Athens

Ships arrive at Piraeus a port near Athens. From here companies like Pullmantur Cruises start their itineraries to the Greek Islands and the Holy Land. The port has two docking areas, one closer to the exit where medium and small cruise ships usually dock, and another one far away from the entrance for bigger cruise ships. Anyway, although Piraeus lies next to Athens, the distance between the port and the center of Athens is about 10 km.

OFFICIAL EXCURSIONS: The most popular is the Acropolis and Olympic stadium. They organizers will give you the option after both visits to leave the bus in the city center and return to the ship on your own (by taxi), or return to the ship with the excursion bus.

If you have not visited Athens before, I recommend to take the excursion. Although the places you are going to visit are not far away from each other it's easy to lose orientation in Athens (even if you have the viasual reference to the Acropolis). If you have already seen the Acropolis you can choose the excursion to Cape Sounion, Corinth or Plaka.

Anyway, if you choose to return to the ship on your own, I recommend you it two hours before departing time (minimum), or you'll find yourself caught in a traffic jam during rush hour.

ACROPOLIS

ALTERNATIVES: There is a tourist bus in Athens (red line € 18 and 90 minutes duration) and annother one that leaves from Piraeus to Athens from the cruise terminal (blue line € 22 and 70 minutes duration). The first one goes near more touristic places in Athens an the second one stops near the main monuments. Athens is very large, but if you stay near the Acropolis, Plaka and Syntagma Square there'll be no problem

SHOPPING and FOOD: It is advisable to visit the Plaka and Monatiraki. There you'll find almost every kind of shop and good taverns of greek food (good quality for your money). Do not forget to try a Greek coffee, as it is an experience (I leave to your choice whether good or bad experience...)

LINKS:
Athens Tourist Bus