athens acropolis during sunny day view from far ancient ruins

Must-Do Shore Excursions in Athens, Greece: Ancient Sights & Local Flavor

Athens (Piraeus), Greece Shore Excursions

Whether you’re walking through iconic ruins, tasting local treats or soaking in panoramic views, the best shore excursions in Athens, Greece invite you to connect with its rich past and lively present.

Athens, the heart of ancient Greece, is a place where myth meets modernity. Its streets echo with stories of gods, philosophers and artists, while its bustling neighborhoods serve up vibrant flavors and timeless charm.

Here are some unforgettable ways to experience Athens during your visit.

Explore the Legendary Acropolis and Beyond

Discover Athens’ legendary Acropolis, iconic landmarks, and vibrant culture on this unforgettable guided excursion. - Athens (Piraeus), Greece
Discover Athens’ legendary Acropolis, iconic landmarks, and vibrant culture on this unforgettable guided excursion. - Athens (Piraeus), Greece

No trip to Athens is complete without visiting the Acropolis. Towering above the city, this ancient citadel is a symbol of classical Greece and home to world-renowned landmarks like the Parthenon.

  • On the Explore Athens and Ancient Acropolis tour, you’ll board a comfortable coach for a panoramic ride through the city. Along the way, you’ll pass key sites like the Temple of Olympian Zeus and Constitution Square.
  • Once at the Acropolis, follow your guide up the hill to see the Temple of Wingless Victory (Temple of Athena Nike), the Erechtheum and the majestic Parthenon itself.
  • There’s also an option that includes a visit to the Acropolis Museum and free time in the charming Plaka district for a taste of authentic souvlaki.

This is one of the most iconic shore excursions in Athens, Greece, ideal for anyone wanting to dive into ancient history.

Savor the Five Senses of Athens

Experience Athens through food, music, and traditions on this immersive cultural excursion. - Athens (Piraeus), Greece
Experience Athens through food, music, and traditions on this immersive cultural excursion. - Athens (Piraeus), Greece

For a cultural experience that goes beyond sightseeing, the Five Senses of Athens excursion brings the city to life through food, music and local traditions.

  • Stroll through a picturesque neighborhood with a local guide who will introduce you to the rhythms and flavors of the city.
  • Sample authentic Greek bites and drinks as you explore.
  • Listen to live music and learn about traditional Greek culture in an immersive way.

This excursion is perfect for those who want to experience Athens with all their senses.

A Taste of Athens with a Side of History

If you love food and culture, the Backstage Athens Local Gastronomy Experience is a must.

  • Begin with a guided walking tour through the city, stopping to sample local delicacies like olives, cheeses and pastries.
  • Along the way, your guide will share stories that blend ancient history with modern Greek life.
  • Enjoy a relaxed atmosphere and discover the soul of Athens through its flavors.

This is one of the best excursions in Athens, Greece for food lovers looking to explore local neighborhoods off the beaten path.

Catch the Views from Mount Lycabettus

Ride a funicular up Mount Lycabettus for stunning city and sea views. - Athens (Piraeus), Greece
Ride a funicular up Mount Lycabettus for stunning city and sea views. - Athens (Piraeus), Greece

For a breathtaking view of the city, take the Mount Lycabettus Funicular excursion.

  • Ride a funicular to the summit, where panoramic views stretch across the rooftops of Athens to the Aegean Sea.
  • Along the way, enjoy a scenic city drive passing Hadrian’s Arch and the Panathenaic Stadium.
  • Snap photos of the whitewashed Church of Agios Georgios and relax at a hilltop café.

This is a great excursion for travelers who love photography, scenery and a bit of elevation.

Wander the Streets of Plaka and Shop Like a Local

Discover Athens’ highlights before exploring Plaka’s charming streets, shops, and cafés at a relaxed pace. - Athens (Piraeus), Greece
Discover Athens’ highlights before exploring Plaka’s charming streets, shops, and cafés at a relaxed pace. - Athens (Piraeus), Greece

Want something a little more relaxed? Try the Ancient Athens, Plaka and Shopping tour.

