"Private" Greece Shore Trips

This half day Piraeus shore trip allows you to see Athens' main sites including the Acropolis, the Olympic Stadium and the Parliament Building on Constitution Square. It is a nice option for first time visitors or those with limited time available.

After meeting your private guide, you drive to 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 you enjoy a driving tour of Athens where you see the top sights including the Olympic Stadium, birthplace of the modern Olympic Games in 1896 that returned in 2004. You'll see the Parliament Building with its traditionally dressed Evzones soldiers guarding the Monument to the Unknown Soldier, Constitution Square, Hadrian's Arch and much more.

After your Athens shore excursion you are returned to your ship in Piraeus.

This is our most popular (and best priced) Santorini shore trip. You enjoy a visit to the cliff hugging village of Oia, the famed Blue Dome Church, one of the island's white washed villages, the highest peak on the island, a volcanic sand beach and a wine tasting.

You will transfer from the ship by colorful local kaiki (tenders) to Fira port, where you will meet your private local guide. Together you will go up the cliff to Fira by cable car where you will be lead to meet your driver and private vehicle.

Your first stop is the northern most tip of the island to visit the village of Oia. This dramatic village, built on a steep crest of the caldera, has many of its dwellings nestled into niches hewn from the volcanic rock.

The village was once the home of wealthy seafarers, a fact still evident in their two story mansions painted pastel colors. Your guide will walk with you among the narrow cobbled streets where you'll come across many tiny shops of local ceramic art, paintings and semi precious jewelry.

Next is a stop in Firostefani to see the famed Blue Dome church which is seen on so many postcards and brochures about Santorini.

Next you drive to the highest point, Prophet Ilias, on the island to enjoy the wonderful views from this vantage point as your guide explains the island's unique situation. From here you gain a full understanding of the unique volcanic shape. This is also the location of the Greek Christian Monastery which is perched on the mountain top.

Based on timing and your interests you can stop to see another of the islands whitewashed villages such as Pyrgos or Megalochori. Other options to include are a stop at one of the red or black volcanic beaches such as Perissa and Perivolos.

Before your tour is complete you will stop in a local winery where you have a tasting of 5 local wines.

Finally you are brought to the capital of Santorini, Fira. You may choose to remain in town at your leisure, or return immediately to the ship by taking the cable car to the pier far below the cliff's edge.