Athens, Greece - Cradle of Civilization
Despite the hustle and bustle of modern day Athens, reminders of her glorious past as the Birthplace of Western Culture and Civilization are all around you. As you embark and disembark your Monarch Classic Cruises ship, take time to absorb the wisdom of the goddess Athena and the nobility of this beautiful city.

(PIR-01) Athens City Tour & Acropoli
By air-conditioned motor coach / foot
Duration: 4 hours, minimum 20 participants

Take a short drive to Athens, the cradle of Europe's earliest civilization. For twenty-five centuries, the panorama of the city has been dominated by "The Acropolis".
After a short drive past many of the city's marinas and along Syngrou Avenue, one of the city’s busiest boulevards, ascend to visit the Acropolis and see the principal buildings: the Propylaia, the Temple of Athena Nike, the Erechtheion and the magnificent Parthenon. During your visit, find time to admire the spectacular views of the beautiful city of Athens. Continue with a panoramic tour of the city, where you will view the Temple of Olympian Zeus from the 6th Century BC, one of the largest Corynthian style temples in Greek history and Hadrian's Arch (2nd Century AD), which divided the Greek city from Hadrian's new Roman city.
Arriving at Syntagma Square (Constitution Square), see the Royal Palace, built for Otto I of Bavaria and the present day Parliament. In front of the Palace stands the Monument of the Unknown Soldier where two Evzoni (soldiers of the Presidential Guard) stand guard continuously in the traditional war uniform.
As your drive continues you will pass the University, Academy and Library before arriving at the Panathinaiko Stadium, which stands on the original site of the Ancient Stadium laid out under Lycurgus in the 4th Century BC, and rebuilt in 1896 to its original plan. Here the first of the Modern Olympic Games took place and it is also where the Marathon event ended at the 2004 Athens Olympic Games. Return to your Monarch Classic Cruises vessel at the port of Piraeus via Syngrou Avenue.

PLEASE NOTE

• Comfortable, non-slip shoes are recommended due to extensive uphill walking to reach the Parthenon.
• The archaeological site of the Acropolis will be explored for approximately two hours on foot.
• This tour is not suitable for guests with walking disabilities and difficulties as it involves steep stairs, uneven and slippery surfaces and uphill walking.