  • Cruise through the city’s highlights in a comfortable coach before being dropped off in Plaka, the historic "Neighborhood of the Gods."
  • Meander through cobbled streets lined with shops, cafés and neoclassical buildings.
  • Pick up handmade souvenirs or simply enjoy a quiet coffee under a shaded patio.

This is an ideal choice if you're seeking an easy-paced excursion with a bit of everything—history, shopping and culture.

Athens & Cape Sounion with Lunch: A Coastal Classic

Explore the Acropolis and Cape Sounion, pairing ancient history with breathtaking coastal scenery. - Athens (Piraeus), Greece
Explore the Acropolis and Cape Sounion, pairing ancient history with breathtaking coastal scenery. - Athens (Piraeus), Greece

If you’re up for a full-day adventure, the Athens & Cape Sounion with Lunch tour offers a scenic escape.

  • Start with a guided visit to the Acropolis and the impressive Parthenon.
  • After a delicious Greek lunch, travel along the coast to Cape Sounion.
  • There, you’ll find the marble columns of the Temple of Poseidon set against a brilliant blue sea.

This excursion pairs ancient wonders with stunning natural beauty and is one of the best shore excursions in Athens, Greece for those who want to go a bit farther.

Plan Your Shore Excursions in Athens, Greece

Whether you're marveling at ancient temples, tasting your way through local markets or taking in city views from above, Athens offers unforgettable adventures for every traveler. These shore excursions from Piraeus bring the city’s history, cuisine and charm into focus, leaving you with stories you’ll treasure.

Experience Athens (Piraeus), Greece Shore Excursions with these sailings

athens greece city and acropolis view
9 Nights
Greek Isles Cruise
Odyssey of the Seas
Roundtrip from
Rome (Civitavecchia), Italy
Visiting
Rome (Civitavecchia), Italy · Chania (Souda), Crete · Santorini, Greece · Ephesus (Kusadasi), Turkey · Mykonos, Greece · Athens (Piraeus), Greece · Naples / Capri, Italy
View 1 dates
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7 Nights
Greek Isles Cruise
Explorer of the Seas
Roundtrip from
Ravenna (Venice), Italy
Visiting
Ravenna (Venice), Italy · Santorini, Greece · Mykonos, Greece · Athens (Piraeus), Greece · Split, Croatia
View 6 dates
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7 Nights
Greece & Croatia Cruise
Explorer of the Seas
Roundtrip from
Ravenna (Venice), Italy
Visiting
Ravenna (Venice), Italy · Dubrovnik, Croatia · Athens (Piraeus), Greece · Santorini, Greece · Zadar, Croatia
View 2 dates
ephesus turkey celsus library close up
7 Nights
Greek Isles & Italy Cruise
Brilliance of the Seas
One-way from
Rome (Civitavecchia), Italy to Athens (Piraeus), Greece
Visiting
Rome (Civitavecchia), Italy · Naples / Capri, Italy · Sicily (Messina), Italy · Santorini, Greece · Ephesus (Kusadasi), Turkey · Mykonos, Greece · Athens (Piraeus), Greece
View 3 dates
scenic panorama view historic town perast famous bay kotor
7 Nights
Greece & Adriatic Cruise
Explorer of the Seas
Roundtrip from
Ravenna (Venice), Italy
Visiting
Ravenna (Venice), Italy · Bay of Kotor (Cruising), Montenegro · Kotor, Montenegro · Athens (Piraeus), Greece · Santorini, Greece · Split, Croatia
View 3 dates
turkey istanbul de hoofdstad city view
7 Nights
Greek Isles & Turkey Cruise
Brilliance of the Seas
Roundtrip from
Athens (Piraeus), Greece
Visiting
Athens (Piraeus), Greece · Mykonos, Greece · Istanbul, Turkey · Ephesus (Kusadasi), Turkey · Santorini, Greece
View 2 dates

Complete your adventure with these shore excursions

Discover new worlds.