Acropolis, Plaka & Folkloric Show

Description

Be sure to read the Special Notes further down this page for important requirements and restriction.

Drive into the heart of Athens on a 30- to 40-minute motorcoach ride, heading towards the Acropolis. Along the way, your narrated tour will take you past such major sites as Hadrian's Arch, the statue of Lord Byron, the Temple of Olympian Zeus, and Constitution Square.

The majestic power of the Acropolis looms in the distance. Once there, a steep climb up 80 steps leads you through the gateway to the ruins, the spectacular marble Propylaea. At the top, pause to take in the incredible view of Athens below.

Beyond the Propylaea, on the highest point of the Acropolis, stands the Parthenon, one of the greatest monuments of ancient civilization and a perfect representation of Doric-style architecture. Dedicated to the virgin goddess Athena, the white Pentelic marble temple was built 446 - 437 B.C. An enduring symbol of ancient Greece, it is considered a masterpiece of Greek architecture.

On the north side of the Acropolis lays the Erectheum, noted for its elegant and unusual design. Within its foundation is said to have lived the sacred snake of the temple, representing the spirit that governed the safety of the city. The snake was fed honey cakes, and if he refused the sweets it was considered a terrible omen for the inhabitants.

On the south side of the building, you will discover the Porch of the Caryatids (or, Porch of the Maidens). Notice how these graceful sculptures are engineered, supporting the weight of the roof on the slender neck of each female figure.

The motorcoach drive back through town toward Plaka takes you past the Old Olympic Stadium (traffic permitting) for a brief photo opportunity. This marble stadium was built to host the first modern Olympic Games in 1896.

Once in Plaka, you'll have 90 minutes of free time to browse through this historic shopping district. The cobblestone lanes have been closed to automobile traffic, making it easy to browse through the boutiques, souvenir stands, jewelry stores, and flea market stalls. In addition, the area is home to a number of small museums including the Museum of Greek Folk Art.

From the Plaka, walk to the establishment for your traditional Greek lunch and folkloric show. Enjoy a variety of specialty foods including authentic Tzaztiki, a light and flavorful yogurt dip, and Moussaka, considered the ambassador of Greek food.

Then, get ready for the show! A band playing folk music creates a festive mood as dancers in traditional costumes perform regional classics. After the performance, it is time to get into the act for a dancing lesson, Zorba-style! Greek dancing has its origins in ancient religious rituals, but today there is a dance to celebrate almost every occasion. The Zorba dance, memorialized by Anthony Quinn in the film Zorba the Greek, starts out slowly and builds to a fast crescendo, ending in a shoulder-to shoulder group dance in time to the energetic music. Opa!

Special Notes:

This tour is not available to passengers beginning or ending their voyage in Piraeus (Athens).

Please be aware that ongoing restoration work is often carried out at the sites visited.

Security restrictions at the Acropolis prohibit entrance with large bags and backpacks. Passengers should expect lines and crowds at the Acropolis.

The tour involves climbing approximately 80 steps at the Acropolis as well as walking over some uneven and slippery paths. There is a 10-minute walk from the motorcoach drop-off point to the Plaka. Wear comfortable walking shoes. Passengers with limited mobility should take this into consideration before booking.

Use of an audio headset (included) will enhance your tour experience.