OVERVIEW: The highlight of this tour is one of the most recognizable monuments in the world, the Acropolis.
HIGHLIGHTS: Enjoy a panoramic tour past Hadrian's Arch, Temple of Olympian Zeus, and Parliament Building. At the Acropolis and Parthenon, enjoy a guided tour to see the architectural masterpieces of the Golden Age of Greece.
NOTES: Guests must be able to walk approximately 1.5 miles over steep inclines, approximately 200 steps and uneven surfaces. At the end of the tour, there will be an optional drop-off at Melina Mercouri Statue in Athens for independent shopping and guests will make their own way back to the ship.
Overview:
Experience a guided tour of Greece's largest and most impressive site, the Acropolis, to see the architectural masterpieces of the Golden Age of Greece.
Highlights:
-Acropolis and Parthenon: Enjoy a guided tour of Greece's largest and most impressive temple
-Panoramic tour past the Temple of Olympian Zeus, Hadrian's Arch, National Gardens, National Library and Parliament Building, and Panathinion Stadium
-Optional drop-off in Constitution Square for shopping (return to ship is at your own expense)
Full Description:
Begin your half-day tour with a drive from the pier in Piraeus to Athens city center. Piraeus is the ancient name of the harbor created in the early 5th century BC. Today it is the main port for the Greek capital city, Athens. Approximately five million cruise ship and ferry passengers pass through the busy port annually.
Driving through the suburbs along Syngrou Avenue, you will see some of the most famous sites including the Temple of Olympian Zeus, the largest Corinthian style temple in Greece, taking over 700 years to build. Hadrian's Arch separates the old and new Roman towns. Other sites include the National Gardens, the National Library and the Parliament Building, formerly the Royal Palace. The Panathinion Stadium, built in 1895, was the site of the first modern Olympics held in 1896.
The tour highlight is a visit of the Acropolis to see the architectural masterpieces of the Golden Age of Greece, all built in the latter part of the 5th century BC. Climb the winding pathway and approximately 100 steps that lead to the top of the famous hill. See the Propylea Entrance, the Erectheum, the Temple of Wingless Victory, and, the crowning glory of Athens, the incomparable Parthenon. Dedicated to Athena, the patron goddess of Athens, it is Greece's largest and most impressive temple. Time permitting; guests will have approximately 15 minutes for souvenir shopping in the shops below the Acropolis.
At the conclusion of the guided tour, you may remain on the coach for the return to the port or exit the tour at Melina Mercouri Statue, for shopping or independent exploration, and return to the ship independently (at your own expense).
What to Bring:
-You should always take your SeaPass card (provided onboard the ship) and photo identification when in port
-Camera
-You will need Euros and/or credit cards for any purchases (foreign currencies are not accepted).
What to Wear:
-Comfortable walking shoes are strongly recommended.
-Hats and other forms of sun protection are highly recommended.
Important Notes:
-Guests must be able to walk approximately 1.5 miles over steep inclines, approximately 200 steps and uneven surfaces.
-Due to new regulations, buses may be required to park some distance from the archaeological site and this may involve additional walking.
-Guests should be aware that large bags, backpacks and oversized purses are not permitted inside the Acropolis archeological sites so please plan accordingly.
-Please be aware that ongoing restoration work is often carried out at the Acropolis.
-The Acropolis may be closed for security reasons depending upon the number of people in attendance. Some waiting time may be involved. These safety precautions are beyond the control of the local tour operator or cruise line.
-At the conclusion of the tour, guests will have the option of exiting the tour at Melina Mercouri Statue in Athens for independent shopping and make their own way back to the ship in Piraeus or return to the port with the coach.
Please note that due to the national holiday on May 01, 2013, guests participating on this tour during the Navigator of the Seas' April 28, 2013 voyage that will be in Piraeus/Athens on Wednesday, May 01st will have an extended explanation of the archeological site(s) provided by the guide from the exterior (pedestrian zone or entrance area).
