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This full day Piraeus shore trip allows you to see Athens' main sites including the Acropolis, the New Acropolis Museum, the Olympic Stadium and the Parliament Building on Constitution Square. You also enjoy free time to explore the lively Plaka District.
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 the driving tour you have free time to enjoy lunch (meal not included) and some time to explore the Plaka District. The Plaka sits at the foot of the Acropolis. This is the oldest section of Athens, 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 where treasures found on the Acropolis are featured and other treasures buried below the ancient Athenian city are visible through the museum's glass floor. Since opening in 2009, this museum has become a "must see" for visitors in Athens.
Note- The New Acropolis Museum is closed on Mondays and Greek Holidays. On these days you will instead visit the National Archaeological Museum.
After your Athens shore excursion has ended you are returned to your ship in Piraeus.
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