Athens and the Islands Short Break

We have arrived! We meet our local representative and transfer to our hotel.

Let’s enjoy the rest of the day at leisure. Settle in, relax, and get to know our surroundings.

Perhaps visit the National Archaeological Museum - a great way to spend the afternoon, delving into Ancient Greece’s treasures! Go for a stroll and stretch the legs, while becoming familiar with our surroundings.

Let’s discover Athens on our half day guided excursion. We step back in time to Ancient Athens and uncover the awe-inspiring Acropolis, an ancient citadel perched on a hilltop overlooking the city. This wonderful settlement is home to the Parthenon, a beautiful Doric temple, and the Erechtheion, a temple dedicated to Athena and the almighty Poseidon. Don’t forget to wear comfortable and sturdy shoes for walking around the ancient Acropolis!

Next, we uncover the Panathinaikos Stadium (from the outside), host to the first modern Olympic Games and the only stadium in the world that is built entirely of marble!

The rest of our day is free to discover more of this historic city. Take time out to visit the House of Parliament in Syntagma Square and see the hourly changing of the guards (arrive early for the best view); savour some Greek delicacies while sitting in a café watching the world go by. Our expert guide will be happy to recommend places of interest to see and visit before we return to the hotel.

We begin our day with an early start from the hotel to the port. All aboard as we embark on our full day cruise of the three beautiful islands in the Saronic Gulf; Hydra, Poros and Aegina.

Our guide will help us become acquainted with the ship and give information regarding the programme for the day, including details of the optional activities that can book while on the cruise (not included). Lunch is included today.

Hydra

Hydra, with its close proximity to Athens, is a very popular weekend destination. The harbour boasts traditional stone houses and mansions surrounded by crystal clear waters. Motor vehicles are prohibited on the small island; traversing the narrow stone-paved streets, is on foot or by traditional "vehicle"; the saddled donkey. We have some free time to explore the streets, and soak up the atmosphere.

Hydra has also been acclaimed as where Leonard Cohen spent some of his years. He fell in love with the island and bought a home there, that the family still owns today.

Poros

Poros, the smallest of the three islands that we will visit, has the benefit of the narrow strait, offering a most enchanting view of the town of Poros as we cruise into dock. We spend a short amount of time here, exploring the shops; or for the energetic, take a quick walk up to the clock tower (pending where we dock) for views over the harbour. 

Aegina

Aegina, the largest of the three islands, and most popular get away from Athens, located in the heart of the Saronic Gulf with many archaeological monuments, picturesque villages, and beautiful beaches. It is also famed for one of the most important Greek Orthodox churches, Holy Church of Saint Nectarios. Thousands of people flock here from all over the world in November, to visit the tomb of Agios Nektarios to ask for his blessings. Aegina is also home to the temple of Aphaia. 

Spend some free time enjoying the cafes and shops and of course some tasty Pistachio ice-cream, before heading back to Athens.

Arrive back late in the evening.

With a full day for exploration and relaxation, start the day with a trip to the Acropolis Museum before the crowds arrive. Savour a strong Greek coffee from the museum balcony, admiring the Acropolis in the background.

Do a spot of shopping in the Plaka district or Monastiraki with its many touristic shops. Check out the pavement cafes, archaeological sites,  and churches. Relish a typical Greek lunch at an atmospheric taverna.

There is so much to discover in this fascinating and historic city, with numerous museums and ancient sites.

A perfect way to end the day is with a delicious meal watching the sun set over the Acropolis from a roof top restaurant, savouring the raw beauty of Athens.

We say farewell to Athens and all its ancient treasures as we depart from our hotel to Athens Airport for our flight home, with assistance.