Shore Excursion - Acropolis, City Tour & free time in Plaka

Thinking of What to Do in Athens? Whether it is your first time to Athens and the Acropolis or the first of many, this ingenious structure will never cease to take your breath away upon first glance. But Athens is not just the Acropolis, it is a thriving modern metropolis with much to explore. On this comprehensive tour of Athens, you will discover the most important landmarks and sights of the historical city center of Athens combined with a grand tour of the magnificent Acropolis and its exquisite monuments where your guide will explain the history of how the Parthenon and other Acropolis monuments were conceived and built, by whom and why. The Essential Athens Tour The tour begins inside the Syntagma metro station where you will visit the metro Museum (in 10 minutes) with very interesting archaeological artifacts from the daily life of Ancient Athens that came to light during the construction of the metro. You will then continue on to the House of the Greek Parliament, the Monument to the Unknown Soldier and watch the changing of the guards. The City Tour Afterwards, you will head towards the National Gardens and the beautiful example of neoclassical architectural design Zappeion Hall, a building used for official meetings and events. From this vantage point, you will see the remaining colossal columns of the Temple of Olympian Zeus, that have survived thousands of years of theft and pillaging, and Hadrians Arch both of which you will visit. We will reach the Acropolis from the southern slope to avoid the crowds who usually choose the western slope and to also visit the Dionysus Theatre, the most significant theatre of its kind in Europe, where the first performance was held 2500 years ago. Mounting the Sacred Hill of the Acropolis As we begin our ascent we will marvel at the spectacular views of the city below as your guide begins to give you a detailed explanation of the Acropolis monuments such as the Parthenon, Erechtheion, Propylaea, Nike Temple and the surrounding monuments as well as the hills of Philopappos, Mars and Pnyx, the Observatory, the Odeon of Herodes Atticus and the Ancient Agora. Free time Time for exploring and picture taking at the Acropolis and Athens' old town, the Plaka, will be provided after your Acropolis tour. Back to the Port of Piraeus and your ship Your transfer will depart at 3:50 pm from Alpha Bank, at the beginning of the pedestrian Walkway of Dionyssiou Areopagitou, next to Melina's statue across Hadrians Arch. If for any reason you miss the return transfer, you will have to return to the port of Piraeus with your own means.