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As I climbed to the summit of the Acropolis with numerous other first-time visitors, I had the opportunity to engage in conversations with people regarding their travels. Many were in Athens to embark on a Mediterranean cruise. I inquired about the duration of their stay in Athens, and the predominant response was “one day.”

Most confidently stated that they had arranged for an additional day to explore Athens, with their primary activity being to ascend the Acropolis to see the Parthenon. I questioned them about their plans for museums and other attractions. A few mentioned their intention to visit the Acropolis Museum, which I believe many mistakenly thought was the National Archaeological Museum.

Nevertheless, the only other activity they seemed to have planned was souvenir shopping in the Plaka, a district adjacent to the Acropolis, renowned for its sidewalk cafes and vibrant shops. I couldn’t help but wonder, didn’t they know that “Athens is so much more than the Acropolis!”

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Photo‑Op Travel?

Generally, I refrain from judging how and why individuals choose to travel. I encourage everyone I know to venture out and explore the world, engage with people from diverse backgrounds, and broaden their understanding of various cultures. Travel is one of my most fulfilling investments of time and resources.

Each journey I undertake enhances my understanding of the world and deepens my appreciation for how people lead their lives. I recognize that numerous travelers visit destinations in Europe and around the globe to experience famous attractions. Additionally, I am aware that many individuals today consider capturing a photo at a location popularized by social media influencers as the pinnacle of their travel experience.

What I find peculiar, however, is the significant number of people who journey from all corners of the globe to visit a single famous site, yet do not take the opportunity to explore nearby attractions. To me, this is an inefficient use of the time and money invested in reaching a destination. From my perspective, if you are going to spend a considerable amount of money to travel to Athens for a Mediterranean cruise, why limit yourself to merely adding an extra day to visit the Acropolis and purchase a few souvenirs?

Why not fully embrace the opportunity to enjoy both the sights in Athens and the cruise experience?

Limited‑Time Mindset

I do not doubt that numerous travelers have limited time and resources, which hinder them from experiencing all that they desire. However, during my informal survey of the tourists I encountered on my visit to the Acropolis, I discovered that a significant majority regarded the Acropolis as the sole noteworthy attraction in Athens. This was the only site they truly wished to visit.

It appeared to me that witnessing the Parthenon was a big item they aimed to check off on their bucket list, so they could proclaim, “Been there, done that!”

Trip Opportunity

Greece has been a destination I have yearned to visit for many years. The chance for my inaugural trip to Athens arose unexpectedly. My wife was invited to participate in a series of business meetings in Athens and Thessaloniki.

She proposed that I accompany her so I could explore Athens while she attended to her work commitments. I eagerly accepted the opportunity, despite having only a couple of weeks to prepare for my visit. I was gifted 3 1/2 days in Athens and 2 days in Thessaloniki.

Crafting the Plan

I was resolute in my desire to see as much as possible, so I devised a plan that dedicated two full days to exploring Athens and one full day to a trip to Delphi. My wife was available on the weekend, but we had a flight scheduled to Thessaloniki in the early evening. For that travel day, I arranged a small-group tour around Athens, which included a visit to the Acropolis, allowing her to experience many of the city’s significant sites.

My plan enabled me to see nearly every major site I had studied during my school years. It would also afford me some time for personal exploration. What a plan!

Day 1: Arrival and Acropolis

On my first complete morning in Athens, I arranged a 10 am guided tour of the Acropolis, in addition to a guided tour of the Acropolis Museum. My motivation for opting for a guided tour was to obtain entrance tickets for both the Acropolis and the Museum, as well as to be accompanied by a knowledgeable local guide. Regularly priced morning entrance tickets for these highly sought-after locations had sold out weeks before my arrival.

My only option was to seek out a tour company or a second-party “Skip the Line” broker. Pleasantly, the walk from my hotel to our meeting point outside the Acropolis Museum also took me past the Panathenaic Stadium, the Temple of Olympian Zeus, and Hadrian’s Arch. I took a few brief moments to appreciate and capture a few photographs of each of these sites.

Acropolis Tour

I gathered with a small group of approximately 20 tourists at the metro station outside the Acropolis Museum. Our guide, Frosso, provided a brief introduction. We all immediately appreciated her approach, as she skillfully blended a wealth of history with humor and captivating anecdotes.

