For cruise goers who love culture and marvels of nature, there’s this unique shore trip. This private journey merges time-honored monuments and a natural event occurring every six hours. It pairs them with stunning scenic backdrops and vistas.
Highlights of Athens & the unique phenomenon of Chalkis in Evia island 8-h
- 8-hours morning sightseeing private tour of Athens and Chalkis in Evia island
- Combines Athens’ modern and classical sites guided by our experts
- Explore the wonders of the Acropolis, the trademark of Athens
- The worlds unique phenomenon of Chalkis
- Cross the second bridge in Europe from the mainland on to the island of Evia
- Professional English-speaking tour driver
- Pickup and drop off at your cruise ship pier in Piraeus
Sightseeing: The Acropolis – the Parthenon – Erechthion – Temple of Athens Niki – Plaka – Ancient Agora – Roman Agora – Hadrian’s library – Monastiraki – Temple of Vulcan – Temple of Zeus – Hadrian’s Arch – the Parliament – the monument of the Unknown Soldier – Panathenian Stadium – Plaka – ex-royal house – Kolonaki – Lycabettus Hill
Visits: The Acropolis – the Parthenon – Erechthion – Temple of Athens Niki – Temple of Zeus – Hadrian’s Arch – the Parliament – the monument of the Unknown Soldier – Panathenian Stadium – Lycabettus Hill – Evia island – new bridge – the old bridge of Chalkis – the phenomenon
Description of the Athens and the unique phenomenon of Chalkis in Evia island 8-h
Get ready for a journey akin to part-day Athens with a dash of charming Chalkis. The driver will meet you at your cruise pier and escort you to your sleek Athens Shore Excursion ride, be it for 4, 10, or 17 people, in line with your gang size. Then, it’s a breezy 20-minute drive to Athens, past some picturesque suburban scenes.
Prepare to be awed by the imposing Acropolis perched high, a glimpse of Greece’s Golden Age architecture, and a signature Athens sight. Include visits to the Propylaea (Entryway), the Erectheum, the Temple of Wingless Victory, and the unmatchable Parthenon, Athens’ shining jewel and a timeless marvel.
Mythology
According to the Myth at the Erectheum, Goddess Athena and God Poseidon are said to have held a contest to decide who would be Patron of the city. When Poseidon thrust his trident into the ground, water burst forth, Athena touched the ground with her spear, and an olive tree grew. Athens won the contest and she was named goddess of the city.
Athens …
The building itself contains the graceful Porch of the Caryatids, which features replica columns of marble maidens supporting the roof of the temple. All temples on the holy rock of the Acropolis, are dedicated to Athena, the patron goddess of Athens.
Our next visit is the famous Temple of Olympian Zeus, the largest (3rd century BC) Corinthian-style temple in ancient Greece. Hadrian’s Arch symbolizes and separates the old and new towns by the Roman era. Our private shore excursion includes sightseeing of the National Gardens, the National Library and the Parliament Building, the ex-Royal Palace, Plaka, Roman Agora, Monastiraki, and the Temple of Vulcan.
The Panathenean stadium …
We continue this private shore excursion, and along the way, you will pass the ex-royal house and the Ancient Olympic Stadium for a brief photo stop. Re-built 1894, to host the first modern Olympic Games in 1896. The stadium is made all of the Pentelic marble (like the Parthenon) standing on the site of the original stadium, dating from the 4th century B.C.
The Panathenean stadium is used today for very special events, like for the every year finish of the marathon and the archery competition. Also, it was used in the 2004 Olympics games.
Just before we end your private shore excursion in Athens city, your private tour driver will drive you up on Lycabettus Hill, the highest hill in Athens, where you can admire the below incredible city views of Athens.
Time for lunch…
We’ll enjoy a delicious meal at an authentic Greek restaurant, where home-cooked dishes will tantalize our taste buds. Then, we’ll embark on our private shore excursion, traveling along the magnificent North Greek highway. Our journey will lead us to the awe-inspiring Evia bridge, where we’ll marvel at the stunning views that connect central Greece to the island of Evia.
Our private driver from Athens Shore Excursions will guide us through a brief tour of Chalkis town on Evia and to the historic old bridge, which serves as the narrowest point of connection between the mainland and the island.
Chalcis or Chalkida, Halkida, Halkis or
Nestled on the narrow stretch of the Euripus strait, the bustling town of Chalkis serves as the heart of Evia, Greece’s second largest island. Despite its ancient name meaning “copper” or “bronze,” there are no remnants of mines in sight. Yet, Evia’s significance in Greek history stretches far beyond its geological makeup.
As the largest island after Crete, it has played a pivotal role in shaping the country’s past and present, thanks to its strategic location and unique topography. Along its 175-kilometer length, it is closely aligned with the Greek mainland, tracing it entirely along its eastern coastline.
Evripos channel
The Evripos channel is a remarkable natural waterway that connects the island of Evia to the Greek mainland. The bustling city of Chalkis spans across both sides of this channel, serving as a constant reminder of its significance. Countless tales have been spun in an attempt to explain the mesmerizing tidal ebb and flow of this channel. Some have devoted themselves to finding a logical explanation, while others have been content with simply marveling at its grandeur.
The powerful current of the Evripos channel shifts every 6 hours, creating a rare vortex that has captured the imaginations of humans since ancient times. From mythical to astronomical, physical to philosophical, people have sought to understand the secrets of this phenomenon. Witness the incredible phenomenon for yourself in the video below.
When discussing Chalkida, the Greeks affectionately refer to it as the “Town with the Crazy Waters.” The dynamic movement of the waters, constantly fluctuating, draws in numerous visitors from all over Greece to witness this mesmerizing phenomenon.
The narrowest point of the channel, where the old bridge stands, is the focal point of this attraction, with water currents reaching impressive speeds of up to 15km (9 miles) per hour! Observing the reversal of flow direction, which occurs approximately every 6 hours, is truly captivating. Interestingly, the timing of this event is directly influenced by the moon’s position.
Make sure you savor a cup of coffee or a refreshing drink while strolling along the pier of Crazy Waters. And be sure to capture some stunning photos while you’re there.
When it’s time to head back to your cruise ship in Piraeus port, your driver will be ready to take you. It’s the perfect way to wrap up your unforgettable private shore excursion in Athens, leaving you with unforgettable memories of Greece.
