Athens Shore Excursions
The Acropolis (Athens)
The must-see attraction in Athens is the Acropolis, a 150 m (512 ft) rock in the center of the city topped with a series of temples erected in around 400BC. The archeological importance of these ancient monuments makes the Acropolis world-famous. There is a 12 euro fee to enter. At the top of the Acropolis stands the beautiful Parthenon, a superb ancient Greek temple, a magestic sight from almost everywhere in Athens. Another iconic building is the Erechtheion. The six caryatids that act as pillars are reproductions, you can see 5 originals in the Acropolis museum. Number 6 is in the British Museum in London, together with large parts of the Parthenon frieze.
Roman Forum (Athens)
The Roman Forum is situated at the west side of Plaka. Here sits the interesting Horologion of Andronikos, an eight faced tower with a different wind god in a frieze on each side. Shared ticket with Acropolis.
Syntagma Square (Athens)
Look at the soldiers wearing their one-of-a-kind skirt with tights and bizarre shoes. Especially recommended is the changing of the guard ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.
Plaka (Athens)
Near the Acropolis is Plaka. This area is made up of narrow characterful streets. The shops sell a whole variety of local products such as olive oil, small carpets, and leather shoes. And the restaurants serve numerous tasty Greek dishes, perfect with a small glass of ouzo.
Things to Do in Piraeus
Marina Zea (Piraeus)
Zea, also named Pasalimani, is where you can board a ferry to the islands of the Saronic Gulf. There are lots of restaurants, shops, taverns and cafes along the waterfront.
Hellenic Maritime Museum (Piraeus)
This naval museum has numerous exhibits from Greek ships, both new and old. On display ship models, paintings, flags, instruments and maps. Also of interest are some things from the ship that belonged to the shipping magnate Aristotle Onassis.
Archeological Museum (Piraeus)
The archeological museum contains treasures from the classical era, such monuments, jewelry, statues, funeral monuments and pottery. Exhibits date back to the 4th century BC.
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