 

We leisurely made our way along the path leading to the Acropolis, where we observed the Theatre of Dionysus, the Sanctuary of Asclepios, the Sanctuary of Dionysus Eleuthereus, and the Odeon of Herodes Atticus. The narratives were captivating, and no one appeared to notice that we were steadily ascending towards the Acropolis. Upon reaching the Propylaia, the grand entrance to the Acropolis, the area quickly became bustling with visitors.

 Nevertheless, we successfully navigated through as a group and arrived at the path that led up to the Parthenon.

 

Experiencing the Parthenon

The experience was magical, and I could hardly believe that I had finally arrived. I managed to overlook the less-than-ideal lighting for photography and the relatively large crowd. Our guide reassured us that the crowd size was nothing in comparison to the summer months.

 

We enjoyed a wonderful tour with plenty of opportunities to capture photographs of the Erechtheion, Parthenon, and the viewing platform displaying the flag of Greece. In total, we spent about two hours exploring and taking in all the sights. At the conclusion of the tour, I was surprised to find that only four other participants and I chose to continue our visit to the Acropolis Museum.

Most were looking forward to acclimatizing themselves after lengthy flights. Their primary focus was to enhance their enjoyment of their upcoming cruise.

Exploring Plaka and Beyond

The tour of the Acropolis Museum was exceptional, and I felt I had experienced a truly remarkable morning. It was an extraordinary experience to stand so near to the actual Caryatids, female figures that serve as columns to support the porch of the Erechtheion. To unwind after the two tours, I treated myself to some dessert and a drink at the Museum café.

My only plans for the rest of the day were to explore the Plaka and the hilly area of Anafiotika, a charming neighborhood located beneath the Acropolis, famous for its white-walled houses decorated with colorful flowers. However, as I reflected on my plans, I realized that I had sufficient time to visit the Ancient Agora of Athens. I navigated through parts of the Plaka and most of Monastiraki, a lively shopping and eating area, to reach the Agora.

Upon my arrival at the site, I observed that entry required timed tickets, so I used my phone to purchase one online. This allowed me to skip the line and enter directly. I then downloaded a free audio guide for the Ancient Agora of Athens, which I used to provide myself with an hour-long guided tour of the area.

Ancient Agora

At the Agora, I dedicated some time to exploring the museum situated in the reconstructed Stoa of Attalos and identifying all the significant sites referenced in the audio tour. I thoroughly enjoyed envisioning the appearance of the agora and appreciating the vistas of the Acropolis and Areopagus Hill, which is often called Mars Hill in Biblical texts. The highlight of my visit to the Agora was the Temple of Hephaestus.

Interestingly, several members of my previous Acropolis tour, upon entering the Acropolis, observed this temple from above and expressed a desire to visit it as well, although most did not have the time. Here I was, just a few hours later, learning about the structure from my audio podcast guide.

Evening Sightseeing

After visiting the Ancient Agora of Athens, I also had the opportunity to explore the nearby Roman Agora, which included the Library of Hadrian and the Tower of the Winds, a 12-meter-tall octagonal structure that originally contained an ancient water clock. From this location, it was a brief walk to Monastiraki Square, renowned for its numerous restaurants, lively atmosphere, and bustling flea market.

My day did not conclude there. As I made my way back to my hotel, I passed through Syntagma Square and was fortunate enough to witness the 6 pm Changing of the Guard ceremony in front of the President’s Palace. The Changing of the Guard occurs every hour, but various ceremonial aspects are showcased at different times throughout the day.

I was able to experience a ceremony that lasted approximately seven minutes and featured many dramatic high-stepping movements. By dedicating just a few additional hours to a walking tour of Athens, I was able to visit the Acropolis Museum, the Plaka, Anafiotika, the Ancient Agora of Athens, the Roman Agora of Athens, the Temple of Hephaestus, Hadrian’s Library, Monastiraki Square, Syntagma Square, and the Changing of the Guard.

Day 2: Delphi Day Trip

On my second day in Athens, I chose to embark on a full-day tour of the mystical site of Delphi. Having read numerous accounts of Delphi during my studies on Greek and Roman civilizations, I determined early on that I would make this day trip from Athens. In ancient Greece, Delphi served as a renowned religious sanctuary dedicated to the deity Apollo.

Pilgrims undertook extensive journeys to seek guidance from its renowned oracle and priestess, the Pythia. The sanctuary is situated on the steep incline of Mount Parnassus and includes a museum, the ruins of temples, a theater, a stadium, and various other structures. The ancient Greeks regarded Delphi as the center of the world and traveled there to consult the prophecies prior to significant endeavors.

