by Guest Author
Last updated: 8:00 PM ET, Thu December 7, 2023
The birthplace of Western civilization is surely where all Greek island-hopping should begin—Athens. Where the rambling streets of the Plaka rub shoulders with the sprawling squares of Sytagma.
Before our guests dive into island life, they can watch the sunrise behind the Parthenon and linger over meze under the moon’s glow—a perfect way to start their vacation, in the birthplace of democracy, arts, science and philosophy of Western civilization.
The Parthenon, Athens, Greece (Photo Credit: Celestyal Cruises)
One of the world’s oldest cities, Athens has a recorded history of over 3 millennia, a perfect Mediterranean climate and a unique combination of glorious history with modern, urban innovation and astonishing natural beauty.
Book your clients onto a Celestyal Idyllic or Iconic cruise, and our local guides will bring this glittering city to life. Most of the major archaeological and historical sites are found within a compact area around the Acropolis itself. Parthenon is an open-air museum and a large part of the town’s historic center which has a 3km pedestrian zone leading to major archaeological sites. The ‘Grande Promenade’ around the Acropolis is an unforgettable journey through history.
Here are three of the most popular shore excursions in Athens offered by Celestyal Cruises:
1. Athens Monuments And the Acropolis: Walk through the very heart of Athens to the most recognizable, historic and most photographed sites in the world, the Acropolis, with the Parthenon at its summit.
2. Athens Tour and the New Acropolis Museum: A fun and informative panoramic tour including the Temple of Zeus, followed by modern Athens to the preserved quarter of Plaka beneath the Acropolis. And of course, there’s the Acropolis Museum to be discovered. This tour gives clients a sense of one of the most historically important capitals in the world.
3. Athens Food on Foot: Sharing Celestyal’s passion for Greece and all things Greek, means during a tour of Athen’s most magnificent sights, we share with guests the aromas and tastes of Greek cuisine. Spices wafting from open-front stores, souvlaki in Monastiraki, loukoumades drizzled with honey and a visit to Plaka to sample the local tsipouro or ouzo.
Sundrenched and mythic, Athens is a big modern metropolis with world heritage marvels at its very heart. It is no wonder why Celestyal offers a variety of shore excursions and experiences in incredible Athens.
Chef's Table onboard the Celestyal Journey (Photo Credit: Celestyal Cruises)
Our Brightest Star, the Celestyal Journey
Offering award-winning Greek hospitality, and reflecting our Greek heritage and culture, the planets have aligned to take your clients on an Aegean adventure aboard our brightest star, the Celestyal Journey.
With many more balconied Dream Suites, plus the new penthouse Stargazer Suite, and a whole deck dedicated to wellness which includes the new beauty Glow Bar, your clients will be in total heaven. And with 7 new restaurant choices such as Pink Moon, Smoked Olive and the all-new Chef’s Table experience, plus a large choice of bars and lounges, guests will enjoy real Greek hospitality and culture both onboard and onshore.
Find out more about Celestyal Journey.
Visit Greece with Celestyal Cruises (Photo Credit: Celestyal Cruises)
The Best of Greece
The ultimate Greek island-hopping experience starts in Athens before sailing to the best of Greece’s islands. Charming white villas clinging to clifftops. Ancient ruins with all their secrets. Celestyal’s 7-night Idyllic Aegean cruise or their shorter Iconic Aegean cruise will take guests to the very best of Greece including Mykonos and Santorini… and of course, the cradle of western civilization—Athens!
There’s no better way to explore Greece’s islands than with the award-winning, No.1 Greek cruise line, Celestyal.
See the 4-night Iconic itinerary
For the latest travel news, updates and deals, subscribe to the daily TravelPulse newsletter.
Topics From This Article to Explore
