When arriving at Piraeus Port on a cruise ship, the best way to explore Athens is with The Travel Insiders. Our Piraeus to Athens shared tours cover all the highlights while traveling through the metropolis in comfort. Embark on your ultimate sightseeing experience through the birthplace of democracy and philosophy with The Travel Insiders and discover what lies beneath the surface of this mystical city.
Legendary, mythical, adventurous the capital of Greece, Athens, will certainly cure your wanderlust! This glorious destination has so much to offer its visitors that no sight should be missed. A fusion of historical and cultural treasures, there is that old much wanted sight to visit and always something new to discover, all in the midst of the bustling modern cityscape.
The Journey
Upon arrival at the port of Piraeus, your driver will welcome you inside the port area, holding a sign with The Travel Insiders logo. You will then board your luxury vehicle and begin a hassle-free and time-saving journey to the heart of Athens.
As you gaze at the picturesque ports of Microlimano and Kastella, you will be provided with all the historical and cultural background of the area along the way. After a 30-minute drive, you will arrive in Athens, the cradle of western civilization.
The Acropolis
Topping the list on our Piraeus to Athens shared tours is the Acropolis. Walk uphill to the Acropolis site and see the principle buildings, such as the Propylaia, the Temple of Athena Nike, the Erechtheion with the famous Caryatid Statues and the magnificent Parthenon, the most recognizable monument of Greece.
The Parthenon, an excellent example of the Doric order, is considered the finest building built in Ancient Greece. It was built in honour of Athena Parthenos, the patron goddess of Athens.
The Erechtheion, a marble temple dedicated to both Athena and Poseidon, is an outstanding example of the Ionic order. Six female figures, the famous Caryatids, were used to support the roof of the porch, only five of which are on display in the Acropolis Museum. The sixth was removed by Lord Elgin and is now displayed in the British Museum.
The New Acropolis Museum
Next station, just a stone's throw from the Acropolis, is the New Acropolis Museum. Home to the masterpieces of Archaic and Classical art, it showcases treasures which once belonged on the Sacred Rock. It is a modern, imposing structure, with a visual bridge which brings the visitor almost within reach of the ancient temple on the Acropolis. Become a part of the optical game of light, shade and distance separating these two great monuments of ancient and modern architecture.
Discover life in ancient Athens through excavations from the settlement on the slopes of the Sacred Rock; remains of workshops and houses, streets and squares, wells and cemeteries, along with thousands of everyday artifacts.
The excavations revealed below the entrance to the Acropolis Museum are the excavations of Ancient Athens. Become a part of history as you walk on the glass floor of the museum, the only thing separating you from the past!
The New Acropolis Museum is a one in a lifetime experience, awarded as one of the best museums in Europe and ranking among the finest repositories of art in the world. The museum is a place of learning and a symbol of Greece's role as treasurer of the world heritage.
Dionysiou Areopagitou Street
Stroll as the Athenians along the pedestrian promenade of Dionysiou Aeropagitou, lined by neoclassical buildings and exquisite examples of art deco style on one side and the lush green and open views on the other. Feel the vibrant atmosphere of Dionysiou Aeropagitou, the street which connects the Athens of the past to that of the present.
The Plaka District
East of the Acropolis, wander through the winding streets of Plaka as you enjoy your free time in the old district. Discover Athens food and drink culture as you roam through the alleys of the historical center.
Expectedly the area is very touristy. Yet its unique aesthetic identity shines through regardless of the crowds of street musicians, puppeteers, artists, locals and tourists hording its every corner, especially on weekends.
Plaka radiates a very casual atmosphere where people are always relaxed, helpful and enthusiastic. Most speak English, among many other languages. And even if they don't, no worries! They gesticulate like mad so you are bound to pick up the general meaning.
Mingle with the locals and try the "real Greek" cuisine at the traditional tavernas or have a Greek coffee, accompanied by a spoon sweet, at one of the colourful coffee houses.
As you meander deeper into the area's alleys, you will discover that, apart from a scattered lot of souvenir shops, there are some charming cafés, stylish little shops, beautiful architecture and other unusual features to admire, many of them revealing how this neighborhood is evolving into a new sense of trendy cool.
If you're looking for unique souvenirs or gifts for your friends back home, the shops here sell art and design items, gorgeous jewelry, clothing, sandals and much more.
Panepistimiou Street
Jump to the present as our Athens shared tours continue on to Panepistimou Street. See the Catholic Cathedral and the famous Athenian Trilogy, consisted of the three unquestionable jewels of the Athenian so-called neoclassical movement: The University of Law, The Academy of Science and The National Library.
The University of Law
The Athens University, the first of the three buildings to be constructed, gave its name to one of the busiest streets in the city center, Panepistimiou (University street).
The Academy of Science
The Academy of Science is regarded by many Greek and foreign connoisseurs as one of the most beautiful neoclassical buildings in the world.
The National Library
The National Library, created in order to complement the Academy, has been housed here since 1903 in order to preserve Hellenic intellectual heritage.
The library, like all National libraries, has an archival function, and houses approximately 2,000,000 volumes of books and periodicals and over 4,500 manuscripts.
The Panathenaic Stadium
A stopover at the marble Panathenaic Stadium to see where the first Olympic Games in 1896 were held is a must. Take photos and feel like Olympic athletes! This horseshoe-shaped stadium is also easily discernable from the Acropolis.
Syntagma Square
Passing in front of The Hadrian Arch of Triumph and The Temple of Zeus, you will have the chance to visualize the Roman aspect of Athens. Our Athens shared tours continue to the both the modern and ancient hotspots of Athens.
The Syntagma Square, which is now the heart of Athens, hosts The Greek House of Parliament. In the former centuries, this was the Royal Palace, surrounded then and still today by the National Gardens.
A short stop for photos in front of The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and the Presidential Guards is a MUST! Wait a few minutes to witness the changing of the guards, truly an impressive custom.
Lycabettus Hill
On our Piraeus to Athens shared tours you will also have the opportunity to visit the highest hill in Athens, Lycabettus, with its magnificent views.
This picturesque green haven in the heart of Athens attracts fitness enthusiasts, dog walkers and pedestrian commuters taking a green shortcut across the city. The hill is densely covered with pine trees, aromatic herbs, wild flowers and plants.
At the very top, you'll find a restaurant and the small church of Saint George. Near the top is an open-air theater that hosts great concerts in summer.
Share your thoughts on your ultimate Athens experience as you unwind on your drive back to the port.
The Travel Insiders Piraeus to Athens shared tours cater exclusively for small groups and keep maximum participation at a low of 19 persons. Our philosophy is to provide our guests with a more personalized experience while sharing our knowledge as true "insiders".
