Athens Unveiled: A Cruiser’s Guide to Greece’s Historic Capital

Discover ancient Athens and Piraeus with our top-selling cruise shore excursions. Explore historic landmarks like the Acropolis, Plaka, and Agora. Indulge in Greek cuisine on culinary tours, and immerse yourself in the local markets. Choose from walking, biking, or bus tours with expert guides. Book now before spots fill up!  

Hello, Athens!

Named after Athena, the goddess of wisdom, Athens is one of the oldest cities in the world — with a history that precedes the Bronze Age. The city is an intoxicating blend of history and mythology, where the ancient and the modern worlds merge beautifully.

Today, Athens welcomes around 6 million visitors each year to its timeless streets. The city continues to be an epicenter for the arts, philosophy, and learning, just as it was in ancient times. It is culturally diverse yet with a unified feel, and boasts a buzzy food scene and sizzling nightlife. Overall, modern-day Athens continues to evolve while retaining its deep-rooted history and cultural identity, making it a fascinating destination for cruisers.

Fun Facts About Athens:

• It is the birthplace of democracy, giving citizens the right to vote on laws in 500 BC
• The modern Olympic games began in Athens in 1896, even though no ancient Olympic events were held there
• Athens has more theaters than any other city in the world — about 150 of them, in fact!
• According to legend, marathons (those long distance running events) started being called “marathons” after a courier ran 26.2 miles from Marathon to Athens in 490 BC
• Athens’ most renowned landmarks, such as the Parthenon and the Acropolis, were erected during the city’s rise to prominence in the 4th century

Things to Do in Athens

One can easily spend days in a city like Athens — however when you visit on a cruise stopover, you want to make the most of your precious time while in port. We have rounded up our top things to do in Athens, with a little something for everyone, to make this special port of call one of your most favorite cruise stops. Read on to discover the best things to see and do in Athens.

Walking Through Time: The Plaka and Acropolis Tour

Journey into the heart of Athens with a private walking tour through the Plaka, the city’s oldest district. This charming neighborhood unfolds like a living history book, inviting you to wander through its narrow cobblestone streets lined with cafes, shops, and an interesting mix of buildings from the Classical, Byzantine, Roman, and Ottoman eras.

Observe iconic landmarks including the Roman Forum, once a bustling marketplace, and the Greek Agora, an ancient assembly place serving as the core of public life, offering glimpses into the daily lives of ancient Athenians. Meanwhile, the distinguished Benaki and Kanellopoulos museums house a wealth of artifacts, art, and antiquities, providing a deeper understanding of Greece’s cultural evolution over the centuries.

The tour also brings you face-to-face with the mysteries of the Acropolis, an ancient citadel perched on a rocky outcrop overlooking the city, and a must see in Athens. Explore iconic landmarks such as the Parthenon, an enduring symbol of classical Greek architecture, and the Temple of Athena Nike, an exquisite shrine dedicated to the goddess of victory. As you ascend the sacred hill, the panoramic views of Athens provide a breathtaking backdrop to the historical wonders before you.

Culinary Delights: A Gastronomic Journey in Athens

For the avid food enthusiasts, Athens beckons with a tantalizing culinary walking tour that promises an unforgettable gastronomic adventure. Your expert guide will lead you around to hidden specialty food shops where you will indulge in a myriad of tastes, from the briny richness of olives and the crumbly goodness of feta cheese to the sweet indulgence of loukoumades (Greek doughnuts) and the savory allure of pastourma (cured beef).

The highlight of this culinary expedition is a visit to the Athens Central Market, a sensory haven that captures the essence of Greek culinary delights. Stroll through the various market stalls adorned with colorful displays of spices, fresh fruits, succulent meats, and an abundance of fish. The aroma of Mediterranean herbs fills the air as vendors display their produce, immersing you into the heart of Greek culinary traditions. From the lively banter of traders to the vibrant hues of the market, every moment helps reveal the rich and diverse food culture that defines Athens.

A City in Motion: Hop-on/Hop-off Bus Tour of Athens and Piraeus

Set off on a personal exploration of ancient Athens and the bustling port of Piraeus with the convenience of a guided hop-on/hop-off bus tour. This flexible and accessible way to discover the city allows you to tailor your journey to your specific interests and schedule, making key stops at renowned landmarks in the region. 

Among the notable destinations along the routes are Marina Zea Harbor teeming with super yachts and shops, and the sun-kissed Votsalakia Beach, offering a serene pause from the hustle and bustle of the city. You will also be able to wander the ancient city of Athens with its iconic Parthenon and Temple of Zeus.

Examine the historical treasures of Piraeus, the oldest port in Greece, with stops at the Archaeological Museum, a repository of ancient sculptures. Mikrolimano Harbor delights with its picturesque charm and waterfront dining, presenting a perfect blend of traditional tavernas and modern yachts against the backdrop of the Aegean Sea. Look for the eight wind gods at the top of the octagonal The Tower of the Winds, a marble tower that was built around 100 BC to tell time.

The hop-on/hop-off bus tour provides two bus routes for you to explore Athens and Piraeus at your own pace, ensuring a convenient and enriching exploration of these timeless destinations. The tours are narrated in several languages while on the bus, and you can enter or exit the bus at as many of the stops as you wish. 

Pedaling Through History: Bike Tour of the Agora

Experience Athens from a unique perspective with an exhilarating electric bike (e-bike) tour through the Agora. This two-wheeled journey takes you beyond the conventional tourist trails, allowing you to immerse yourself in the city’s charm and energy, with the ability to go where the big crowds cannot. Bonus: with the e-bike, navigating hills just got easier, and you are able to cover more ground.

As you pedal through the cobbled streets of the old city center, the Acropolis emerges, providing awe-inspiring views that redefine your understanding of this and other classical landmarks in the ancient city. You will also traverse the contemporary side of Athens, to fully experience this dynamic metropolis from both viewpoints.

Cruise down hidden neighborhoods and make pit stops at traditional Athenian restaurants, where the aroma of authentic Greek cuisine fills the alleys. Take a break from the pedals to savor the flavors of the region, enjoying a taste of local specialties that range from savory moussaka to sweet baklava.

For a unique spin on wheeled tours, consider this trikke and walking combo tour. Like bicycles, trikkes are a fun alternative and an increasingly popular mode of personal transportation around the city. These electric, three-wheeled trikkes give you the same flexibility and accessibility as the e-bikes, and are just as fun! Roam ancient Athens and its magnificent landmarks on foot and by trikke, then venture through Plaka and the lively Monastiraki neighborhood, home to museums, iconic landmarks, and the renowned flea market.

Seize the Moment: Booking Your Athens Adventure

The popularity of Athens stems from the unique blend of historical grandeur, cultural richness, and modern vibrancy that this city offers. As Athens’ allure draws more and more people to its streets, securing your spot early becomes paramount for an unrivaled exploration of this ancient city.

One of the key factors that contribute to the success of Athens shore excursions is the expertise of local guides, and the demand for these expert-led explorations continues to grow. Our knowledgeable guides bring this amazing city to life, offering insights into its rich history, mythology, and contemporary nuances. Their passion for Athens creates a more profound and authentic connection between visitors and the destination.

To secure your spot and optimize your Athens shore excursion, consider booking your excursions with us well in advance of your visit. Doing so will not only ensure availability, but also allows us to tailor your itinerary to match your preferences. Whether you’re drawn to the ancient wonders of the Acropolis, the buzzy markets, or the coastal splendors of Piraeus, planning ahead guarantees a hassle-free and enriching journey through the spellbinding layers of Athens’ history and culture. Come see history unfold before your eyes as you tour Athens with an expert guide.