Senior Sailor Says:
My daughter Olivia and I walked the last few steps up to the Parthenon in Athens, Greece. We had passed through an archaeological site that includes the temples of Athena and Nike, the Erechtheion, the Propylaea and several key structures, such as the ancient Theater of Dionysos, on our way to the top of the Acropolis.
We are on a Viking Ocean Cruise optional tour, “Acropolis & Plaka District by Foot.” This is our last full day of touring after sailing for 10 days on the “Empires of the Mediterranean” cruise. Our guide picked up our tickets and was on hand when we arrived at the Parthenon.
“Athens has been called the birthplace of democracy,” our guide tells us. The Parthenon was revered by Greek philosophers like Plato and Aristotle. Remnants of spiritual life are also here in the several temples to Athena and Zeus.
The UNESCO World Heritage Site was built more than 2,600 years ago.
We walk around the great structure, always in a state of restoration. Our guide offers to take photos of us, and we watch as the Greek flag is raised.
The Acropolis is the centerpiece of Athens. Rising from the city center, the fortified limestone plateau is topped by the Parthenon and several other ancient monuments. For most visitors to Athens, a visit to the Acropolis tops the list of things to do, making it a very popular destination.
After our visit, we head for the city’s Plaka District. Known as the “Neighborhood of the Gods,” it hugs the base of the Acropolis. The best way to see Plaka is on foot. After being instructed where to meet up and the time, we wandered the lanes. We shop for souvenirs as we continue to catch glimpses of the Acropolis, between the neoclassical buildings, churches, cafes, restaurants, and shops.
What a fantastic day: touring Athens, shopping, and Viking Cruises.
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