Visiting Delphi

My tour began at 9 am when our bus left Syntagma Square and traveled into the countryside, ultimately reaching the coastal mountains to the northwest of Athens. Our only stop along the way was the modern ski town of Arachova, where we got off at a scenic overlook and explored the city center to take photographs at a bell tower. By late morning, we arrived at the archaeological site and commenced our visit with a tour of the museum.

Our guide provided an extensive walking tour of both the museum and the archaeological site. Since Delphi was built on the steep incline of a hill, considerable uphill walking was required to fully appreciate all the important features. The main pathway at Delphi, which leads visitors from the entrance of the archaeological site to the Temple of Apollo, is referred to as the Sacred Way.

In ancient times, this historic pathway was adorned with treasuries, statues, and votive monuments, all designed to create a grand approach to the sanctuary. The Sacred Way continued beyond the sanctuary to the Theatre of Delphi and the Stadium situated further up the hill.

Delphi’s Sacred Way

Much of ancient Delphi has suffered damage from earthquakes and looting over the years. The foundations and reconstructions assisted me in visualizing the site, although it required some imagination on my part to fully appreciate the grandeur of the complex at its height. Nevertheless, standing on the hillside, it was easy to envision the monumental and mystical journey this must have represented for ancient travelers.

For most of our visit, the sky was clear, enabling us to see the sea where many ancient visitors arrived on their quest to consult the oracle. Eventually, rain approached quickly and limited our free time, leading us to head to the modern town of Delphi for a late lunch. Exhausted yet exhilarated by a day filled with discovery, our group returned to Athens by dinner time.

Day 3: Museums and Mount Lycabettus

On my third day in Athens, I departed early to visit the National Archaeological Museum of Athens. My objective was to experience as much as I could before the influx of visitors. I found it quite easy to purchase an admission ticket at the entrance.

Once again, I downloaded a complimentary hour-long online audio tour of the museum from the Internet. The tour effectively guided me through all the significant exhibits, and since I took photographs and perused some of the displays, I ended up spending nearly two hours in the museum. I was pleased to have arrived early, as the main central hall, which contains the renowned death mask of Agamemnon, soon became crowded with individuals participating in group-guided tours.

The competition for space in the entry hall was intense, yet the majority of the museum remained relatively empty. Additionally, I took the opportunity to relax in the cafeteria situated around an open courtyard on the museum’s lower level.

National Gardens Stroll

Given that it was still morning and the weather was relatively cool, I opted to walk to Mount Lycabettus to take in the views of the Acropolis and the city. I planned to reach the summit on foot, but as I approached the base of the hill, the path became steep and the sidewalks transformed into stairways. Consequently, I chose to locate the funicular that would transport me to the top, allowing me to bypass the steepest section of the hill.

It was a wonderful experience, and upon reaching the summit, I made my way to the highest viewing platform, which also housed a small Orthodox church. The viewing area was not overly crowded, enabling me to capture numerous photographs and engage in conversation with other visitors. I spent an hour at the summit before ultimately taking the funicular back to the base station.

After relaxing with a noon-time gelato, I proceeded to the National Gardens located directly behind the Greek Parliament building. These English-style gardens were established in 1839 and showcase some ancient ruins, column drums, Corinthian capitals, mosaics, and busts of two Greek poets. My stroll through the garden was tranquil, although many of the flowers had not yet reached their full bloom, and the tulips were nearing the end of their early spring flowering period.

I contemplated visiting the Athens War Museum since it was on my route back to the hotel, but I ultimately decided to postpone it for another occasion.

Saturday Tour Highlights

The Saturday morning excursion with my wife proved to be equally fulfilling. Commencing at 9 am, we journeyed with a small group to revisit the Acropolis, where we admired the Parthenon, Erechtheion, and the observation platform displaying the flag of Greece. Unfortunately, our guided tour was marred by audio difficulties and lacked the engaging quality of the one I experienced three days earlier.

Having recently visited the site, I drew on my experience to help us explore everything efficiently and capture numerous photographs. Subsequently, we explored the Ancient Agora of Athens, the Roman Agora, and Monastiraki Square.

Neoclassical Landmarks

We also paused for photographs at three neoclassical edifices: the Academy of Athens, the University of Athens, and the National Library of Greece (Vallianeio Megaron), commonly referred to as the “Athenian Trilogy.” These iconic buildings, designed by Theophil Hansen, were completed in the late 19th century and are celebrated for their neoclassical architecture and historical importance. I believe that viewing these structures helped me to imagine what ancient Athens might have looked like in its glory days.

