Athens · SHORE EXCURSIONS
28 reviewed
This is the shortlist we would hand a friend: the 15 shore excursions tours worth booking, each with its price, its traveller verdict, and the one thing to know before you commit.
Hop-on hop-off buses connecting Syntagma, the Acropolis area, and Piraeus plus Riviera beaches, with 24–48 hr flex.
“Bus was nica and we didnt have to wait long. I would do a fidferwnt tour next time and see the parthenon”
Private Athens full-day tour with hotel or cruise pickup, A/C comfort, skip-the-line tickets handling, and a smart route through Athens’ icons.
“What a way to see the highlights of Athens! George did a great job of making sure we understood the significance of each location. When my sister became ill, he took us back to the hotel to rest and then continued our trip an hour or so later. Patient, kind, and great English made for a lovely day.”
Athens shore day Acropolis walking tour from Piraeus with expert guide, Parliament and Zeus views, Syntagma relics, and Plaka free time.
“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…”
Athens small-group shore food tour from Piraeus: Varvakeios market snacks, koulouri and loukoumades, Plaka time, and local guide-led walking.
“Our guide Artemis was outstanding-funny, knowledgable, perceptive. She took us to a wealth of hidden culinary gems, which , I would submit, very few people would stumble upon on their own. My only request would have been to spend some time in the sausage and cured meat store sampling some of their wares. I have been recommending this tour to everyone I had met on Holland America's Rotterdam cruise, if for no other reason than to be led around by one's "nose' to sample some of Athen's food treasures by a larger than life guide reminiscent of the lead actress in " My Big Fat Greek Wedding "! A raving…”
Private 8-hour Athens shore excursion from Piraeus with Acropolis sights, Acropolis Museum, Plaka, and guard ceremony—small group value.
“WOW! Be ready to walk, hike up stairs and lug water around. Despite the adventurous walking tour of Athens, it was wonderful. Our guide was very good and knew a lot of history. Lovely young lady who I cannot remember her name but she did very well and was very knowledgeable. This is a very nice tour if you have a short time in Athens. Covers a lot of historical places and sites. Just remember, wear comfortable shoes and bring water. The weather was very hot for this time of year so rethink your time of visit if you are flexible. The heat adds a lot of discomfort if you…”
A private 4-hour Athens shore excursion from Piraeus. Acropolis highlights, Plaka, guard ceremony, and Lycabettus views, with port pickup.
“The guide/driver was not pleasant. He did not advised of the tickets to the parks. We waisted our time and could not see the main park. We spend over 30 minutes inline to purchase the tickets and upon getting to the window the staff close the window. The driver was not very friendly not helpful. The tour company wanted to charger us $60 an hour additional to stay longer when we had booked 4 hrs shore excursion. This company did not even call me or text me by whatsapp. I was on a 9 days cruise and all other company call us and text us. Not happy with with company…”
From Piraeus to Acropolis highlights and the New Acropolis Museum in one guided 5.5-hour shore day, with transfers and skip-line options.
“Our driver, Geramismo and guide, Tina were great! Very organized and informative. G gave us lots of great Greek tips and info”
Piraeus all-inclusive Athens shore excursion with Acropolis tickets, Plaka free time, and the Changing of the Guards, small-group pace.
“Of course the Acropolis and ruins were amazing but our guide made them come to life. Hearing the history behind each temple and statues made our trip complete. Absolutely schedule this tour and our guide Nikolous!!!”
Private full-day Athens shore tour with Acropolis, Acropolis Museum, Lycabettus views, Ancient Agora, and easy pickup—comfort included.
“Excellent tour! Lazarus was an awesome driver. Constantine gave us well rounded historical as well as current information about the city.. they took us places we might have missed if taken other tours. Great experience!”
Private Athens shore tour with port pickup, guided Acropolis time-slot entry help, plus Syntagma Square, Panathenaic Stadium, and more. From $650 pp.
“We arrived to Athens from our cruise ship and met our tour guide at the port. She picked up our party of six and took us to see the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, the Olympic stadium which was used for the 1st modern Olympics in 1896. She then took us to see the Parthenon and two amphitheaters near the Acropolis. Amazing excursion with our guide who was very knowledgeable and spoke English very well. I highly recommend this tour and would do it again in a heartbeat.”
Half-day private Athens shore tour from Piraeus: Acropolis, Olympieion, Hadrian’s Gate, Stadium, Lycabettus, Evzones, museum.
“Our driver Takis was great! Picked us up right at the ship, and took us direclty to the acropolis. We were early, so only a small line. We walked up, explored, and came back down...you should have seen the line then! He met us right at the bottom of the hill, then drove us to the side entrance of the Acropolis Museum, allowing us to scan our tix into the ancient agora and to be the only people in there the while time! After we visited the museum, I wanted to see the old church in La Plaka and even though it wasn't really on the tour, and we were…”
A 4-hour Athens private shore excursion by luxury minibus with a pro guide, Acropolis focus, Zeus and Hadrian’s Arch, and 1896 Olympic stops.
“Our guide and driver were very nice and knowledgeable. They easily accommodated starting a few hours later due to the acropolis selling out before we could buy tickets the day before. They provided cold water. It was a great experience overall.”
Athens Segway shore excursion from Piraeus with a 4-hour small-group tour, beginner training, and easy sightseeing by the Acropolis.
“We had a wonderful time. They were careful about teaching us how to use the segways and even with crowded sidewalks we were able to get through and see so much. Tina was wonderful at telling us about what we were going by. I would recommend this tour for anyone. We took the metro to and from the ship and had no problems at all with it. The Segway people might want to send more detailed directions on how to find their place as we had to ask several people--but they were all very helpful.”
Private 8-hour Athens & Piraeus shore tour with Acropolis, Plaka, Changing of the Guards, Acropolis Museum, Olympieion, Lycabettus.
“Michael was excellent…he was knowledgeable and very accommodating. He showed up at designated times and provided a great tour experience.”
A private day linking Athens and Corinth’s Bible-era sites, with Acropolis icons, Paul’s stops, and a smart, comfortable coast-to-coast ride.
“Peter was awesome! Friendly, knowledgeable, flexible. Our family enjoyed chatting with him and hearing his perspective on history and Greek culture”
