OVERVIEW: Take a walking tour in the heart of Athens. From ancient temples to charming old neighborhoods, there is no better way to get the feel of this amazing city.
HIGHLIGHTS: Enjoy a guided walking tour where you can explore the historic sites of Athens, including the House of Parliament, the Presidential Guards, Panathenaic Stadium, the Olympian Zeus Temple, and Hadrian's Gate. The charming neighborhood of Plaka is a joy to explore.
NOTES: Guests must be able to walk approx. 3.25 miles over steep inclines, 50 - 75 steps and uneven surfaces. Due to the nature of this tour, guests with walkers and wheelchairs cannot be accommodated.
Overview:
Take a walking tour in the heart of Athens. From ancient temples to charming old neighborhoods, there is no better way to get the feel of this amazing city.
Highlights:
-Walking tour: Explore the historic sites of Athens, including the House of Parliament, the Presidential Guards, Panathenaic Stadium, the Olympian Zeus Temple, Hadrian’s Gate
-Plaka: Explore the charming old neighborhood
Full Description:
Departing from Piraeus by coach, you will head to the heart of Athens. Start your walking tour by crisscrossing the center of the city with its combination of modern and ancient history. You will have a brief visit to the archaeological displays at the Syntagma Metro Station. Then your guide will lead you to the House of Parliament where you will see the monument to the Unknown Soldier. You will also see the “Evzonoi,” the famous Presidential Guards in their handsome national costumes.
You will walk to the National Park, located in the heart of the city. Reaching Herod Atticus Road, you will see the President’s residence, a former palace. Walking down Herod Atticus Road, you will see the marble Panathenaic Stadium. Originally built in the 4th century BC, this is the site of the first modern Olympic Games, held in 1896.
Your walking tour continues on to the neoclassical Zappeion Building and to the Olympian Zeus Temple where you can admire the huge columns. Behind the temple, you will see Hadrian’s Gate, once the border between the Greek and the Roman sections of the city. Your tour continues on to the most famous neighborhood in Athens, the Plaka. Here, with monuments like Lysikrates, you can enjoy the unique character and rich history of Old Town. Your walking tour concludes at Mitropoleos Square. Here you will have time for a brief visit to the old and new cathedrals of Athens.
You will then return to Piraeus by coach to rejoin the ship.
What to Bring:
-You should always take your SeaPass card (provided onboard ship) and photo identification when in port
-You will need Euros and/or credit cards for any purchases as foreign currencies are not accepted.
-Camera
-Sun protection, including sunglasses and a hat
What to Wear:
-Comfortable walking shoes are recommended.
Important Notes:
-Guests must be able to walk approximately 3.25 miles over steep inclines, 50 - 75 steps and uneven surfaces.
-This tour will operate in all weather conditions so participants should take appropriate weather gear with them.
-Due to the nature of this tour, guests with walkers and wheelchairs cannot be accommodated.
-Time permitting; in the Plaka area guests will have approximately 30 minutes of free time for shopping and browsing.
-If guests should miss the return coach, transportation back to the ship is their own responsibility and at their own expense.
-This tour doesn’t include interior visits to any mentioned sites.
