Piraeus Athens is the main harbor of Athens, situated alongside the Saronic Gulf, just 12 kilometers from the city. There are many attractions in Piraeus Athens for tourists, including Athens excursions and sightseeing tours; and you can combine all of these activities and enjoy Athens shore excursions. Athens shore excursions are more than just tours of Athens, they allow you to experience all of the beauty and history of Piraeus Athens as well as the city of Athens itself.

Athens shore excursions are one of the most amazing experiences you will ever come across. When you go down to the Piraeus Port you will see some of the most beautiful boats and yachts everywhere your eyes come across. Once you get onto the dock and on one of the yachts or boats, you will be taken across the Saronic Gulf and see some of the most famous architecture known to man. Some of the landmarks include Ancient Agora, Tower of the Winds and the Temple of Olympian Zeus.

Now that we know a little about what to expect when it comes to being at the Piraeus Athens Port, let's get to know a little more about what we will be seeing on one of your Athens shore excursions. First on our list, Ancient Agora.

Located northwest of the Acropolis, the Agora was formerly occupied by private homes until 6 B.C., when Peisistratus decided to redevelop the area as the seat of city government. A drainage system was installed, trees were planted and there was a great deal of construction. Temples were erected to Hermes, Hephaestus, Zeus, Apollo and Aphrodite. Other structures and monuments built there during this time include the Stoa of Poikile, the Altar of the Twelve Gods, the Peristyle Court, the monument to the Eponymous Heroes and many more besides. Visitors to Athens are often astonished by how many of these buildings are still standing.

Another sight you will see while on this sightseeing trip is the Tower of the Winds; this is a twelve meter tall, eight meter diameter marble tower which was built somewhere between the years of 50 B.C. and 2 B.C. It is gone now, but in antiquity, a statue of Triton stood atop the tower and indicated wind direction; the tower served as a sort of public weathervane for Athenians.

The Temple of Olympian Zeus is a colossal temple located in the center of Athens. It was dedicated to him as he was known as "the god of the gods". The construction of this temple began back in 6 BC. The building was not finished until 638 years later. It housed a humungous cult statue and was known as the largest temple in Greece.

Now that you have an idea of what you will be seeing and have a little bit of the history behind these amazing structures for when you go Athens sightseeing. Now I leave it up to you to make that trip to Piraeus Athens and experience this all for yourself.

Uncover Athens through this selection of sightseeing travels beginning with its port. Piraeus, Athens port, is definitely the portal for luxury cruise ships to the rich ancient Greek culture. From here you can check out some of the highlights of Greece such as Acropolis, along with other enjoyable sites of the greek capital combining the history and present-day life of town.