Athens: Island Cruise with Lunch & Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Ticket

Discover Athens and the Saronic Gulf in One Excursion

This tour offers a well-rounded taste of Central Greece with an 11-hour combination of a scenic island cruise and an extensive hop-on hop-off bus tour. Priced at $181 per person, it balances cruise comfort, cultural exploration, and convenient transport, making it an appealing choice for travelers seeking both land and sea adventures. It departs from multiple meeting points in Athens, including Omonoia square and Syntagma, ensuring flexibility for visitors.

The full-day cruise takes you from Piraeus to three beautiful islands—Agistri, Moni, and Aegina—featuring stops for swimming, sightseeing, and a delicious Greek lunch on the beach. Meanwhile, the two-day hop-on hop-off bus ticket grants access to 4 different lines across Athens and nearby beaches, with audio commentary in 16 languages. This combination makes it a practical and engaging way to explore both the city’s iconic sights and its island escapes.

While the tour offers a comprehensive experience, it’s worth considering that entrance fees to monuments, guides in monuments, snorkeling equipment, and towels are not included. The cruise may also be canceled in bad weather, and the itinerary can change during winter months. This tour provides great value for those wanting a mix of sea, culture, and city.

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Key Points

• Full-day cruise on a traditional wooden boat to three Greek islands
• Lunch on the beach with Greek wine, beer, and soft drinks included
• 2-day hop-on hop-off bus ticket with access to 4 lines in Athens
• Audio guides in 16 languages enhance the city sightseeing experience
• Multiple meeting points offer convenience in central Athens
• Tour price is $181 with options to cancel up to 24 hours in advance

From Piraeus to the Islands: Agistri, Moni, and Aegina

The cruise departs from Marina Zeas in Piraeus, where you’re welcomed aboard with coffee, juice, and pastries. The boat is a full-day traditional wooden vessel, offering a relaxed way to enjoy Greece’s seascape. The first stop is Agistri, known for its pine-covered cliffs and traditional alleys. Visitors can swim in clear waters or explore the quaint villages at their own pace.

Next, the tour anchors near Moni, a protected island with opportunities for snorkeling and wildlife spotting. After lunch on the beach, served with Greek wine and soft drinks, there’s free time for sunbathing or exploring. The final stop is Aegina, famous for its ancient Temple of Apollo and Temple of Aphaia. Guests have ample time to stroll through the charming port town before returning to Piraeus at 7:00 PM.

This itinerary highlights the scenic beauty of sea cliffs, pine forests, and crystal waters. The stops are designed for a relaxed pace, with options for swimming, snorkeling, or simply taking in the views. The lunch served on the beach adds a convivial touch, making the experience feel both leisurely and indulgent.

The Athens Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Experience

The two-day ticket gives you access to 4 lines covering major Athens attractions and beaches. The Athens line takes you through the city’s most iconic sites, while the Piraeus line connects to the port area. The Glyfada and Vouliagmeni lines whisk visitors to coastal suburbs and beach destinations, including Vouliagmeni Lake.

You can hop on or off at 35 stops around Athens, creating a flexible itinerary that suits your pace. The audio commentaries in 16 languages provide helpful context on landmarks like the Parthenon, Acropolis, and Vouliagmeni Lake, enriching your understanding of Greek culture and history. The bus service is convenient and accessible, making it easy to explore at your leisure.

Many stops are near popular spots where you can choose to swim or relax, especially at Vouliagmeni Lake, renowned for its breathtaking scenery. The buses operate over two days, giving visitors ample time to see Athens’ highlights and enjoy some beach time.

Meeting Points and Practical Details

The tour begins at several central locations in Athens to facilitate easy access. These include Omonoia square (07:20 AM), Karaiskaki square (07:25 AM), Old Parliament/Syntagma (07:40 AM), and Plaka area/Melina Mercouri Monument (07:45 AM). When arriving, look for the blue bus stop and a staff member in a blue uniform.

