My daughter and I will be arriving in Athens at 9am. We reserved a ferry from Piraeus at 5pm. I could really use some help planning what to do during those hours. Is it realistic to see some of Athens in this timeframe? Where can I leave luggage? And then how much time to I need to get back to the airport to pick up the luggage and head to Piraeus port. Since I need to pick up the ferry tickets from the central office of the ferry company, I'm not sure how long it will take for me to get my act together in Piraeus I'm sure others have had layovers of the same sort - would love some advice or an "idiots 8 hour itinerary".

Suggest you go from the airport to Monastiraki metro station in Plaka, where there are lockers for luggage, or use Pacific Travel's central Athens office which also has luggage storage. That way you won't have to go back to the airport. You can ask for directions to the central office at Pacific Travel's airport facility, just outside the Arrival's exit.

The metro takes 45 minutes from the airport to Monastiraki. Once there you are in the Plaka area, where you can walk around or go the Acropolis. Monastiraki is also a stop for the metro to Piraeus, but it may be a good idea to take a taxi instead. I would aim to be in Piraeus about an hour before ferry departure. Once you have your tickets you can walk straight on board — there are no check-in formalities as with the airlines. Pickpockets are often present in and around the metro, so be careful with your belongings.

Pacific Travel is a good option, since i don't think there will be lockers available at the metro station ( there are only a few lockers there)

As Heimdall said be aware of pickpockets , a few months ago 30 persons were arrested for pickpocketing.... all of them foreigners that had come to Greece to do exactly that.... they were even co operating....

Sounds like great advice! Thank you!

If you want to use Pacific Travel's city branch you will have to get off the metro at Syntagma Square. Here is the company's website (click on 'location' for the map): http://www.pacifictravel.gr/aboutus.html

If you want to get some ideas about what to do during your 8 hours in Athens, have a look at :

https://www.facebook.com/cityofathens