Culture & History Of The Athens Cruise Port
Clues point to settlement in Athens dating as far back as the Neolithic period. In the 6th century BCE, Athens saw both geographic and cultural growth, where new structures and sculptures were built to replace more rudimentary, earlier works on the Acropolis. The Acropolis quickly became a symbol of the city. In the 5th century BC, Athens became the first democratic city-state, or polis, to be brought into existence, and its effects on history rippled well into the modern era.
During the Roman and Hellenistic periods, Athens saw an increase in its importance in trade and commerce, producing and shipping more oils and goods to Italy. As the Roman Empire saw its zenith, Athens was a particular favorite of Emperor Hadrian, who built Hadrians Library on the north side of the Acropolis in 132 AD. However, as the Roman Empire fell into decline, Greeces global prominence sharply withdrew. Like many parts of Greece, Athens switched hands frequently throughout the centuries. In the 19th century, the Turks possessed the Acropolis until 1833, when Athens was selected as the capital of the kingdom of Greece. During World War II, Athens was thankfully spared of major destruction.
Athens Port Facilities & Location
You have two options to get to Athens from the terminals: take a taxi, available from every terminal gate, for a 20-30 minute ride to Athens, or you can take a subway train from Piraeus.
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Best Cruises For Greek Island Hopping
World-famous sights such as the Parthenon in Athens, charming seaside tavernas and crystal-clear waters are all part of a Greek island-hopping cruise. Only 227 of the 6,000 islands and islets scattered in the Aegean and Ionian Seas of Greece are inhabited and some are only accessible by boat, making a small ship cruise the best way discover these idyllic destinations.
Take a look at our list of the 10 best cruise lines for a Greek island-hopping odyssey.
What Is The Difference Between A Main Deck Or Lower Deck Cabin
Main deck cabins benefit from a small picture windows which makes them quite popular. Lower deck cabins have 1-2 port holes which still let light in but not as much as the main deck cabins. Size wise the lower deck cabins can often be slightly larger than the main deck cabins. During the warmer busier months, lower deck cabins are worth considering as they tend to be cooler and quieter than the main deck cabins. If you have any disabilities, then we suggest booking a main deck cabin.
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Learn From Our Guests Ask & Answer
Even the most seasoned travellers have questions. With Ask & Answer, you don’t have to go far to get those questions answered. The bonus – the questions and answers come from fellow cruisers!
Learn about the latest ships and destinations by browsing hundreds of questions posted by real cruisers. If you happen not to find what you’re looking for, you can even post a question of your own.
Real questions. Real answers. All from real cruisers.
Greek Island Cruises That Make Dreams Come True
Cosmopolitan Greek Islands
The iconic islands of the Cyclades are undoubtedly one of the most magical experiences in the eastern Mediterranean. With cosmopolitan architecture and clusters of iconic white-painted houses perched atop reddish-black volcanic cliffs, the exquisite natural settings of the Greek islands beckon to take you on a journey that most will only dream of. And as you meander through the charming narrow lanes, there is a pleasant surprise around every corner.
Awe-Inspiring Attractions
From the elaborate monument of Athens to the clifftop village of Oia and the charming medieval city of Rhodes, Greece and the Greek Island cruise Vacations of any length leave you dreaming of your next visit.
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What About The Smaller Boats That Do Greek Island Cruises
In my opinion this is a great way to go. Yes it is a cruise except there are only from 5 to 25 cabins meaning there are only 10 to 40 people on your boat instead of hundreds or thousands. They are mostly old style wooden sailboats though they mostly travel using the engines. And unlike a cruise where you wait in lineto get on and off the ships and sometimes have to use smaller boats to get to shore because they are too big for the harbor, these boats pull up to the dock and you get on and off as you like. They also stop in quiet coves and beaches for swimming, fishing and lunch. The famous Captain Alexander Matsakis does cruises of the Cyclades, Sporades and the Ionian Islands and is something of a legend. Besides his weekly scheduled cruises his boats can be chartered as well. See Greece Sail Cruises and Charters.
Another option is the Jewels of the Cyclades Cruise on the motor-yacht Gallileo which has 25 cabins or the Classical Greece Cruise on the 21 cabin mega-yacht Harmony.
Greek Island Cruise Video
This video was made by filmaker Andy Emery during his honeymoon. It gives you a pretty good idea of what a cruise of the Greek Islands and Turkey is like even though Easy Cruise no longer exists.
You can get discounted rates for cruises by going to Fantasy Travels Cruise for inexpensive packages that includes a 4 day cruise, 3 nights in Athens and Delphi.
Essential Greek Island Cruise Vacations
An essential stop is the glamorous island of Mykonos, with its gleaming white-washed houses and winding lanes of Chora. The islands main town and port, along with its famous array of beaches, combine to make it an unforgettable port of call. The Mykonian reputation for exuberance is truly second to none.Among the most popular Greek islands with Vacationmakers is Rhodes, a mesmerizing presence with its astonishingly well-preserved medieval old town and lush scenery beyond. While considerably smaller, Patmos occupies a vaunted place in Christendom on account of John the Evangelist who, having been expelled from Ephesus by the Roman Emperor Diocletian in 95 AD, received his Revelation in the Cave of the Apocalypse. And then there is Crete. With an array of historic cities and a vast and dazzling coastline, its no wonder the Greeks call Crete the megalonisos: the big island. In the Bronze Age, from about 3000 BC to 1200 BC, the Minoan culture flourished on the island and left behind the palace ruins of Knossos where the mythical lair of the Minotaur is among our complimentary excursions.
