Shore Excursions Group
Private Glorious Byzantine Athens
Long regarded the birthplace of Western civilization, Athens was also an important center of Orthodox Christianity. Spend 4.5 hours exploring Athens’ Byzantine era when your professionally trained and licensed guide picks you up at the pier for a journey to the center of Athens, Syntagma Square, and the 11th to 12th-century Byzantine era.
Upon arrival you will make your way to Cathedral Square to admire the 12th-century ancient cathedral decorated with a 4th-century frieze that revives the formal Attica celebrations. Next door is the impressive Metropolitan Cathedral of Athens, constructed in the 19th century with a three aisle-domed basilica combining Neo-Byzantine and Neoclassical elements. Also in the city center is Kapnikarea, a Byzantine domed church completed in the 13th century.
Make your way to the commercial heart of Athens and arrive in front of Aghioi Theodori, an 11th-century church constructed over the remains of a 9th-century house of worship by the Byzantine aristocrat Kalomao.
Your guide will then take you to Plaka, the oldest neighborhood in Europe. Here you will find the 11th century Aghios Nikolaos Ragkavas, considered as one of the most beautiful byzantine churches of Athens. This church is at the center of lively celebrations and ceremonies every Easter. Don’t leave Plaka without a stop at Aghia Ekaterini, a church built around the 12th century under the shadow of a palm tree. This building contains a votive inscription of the church’s dedication to emperor Theodosius II in a big, cylindrical column supporting the altar.
Continue to the highlight of your tour: The prestigious Christian and Byzantine Museum of Athens, one of the most important museums of Byzantine art in the world. Founded in 1914, this museum houses more than 25,000 exhibits with rare collections of frescoes, pottery, fabrics, manuscripts, pictures, and more. While here, note the changes in the art and architecture that shaped the modern Greek Orthodox world of today. Reserve this private, 4.5-hour tour now and get ready to gain a deep understanding of the transition between Ancient and Modern Greece through the lens of Athenian Byzantine Art.
| Day 1 |
Seven miles outside of historic Athens, the Greek coastal city of Piraeus lies upon the sparkling waters of the Aegean Sea and is the largest passenger port in Europe, servicing nearly 20 million passengers per year. A popular port for Mediterranean cruises, this ancient city is sure to enchant you with its picturesque coastline, immersive museums, and fine dining. Head to Mikrolimano Harbor to take advantage of the sea breeze, watch luxury yachts float by, or sample from locally-caught seafood. Get a taste of local culture and history at the Archaeological Museum of Piraeus or the Hellenic Maritime Museum, both easily accessible from the shore. To reach Athens, hop aboard a bus in the Piraeus city center and take a quick drive north. |
| Travel Dates | Price | ||
|---|---|---|---|
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05/03/22 - 05/15/27 |
Starting At $169 |
Get A Quote |
Please note that most of the churches will be closed in the afternoon, with the exception of the Cathedral. Guests must be able to walk over cobblestones and uneven surfaces, inclines and steps. This tour is not wheelchair accessible.
