SHORE EXCURSIONS

Enjoy extra time to unwind and savor the ship at your own pace – no rushing, no waiting at the airport, just more time to relax and soak in the experience.

• Relaxed, stress-free departure.
• Enjoy the ship at your own pace with leisurely lunch and extra time onboard.
• Complete with the added convenience of included shuttle transfer to airport.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Explore Athens on your own with this pass by visiting the attractions that interest you the most. Your attraction pass will cover all the entrance fees so you can choose from over 10 attractions without thinking about the cost. The pass allows you to ride the buses that loop through town from one attraction to another, choose wisely what you want to do and when you want to do it, according to the time you have in Athens. Hop on a bus whenever you’re ready and hop off at an attraction that sounds intriguing. You might stop at the horseshoe-shaped Panathenaic Stadium, where the first modern Olympics were held. Military history buffs may enjoy browsing the weapons from antiquity in the Athens War Museum. If you wish to delve deeper into history, ride the bus to the Acropolis of Athens, one of the world’s most famous archaeological sites. Attractions Included: Acropolis and Parthenon Archaeological Site, Gray Line Athens Get On Get Off Bus Tour (Brown Bus), Athens War Museum, Cycladic Museum, Museum of Greek Culture, The Ghika Gallery, Herakleidon Museum, Bairaktaris - Syntagma Sq., Panathenaic Stadium, Athens Self Guide Walking Tour, Acropolis Self Guided Walking Tour.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Use the Attraction Pass to see Athens’ best attractions leisurely and at no additional cost.
• Ride a double decker bus around town, stopping at the attractions that you find most appealing.
• Stay as long as you like at each attraction to enhance your understanding of it.
• Hop on another bus whenever you please and ride it to another intriguing destination.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

OVERVIEW

Visit historically important sites that illustrate not only the mythical life of Hercules, but also the wider world of the Greek gods and Olympian mythology, gaining a deeper understanding of how gods, demi-god and mortals were interconnected in ancient Athens. The guide will provide relevant and refreshing commentary that brings to life the legends of Zeus, Athena, Hera, and other Olympian gods, while explaining the story of Hercules, his 12 labors and his induction to Mount Olympus after his death. Your immersion into the Greek mythology begins at the Acropolis, where temples and sculpted friezes that scenes dedicated to the gods including Athena, Hercules and other heroes. At the Temple of Olympian Zeus, dedicated to the king of the gods and father of Hercules, 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 Greek mythology and heroic legends including Hercules at the Royal Garden a serene oasis in the city's heart. At this stop, you'll interactively review the myths, gods, and heroic stories explored during this immersive experience. Free time follows in Monastiraki, one of the oldest neighborhoods in Athens.

HIGHLIGHTS
• Learn about the relationship between gods, heroes, and mortals in ancient Greek
• Explore Greek goods and their significance for Athens, symbolizing its cultural richness, craftsmanship, and historic role in the Mediterranean world.
• 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.

This is an ideal excursion for guests who wish to view the Acropolis, but may not be able to negotiate the stairs leading to this remarkable site. You’ll depart the pier on a narrated scenic drive through Athens, where you’ll pass one highlight after another, including Hadrian's Arch, the Temple of Zeus, Constitution Square, the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, the National Garden, the Presidential Mansion and the Olympic Stadium.

The striking ancient buildings bring to mind Greece's most legendary names, such as Socrates, Pericles and Aristides. You’ll make a stop at the foot of the Acropolis, from where you’ll have a good photo opportunity.

Snap selfies at the most photogenic spots in and around Athens, many of them iconic attractions that define the city. To ensure the best possible results, a selfie tutor will offer tips so you can capture just the right angle, lighting and composition for every shot. Selfie sticks are available and complemented by a convenient photo frame, enabling you to capture, share, and post the best pictures in the future.

As you walk and ride through Athens, you will pause at designated selfie stops that include:
• Panathenaic Stadium
• Parliament House
• Temple of Olympian Zeus
• Arch of Hadrian
• Acropolis from the Pnyx Hill to capture distant panoramic view
• Plaka and Monastiraki neighborhoods

HIGHLIGHTS

• Take inspiring selfies at the most photogenic attractions in Athens.
• Follow tips from your selfie tutor to ensure the very best pictures.
• Learn the historical significance of the locales while enjoying their dramatic settings.
• Stand in front of the Panathenaic Stadium, the only such structure made entirely of marble.
• Pose at ancient landmarks that include the Acropolis and Temple of Olympian Zeus.
• Sample souvlaki in Monastiraki after walking through Plaka, Athens’ oldest neighborhood.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Wear casual, weather-appropriate clothing and comfortable walking shoes.
• Bring a hat, sunglasses and sunscreen.
• Be sure your phone or camera is fully charged.

Snap selfies at the most photogenic spots in and around Athens, many of them iconic attractions that define the city. To ensure the best possible results, a selfie tutor will offer tips so you can capture just the right angle, lighting and composition for every shot. Selfie sticks are available and complemented by a convenient photo frame, enabling you to capture, share, and post the best pictures in the future.

As you walk and ride through Athens, you will pause at designated selfie stops that include:
• Panathenaic Stadium
• Parliament House
• Temple of Olympian Zeus
• Arch of Hadrian
• Acropolis from the Pnyx Hill to capture distant panoramic view
• Plaka and Monastiraki neighborhoods

HIGHLIGHTS

• Take inspiring selfies at the most photogenic attractions in Athens.
• Follow tips from your selfie tutor to ensure the very best pictures.
• Learn the historical significance of the locales while enjoying their dramatic settings.
• Stand in front of the Panathenaic Stadium, the only such structure made entirely of marble.
• Pose at ancient landmarks that include the Acropolis and Temple of Olympian Zeus.
• Sample souvlaki in Monastiraki after walking through Plaka, Athens’ oldest neighborhood.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Wear casual, weather-appropriate clothing and comfortable walking shoes.
• Bring a hat, sunglasses and sunscreen.
• Be sure your phone or camera is fully charged.

OVERVIEW

Enjoy the cities of Athens and Piraeus independently from the top of a brown double-decker get-on get-off bus. This is the perfect way to take in the amazing architecture, history and culture of these cities while you listen to audio commentaries available in +10 different languages. Switch from the Piraeus line to the Athens line, where you’ll find a city full of historical and cultural monuments and sights. You’ll have the chance to explore attractions on your own, including the new Acropolis museum, the Archaeological museum and the picturesque area of Plaka and Monastiraki, full of neoclassical buildings, archaeological findings and souvenir shops. Enjoy the flavors of souvlaki, a beloved Greek street food. After immersing yourself in the vibrant sights and sounds of Athens, return to your ship from any of the 4 designated stops.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

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.