Our cruise ship will dock in Olympia in early June from 11-5. We are in Athens from 7-5. We have never been either place before. What would recommend as an approach to getting a first taste of each location?
Posted by
atlanta
186 posts
I would bee line it to the Acropolis as soon as you arrive in Athens. Then visit the outstanding Acropolis Museum which is adjacent to the site. From there, you can walk down and eat lunch and shop in Plaka until it is time to return to your ship. A little touristy, but if you have never been, this would be the best use of your time and you will see some beautiful archeological sites. Lots of taxis available from Plaka as well.
Posted by
Nanaimo, BC, Canada
1444 posts
For Olympia you might want to take a ships excursion as it will include transfers to the site. I suspect you can DIY it and just take a taxi to the site.
For Athens, indeed get to the Acropolis as fast as you can. It will get crowded after 10 when the tour buses arrive. Interesting sidebar we had a great deal of difficulty getting a taxi from the cruise ship port to the acropolis. There were lots of taxi's around but all they were interested in was a full day tour. You might want to pre book a taxi or private transfer before you arrive. You can also have the option of the hop on hop off bus. It has a pick up right at the port and certainly goes to the Acropolis but I do not know how early it can get you there.
We had a very good experience with City Cab with an early morning pick up if you are looking for a private transfer. citycab dot gr
Strategy for the day Acropolis first thing. You should have it relatively uncrowded until about 10. Then leave as the crowds arrive. Walk down the the Plaka area and see some of the sites there. The Ancient Agora would be my first choice. Its large and will not be crowded. When you are finished there it will be around lunch time so find a taverna and spend some time recharging. The are several good smaller sites in this area and the Acropolis multi site pass will get you into them. Be sure to head back up toward the acropolis and see the new Acropolis museum.
As mentioned you won't have any problem getting a taxi back to the port from the acropolis or the Plaka.
Here is what you will be seeing.
Athens http://www.flickr.com/photos/stanbr54/sets/72157632121475515/
Posted by
OP
Kansas City
9 posts
Thanks to both of you. This is invaluable help.