If your plans take you to Athens, well then, good for you. Of all the places I have been, Athens is high on my list of favorites. It ticks all the boxes - history, architecture, art, scenery, weather, food.

Unfortunately, it is high on many people’s lists of places to visit, so expect some crowds. With a little planning though, you can make the most of a day in Athens. And if you have more than a day to spend, you will be in for a treat.

This port would greatly benefit from a private tour. When we used Athens by Taxi, it was cheaper than the cruise ship excursion, and from all accounts, we had a much better day. Confirm with your driver your all-aboard time, and they will get you back.

Tour Guide— https://www.athensbytaxi.com/

One thing I really enjoyed was the communication before the trip. Everything was lined up, and I had no doubts as our stop approached. Sure enough, as soon as we left the ship, there was our driver. Not a tour guide per-se, but rather a driver who loves his country, and would happily discuss it as he drove us to all of the highlights.

Timing—many want to head straight to the Acropolis—let me recommend another approach. All of the tour busses go straight there; in-stead, go to ancient Corinth first. You will likely be well ahead of the large tour busses and cruise tours, having the museum and fortress all to yourself. Then go for lunch—get the gyros, they will be good every-where—and after lunch wander up to the Acropolis.

Like Rome, Athens is a city of two eras - ancient and modern. For American and Canadian visitors, it is jarring to be driving on city streets, seeing people go to work and carry on business, with the Parthenon visible in the background.

There are different schools of thought on how to pick a cruise. Some focus on the ship and the amenities it offers, with the itinerary as an afterthought. When it comes to the Mediterranean, pick a cruise which includes Athens.