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Greek Island Cruise Highlights
Once-In-A-Lifetime Experiences
There is no shortage of unforgettable experiences to be had in Greece. Its seascapes and cityscapes are wondrous, from the mighty ruins of the Acropolis to the buzzing, modern city center of Athens. Visit an olive farm in Crete, or embark on a tour of Mykonos Towns organic wineries. Or, take an intimate, exclusive cooking lesson on how to make local favorites in Santorinis main square, right in the middle of it all.
Ancient History
Greece is a world-renowned destination for history buffs. Stroll through the Acropolis and marvel at human achievement, or visit the Museum of Cycladic Art to study Aegean and Cypriot artifacts. Examine the 400-year-old remains of a town buried under volcanic ash outside of Santorini. Explore the historic forts of Corfu, or hop on a boat ride to Delos, said to be the birthplace of Apollo.
Natural Wonders
Discover Elafonisi Beach, a paradise of pink, powdery sand and shallow waters off the island of Crete. Take an unforgettable cruise through the impressive Corinth Canal on a shore excursion in Athens. Stand in awe at the base of Mount Olympus, Greeces highest mountain and the fabled home of the Greek gods. In Zakynthos, dont miss a visit to the awe-inspiring Shipwreck Beach, which often tops best-of lists.
Ports Of Call & Excursions
23 October 2022 –Lavrio
Arrival 23/10/2022 early morning Disembarkation 23/10/2022 at 07:00
Near Athens, Lavrion is a peaceful port welcoming boats from around the world. The town has been known since ancient times for the silver-producing mines of Lavrion, which were major contributors to the wealth of Athens and to the Greek economy in the 20th century. Weather permitting, take a stroll through the town and discover the many vestiges of this industry that flourished until the 1980s: old Neoclassical-style constructions, industrial buildings, and worker houses. Not far from there, the ancient site of Thorikos reveals a Greek theatre and a marble temple dedicated to Demeter, both well preserved. The elegant silhouette of Le Ponant will be awaiting you at quay, to take you on an incredible journey to the heart of the Greek islands.
Le Ponant
Unique of its kind, Le Ponant is one of the most majestic sailing vessels in the world. With 16 spacious cabins and suites, one crew member per passenger, a dedicated chef, and authentic and exclusive experiences to be enjoyed at every stop, designed for and with you, the ship redefines the concept of luxury yachting and promises you an extraordinary experience.
In addition to its tasteful and refined design by Jean-Philippe Nuel, it has many innovative and environmentally friendly amenities.
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The Best Yacht Cruises For Santorini & The Greek Islands
All of these sailing tours are with G Adventures a fantastic company that offers unique boat tours of the Greek islands on 15m charter yachts. A skipper/captain/tour-guide is on the boat the entire trip. Theres a kitchen and 3 bathrooms, safety vests, and snorkeling equipment. Some meals onboard, some on land. These tours sell out quickly so book as early as possible. Dates vary by tour but most begin sailing in late April or early May and run until mid or late October.
Yacht cruise of the Greek islands. Eat on board, swim and snorkel at private beaches, and sail around the Greek islands at your own pace.
Best Cruises To Greece
Explore the wondrous history and culture of the Greek islands and their Mediterranean neighbors on these cruises to Greece.
Is the economic turmoil in Greece deterring you from planning that dream cruise to the Greek islands? Dont let it. Prices in port are likely to be more tourist-friendly, now, and there are plenty of fantastic ships to make cruises to Greece memorable.
Visit a variety of some of the worlds oldest and most awe-inspiring wonders, as you stand side by side with 34-foot columns at the Parthenon, for example. Before embarking on your journey from Rome, visit landmarks like the Colosseum or St. Peters Basilica.
From Greek cruises focusing solely on the country and its islands to ventures beginning in another significant western influence, Italy, our list of the five best cruises to Greece is sure to have an itinerary fit for you and your party.
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Let Your Sensuality Shine
The eight-day Desire Cruise 2023 will take you through some of Greeces greatest islands with a variety of sensual activities and intimate experiences onboard!
The Desire Greek Islands Cruise leaves from Athens and travels to Volos after. The cruise then heads off to Thessaloniki, a city with divine arquitecture to laud. The next day takes place in Kavala, Greece, before spending a day at sea where VIP Attendees and expert playmakers will keep you entertained with unique shows and spectacular performances. The cruise leaves dock, and embarks to the second largest city in the Roman Empire, Kusadasi, Turkey. Mykonos is the final stop, before making a return to Athens.
Groove on to Desires exciting themed pool parties and experience their daring activities! Grow your relationship to new heights and pay a visit to the Playroom or the cruises on-board clothing-optional spots.
