Piraeus (Athens), Greece
Overview
Overview
Shore Excursions
Shore Excursions
Acropolis & Plaka
Visit the most famous temple of the Ancient City of Athens--the Parthenon, dedicated to Athena, the patron goddess of Athens. You will walk up a winding path to the Acropolis, passing through the Propylaea, and see the famous Erechtheum Temple and the Porch of the Caryatids in the distance. The Acropolis stands 230 feet above the city and offers amazing views of Athens below. Continue to the Plaka...
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Ancient Agora, Plaka, & Greek Mezedes
The ancient agora, or marketplace, in Athens was once an eclectic mix of private housing and public spaces, until it was thoroughly re-organized by Peisistratus in the 6th century BC. As one did in the ancient world, Peisistratus pulled rank and continued to live on the agora himself, but he wasted no time evicting everyone else and removed their houses as well. He closed the drinking water wells ...
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Ancient Corinth & Canal
Visit the famous Corinth Canal which is four miles long, 70 feet wide and has sloping sides 170 feet in height. It connects the Ionian and Aegean seas to provide a shortcut. Your next stop will be Ancient Corinth. The ruins that lie in this area are a surprising mix of an ancient 6th-century BC Greek city and a 44 BC Roman city--the latter was built after Julius Caesar placed a colony on
the deso...
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Ancient Corinth & Mycenae
Visit the famous Corinth Canal which is four miles long, 70 feet wide and has sloping sides 170 feet in height. It connects the Ionian and Aegean seas to provide a short cut. Your next stop will be Ancient Corinth. The ruins that lie in this area are a surprising mix of an ancient 6th-century BC Greek city and a 44 BC Roman city--the latter was built after Julius Caesar placed a colony on the deso...
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Athens & National Archaeological Museum
The National Archaeological Museum of Athens boasts the world’s finest collection of Greek antiquities—relics and ruins from the remarkable Greek Empire which once seemed utterly immortal. Explore with your guide as the cultural and artistic treasures of unfold before you in this remarkable museum. The highlights include the golden mask of Agamemnon and the superb bronze statue of Pose...
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Athens & The Acropolis
No one introduced Athens to the world as elegantly as Milton did--"Athens, the eye of Greece, mother of arts and eloquence." Your visit today will begin with the most famous temple of the Ancient City--the Parthenon, dedicated to Athena, the patron goddess of Athens. Walking up a winding path towards the Acropolis, you will pass through the Propylaea, and see the Erechtheum temple and the Porch ...
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Athens & The Acropolis with Airport Transfer (with prepaid transfer voucher)
No one introduced Athens to the world as elegantly as Milton did--"Athens, the eye of Greece, mother of arts and eloquence." Your visit today will begin with the most famous temple of the Ancient City--the Parthenon, dedicated to Athena, the patron goddess of Athens. Walking up a winding path towards the Acropolis, you will pass through the Propylaea, and see the Erechtheum temple and the Porch of...
more info
Athens & The Acropolis with Airport Transfer (without prepaid transfer voucher)
No one introduced Athens to the world as elegantly as Milton did--"Athens, the eye of Greece, mother of arts and eloquence." Your visit today will begin with the most famous temple of the Ancient City--the Parthenon, dedicated to Athena, the patron goddess of Athens. Walking up a winding path towards the Acropolis, you will pass through the Propylaea, and see the Erechtheum temple and the Porch of...
more info
Athens & the Benaki Museum
You will drive through the heart of Athens passing numerous
points of interest such as Constitution Square, the Tomb of the Unknown Warrior, the Royal Palace, Hadrian's Arch and the Olympic Stadium. From the Herodion Theatre, admire a magnificent view of the Acropolis. The Benaki Museum has recently undergone thorough modernization and has been extended with the addition of a new wing. There are...
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Athens, the Acropolis & Cape Sounion
Begin your tour with a drive past marinas and resort towns to the Temple of Poseidon at Sounion, built in the 5th century BC. The temple's location, 180 feet above the sea, affords a magnificent view of the blue Aegean and distant islands. Many cruise ships passing Sounion today still pay their respects to Poseidon by lowering the ensign, blasting the ship's whistle, and pouring a libation over th...
