traveler2005

We are considering taking the ship's excursion into Athens and then returning back to the ship (RCCL) on our own.

What would be the best way to get back? Taxi or Metro? Also how much time should we allow? Would anyone know the approximate cost for a taxi?

Debbie

April

I can't remember what the taxi fare was, but it can be whatever the driver decides to charge, which on our return trip was 2-5 times the proper rate. I would take the train, which is much cheaper. We were staying in the Plaka and got off at the Monastiraki stop.

traveler2005

Thanks April.

Debbie

carylspall

Easier to take a taxi Debbie. I know the train is cheaper, but you'll spend time figuring out where the station is and how to get tickets etc.Plus you'll have to walk to the ship (20 mins from station) The taxi from Port to city tries to rip you off, but Athens to Piraeus is OK -just make sure the meter is running. We did this a couple of years ago. We're in Piraeus in November and will take a taxi again just to save our precious time.
Have you looked on cruisecritic.com ?

April

If you do take a taxi within daytime and evening hours, make sure a little 2 isn't showing in the meter window.

traveler2005

I've looked on cruise critic, but haven't seen this discussed. There is a LOT of information there.

What does the 2 mean??

Debbie

April

Tariff 2 means the price is about doubled, which it will be during very early hours or out of city limits. Normally you should see a 1 in the meter window.

patmike

We just returned from a cruise with a day spent in Athens. We were fortunate to find another couple on CruiseCritic.com who were interested in a private tour of Athens. We had a marvelous tour - [email protected] -provided us with a Mercedes mini-bus and driver for the day. (We were originally scheduled for a Mercedes Sedan but we added two more to our group so they gave us a 15 passenger mini-bus for the six of us!) Saw the Acropolis, Parthenon, original Olympic stadium, Parliment, Presidential palace with the marching uniformed guards, tomb of the Unknown soldier, the ruins in the subway, the Plaka, Hadrian's arch, Temple of Zeus, and had a nice lunch at a restaurant near the Plaka (lunch not included). At the end of the day George took us to the highest point overlooking Athens - breaktaking finish to a wonderful day!!! We could have never done this on our own - Athens is an enormous city with lots and lots of traffic.

traveler2005

Thanks for the tips.

Debbie

xpi6tiva

I'm Greek and speak Greek fluently. I thought taking the metro would be fun (and cheap). First of all, it wasn't easy finding the stations. Lucky for us, Athenians are friendly.

We did a lot of walking that day... and at the end we were exhausted, nearly crawling back to the ship. I know it may be more expensive, but I would recommend taking a taxi back to port.

traveler2005

That is very pertinent advice - since I don't speak Greek at all and the few phrases that I hope to be able to handle are only surface phrases.

Debbie

April

We don't speak Greek but didn't have too much trouble finding the stations. My husband is very good about asking for directions! However, I think the tour Patmike mentions sounds really good. I would definitely look into that.