5 Ancient Ruins Shore Excursions in Athens You Can Do Before All-Aboard

1.Acropolis Walking Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 131 reviews · 3 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $136Our pick

Start with a Piraeus pickup, then walk from Syntagma Square past the Parliament, National Gardens, Temple of Olympian Zeus, and Plaka before touring the Acropolis. Guides such as Apollon and Dori bring Greek myths and archaeology to life. Expect about 3.5 hours, steep paths, heat, and plenty of walking.

“Our walking tour started great with clear communication as to where to meet. Traffic while on the bus was crazy busy, but we were excited about the tour thinking Athena would be our guide. Unfortunately at the bus station we were passed off to another tour guide. Being an elementary teacher, I know from many field trips that the guide makes or breaks the trip. In our case, our guide was mediocre, disinterested and not engaging. He did make sure he stopped to talk in places with shade, but there was not adequate restroom and picture taking opportunities . We enjoyed the sights, but it was not an interesting learning…”

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2.From Cruise Port: The Acropolis & Athens Highlights Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 105 reviews · 3h 30m · from $104

Start at Syntagma, visit the metro museum and National Gardens, then enter the Acropolis from its quieter southern side. Guides such as Andrea, Ani, Hermes, and Angelika bring Greek history to life, while free time in Plaka adds lunch and shopping. Expect steep, slippery marble and a long day from Piraeus.

“What a great tour. Our guide Andrea was very informative, funny and considerate regarding making sure the group moved efficiently. She was able to provide great information about everything we saw. pick up and drop off were efficient as well Nick was a great driver.”

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3.Athens for CRUISE SHIPS with opt. Acropolis from Piraeus Port

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 63 reviews · 6 hours (approx.) · from $83Best value

Meet Vexperio outside your Piraeus cruise terminal for a six-hour small-group tour in an air-conditioned minibus. See Athens highlights, choose the Acropolis or Areopagus Hill, watch the guards at Syntagma, then eat or shop in Monastiraki and Plaka. Guides may include Thanasis, Alex, Athena, or Vassilis.

“This was perfect --- they pick you up directly at the port, and take you to the main sights of the city, including Acropolis. You will also have some time for lunch. Our guide and driver were the best!!! Will definitely be coming back to Athens!”

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4.Shore Excursion: Acropolis, Athens City tour and The New Acropolis Museum

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 30 reviews · 5 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $130

From Piraeus Port, you’ll see the changing of the guard, stroll through the National Gardens, climb the Acropolis with a licensed guide, and visit the Acropolis Museum. Expect about five and a half hours, small-group guiding, firm entry times, and a demanding walk in the sun.

“This was a very informative and well run tour! Our guide was wonderful and so knowledgeable! The Acropolis is incredible but an extremely strenuous climb. I would recommend this tour!”

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5.From Cruise Port: Athens City, Acropolis & Acropolis Museum

★★★★★★★★★★4.4 · 27 reviews · 5.5 hours · from $128

From Piraeus, follow a licensed English-speaking guide through Syntagma Square, the National Gardens, Temple of Zeus, Acropolis, and Acropolis Museum. You get round-trip transport, skip-the-ticket-line access, and sweeping Athens views, but expect several hours of walking.

“Our tour guide was excellent! We had a wonderful time. The tour needed a lunch break… say half an hour. Would suggest half an hour less time in the Archeological Museum.”

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