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Athens: Discover the Cradle of Civilisation

No Greece cruise is complete without a visit to Athens (from Piraeus) where our modern civilisation began.

From Piraeus to The Parthenon and the 'Plaka' Athens is a 'Must-See'

“Athens, the eye of Greece, mother of arts and eloquence” so wrote Milton in his poem Paradise Regained, and Athens truly is a city of ‘art and eloquence’.

Your Greece cruise really begins to take shape when your MSC cruise ship docks in the port of Piraeus. If you're not heading straight for Athens you could do worse than opt for a seafood lunch at one of the many excellent harbourside restaurants. And, don't be put off from ordering a glass of wine because you once tried Retsina and didn't like it, the pine barrels used to make Retsina make it something of challenge for Northern Europeans, but Greece has many excellent wines that are well worth trying. Naturally the fish is as fresh and delicious as anything in the Med'.

Athens is dominated by the flat-topped hill of the Acropolis site of the Parthenon, one of the most famous classical monuments in the world. Even today it's simple perfection represents one of architecture's outstanding moments. A Greece cruise will introduce you to the unique charm that is Athens. It may be choked with traffic and burdened with a mountain of debt but its lively character will seduce you and the thousands of other visitors who flock here every year! Street markets, vine-covered taverns, souvenir stalls and ancient monuments are all part of Athens, making it a unique cruise destination.

A tour of the historic sites is a must here; choose from the Acropolis, Parthenon and archaeological museum or admire the views and ancient temples in old Cape Sounion. For those who prefer a gentler itinerary, our panoramic tour of Athens takes in the main sights with photo opportunities from the comfort of your coach.

Cruise passengers that really wish to immerse themselves in ancient Greek history can step back in time during our ‘voyage to ancient Greece’, which includes an un-missable stop at the brand new Acropolis Museum.

You can then return to the ship with a suitable souvenir to remember your holiday by, as well as a lasting sense of wonder.

 		Cruise to Piraeus Athens - Greece - Mediterranean - MSC Cruises Ireland

Directions


MSC ships dock in the Port of Piraeus roughly seven miles from Athens and about 30 minutes from Athens’s International airport. Piraeus has been the Port of Athens for more than 2500 years, feeding the capital city with ships filled with traders, goods, pilgrims, and now, tourists. It is an easy walk into Piraeus from the cruise ship terminal. It is about a 20 minute walk to the train station where one can take a direct train to the foot of the Acropolis in the hart of the Plaka district. Terminal Address: 23 Aristidou Street City; Piraeus (Athens Port) 185 31

Port average temperature

The temperate figures shown are based on monthly average weather conditions for the selected port. Weather data is not real-time, and sometimes no data is shown for a specific date, month or port in general.

ATHENSMonths
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Average high °C121215182328313128221714
Averagelow °C66811151922221915118
 PIR02 - PLAKA, ACROPOLIS & ARCHAEOLOGICAL MUSEUM (approx. 6 hours) - 2013
Level of difficulty: strenuous  Panoramic Tour  Cultural  Situated only a short distance from Athens, the port of Piraeus makes a perfect starting point for a visit to the Greek capital and, of course, the world-famous Acropolis, an ancient citadel that sits atop a rocky hill that rises 150 metres above the city in the Attica Basin. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is not only home to the archaeological remains of several ancient buildings, but also the location of the amazing Parthenon, the symbol of Athens. Built between 447 and 432 B.C., the Parthenon temple was originally dedicated to the Greek goddess Athena, was then converted to a Christian church in honour of the Virgin Mary in the 5th century A.D. and was finally turned into a mosque, for which a minaret was added to the complex, in the 15th century. Today, the Parthenon is widely seen to be an abiding symbol of ancient Greece and as the birthplace of modern democracy. To save your feet, the scenic tour will take you to see all the main attractions of this profoundly historic city from the comfort of a modern coach. You will also have time to visit the amazing National Archaeological Museum – an archive of rare artefacts that knows no rival – and the meticulously restored old part of Athens, the so-called Plaka district. The beautiful old buildings in Neoclassical style, narrow lanes and archaeological remains that characterise the district give the place an old-world feel that is sure to capture your imagination. Your tour ends with your return to Piraeus and your ship. Please note: the tour includes a long, sometimes challenging walk on even uneven ground so not recommended for guests with walking difficulties or using a wheelchair.