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Deluxe Archaeological Athens
No one introduced Athens to the world as elegantly as Milton did--“Athens, the eye of Greece, mother of arts and eloquence.” Board your motorcoch and get ready for your visit of the Acropolis, a symbol of the glory of ancient Greece. History opens before you as you reach the Propylaea, one of the masterpieces of classical architecture, serving as the entrance to the complex of building...
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Panoramic Athens
The remains of ancient Athens constitute one of the brightest jewels of the Mediterranean--a city that stood for more than 25 centuries. You will pass the Arch of Hadrian, the statue of Lord Byron, and the Temple of Olympian Zeus, which took 700 years to complete. Continuing on towards Constitution Square, view the former Royal Palace where the Evzones National Guard keep watch in their traditiona...
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Piraeus Private Touring - Full Day (Car)
Explore at your own pace with a private vehicle, driver and
English-speaking guide at your service. This exclusive tour is designed to allow you the chance to customize your time ashore and discover the most interesting sights in the comfort and privacy of your own vehicle. With your private car, and the personalized attention of your driver and English-speaking guide, you will have the flexibi...
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Piraeus Private Touring - Full Day (Minivan)
Explore at your own pace with a private vehicle, driver and
English-speaking guide at your service. This exclusive tour is designed to allow you the chance to customize your time ashore and discover the most interesting sights in the comfort and privacy of your own vehicle. With your private minivan, and the personalized attention of your driver and English-speaking guide, you will have the fle...
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Piraeus Private Touring - Half Day (Car)
Explore at your own pace with a private vehicle, driver and
English-speaking guide at your service. This exclusive tour is designed to allow you the chance to customize your time ashore and discover the most interesting sights in the comfort and privacy of your own vehicle. With your private car, and the personalized attention of your driver and English-speaking guide, you will have the flexibi...
more info
Piraeus Private Touring - Half Day (Minivan)
Explore at your own pace with a private vehicle, driver and
English-speaking guide at your service. This exclusive tour is designed to allow you the chance to customize your time ashore and discover the most interesting sights in the comfort and privacy of your own vehicle. With your private minivan, and the personalized attention of your driver and English-speaking guide, you will have the flex...
more info
The Best of Athens
If you are visiting Athens for the first time, this outing provides an excellent introduction to one of the great cities of the ancient world. Visit the Acropolis, a symbol of the glory of ancient Greece. History opens before you as you reach the Propylaea, one of the masterpieces of classical architecture, serving as the entrance to the complex of buildings. You’ll see the Temple of Athe...
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The New Acropolis Museum & Acropolis Visit
Your visit today will begin with the most famous temple of the Ancient City--the Parthenon, dedicated to Athena, the patron goddess of Athens. Walking up a winding path towards the Acropolis, you will pass through the Propylaea, and see the Erechtheum temple and the Porch of the Caryatids in the distance. Reinforced by the hand of man, the natural fortress of the Acropolis stands 230 feet ab...
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Transfer to Athens
This transfer is intended for those who would like to explore Athens on their own. It consists of a 40-minute motor coach ride from the ship to the city center. You will be dropped off at a central location, and your escort will show you to the old town (Plaka) area and advise you of the pick-up time for the return journey. You will have approximately two hours and twenty minutes to shop and explo...
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Weather
Weather
| Month | Temp Avg | Temp High | Temp Low | Rainfall |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 49.2 | 54.2 | 42.3 | 2.44 |
| Feb | 49.5 | 55.0 | 42.7 | 1.46 |
| Mar | 52.3 | 59.8 | 45.9 | 1.5 |
| Apr | 59.6 | 66.9 | 51.9 | 0.91 |
| May | 67.5 | 76.4 | 59.4 | 0.91 |
| Jun | 75.3 | 84.2 | 66.3 | 0.55 |
| Jul | 80.5 | 89.1 | 71.1 | 0.24 |
| Aug | 79.8 | 88.8 | 71.0 | 0.28 |
| Sep | 73.3 | 82.2 | 65.5 | 0.59 |
| Oct | 65.6 | 73.3 | 59.2 | 2.01 |
| Nov | 58.4 | 63.7 | 51.7 | 2.2 |
| Dec | 52.0 | 57.0 | 45.7 | 2.8 |
Departure Information
Departure Information
Ship's Terminal
Piraeus Port Authorities
Phone: 011 30 210 4530974
Commonly used berths
Piraeus Cruise Terminal - Berth: A
Please note: berth assignments are always subject to
change.
