Piraeus – Athens – Greece – Cruise Tour

PIRAEUS, GREECE

Piraeus offers a looking glass back in time into Greece’s powerful ancient civilization. Art lovers, epicureans and history buffs will be delighted by the ancient ruins, museums and tavernas of this picturesque town. Just 10 minutes from the port, you’ll find the Archaeological Museum of Piraeus, filled with sculptures from the Bronze Age to the Romans. Walk to the Zea Harbour to discover how the Hellenic Maritime Museum will bring to life the grandeur of ancient Greece’s naval capacities. Jump onboard an Piraeus cruise and relax at the small harbor of Mikrolimano, enjoying a meal of grilled octopus and chilled white wine at a small restaurant overlooking the sea. 1

THINGS TO DO IN ATHENS (PIRAEUS)

TAKE ME TO CHURCH
The Agia Triada is one of the finest examples of Byzantine-style churches in Greece. The Church of St. Nicholas, which overlooks the port, has a magnificent interior filled with orthodox icons, frescoes and sculptures.

MEDITERRANEAN ROMANCE
Part of the Castella district, Mikrolimano is the smallest and most picturesque port of Piraeus, making it perfect for a romantic afternoon. Take a leisurely stroll along the promenade to take in the amazing views, then settle in a cafe or taverna for some fresh seafood or a refreshing drink with your cruise to Piraeus.

BOATS AND THE BRONZE AGE
The Naval Museum has exhibits that present ship building from ancient times to the present day. You will be fascinated by the Neosoikoi, the archaeological remains of the ship sheds where local craftsmen maintained and repaired the boats. Art lovers will have plenty to see at the Piraeus Archaeological Museum, from Bronze Age sculptures to classical Hellenistic pottery.

LOCAL CUISINE
Try the local dishes prepared with sun-ripened tomatoes, eggplant, bell peppers and fresh seafood like mussels and grilled octopus. Look for trovolia, a typical fresh cheese to savor with marinated olives. Ask for recommendations on local wines — the most common white is lively, floral and aromatic Moschofilero, while the red of choice is Xinomavro, an indigenous grape with a bold, complex flavor.

SHOPPING
You may want to bring back home some of the typical liquors such as the anise-flavored Ouzo or the strong Tsipouro. Greek olives, spices and capers can be vacuumed-packed, making for convenient souvenirs. Look for locally made leather sandals, pottery and hand-painted ceramics. You’ll find most shops in the Psyri district, not far from the Acropolis during your Piraeus cruise.

The city of Piraeus, is one of the oldest ports in the world.

Piraeus, a Mediterranean Cruises destination, has been the port of Athens since ancient times. It’s a city filled with incredible wonders including Mikrolimano Bay, Agia Triada (Church of the Holy Trinity), and the Archaeological Museum.
Nowadays, Piraeus is a bustling centre with attractive waterfront cafés and restaurants, making it an ideal stop in the Mediterranean. Use it as a stepping stone to see the Acropolis and greater Athens.

Cruises excursions offer plenty of exciting things to see including:

The Dramatic Ruins of the Parthenon on the Acropolis
Pláka Discovery
Corinth Canal Cruise

The majestic Parthenon stands proud among the remains of the ancient Acropolis, a citadel perched on a rocky cliff, rising 150-metres above the city of Athens. Don’t miss the opportunity to see this unique UNESCO World Heritage Site on an extraordinary Cruise excursion. Begin with a climb to the top of Acropolis Hill to admire the magnificent Parthenon, the Temples of Athena Nike, and Erechtheion. Then, visit the modern Acropolis Museum with its outstanding display of archaeological finds, before heading to the Corinth Canal.

After visiting the Parthenon, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, you’ll journey to Pláka, the historical quarter of Athens. Affectionately known as the ‘Neighbourhood of the Gods’, its maze of old streets is nestled around the northern and eastern foothills of the Acropolis. This Cruise excursion will see you admiring a number of sites including archaeological remains and restored Neoclassical buildings. Immerse yourself in the area’s classical atmosphere before indulging in a spot of souvenir shopping. 2

The Corinth Canal, a Cruise excursion, is a narrow artificial waterway, completed in 1893. Separating the Peloponnese from the Greek mainland, the canal is a popular attraction and a grand engineering feat! A series of bridges connects the two sides of the canal, allowing for a railway line and roads to cross over. Starting with a coach ride through the bucolic Greek countryside, you’ll then enjoy a leisurely boat cruise down the canal.