Update 2: A visit to Athens, historic capital of Europe

Our Mediterranean cruise began on Sunday April 18 and gave us the pleasure of seeing some of the highlights of the ancient and glorious city of Athens.

Before describing some of what we saw and experienced, it may be helpful for me to recap a bit of how the cruise excursions are designed. It basically is the same as what we experienced on our river cruise in Europe several years and and on our South Pacific cruise in 2024 and Southeast Asia cruise last year.

Viking offers two main options to view the ports that we visit. In general, the ship spends a full day in a port where passengers may register for an included tour that is covered in the cost of the cruise or to book an optional excursion for additional cost. Of course, you can choose neither and opt to take a private tour by one of many tour operators in the city.

This means that through the included tour you get an overview of the area that may take three or four hours. This may be a walking tour, a coach tour or a combination. Included tours are close to the city and do not explore distant attractions or some popular spots you may like to see.

The optional tour is usually much more detailed and could include in-depth exploration and maybe some meals and drinks.

In the upcoming reports, we will share the overview from the included tours and one optional tour. In the case of Mediterranean attractions, even the overview can be a full experience. In the five countries we visit, there will be 10 ports, each bursting with beauty in physical attractions, food, drinks, entertainment, amazing architecture and historic sites.

Stay tuned and join us on our adventure for the next week or so.

After arriving in Athens late Saturday, we were able to settle in and become acquainted with our temporary home. Because Viking’s Ocean ships are almost identical, we were already familiar with the ship’s layout, facilities and services.

We were quite anxious and excited to join our first excursion namely a Glimpse of Athens, Greece’s Capital and the historical capital of Europe.

Upon arrival in Athens, we docked at the port of Piraeus before travelling by shuttle into ancient Athens. The drive offered us a glimpse of the city’s skyline dominated by hillside colorful neighborhoods, bustling markets, and hilltop views.

We connected with our party and enjoyed a pleasant and elegant dinner on the ship followed by a concert by local Greek singers in the Star Theatre.

Brad, Trish, Mamin, Cintra, Polly, Moses

After breakfast this morning we joined our assigned tier group for Panoramic Tour of Athens and visit to the National Archeological Museum.

The coach ride to gave us a chance to pass the small harbor of Zea, the elegant promenade at Mikrolimano, centre of historic Athens, the Hellenic Parliament and Syntagma (Constitution) Square, and had a glimpse of the distinctively uniformed Presidential Guard, or “Evzones,” at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.

The main feature of our tour was a visit to the National Archaeological Museum with its vast array of exhibits depicting Greek civilization from the beginnings of prehistory to Late Antiquity.

We not only saw fascinating exhibits, but were treated to interesting explanation of the stories behind some of the iconic statues, reliefs, and archeological treasures that are preserved in the museum.