Acropolis, Ancient Agora & Temple of Olympian Zeus

Description

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

Board your motorcoach for a 30- to 40-minute scenic ride into the heart of Athens. Along the way, your narrated drive will pass a host of major sites, including Hadrian's Arch, the statue of Lord Byron, the Temple of Olympian Zeus, Constitution Square, the former Royal Palace, the National Gardens, the Academy, and the University Library.

Ahead, the mighty Acropolis dominates the landscape. Your guided walking tour begins as you climb the 80 steep steps through the Propylaea, the monumental gateway to the Acropolis, which extends 150 feet across its western side. From here, the views of the city of Athens below are incredible.

Beyond the Propylaea, on the highest point of the Acropolis stands the Parthenon, one of the greatest monuments of ancient civilization. Dedicated to the virgin goddess Athena, the white Pentelic marble temple was built 446 - 437 B.C. The Erectheum is situated on the most sacred site of the Acropolis, where Athena and Poseidon are said to have held a contest to decide who would be Patron of the city. Here you will find the graceful Porch of the Caryatids, which features replica columns of marble maidens supporting the roof of the temple. The originals can be seen at the Acropolis Museum.

At the base of the Acropolis, with a direct view of the Parthenon, is the New Acropolis Museum, a stunning blend of past and present. This modern 5-story structure by architect Bernard Tschumi was designed to allow this rich collection of antiquities and sculptures to be seen in natural light. The pièce de résistance is the top floor, where visitors can see the frieze from the Parthenon, then turn around for a view of the actual Parthenon through enormous glass windows.

A drive to your next venue reveals a wonderful "yevma" - Greek for lunch. Sample regional delicacies and taste flavorful local wines.

Refreshed, you'll visit the Ancient Agora, once a thriving marketplace and public forum, and browse the small Stoa of Attalus Museum, which houses many artifacts from the area, including a collection of vases, coins and statues.

Overlooking the once-thriving Agora below, you'll view the Doric-style Thission Temple, built in 449 B.C. and still in excellent condition. A brief shopping excursion in the Ancient Agora area allows for time to purchase souvenirs and mementos from local venues and partake in refreshments.

Re-board your motorcoach for a city driving tour through Athens. A photo stop at the Old Olympic Stadium is an opportunity to see first-hand this marble structure, built to host the first modern Olympic Games in 1896. Then, continue on to the Temple of Olympian Zeus, the largest temple in antiquity, 700 years in the making. Located just behind Hadrian's Arch, the temple pays homage to Zeus, ruler of the Olympian gods.

Your return scenic ride to port is a relaxing end to your unforgettable day.

Special Notes:

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

Participation is extremely limited.

Please be aware that ongoing restoration work is often carried out at the Acropolis. 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. Passengers with limited mobility should take this into consideration before taking this tour. Security restrictions at the Acropolis prohibit entrance with large bags and backpacks.

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