Price per person Starting from: €70.00 Adults €49.00 Children

   


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 PIR02WI - PLAKA, ACROPOLIS & ARCHAEOLOGICAL MUSEUM (approx. 6 hours) - 2013/2014
Level of difficulty: strenuous  Panoramic Tour  Cultural  Situated only a short distance from Athens, the port of Piraeus makes a perfect starting point for a visit to the Greek capital and, of course, the world-famous Acropolis, an ancient citadel that sits atop a rocky hill that rises 150 metres above the city in the Attica Basin. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is not only home to the archaeological remains of several ancient buildings, but also the location of the amazing Parthenon, the symbol of Athens. Built between 447 and 432 B.C., the Parthenon temple was originally dedicated to the Greek goddess Athena, was then converted to a Christian church in honour of the Virgin Mary in the 5th century A.D. and was finally turned into a mosque, for which a minaret was added to the complex, in the 15th century. Today, the Parthenon is widely seen to be an abiding symbol of ancient Greece and as the birthplace of modern democracy. To save your feet, the scenic tour will take you to see all the main attractions of this profoundly historic city from the comfort of a modern coach. You will also have time to visit the amazing National Archaeological Museum – an archive of rare artefacts that knows no rival – and the meticulously restored old part of Athens, the so-called Plaka district. The beautiful old buildings in Neoclassical style, narrow lanes and archaeological remains that characterise the district give the place an old-world feel that is sure to capture your imagination. Your tour ends with your return to Piraeus and your ship. Please note: the tour includes a long, sometimes challenging walk on even uneven ground so not recommended for guests with walking difficulties or using a wheelchair. This excursion is not available on 25 December 2013.

Price per person Starting from: €70.00 Adults €49.00 Children

   


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 PIR03 - CORINTH CANAL BY BOAT  (approx. 5.5 hours) - 2013
Level of difficulty: easy  Panoramic Tour  Limited Seats  Snack Included  Leave the port of Piraeus and enjoy a 1.5-hour drive by coach through the Greek countryside to Corinth Canal, where a short stop will be made to observe the boats that will very likely be passing through the narrow waterway. Separating the Peloponnese peninsula from the Greek mainland, the canal is 6.4 km in length, only 21.3 metres in width and was dug at sea level, which removed the need to build additional locks along its course. After swapping your coach for a small boat, you will embark on a leisurely and enjoyable trip along the canal. The steep embankments of the waterway are a testament to the engineering nightmare that building the canal posed. A snack will be served during your boat trip, at the end of which you will begin your return journey to Piraeus and the ship.

Price per person Starting from: €61.00 Adults €43.00 Children

   


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 PIR04 - ATHENS & ACROPOLIS (approx. 4.5 hours) - 2013
Level of difficulty: strenuous  Panoramic Tour  Cultural  Best Seller  Take some time off the ship and head for Athens for a comprehensive sightseeing tour through the main streets and squares of a city steeped in classical history. Not only is Athens widely regarded as the cradle of western civilisation and the birthplace of modern democracy, it is also a cornucopia of visual delights you will not want to miss. After the city tour, you will continue on to Athens’ premiere landmark: the imposing Acropolis, a plateau that overlooks the town at a height of 150 metres. Among various other examples of classical Grecian architecture, the site is home to the world-famous Parthenon, a huge temple dedicated to the ancient Greek goddess, Athena, and one of the world’s greatest cultural monuments. A brief stop will be made for some souvenir shopping before the tour concludes with your return to the ship. Please note: the tour includes long walk with some uneven ground so is not recommended for guests with walking difficulties or using a wheelchair.

Price per person Starting from: €62.00 Adults €43.00 Children

   


Book now


 PIR04WI - ATHENS & ACROPOLIS (approx. 4.5 hours) - 2013/2014
Level of difficulty: strenuous  Panoramic Tour  Cultural  Best Seller  Take some time off the ship and head for Athens for a comprehensive sightseeing tour through the main streets and squares of a city steeped in classical history. Not only is Athens widely regarded as the cradle of western civilisation and the birthplace of modern democracy, it is also a cornucopia of visual delights you will not want to miss. After the city tour, you will continue on to Athens’ premiere landmark: the imposing Acropolis, a plateau that overlooks the town at a height of 150 metres. Among various other examples of classical Grecian architecture, the site is home to the world-famous Parthenon, a huge temple dedicated to the ancient Greek goddess, Athena, and one of the world’s greatest cultural monuments. A brief stop will be made for some souvenir shopping before the tour concludes with your return to the ship. Please note: the tour includes long walk with some uneven ground so is not recommended for guests with walking difficulties or using a wheelchair. This excursion is not available on 25 December 2013.

