The Extended Half Day Tour of Athens begins with a scenic drive along the Coast of Poseidon, which encircles the Aegean Sea and the Attica region from the southwest to the southeast. Along this route, you'll see Salamis Island, the site of the historic Naval Battle of Salamis between the Greeks and Persians, a pivotal event that ushered in the Golden Age of Athens.
The drive continues to Marina of Zea, which was the main grain supply port for ancient Athens (known for Zea bread) and is now one of the most exclusive yacht marinas. Our first stop is in the upscale residential area of Piraeus, Kastela, where you can enjoy stunning coastal views of Athens and the picturesque leisure port of Microlimano below.
As we travel from Piraeus to Athens, you'll pass by notable landmarks, including basketball stadiums, soccer fields, the facilities from the 2004 Olympics, the modern Stavros Niarchos Cultural Center, and the Onassis Cardiac Surgery Center.
The first major stop of the tour is the New Acropolis Museum (or, upon request, you can skip the museum for an hour of free time in Plaka at the end of the tour). The tour then proceeds to the iconic Acropolis, a significant plateau from the 5th century B.C., rising 150 meters above sea level and protected by an impenetrable wall.
The visit to the Acropolis lasts approximately 60 minutes, making it the highlight of the tour. During this visit, you’ll see the main entrance, the Propylaea, alongside the Temple of Wingless Nike. At the summit, you'll explore the Erechtheion, which features its famous Caryatids, and the Parthenon, crafted from Pentelic marble. As you descend, you’ll also visit the ruins of the Theater of Dionysus, dedicated to the god of wine and entertainment, as well as the nearly intact Herodion, a music venue built by the 2nd-century sophist Herodes Atticus in memory of his wife, Regilla. This venue continues to host musical and theatrical performances.
The tour then proceeds to the Greek Parliament to witness the changing of the National Guard. You’ll learn about the Greek Revolution of 1821, observe the guards' uniforms, and see the Tomb and Statue of the Unknown Soldier. The changing of the guard lasts about 10 minutes every other day, with a special 40-minute parade performed by the guards at 10:20 AM every Sunday.
After departing from the Parliament, the tour takes you past the Catholic Cathedral of St. Paul, the National Bank of Greece, the Old Parliament of Athens (now the National Historical Museum), and the Trilogy of Athens, which includes the Academy of Sciences, University of Athens (Kapodistriako), and the National Library
Next, we stop at the Panathenaic Stadium (Kalimarmaro), renowned for its marble construction. This reconstruction of the ancient 2nd-century A.D. stadium can accommodate 60,000 spectators and was the site of the first modern Olympic Games and the first marathon race in 1896.
Enjoy panoramic views of Athens from the summit of Mount Lycabettus (280 meters high, even taller than the Acropolis).
At this point, you will have the option to visit either the Acropolis New Musem or Athen's old neighborhood Plaka.
The tour concludes with a beautiful drive back to your starting point, whether it be the Cruise Ship Terminal, the Airport, or your Hotel in Athens.
*Note: The seaside drive from Piraeus to Athens is exclusive to tours that start at the Piraeus Cruise Ship Terminal.
