Louis Cruise Lines
PIRAEUS - Athens City Tour , The Acropolis & the Plaka

This tour is an introduction to the splendor of the Golden Age of Athens and the modern 21st century city. The port of Piraeus itself is one of the finest examples of city planning in antiquity.

On arrival in Athens you visit the Acropolis on which stands the Parthenon, the symbol of classical architecture. The entrance to the top of the hill is through the Propylea , the ‘gates' through which the Panathinea processions used to enter. Built totally of white marble covers an area of 50 meters across the whole western face of the Acropolis. Next to them is the temple of Athena Niki also known as the ‘Wingless Victory'. The Parthenon is the main temple, built in honor of Goddess Athena. Her statue decorated the centre of the temple and it was made of ivory and gold. Next to the Parthenon is the smaller Temple of Erechthion with lovely sculptured young maidens supporting the roof of the porch. From the top of the Acropolis you can admire the ancient theatre of Herodus Atticus with its remarkable acoustics. Performances are still held here each summer being the highlight of cultural events in the Eastern Mediterranean .

Leaving the Acropolis the tour takes you by the tomb of the Unknown Soldier, guarded by the ‘ evzones ' dressed in their traditional costume, the Parliament, the Presidential Palace and the Panathinaikon Stadium where the first Olympics of modern times were held in 1896. The entire stadium is built of pure white marble. Our drive continues by the Library - Academy – the University's three buildings representing 19th century architecture blended with the classical influence. The tour then passes by Omonia Square , the commercial center of the city and Syntagma Square , which is the business, and cultural center.

There will be time during the tour for you to browse and do a little shopping at the stores located at the base of the Acropolis.

Leaving the port of Piraeus , one of the finest examples of city planning in antiquity, the coach takes the coastal road leading to the city that hosted the 2004 Olympic Games.

On arriving in Athens, you start the city sight seeing driving past the Temple of Zeus, the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, guarded by the ‘ evzones ' dressed in their traditional costume, the Parliament, the Presidential Palace and the Panathinaikon Stadium where the first Olympics of modern times were held in 1896. The whole stadium is built of pure white marble. The drive continues by the Library - Academy – the University's three buildings representing 19th century architecture blended with the classical influence. The tour then passes by Omonia Square , the commercial centre of the city and Syntagma Square , which is the business, and cultural centre.

Your Athens ' city sight seeing ends at a leading cafe at the foot of the Acropolis from where you can view all the majestic monuments of the amazing Acropolis while enjoying your refreshments.

The tour continues to the old part of the city called Plaka where you can explore its mainly pedestrian streets with picturesque houses, shops and numerous cafes.

After the free time in Plaka you'll board your coach for the return journey to Piraeus port.