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Staying in Athens 3 days before a cruise

Hi everyone!

We will be staying in Athens for 3 days before boarding a cruise ship. This is our first time in Greece. We’re arriving Friday morning and boarding our ship on Monday.

We usually enjoy wandering on our own, but I thought a local guide for Friday or Saturday would be great idea. It seems most of Rick Steve’s guides are for full tours rather than a single day…

I’m looking for advice on a local guide as well as the best place to stay for the three nights.

Anny advice is welcomed!

Thanks very much!

Posted by
4573 posts

I’m going to follow this thread cause we will be doing the opposite - ending a cruise in Athens.

Posted by
2895 posts

Since you didn't mention what kind of tour you'd like to do with a local guide, here are some suggestions:

https://www.alternativeathens.com/

https://www.athenswalkingtours.gr/

https://www.thisisathens.org/withalocal/locals

Note that only licensed guides can accompany and guide you in museums or archaeological sites. You'll find a list with contact information below: (sorted with those for Athens)

https://www.tourist-guides.gr/guides/list-of-licensed-tourist-guides/?bla=&q=Attica

The most convenient area for visiting Athens is Plaka and its surroundings. But by moving a little further away from this area, you'll have other excellent options with fewer tourist crowds while still being within walking distance of the main sites.

If you're used to exploring cities on your own, Athens is ideally suited to this approach. While a guide is helpful for archaeological sites, you can avoid walking tours or food tours and explore on your own with a map and a little research beforehand.

Here's a map of central Athens and its main attractions:

https://www.google.com/maps/d/edit?mid=1OhGNGU1LUEgwFTul8u4YEe_tijF8Hqs&usp=sharing