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Shore Excursions & Tours
GREECE
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To receive a
quotation for the following Excursions we need to know:
Shore
Excursion in Athens
Without Walking
This is the perfect excursion for anyone who wants to see some of the sights of this great city without extensive walking. Driving along the coast and into Athens - a surprising blend of ancient and modern buildings - you will see the huge columns of the Temple of Zeus; Hadrian's Arch; the Parliament buildings on Syntagma Square; the Academy, library and university; and the marble Olympic Stadium, site of the first modern Olympic Games in 1896. Your motorcoach will pause at Philopappus Hill for an excellent view of the Parthenon and some of the other 2,500-year-old buildings on the Acropolis, as a guide explains this wondrous site. Your coach continues on to Vouliagmeni, where beach lovers flock to one of the rare sandy stretches on this coast, then along the scenic coast back to Piraeus.
Shore
Excursion
to Cape Sounion
Drive from Piraeus along the shores of the
Saronic Gulf, passing the remains of the 2,500-year-old Long Wall of
Themistocles and the chic seaside suburbs. As you approach Cape Sounion
at the tip of the Greek mainland, you'll see the Temple of Poseidon,
dramatically crowning a cliff that rises straight from the sea. Dating
from the fifth century BC, it was built to honor the god of the seas.
You will see There is moderate amount of walking over cobblestones.
Shore
Excursion
to
Corinth, Corinth Canal & Majestic Mycenae It is said that the northeast corner of the Peloponnese is archaeologically one of the most fascinating areas of Greece. This tour begins with a drive along the eastern coastline of Attica along the Saronic Gulf to the Corinth Canal. The construction of the 3 3/4-mile canal is truly unique, and from a bridge 200 feet above sea level, the view is breathtaking. Take a few minutes to enjoy a refreshment before the tour continues to the ancient site of Corinth. During the early days of Christianity, St. Paul wrote two Letters to the residents here. You will see the Roman Agora, the Temple of Apollo, one of the oldest Greek Doric temples and the Bema of St. Paul, a symbol of early Christianity in Greece. Then proceed through the beautiful orange and lemon groves of Argolis to Mycenae. Beyond the modern village, the citadel of ancient Mycenae rises on a low hill. Follow your guide up the ramp, through the Lion Gate and into Mycenae's magic castle. You will see the Circle Tombs where the famous golden mask of Agamemnon was found, and the Cyclopean walls. Above are the foundations of the palace where Agamemnon lived, and the entrance to the underground cistern. Below the citadel, visit the eerie and breathtaking Beehive Tomb - the so-called Treasury of Atreus. Stop at the village of Mycenae, where you will enjoy lunch featuring typical Greek specialties. The return route to Pireaus goes through the Greek countryside, crossing the Corinth Canal and continuing along the National Road. There is extensive walking over uneven
pathways. Comfortable walking shoes are recommended.
Shore
Excursion
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Sights of Athens Those visiting Athens for the first time,
this outing provides an excellent introduction to one of the great
cities of the ancient world. The drive from the port of Piraeus to
Athens takes about 40 minutes. You will see the marble Olympic Stadium,
site of the first modern Olympic Games, and the former Royal Palace,
with its colorful guards. When you reach the Acropolis, your motorcoach
must park below the top. You will have to walk the rest of the way in
order to see the Parthenon and other incredible buildings up close. Most
of this climb involves walking on smooth marble, which can be slippery.
At the top, you will be rewarded as these monuments of ancient history
appear before you. A guide will show you all the extraordinary sights,
starting with the Propylaea, one of the masterpieces of classical
architecture and the entrance to this lofty city. You'll see the Temple
of Apteros Nike (Wingless Victory) and the Erechtheum, with its
classical stone-draped maidens, the Caryatids. And of course, the
Parthenon. Before returning to Piraeus, you'll see the Theseum and the
Agora. Note: There is moderate walking at the Acropolis over uneven pathways. Comfortable, rubber-soled shoes are recommended |
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