? regarding Athens

[whatcruiseisnext]

Does anyone know if Princess has a shuttle into Athens from the cruiseport? If not, what is the cost of a taxi from the cruiseport to the Acropolis area?

[Pam in CA]

Does anyone know if Princess has a shuttle into Athens from the cruiseport? If not, what is the cost of a taxi from the cruiseport to the Acropolis area?

Don't know about the shuttle but we've used Takis Kandylas (takis-kandylas@hotmail.com) several times. He's absolutely terrific and will give you an incredible tour of Athens. We recommended him to friends of ours who just returned from Athens and they couldn't say enough about him. I believe his rate for an all-day tour is $200 and he can take four people in his Mercedes. His English is excellent and he really knows his stuff. Plus, he'll take you to an out-of-the-way Greek restaurant that's very inexpensive and delicious for lunch. :) Send him an email and he'll send you a document with his tours and rates.

[cruisemom42]

I also don't know about the shuttle, but a taxi from the port to the Acropolis will probably run $20-$25. (It should actually be more like $15, which is what the usual charge in the opposite direction is, but they have a captive audience.....)

 

Be sure to agree on a price before you get in the cab. ;)

 

Athens is one place where there is little need for a car and driver. Most of the sites are located in a small, historic area that is mostly pedestrian anyway, and there are any number of good Greek tavernas and restaurants in the Plaka (more touristy) and elsewhere.

 

You can also take the metro into Athens from Piraeus, though it's a bit of a walk to the metro station. If you are interested in this option, have a look on the Ports of Call board where there is detailed info on getting from Piraeus to Athens.

[waterbug1]

Princess does offer a shore excursion called Athens on Your Own. It is priced at $39 per adult. Here is part of the description from the website:

 

Your motorcoach will depart from the port and after a brief orientation tour will drop you off in central Athens at Syntagma Square near the traditional shopping district of the Plaka. From here, you will be able to explore Athens at your leisure for about six hours. Please bear in mind that this time will be non-guided and does not include entrance fees or lunch.