Athens Shore Excursion for Cruise Guests – Small Group Experience
Overview
Available languages
6 hours
Mobile ticket
Step off your cruise ship and begin a thoughtfully designed journey through Athens, created for travelers who value comfort, access, and a more personal pace. With a group size limited to just 19 guests, you’ll travel by air-conditioned minibus, allowing for easier movement and a more relaxed experience. Visit iconic landmarks such as Syntagma Square, the Panathenaic Stadium, and the Acropolis, with the choice to explore on your own or stay near your professional guide at alternate sites like Areopagus Hill and the Herodion. Along the way, enjoy the character and energy of Monastiraki and Plaka, where you’ll find traditional shops, local cafés, and open-air markets. An hour of free time gives you the chance to savor authentic Greek food or simply take in the atmosphere at your own pace. This exclusive tour combines structure with flexibility and ends with a smooth return to your ship—leaving you with a deeper connection to Athens.
Additional Info
Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Please note that the Acropolis may close due to extreme heat for safety reasons. If this happens and you've booked entry tickets, you will be able to get a full refund. We will notify you accordingly.
This tour begins and ends at Piraeus Port. If you're disembarking from your cruise and staying in Athens, you may bring your luggage on the bus. You can end the tour at our final stop in Monastiraki, before the bus returns to the port. Please inform us in advance so we can accommodate your plans.
IMPORTANT ACCESSIBILITY INFORMATION: Please note that visiting the Acropolis requires extensive walking, including climbing 75 steps at the entrance and navigating uneven, slippery marble paths. This can be physically demanding, especially during summer when crowds are large, and temperatures can be high. For those with limited mobility, we recommend following the guide and exploring Areopagus and Herodion instead.
Please note that this tour involves walking, including on uneven surfaces, and is not suitable for individuals with mobility limitations. Wheelchairs, walkers, scooters, or similar mobility aids cannot be accommodated. We kindly ask you to assess your ability to participate before booking, as refunds cannot be issued if, on the day of the tour, you are unable to join due to mobility-related concerns.
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What‘s Included
Free time for fast meal & souvenir shopping
Modern, comfortable, air-conditioned minibus
1 piece per person luggage storage (Disembark Tour only - if you have more, please contact us)
Professional local English-speaking tour guide (if option selected)
Full refund if your ship cannot dock
Tour options 'with Acropolis' include a ticket to the Acropolis
Small Groups: 19 guests per guide for Round-Trip Tour and 15 guests per guide for Disembark Tour
Guaranteed return to ship on time
Please note the options 'without Acropolis' do not include an Acropolis ticket.
For private tours Acropolis entry ticket is not included, it is an optional visit
Gratuities (Recommend 10% for guides, and 5% for bus drivers)
Food and drinks
Private Tour (if option not selected)
What To Expect
Port of Piraeus
As soon as your cruise ship docks, a friendly team will be waiting to greet you right in front of the ship. From there, you’ll be escorted to a modern, air-conditioned minibus to begin your journey. It’s a smooth start to a day that explores the history and culture of Athens in an exclusive small-group setting.
As you depart from Piraeus Port, your small group will pass Pasalimani, a well-known harbor nestled in the heart of the city. This marina, lined with sailing boats and luxury yachts, offers a brief yet clear view of the area’s maritime character—a quiet introduction to Athens in an exclusive setting.
Options
Round-Trip without Acropolis
Shared Tour: This is a shared tour, you will be traveling with other passengers on the bus. Limited to 19 people per guide.
Piraeus Port Pickup & Dropoff: The tour starts and ends at the Piraeus cruise ship port.
No Acropolis Visit: This option does not include Acropolis entry; instead, guests will explore Areopagus Hill and the Odeon of Herodes Atticus.
Shared ShorEx
Disembark without Acropolis
Tour for disembarking guests: The tour starts at the Piraeus port and ends in the city center at Monastiraki. The hotel dropoff is not included.
Shared Tour: This is a shared tour, you will be traveling with other passengers on the bus. Limited to 19 people per guide.
No Acropolis Visit: This option does not include Acropolis entry; instead, guests will explore Areopagus Hill and the Odeon of Herodes Atticus.
Luggage storage included: The ticket includes luggage storage during the tour - 1 piece of luggage per person. If you have more, please contact us.
Acropolis Self-Guided Visit: The guide will walk with you to the entrance of the Acropolis, explain what to expect, and wait for you outside.
Disembark with Acropolis
Tour for disembarking guests: The tour starts at the Piraeus port and ends in the city center at Monastiraki. The hotel dropoff is not included.
Shared Tour: This is a shared tour, you will be traveling with other passengers on the bus. Limited to 19 people per guide.
Acropolis Tickets included: This option already includes Acropolis tickets which the guide will bring for you.
Tour for disembarking guests: The tour starts at the Piraeus port and ends in the city center at Monastiraki. The hotel dropoff is not included.
Luggage storage included: The ticket includes luggage storage during the tour - 1 piece of luggage per person. If you have more, please contact us.
Acropolis Self-Guided Visit: The guide will walk with you to the entrance of the Acropolis, explain what to expect, and wait for you outside.
Round-Trip with Acropolis
Shared Tour: This is a shared tour, you will be traveling with other passengers on the bus. Limited to 19 people per guide.
Acropolis Tickets included: This option already includes Acropolis tickets which the guide will bring for you.
Acropolis Self-Guided Visit: The guide will walk with you to the entrance of the Acropolis, explain what to expect, and wait for you outside.
Piraeus Port Pickup & Dropoff: The tour starts and ends at the Piraeus cruise ship port.
Private Tour w/ Driver + Guide
Acropolis ticket not included: For those who choose to visit inside, Acropolis tickets aren't included in the ticket price and will cost 30EUR per person.
Private Guide + Vehicle: This private tour provides a personal guide and vehicle, with a flexible itinerary tailored to your wishes.
Designed to your wishes: A private tour has a fully customizable itinerary - you can spend your time as and where you wish!
Port or Hotel Dropoff: Please let us know if you want to be taken back to the port after your tour or if you want to go to your hotel.
Reviews
1 review
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Gina was so great and so...
Lindsey P,
Oct 23, 2025
- Viator
4.00Gina was so great and so nice! She made all of us feel welcome on our little excursions. Great stops along the way to see Acropolis. Great opportunities for photos. I like that it was a smaller group so we weren’t all crammed. She knows so much about the history of Athens. It was such a fun day. I wish there was a little more free time. There were times we felt rushed during Acropolis and the shopping area. Overall a great experience!
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