What Are My Cruise Line Options For The Greek Islands
Most of the popular cruise lines offer Greek Islands cruises, and youll find seven to eleven-night sailings from Celebrity Cruises, Norwegian Cruise Line, Royal Caribbean, Princess Cruises, and MSC Cruises.
It is also common to find sailings that combine a Mediterranean itinerary with a Greek Islands itinerary. These types of sailings are usually longer in duration, and very well worth it for anyone with the time to explore.
For a more upscale experience, join the Celebrity Apex and embark on a seven-night Greek Islands cruise out of Piraeus. If you prefer a longer cruise, Norwegian Getaway will take you on an unforgettable 10-night journey across the Mediterranean Sea and throughout the Greek Islands.
Cruise lines continue to announce new sailings and destinations that you can book now, setting sail as soon as this June. Stay up to date with our latest new sailings announcements.
*Please note, conditions to board vary per cruise line and per country of residence. All travel is subject to frequently changing governmental restrictionsplease check government advisories before scheduling trips.
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Seeing Athens On Your Own From The Pireaus Cruise Terminal
There is a new bus that leaves from Akti Xaveriou which is the main road that is in front of the cruise terminal. The X80 connects Pireaus with the Acropolis and Syntagma Square and it is an express route which means it should get you there and back pretty quickly. It includes stops at some of the most important sites includingThe Acropolis Museum , the Archaeological Museum of Pireaus, the Planetarium and the National Museum of Contemporary Art. It ends in Syntagma Square and takes about 30 minutes to get there from the cruise terminal.
Hotels in Athens
Most people doing cruises will need a hotel in Athens for at least one night. If you have booked a cruise with one of the Greek travel agents then this is probably taken care of. if not you can find a list of suggested hotels and reviews on my Athens Hotels Page. You can also use my Athens Hotel Search and my AthensApartment Page. If you would prefer to stay in Pireaus close to the ship see my Recommended Pireaus Hotels Page. You can see my suggestions for the best hotels all over Greece at www.hotelsofgreece.com
Up Close And Personal To The Very Best Of Greece And The Greek Islands Cruise Vacations
Its easy to fall under an eternal spell of romanticism during a cruise vacation in Greece and the Greek islands. The eastern reaches of the eastern Mediterranean were the crossroads of many influential civilizations of antiquity from Phoenicians to Mycenaeans to Athenians and still more, as historic sites bear witness throughout the islands of the Dodecanese chain. From the majesty of the Acropolis in Athens to the beauty of picture-perfect islands such as Mykonos and Patmos, Greece and the Greek islands cruise Vacation is an all-time classic destination that appeals to every sense. No other country has given the world so much cultural heritage. The countrys lauded history and multifaceted architecture blend with incredible natural settings in port cities like Kavala and Volos a spellbinding gateway to the otherworldly landscapes of Meteora in Thessaly, the lunar-like rocks of Sarakiniko Beach and blue-domed churches of Santorini.
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The Acropolis And Acropolis Museum
If the Acropolis is the most famous of the Athenian landmarks, the Parthenon is far and away from the most iconic. Dedicated to the goddess Athena, the temple was completed in 438 BC after several years of construction. The cultural weight of the Parthenon is unique in the world, and once youre up therefar above the traffic of the city belowstaring up at the massive marble pillars with views of Athens extending all the way to the sea, it feels almost ethereal. As you make your way up the steep path to the top, the first structure youll see is the Propylea, which was the monumental gateway to the ancient sacred complex. Youll also spot the Erechtheion, a structure famous for its six beautiful female Caryatid sculptures. While the structure of the Parthenon is mostly intact, the artifacts that were once there are now mostly on display in the stunning Acropolis Museum, which is located below the Acropolis itself. Inside it, you can peruse some 4,000-ancient works of art and artifacts starting from the Greek Bronze Age through the archaic and classical periods and beyond, housed in five collections on three levels. In addition to the permanent collections, dont miss the excellent temporary exhibitions on the ground floor and check out the large restaurant with its astounding Acropolis views, too!
Take A Stroll On Hydra
To the south of the Peloponnese, the island of Hydra is best explored by boat, on foot or with a donkey.Cars are banned from the island, which was known for its powerful fleet until the 1820s. Today, pleasure boats have replaced the commercial vessels, letting passengers admire the island’s rocky, maquis-covered Mediterranean coastline. The charming town of Hydra is easy to visit on foot, from the white houses covered with bougainvillea and jasmine to the churches and historic mansions built by powerful shipowners. A 15-minute walk away, travellers can also drop into the authentic Greek fishing village of Kamini.
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Appreciate A More Relaxed Way Of Life In Paros
The pearl of the Cyclades, Paros is a Greek postcard come to life. Its small fishing ports are filled with blue and white boats to match the whitewashed houses with navy shutters, while the beaches are hidden in coves or laid out along the coast in long stretches of golden sand. High in the hills, Lefkes is one of the island’s most charming villages. Its cobbled streets are lined with taverns, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding hills, the sea and the distant island of Naxos.