Driving and Parking
Information
DIRECTIONS BY CAR:
From Athens International Airport or from Eastern
suburbs
- Take the Attiki Odos Highway (direction to Elefsina) and exit at junction 8 "Metamorfosi".
- Turn on to the
Athens-Lamia National Road with direction
to Piraeus. - Follow road signs to Piraeus and join Alipedou Street.
- At the end of Alipedou there are T-junction traffic lights.
- Turn left following the main flow of traffic which will take you immediately to the right onto Gounari Street.
- Stay on the left side of this street, which leads to the port (seafront).
- Once reaching the port (at the end of Gounari) turn left and continue driving round the port (keeping the sea to your right). The Cruise Terminal is on the far left side of the port of Piraeus.
- Take Posidonos Ave. with direction to Piraeus.
- Follow Piraeus road signs and join Alipedou Street At the end of Alipedou there are T-junction traffic lights.
- Turn left following the main flow of traffic which will take you immediately to the right on to Gounari Street.
- Stay on the left side of this street, which leads to the port (seafront).
- Once reaching the port (at the end of Gounari) turn left and continue driving round the port (keeping the sea to your right). The Cruise Terminal is on the far left side of the port of Piraeus.
- Join the Athens-Lamia National Road with direction to Piraeus.
- Follow road signs to Piraeus and join Papandreou Street.
- At the end of Papandreou there are T-junction traffic lights.
- Turn left following the main flow of traffic which will take you immediately to the right on to Gounari Street.
- Stay on the left side of this street, which leads to the port (seafront).
- Once reaching the port (at the end of Gounari) turn left and continue driving round the port (keeping the sea to your right). The Cruise Terminal is on the far left side of the port of Piraeus.
The train station in Piraeus is undergoing construction and is not currently in operation.
Piraeus can be reached by metro from the airport or stations in the
center of Athens.
Parking Info
OLP Parking on Akti Miaouli Street. Open 24 hrs. Tel: 011
30 210 4511880 for additional parking information.
The daily rate for 2007 is EUR 14.00.
Local Contacts
Holland America Line has hired Inchcape Shipping Services
as the local representative in Athens. Should you find
yourself needing assistance while you are in Athens,
please contact them via phone at 210-414-6600. They can
also assist you should you become separated from your
luggage.
Please note that this office cannot answer questions
related to reservations, shore excursions, or upgrades.
WHERE TO STAY BEFORE OR AFTER YOUR CRUISE VACATION:
Holland America Line will gladly make all the arrangements for your
Pre-cruise or Post-cruise stay in Athens. Please call 1-877-932-4259 to add a hotel stay. Guests who book their hotel stays through Holland America Line will enjoy extra special attention such as:
- An onsite Holland America Line representative will assist you in your stay; just visit them in the lobby.
- A welcome letter upon check-in letting you know about local life and how to make reservations for dinner, tours, and other Seattle must-see attractions.
- Leave transportation arrangements to us.
For Post-Cruise Guests we include transportation from the ship to the hotel and from the hotel to the airport.
In both cases, these transportation arrangements to/from the hotel and airport are for guests that have HAL Fly Cruise arrangements or that have purchased a transfer voucher for this and advised of their
flight information.
If you would like to book on your own may we suggest one of the following hotels:
The Atheneum Intercontinental Hotel - (011) 30-210-920-6000
Embarkation / Check-In
WHAT TO KNOW ABOUT CHECKING-IN:
Get to the Pier
Please arrive no earlier than 10:30AM.
The building will not be open before this time.
