This full day Piraeus shore trip visits Athens' main sites, including the Acropolis, the New Acropolis Museum, the Panathenaic Stadium and the Parliament Building on Constitution Square. You also have free time to explore the lively Plaka District.
After meeting your private guide, you drive to the Acropolis, meaning "the high city," a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1987 and the foremost symbol of the glory of ancient Greece. Climb the marble steps on the Sacred Way as visitors have for centuries. You reach the Propylaea, a masterpiece of classical architecture that served as the entrance to the complex of buildings.
You'll see the Temple of Athena Nike (Wingless Victory) and the Erechtheum, with its classical Porch of the Caryatids. Stand before the Parthenon, considered the most perfect example of classical architecture in the world, 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 to point out the details other visitors miss.
Looking down from the Acropolis you'll see the two ancient theaters in its shadow: the Theatre of Dionysus, where the masterpieces of Aeschylus, Sophocles, Euripides and Aristophanes debuted to Athenian audiences, and the Odeon of Herodes Atticus, a Roman theater restored and still used today for concerts and classical plays during the summer Athens Festival.
Next you enjoy a driving tour of Athens, taking in the top sights including the Panathenaic Stadium, the all marble stadium that hosted the first modern Olympic Games in 1896. 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 more.
After the driving tour you have free time for lunch (meal not included) and to explore the Plaka District, which sits at the foot of the Acropolis. This is the oldest section of Athens and by far the most popular with visitors, with winding streets lined with shops selling Greek souvenirs and tavernas spilling out onto the sidewalks.
Later in the afternoon you visit the New Acropolis Museum, where treasures found on the Acropolis are on display and the ruins of the ancient Athenian city below are visible through the museum's glass floor. Since opening in 2009, this museum has become a must see for visitors to Athens. Note: the New Acropolis Museum is closed on Mondays and Greek holidays. On those days you will instead visit the National Archaeological Museum.
After your Athens shore excursion has ended, you are returned to your ship in Piraeus.
Folding wheelchairs are welcome, though some areas on this tour may not be fully accessible. Please let us know in advance so we can plan accordingly.
If you cannot find what you are looking for, our Piraeus tours and Piraeus shore excursions can also be customized to fit your needs. If you have a larger group, we can offer a private Piraeus shore trip using a mid size bus or full size coach. Please contact us with any questions or to receive a customized quote.
Review Location- Piraeus 
