The capital of Greece, birthplace of democracy and cradle of Western civiliation, Athens is a beguiling mix of old and new. Encounter ancient monuments melting into modern, trendy cafes and soak up the irresistible ambience of a city that oozes culture and history everywhere you turn. World famous historical sites such as the Acropolis Museum, Theatre of Dionysos, Parthenon, Plaka and so many more make sightseeing in Athens a truly fascinating experience.
Rising high above the rooftops, the majestic rocky outcrop of the Acropolis is a sight that’s synonymous with Athens. Iconic in its own right, the Acropolis has stood the test of time over the many faces of the city’s history, and its mighty, unmistakable presence can’t help but excite and stimulate its beholders. Built as a temple to the goddess Athena in 432BC, the faded grandeur of its marble monuments remind you of the transcendent glory of the Ancient Greeks
Amazing excursions carefully curated by Celestyal Cruises’s experts
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Athens Monuments and the Acropolis
Half Day: Up to 4 ½ hours
Explore the best that Athens has to offer with this half-day tour around the historic city center. Visit the Acropolis, Parthenon and many other ancient treasures; enjoy some free time exploring the winding streets of Plaka with its charming traditional tavernas and gift shops selling handmade and locally-produced goods, then embark on a panoramic bus tour around the top sights in Athens. The mighty Acropolis overlooking the rooftops of Athens is a symbol of classical architecture and jewel in Athens’ crown. You’ll visit the city’s most important archaeological site, including the Doric order temple dedicated to the goddess Athena – the one and only Parthenon – as well as other highlights such as the Propylea (gates), Temple of Erechtheoin and Temple of Athena. Then after some free time discovering Plaka, you’ll be taken on a bus tour around the Theatre of Herodes Atticus, Panathenian Stadium, National Library, Athens Academy, the University, The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, Parliament, Omonoia Square and last but not least Syntagma Square.| EXCURSION |
Athens tour and the New Acropolis Museum
Half Day: Up to 4 ½ hours
Discover what lies at the heart of the rich history of Greece and savor the intensity of its proud capital city in a swift bus tour of Athens. Explore the metropolis and some of its most emblematic sights, from the cradle of the modern Olympic Games to the city’s vibrant squares and the archaeological treasury of the Acropolis. The panoramic bus tour will immerse you in the effervescent atmosphere of the city where ancient heritage and modern culture blend seamlessly, as you drive by the gleaming Panathenian Stadium (home of the 1st edition of the modern Olympic Games), the awe-inspiring Temple of Zeus and the lively Omonoia and Syntagma Squares. You will then arrive at the fantastic Acropolis Museum, a state-of-the-art architectural jewel which tells the fascinating stories of numerous, priceless artefacts retrieved from the Acropolis since 1834. The time spent here will allow you to uncover a powerful visual representation of the life and culture of ancient Greece. Finish the Athenian experience with a stroll through the charming narrow streets of Plaka, where you can use your free time to shop, enjoy a coffee or simply explore the “Neighborhood of the Gods”.| EXCURSION |
Classical Athens and its Monuments
Half Day: Up to 4 ½ hours
For an overview of Athens, look no further than this half-day tour to the Panathenaic Stadium and historic neighborhood of Plaka. You’ll see two of the main attractions in Athens whilst exploring at your own pace. Firstly, you’ll travel back through the centuries at the Panathenaic Stadium, originally built in circa 330BC for the Panathenaic Games. This 45,000-seat marble beauty is a sight for sore eyes with its never-ending expanse of bright white tiers. Afterwards, you’ll navigate the maze of cobbled alleys that make up Plaka, the oldest area in the city. Its streets are lined with neoclassical buildings, pavement-side tavernas churning out delicious food around the clock, and flashes of hot pink bougainvillea draped across historic walls – it’s magical! And to top it off, you’ll also pass by Syntagma Square, the Academy of Athens and the National Library, all while catching fantastic glimpses of the Acropolis above.| EXCURSION |
Athens and Corinth Canal
Extended Half Day: Up to 6 hours
Leaving Piraeus, we’ll travel through the port city of Mikrolimano on our way to the historic center of Athens where you’ll embark on a panoramic tour of ancient jewels nestled in the very heart of the city. Drive around Syntagma Square – Athens’ central plaza – taking in the National Garden, Hadrian’s Arch, St Paul’s Church, the Greek Parliament and the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. Then, it’s down historic avenues to Schliemann’s House, the cathedral, the Academy of Athens, the University, the National Library and the Russian Orthodox Church. We’ll continue to where the first Olympic Games were held in 1896 at the Panathenaic Stadium and pass by the Prime Minister’s residence, the former Royal Palace and Zappeion Hall before reaching the towering Temple of Zeus. Out of the city, we’ll drive along the scenic coastal highway to Corinth where it’s time to hop aboard a boat and cruise up the incredible Corinth Canal – a narrow ancient canal flanked by steep, mesmerizing cliffs connecting the Ionian and Aegean seas. Afterwards, enjoy some free time for lunch at a resort in Isthmia and the chance to swim in the sea.| EXCURSION |
Athens Monuments, the Acropolis and the New Museum
Half Day: Up to 4 ½ hours
This jam-packed excursion promises all the highlights of Athens and its history in just half a day. You’ll set off by bus from the port into the center of Athens, where during the panoramic drive you’ll get to gaze up at the Temple of Olympian Zeus and pass by the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, which sits in front of the Greek Parliament. Our first destination is the Panathenaic Stadium, where the first Olympic Games were held in 1896. Next, it’s on to the stylish ‘Trilogy of Athens’ – the University of Athens, National Library and the Academy of Athens – before you reach the Squares of Omonia and Syntagma in the heart of modern Athens. Here you’ll also get a glimpse of picturesque Plaka tucked beneath the Acropolis, and then it’s onwards to Propylaea where the Temple of Athena Nike lies. Last but not least, it’s time for the final highlight of the tour - the iconic Acropolis. You’ll join a guided exploration to see the mighty Parthenon, symbol of the city, closer than ever before and stand on ground that has witnessed centuries of history. From here, you’ll also admire the glorious Odeon of Herodes Atticus before you reach the final stop – the New Acropolis Museum – to uncover and marvel at more famous works from classical antiquity.