeni, Varkiza, and Lagonissi. Arrive at Cape Sounion where you’ll visit the 5th century B.C. 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. This is the place where the ancient Greeks worshipped their mighty god of the seas, Poseidon.

The 15 (of the original 34) columns of the Doric Order that are still standing belong to the temple built here during the Golden Age of Perikles' Athens, over the relics of an older one. The architect is unknown, but it is believed to be the same who built the Theseion in Athens. Following your visit, refreshments will be served at one of the most luxurious resort hotels in Vouliagmeni.