Luxury Cruises to Piraeus (Athens), Greece

Cruise to the cradle of European civilization

You could spend a lifetime in Europe’s oldest city and still not see everything it has to offer. Settled over 3,500 years ago, Athens is like a mythological crossroads of the past and present, where modern buildings share the skyline with spectacular ruins like the Parthenon.

To see a veritable “greatest hits” line-up, make your way to Vasilissis Amalias Street for the archaeological walk. Winding through the heart of the ancient city, the route leads to landmarks like the Temple of Olympian Zeus, Ancient Agora, Arch of Hadrian, and of course, the Acropolis.

After all that archaeological digging, metaphorically speaking, you’re probably going to work up quite an appetite. So head to the Central Market for fresh fruit and veggies, nuts, olives, and Grecian cheese like feta, graviera, and aged kefalotyri. (Snacking is not a bad idea since Athenians usually don’t head out for dinner until at least 9:00 PM.)

And if you need a little extra pick-me-up to make it that late, have a frappe—a Greek creation of strong iced coffee with milk and sugar. Neighborhoods like Pangrati, Exarhia, and Petralona feature fantastic tavernas where you can rub elbows with the locals while dining on the sidewalk well into the wee hours of the night. Opa!