| ATH-02 CULTURAL ATHENS |
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Schedule
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00.00 |
Disembark and board coaches |
| 00.15 |
Depart for Tour of Athens |
| 00.50 |
Arrive Athens - Acropolis |
| 01.00-02.00 |
Visit of the Acropolis |
| 02.00-02.40 |
Driving tour of the city |
| 02.45 |
Arrive Museum |
| 02.50-03.50 |
Visit of Museum |
| 04.00-04.30 |
Free time to browse and shop |
| 04.45 |
Depart for Piraeus |
| 05.15 |
Arrival Piraeus |
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Duration: 5 ½ hours
Your tour today is an introduction to the splendor of the Golden Age of Athens as well as the modern city, host of the 2004 Olympic Games. From the port of Piraeus with its fine examples of city planning engineered by Ippodamos in antiquity, your drive will take you through industrial and residential areas into the city of Athens. Arriving in Athens you will visit the Acropolis where the Parthenon, symbol of classical architecture is found. Entrance to the top of the hill is through the Propylea, the 'gates' through which the Pan Athenian processions used to enter the city. The Parthenon, built entirely of white marble and covering an area of 50 meters across the whole western front of the Acropolis was dedicated to the goddess Athena, patron of the city of Athens. Her statue, made of gold and ivory decorated the center of the temple. Also found here is the temple of Athena Nike better known as the 'Wingless Victory'. Next to the Parthenon is the smaller temple of Erechthion with its lovely sculptured young maidens supporting the roof of the porch. From the top of the Acropolis you will be able to view and admire the ancient theatre of Herodus Atticus with its remarkable acoustics. Performances are still held here each summer, highlighting cultural events in the Eastern Mediterranean. Leaving the Acropolis your tour will take you past the tomb of the Unknown Soldier, guarded by the 'evzones' dressed in their traditional costume, the Parliament, the Presidential Palace and the Pan Athenian Stadium where the first Olympics of modern times were held in 1896. The entire stadium is built of pure white marble as well. You will then drive by the Library, the Academy and the University. Built in the 19th century, their architecture is blended with classical influences. Your drive continues past Omonia Square, the commercial center of the city, to the Archeological Museum, home to the cultural legacy of Europe. Here you will admire the bronze statue of Poseidon, the child from Marathon and the young man from Antikithira both of pure white marble. The cups of Vafio with scenes of bull fights made of pure gold and the worlds first calculator dating to the 2nd century AD, containing 32 cog wheels used to calculate the moon's phases and other astronomical phenomena. After the visit your bus will take you back to the port and your vessel.
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Notes: Passengers are advised to wear comfortable walking shoes and bring a hat along as they will be exposed to the sun for a considerable length of time.
Handicapped passengers may join the tour but will have to remain at the base of the Acropolis.
The itinerary of this tour may vary depending on the traffic conditions prevailing that day.
Transportation : Deluxe air-conditioned coaches, mini-vans or private cars depending on the number of participants.
Guiding : Multilingual Licensed Guides
Minimum Participation: 2 pax
Maximum Participation : Unlimited |
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