Check Your Luggage
Attach a Holland America Line Bag Tag to all pieces of
checked luggage. Upon arrival, staff will meet you and
give instructions regarding your baggage. Please show
your cruise ticket to the security personnel. Your bags
will be scanned and then loaded onboard and delivered to
your stateroom.
Check Your Documents
ONLINE CHECK-IN DOCUMENTATION
Guests who have completed the Online Check-In
requirements are only required to present the following:
- Proof of Citizenship
- Signature Preferred Boarding Pass
- Credit Enrollment Form along with the credit card you wish to use for onboard expenses.
- Holland America Line Health Questionnaire.
Guests who prefer to check-in at the Terminal will need to bring the following items:
- Cruise Ticket
- Handwritten Immigration Form
- Credit Enrollment Form, along with the credit card you wish to use for onboard expenses
- Proof of Citizenship
- Holland America Line Health Questionnaire
ONLINE CHECK IN
Step into the following check-in line:
- Signature Preferred
Check-In
Click here to complete Online Check-In and receive
your Signature Preferred Boarding Pass
Step into one of the following check-in lines:
- Penthouse and Deluxe Verandah Check-In
- Non-US / Non-Canadian Check-In.
- Standard Check-In
Board Your Ship
In Athens, embarkation starts at about 11:30am. An
announcement will be made once the embarkation process is
ready to start.
Terminal Features and Services
The Piraeus Cruise Terminal offers Holland America Line
guests a cafeteria style restaurant where light snacks
and beverages may be purchased. There are also souvenir
shops to browse prior to checking in. Public telephones
are available but phone cards are necessary for use.
Cards can be purchased at the cafeteria. The cruise
terminal is a wireless Internet hotspot.
Visa Requirements
Voyages leaving Athens will typically sail around the
Black Sea and the Mediterranean Sea. Some passports
require a Schengan visa in order to board. Please check
with the Consulate of every country you will visit during
the cruise (including port of embarkation/disembarkation)
for specific visa requirements. Be sure to provide the
complete itinerary of your voyage. Alternatively you may
contact a visa service agency in your country for
assistance. Please note if your itinerary departs and
re-enters countries which participate in the Schengen
Agreement, certain nationalities may be required to
obtain a Multiple Entry Schengen Visa. Those guests who
require a visa and do not obtain one will be denied
boarding.
WHAT TO KNOW ABOUT LEAVING YOUR SHIP:
Approximate Time of Disembarkation
In Athens, disembarkation typically starts at approximately 6:30AM and ends at 10AM.
Government Clearance
All Guests are subject to Customs and Immigration
scanning prior to disembarking the ship. Please keep your
passport and citizenship documents with you at all times.
All luggage is either laid down in the disembarkation hall by color/number order, or is taken to the airport and lined up for guests to claim prior to checking in with the airlines. Once you are invited to exit the ship please come and find your color/number group and claim your bags, or you will be directed to the buses and will claim your bags at the airport. There are a few porters and carts available. Please exit the building with all family members and luggage, once you leave you cannot re-enter.
The Porters are salaried employees and tipping is not required.
Your Transportation
Immediately outside the doors of the disembarkation hall you will be directed to the Holland America Line motorcoach transfers and taxis. If you have arranged a private pick up by friends, family or taxi please meet them farther down from the motorcoaches.
In many European cities, guests usually choose to take Holland America Line arranged transportation, as it is faster and there is little to no confusion.
There is also taxi service available to/from the ship's terminal.
Holland America Line offers transfers between Athens International (Eleftherios Venizelos) Airport, recommended Hotels and Ship's Terminal via motorcoach.
If you would like to book a transfer please call 1-877-SAILHAL and tell them you would like to add a transfer.
Depending on your air arrival time and date, special instructions have been included in your ticket book advising where to find your Holland America Line Guest Service Representative at the airport.
Distances
Athens(ATH) airport To Ship: 28 miles or about 45 mins by
vehicle.
Athens(ATH) airport To Downtown: 20 miles or about 40
mins
by vehicle.
Ship's Terminal to Downtown: 8 miles or about 20 mins by
vehicle.