This was followed by a visit to the Temple of Olympian Zeus and the Panathenaic Stadium. We concluded our tour with a stop at Syntagma Square to witness the 1 pm Changing of the Guard ceremony. All of this was accomplished within 4 hours, and we still had the opportunity to stroll back to Monastiraki Square, the Anafiotika, and the Plaka for some lunch and serious souvenir shopping before we had to leave for our flight.

Reflections on Athens

While we managed to discover a significant portion of Athens in just one day, I would strongly suggest allocating several days to truly appreciate the depth of its ancient treasures and to immerse oneself in the culture of modern Greek urban life. Athens is more than a one-attraction city; there is also a rich culture worth experiencing and savoring. Despite my days being filled with exploration and sightseeing, I took the time to unwind in the evenings with my wife at different outdoor restaurants, relishing Greek cuisine and engaging in conversations with fellow travelers and local inhabitants.

Beyond Athens: Future Day Trips

Ultimately, we had to proceed to Thessaloniki for further adventures. Had I possessed additional days in Athens, I would have embarked on a day trip to the Corinth Canal, Mycenae, Nafplio, and Epidaurus. Furthermore, I would have opted for a half-day excursion to the Temple of Poseidon and Cape Sounion.

Additionally, I would contemplate a lengthy day trip to Ancient Olympia and Sparta. Despite being a long journey, I would certainly consider the 14-hour day trip to Meteora from Athens. I reference Meteora because I managed to visit it on a 10-hour day trip from Thessaloniki.

Meteora Experience

Among all my memories of Athens, my initial climb to the Acropolis stands out as the highlight, while my journey to Meteora ranks as my second most unforgettable experience. Meteora is essentially a rock formation situated in northwestern Greece. It lies between the town of Kalabaka and the village of Kastraki at the northwestern boundary of the Plain of Thessaly.

Meteora is renowned for being the site where a series of Eastern Orthodox monasteries were precariously constructed atop several rock formations. At one point, 24 monasteries were operational in the area, but currently, only six remain. Five of these are managed by monks, while the sixth is run by a community of nuns. All monasteries welcome visitors on various days throughout the week. Typically, on any given day, tourists can explore at least three of them.

Meteora Logistics

My day trip from Thessaloniki to Meteora lasted approximately 3 hours by bus each way to reach the area where the monasteries are situated. One of the additional advantages of the journey from Thessaloniki was that we passed by Mount Olympus, the tallest mountain in Greece and the legendary home of the Ancient Greek gods. Near Meteora, we made a stop at a picturesque overlook for photographs and visited three distinct monasteries.

On the day of my visit, I explored Varlaam Monastery, Rousanou Monastery, and the Monastery of Holy Trinity (often referred to as the James Bond Monastery due to its use as a filming location in the movie ‘For Your Eyes Only’). Subsequently, our bus tour also included a late lunch featuring traditional Greek cuisine at a restaurant in Kalabaka.

Monastery Exploration

Visiting the monasteries required navigating numerous steps. I was astonished at how close the buses could approach, but the final climb to the top necessitated considerable stair climbing. Each monastery included a Christian Orthodox church, a viewing platform, and various artifacts related to the monastery throughout the years.

Some also housed museums. The sections of the monasteries where the monks resided were off-limits to tourists. It appeared to me that most of the public areas of the monastery and the gift shops were operated by volunteers.

Leaving Lasting Impressions

Ascending to the monasteries and taking in the breathtaking landscape of Meteora was thrilling! Each location exceeded the last in terms of experience. It was remarkable to observe how these monasteries were ingeniously constructed atop the towering rock formations.

All the monasteries were stunning to admire and architecturally featured a series of Byzantine, Athonite, Ottomon, and even Western influences. The overall experience was unforgettable and invigorating. I greatly appreciated this adventure and only wished that our tour had allowed for more time to discover the region.

Final Thoughts

Sometime in a future journey to Europe, you may find yourself taking either a Mediterranean cruise or a cruise of the Greek Isles. These are exciting opportunities to see one of the most beautiful and ancient areas of the world. You may likely start or end your cruise in Athens.

If you do, consider devoting some days to exploring all the history and culture that Athens has to offer. With careful planning, you can accomplish an amazing amount of exploration and culture in two or three days. You will be richly rewarded with memorable experiences and you too will be able to understand why Athens is truly “much more than the Acropolis.