derekinla

My wife and I are tentatively planning a mediterranean cruise vacation in June 2007 which includes a stop in Athens from 7:00 am to 5:00 pm. We are both young and ambitious and wish to see as much as reasonably possible with the limited time. Any suggestions as for a busy yet do-able itinerary? I am pretty sure I'd like to start with the parthenon first (? metro from Pireaus to Monastiraki and then walk up to the acropolois?) but not sure what else to see? Thanks!

brotherleelove2004

After visiting the Parthenon, you can take the metro from Monastiraki to Omonia or Victoria Stations and walk the rest of the way to the National Archaeological Museum.

Nikki

On your way down from the Acropolis, walk to the ancient agora.

The central market is also very interesting early in the morning. I might start the day there.

I spent several days in Athens as part of a trip to Greece two years ago. You might be interested in my trip report.

http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...p;tid=34589254

Photos:

http://www.kodakgallery.com/I.jsp?c=...&y=-b9k6sz

travelerjan

Forgive me for asking, but if you both are young, vigorous and eager to experience as much as possible of Greece -- why are you doing a cruise? Did you win it as a prize? Are you limited to 6 days? Do you like to dress up, and tip people all the time?

Be aware that your cruise itinerary may give you 8 hrs max on any island (and sometimes only 5), you'll be in the midst of an older crowd, you'll essentiallly just go on shore, take pix, eat lunch, buy something, and line up to go back on board to eat with the same people in the same room every night.... while the rest of us enjoy the sunset & stars from a different waterside cafe every evening.

Why not consider independent travel? In Greece in June, it's a snap. Lodging is plentiful (and SO cheap on many islands... 30-40E per double w. bath), the ferry system is great, if you plan it right Aegean air still has some bargain (45-50E per person) 1-hr tickets to your farthest island, and you can ferry-hop your way back..

If you decide to take the adventurous option, Greek "old hands" on this forum & others can give you many valuable tips... and planning your own trip can while away the winter doldrums. Just a thought!

Hania

If this is the first time to Athens and it sounds like it is, you may enjoy taking the walking tour of the Plaka area by Lonely Planet.

Carolina

I would start with the Acropolis, and the Archaeological Museum. The Cycladic Art Museum is also very good, I would bare it in mind if you like museums, especially as it is air conditioned and a welcome rest from the heat. Try to spend some time in the Plaka district - wandering, shopping, maybe lunch. The Agora district is easily reached from Plaka if you want to be even busier.
Carolena

derekinla

Thanks for the reply.... As for why we decided on a cruise... At first, we did not even consider a cruise but, a Travelzoo.com cruise deal /itinerary came up that was too good to pass up: Royal Caribbean 12 nights cruise for $1300 per person. The ports include Athens, Mykonos, Rhodes, Cyprus, Ephesus (Turkey), Rome, Naples, and Cairo (Egypt stop = 15 hour)!.... 8 ports, 5 countries… and the pyramids of Giza! I know that 8 hours can be tight but we are ambitious and walk fast… Thanks for all of the tips!!