Athens History and Culture Pre-Voyage Extension

Explore Athens and Cape Sounion

Venture into the heart of the Ancient Greek world on a pre-voyage extension that takes you from the storied city of Athens to Cape Sounion, famed for the tragic myth of King Aegeus. Discover the Acropolis and its museum of ancient artifacts, visit the “Panathenian,” the site of the first modern Olympic Games, and take in jaw-dropping vistas at the Temple of Poseidon, one of the major monuments of the Golden Age of Athens.

Day 1 - Athens, Greece

After arriving in Athens, we make our way to the Athens Capital Center Hotel, located in the shadow of the Acropolis, and have lunch. In the afternoon, we visit the new Acropolis Museum which displays some of the finest sculptures and other art of Ancient Greece. Enjoy cocktails and hors d’oeuvres on the hotel’s rooftop this evening and meet your fellow passengers. Dinner is on your own in one of Athens's numerous restaurants. (L)

Day 2 - Acropolis / Panathenian

Our morning is devoted to the Acropolis, the spiritual heart of Athens and much of the ancient world. This incredibly rich site not only houses the Parthenon, which was built in 438 B.C., but also a host of monuments from both earlier and later in the city’s prolific history. On a city tour, you will see the Ancient Agora, the Temple of Zeus, the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, and the “Panathenian” Olympic Stadium, where the first modern Olympic Games were held in 1896. Enjoy lunch and a cooking class in a traditional taverna at the foot of the Acropolis, followed by a walking tour of the Plaka, the old area of Athens. (B,L,D)

Day 3 - Temple of Poseidon / Cape Sounion / Embark Ship

This morning, we travel to the Temple of Poseidon, perched at the edge of windswept Cape Sounion with stunning views of the Aegean Sea. Begin your journey to the Cape with a leisurely drive down the Saronic coast, past the beaches of Glyfada, Vouliagmeni, and Varkiza. As you approach Cape Sounion, it rises like a sheer cliff out of the sea. The beauty of the surviving Doric columns has inspired many poets, including Lord Byron, who even carved his name on one of them. Enjoy lunch and a tasting at a winery before embarking National Geographic Orion. (B,L)

Please note: A minimum of 10 guests is required to operate this extension.

Costs & What's Included

Occupancy

Cost per person 2025

Double Occupancy

$1,990

Single Occupancy

$2,360

Cost Includes:

Airport arrival transfer if traveling on the recommended flight; accommodations as shown in the itinerary, or similar; meals as shown in the itinerary; local guides on all excursions; tips to local guides, to porters and to waiters for included meals.