
Port average temperatureThe 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.
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
PIR02GC - PLAKA, ACROPOLIS & ARCHAEOLOGICAL MUSEUM (approx. 6 hours) - 2013/2014
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 $91.00 Adults $64.00 Children
PIR04GC - ATHENS & ACROPOLIS (approx. 4.5 hours) - 2013/2014
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 $81.00 Adults $57.00 Children
PIR08GC - PANORAMIC TOUR OF ATHENS (approx. 3.5 hours) - 2013/2014
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 $46.00 Adults $32.00 Children
PIR09GC - A VOYAGE TO ANCIENT GREECE (5.5 hours) - 2013/2014
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 $96.00 Adults $67.00 Children
The excursions in the program above are intended to provide MSC Guests with an idea of the different tours that can be arranged in each port of call; this program 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.