Piraeus Private Tour: Option 2

Best of Athens

Starting from Piraeus

Tour Summary-
Type: Antiquities, Free Time, Scenic Drive, Walking
Length: 8 Hours
Walking: Difficult
Mobility: Folding wheelchair OK, some sites may be inaccessible (advance notice required)
Guide: Licensed Guide
Languages: English
Prices: Scroll Down or Click here for Prices

This eight hour itinerary allows you to see the highlights of Athens as explained in Tour 1, but also allows extra time to explore more in depth.  Your licensed guide is with you throughout the day's journey.
 
Your first stop is the Acropolis, which means the high city, for a visit to the foremost symbol of the glory of ancient Greece.  Climb the smooth marble steps on the Sacred Way as visitors have for centuries.  History's doors open before you as you reach the Propylaea, a masterpiece of classical architecture, serving as the entrance to the complex of buildings.  You’ll see the Temple of Athena Nike (Wingless Victory), and the Erectheum, with its classical Porch of Maidens (Caryatids).  Stand in awe of what is considered the most perfect example of classical architecture in the world – the Parthenon, designed as a shrine to Athena and at one time housing a massive gold and ivory statue of the warrior goddess.  Your licensed guide is with you throughout the journey to explain the things other tourists miss.

Looking down from the Acropolis you'll see the two ancient theaters in its shadow, the Greek theater of Dionyssos where the masterpieces of Aeschylus, Sophocles, Euripides and Aristophanes debuted to delighted audiences, and the theater of Herod Atticus, a grand Roman theater restored and used today for concerts and classical plays during the summer Athens Festival.

Next is a driving tour of the city where you see the top sights of the city. This tour provides an excellent introduction to one of the great cities of the ancient world. You will see the Olympic Stadium where the Olympic Games were revived in 1896 and returned in 2004. You also see the former Royal Palace, now the Parliament Building, which stands proudly on Constitution Square, its colorful ‘Evzones’ guard the Monument to the Unknown Soldier.

Next you have free time to enjoy lunch on your own and some time to explore the Plaka District. The Plaka sits at the foot of the Acropolis.  This is the oldest section of the city, and by far the most popular with tourists. Here you will find winding streets that are filled with shops selling typical Greek souvenirs and tavernas spilling out into the streets.

Later this afternoon you visit the New Acropolis Museum. This long awaited museum has just opened in June 2009. The museum has been under construction for 11 years and was originally planned to open for the 2004 Olympics. The museum features about 42,000 square feet of exhibition space. Treasures found on the Acropolis are featured and other treasure buried below the ancient Athenian city are visible through the museum’s glass floor. The impressive building itself is worth a visit.

Note- The New Acropolis Museum is closed on Monday and Greek Holidays. On these days you can choose to visit another museum or have a walking tour and extended free time in the Plaka.

After your adventures in Athens you are returned to your ship in Piraeus. 

Tour Breakdown-
1- Depart pier and drive to the Acropolis- 30 Minutes
2- Visit the Acropolis- 2 Hours
3- Scenic drive of Athens- 1 hour
4- Free time for Lunch and to enjoy the Plaka- 2 hour
5- Visit the New Acropolis Museum- 1.5 - 2 hours
6- Drive back to Pier- 30 Minutes

Private Sightseeing Tours and Shore Excursions from Piraeus to Athens.

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