Piraeus is the main port of Athens, the biggest in Greece, and one of the most important in the Mediterranean Sea. Piraeus is walking distance from Kastella, a hill strewn with beautiful houses that offers a majestic view of the Saronic Gulf. Other points of interest include an archaeological museum, Mikrolimano, where you can enjoy an ouzo accompanied by seafood mezedes.
Walking thru the entrance of Acropolis with the sun pounding down at 34C along with the crowd, we climb our way up to see the view of Athen.
This was a hot and busy shore excursion. Due to recent trouble of the Greek debt saga and the EU, our port stop nearly didn't happened. Seeing antiquity first hand is nothing short of amazing.
We drove through the picturesque marinas of Zea and Microlimano in Piraeus before heading to the center of Athens.
Some of the most important sites of Athens such as Constitution Square, the Monument of the Unknown Soldier, Temple of Zeus, Royal Palace, and the Old Marble Olympic Stadium were pointed along the way.
The Acropolis is one of the most photographed and recognizable hills in the entire world. Sights include the Propylaea, Temple of Apteros Niki, Erectheum and Architectural Triumph of the Parthenon.
The walking up to the Acropolis is a little tough with all the people and the terrain. Slippery rock, congested walk ways, and the heat (July middle of summer) make this excursion not for the weak of heart. Bring lots of water and patience, because when you reach the top, the views and the Parthenon will make it all worth while.
Afterwards, we had a free time to wander around the picturesque streets of Plaka, the old preserved district of Athens with numerous art and craft shops, restaurants and cafes.
We took our time independently to enjoy Greek specialties at one of the traditional colorful taverns. After wanderings at the old district of Athens, we board our coach from a designated point at a set-up time for our return to the pier.