Price per person Starting from: €62.00 Adults €43.00 Children

   


Book now


 PIR08 - PANORAMIC TOUR OF ATHENS (3.5 hours) - 2013
Level of difficulty: easy  Panoramic Tour  Wheelchair and disabled-friendly tour  Best Seller  This excursion is ideal for those unable to climb the steps to the Acropolis but who wish to gain an overall impression of Greece’s capital city. We will meet our guide at the port and board the bus for an excursion that covers the key attractions. As we drive from Piraeus to Athens, our guide will point out the main ancient and modern sites including Hadrian’s arch, the statue of Lord Byron, the Temple of Olympian Zeus, Constitution Square and the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. Our tour will continue past the National Gardens, the Panathinion Stadium, the Academy, the University and the National Library. You will be able to see the Acropolis from a distance and we will break to take photographs before proceeding to Plaka where you will have free time. Please note: exterior visits only of the sites.

Price per person Starting from: €35.00 Adults €25.00 Children

   


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 PIR08WI - PANORAMIC TOUR OF ATHENS (approx. 3.5 hours) - 2013/2014
Level of difficulty: easy  Panoramic Tour  Wheelchair and disabled-friendly tour  Best Seller  This excursion is ideal for those unable to climb the steps to the Acropolis but who wish to gain an overall impression of Greece’s capital city. We will meet our guide at the port and board the bus for an excursion that covers the key attractions. As we drive from Piraeus to Athens, our guide will point out the main ancient and modern sites including Hadrian’s arch, the statue of Lord Byron, the Temple of Olympian Zeus, Constitution Square and the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. Our tour will continue past the National Gardens, the Panathinion Stadium, the Academy, the University and the National Library. You will be able to see the Acropolis from a distance and we will break to take photographs before proceeding to Plaka where you will have free time. Please note: exterior visits only of the sites.

Price per person Starting from: €35.00 Adults €25.00 Children

   


Book now


 PIR09 - A VOYAGE TO ANCIENT GREECE (5.5 hours) - 2013
Level of difficulty: strenuous  Panoramic Tour  Cultural  Best Seller  Meet your guide at the port and board the bus for a sightseeing tour through the main streets and squares of this historically important city. After reaching Athens city centre, we will arrive at the famous Acropolis which towers imposingly 150 metres above the city; for thousands of years the Acropolis has been symbol of Athens and our tour will enable you to view the other masterpieces from Greece’s “Golden Age”. Prepare yourself to climb to the top of the Acropolis Hill (150 steps) to view the Erectheum, the Temple of Wingless Victory and the symbol of the Greek nation: the Parthenon. The temple is dedicated to the patron goddess of Athens, Athena, and is the largest and most impressive temple of all Greece. We will continue the tour through the Acropolis pedestrian zone to the recently refurbished new Acropolis Museum. Here we will enjoy a full 1,5 hours in the museum, where you can admire the statues, sculptures and marbles of the Parthenon with time for souvenir shopping before returning to the ship. Please note: the tour includes a long walk on uneven ground and is not recommended for guests with walking difficulties or using a wheelchair.

Price per person Starting from: €74.00 Adults €52.00 Children

   


Book now


 PIR09WI - A VOYAGE TO ANCIENT GREECE (5.5 hours) - 2013/2014
Level of difficulty: strenuous  Panoramic Tour  Cultural  Best Seller  Meet your guide at the port and board the bus for a sightseeing tour through the main streets and squares of this historically important city. After reaching Athens city centre, we will arrive at the famous Acropolis which towers imposingly 150 metres above the city; for thousands of years the Acropolis has been symbol of Athens and our tour will enable you to view the other masterpieces from Greece’s “Golden Age”. Prepare yourself to climb to the top of the Acropolis Hill (150 steps) to view the Erectheum, the Temple of Wingless Victory and the symbol of the Greek nation: the Parthenon. The temple is dedicated to the patron goddess of Athens, Athena, and is the largest and most impressive temple of all Greece. We will continue the tour through the Acropolis pedestrian zone to the recently refurbished new Acropolis Museum. Here we will enjoy a full 1,5 hours in the museum, where you can admire the statues, sculptures and marbles of the Parthenon with time for souvenir shopping before returning to the ship. Please note: the tour includes a long walk on uneven ground and is not recommended for guests with walking difficulties or using a wheelchair. This excursion is not available on 25 December 2013.

Price per person Starting from: €74.00 Adults €52.00 Children

   


Book now


The excursions in the programme above are intended to provide MSC Guests with an idea of the different tours that can be arranged in each port of call; this programme is merely a guide and confirmation of each excursion and its description and prices will be made during your cruise. Full information can be found in the onboard Tour Magazine.