The cruise ends back at Marina Zeas at 7:00 PM, and the hop-on hop-off bus tickets are valid for two days, providing flexibility for sightseeing and beach visits. Since Towels and snorkeling equipment are not included, travelers should bring their own if they plan to swim or snorkel during stops.

The tour offers free Wi-Fi both on the cruise and the bus, which helps stay connected while exploring. It is not suitable for pregnant women, those with mobility impairments, or wheelchair users, and pets are generally not allowed, except for assistance dogs.

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Dining and Supplies on the Tour

Part of the charm of this experience is the lunch served on the beach during the cruise. It includes traditional Greek dishes accompanied by Greek wine, soft drinks, and beer. The cruise also offers free drinks throughout the day, making it easy to relax and enjoy your time on the water.

Travelers should remember to bring sunglasses, sun hats, swimwear, towels, and beachwear to make the most of the stops. Since entry fees to monuments and guides in monuments are not included, those interested in exploring Athens’ archaeological sites more thoroughly may want to plan additional visits.

Accessibility and Additional Considerations

This tour is designed for a relaxed, family-friendly experience but is not suitable for pregnant women or travelers with mobility challenges. The winter months might see changes in the cruise itinerary or schedule, so checking availability is recommended.

Cancellation is flexible, with full refunds available if canceled at least 24 hours in advance. Booking allows you to reserve now and pay later, offering flexibility in planning.

Why This Tour Makes Sense for Your Athens Visit

This combination of island sailing and city touring offers a balanced experience that captures the essence of Greek coastal beauty and urban charm. The scenic cruise to islands like Agistri and Aegina provides a relaxing escape from the city, while the hop-on hop-off buses let you discover Athens at your own pace.

The lively lunch on the beach, beautiful island scenery, and extensive city coverage make this tour a versatile choice for travelers wanting both relaxation and cultural exploration in a single day. The positive review mentioning a great crew and well-organized day underscores the reliability of the overall experience.

Athens: Island Cruise with Lunch & Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Ticket

In summary, this tour offers a full-day adventure combining sea and city, ideal for those wanting to maximize their time in Greece. Price and included amenities deliver good value, especially with the flexibility of booking and cancellation options. You’ll enjoy beautiful views, delicious food, and easy transportation, making this tour a practical and enjoyable way to experience Central Greece.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is included in the tour price?
The tour price covers a full-day cruise on a traditional wooden boat, lunch on the boat with drinks, transportation for the cruise, free Wi-Fi, and a 2-day hop-on hop-off bus ticket with audio commentary in 16 languages.

Where does the tour start?
The tour departs from multiple meeting points in Athens, including Omonoia square, Karaiskaki square, Old Parliament/Syntagma, and Plaka area/Melina Mercouri Monument. Check the specific times and locations when booking.

How long is the cruise?
The cruise lasts approximately 2 hours each way, with stops for sightseeing and swimming, making the entire day around 11 hours including transfers and free time.

Can I customize my sightseeing?
Yes, the hop-on hop-off bus ticket allows you to get on and off at 35 different stops across Athens and nearby beaches, giving you control over your itinerary for the two days.

Is this tour suitable for children or families?
While it’s family-friendly, it is not suitable for pregnant women or travelers with mobility impairments. Bring beachwear and towels for the island stops for added comfort.

Are there any restrictions on bringing pets?
Pets are not allowed on the tour, except for assistance dogs.

What should I bring for the day?
Prepare sunglasses, sun hats, swimwear, towels, beachwear, and your passport or ID. Remember, snorkeling equipment and towels are not included.

Can I cancel this tour?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. It offers flexible booking with the option to reserve now and pay later.

Is the cruise affected by weather?
Yes, the cruise may be canceled in bad weather. It’s advisable to check the weather forecast before confirming your plans.

What makes this tour stand out?
The combination of scenic island stops, delicious beachside lunch, and extensive Athens city coverage with audio commentary provides a balanced and practical day trip. The positive review highlights great crew service, adding to the tour’s appeal.

You can check availability for your dates here: More Great Tours Nearby