Video thumbnail

Athens

Discover

"Athens is a city rich in culture and tradition, but also a place that highlights the sophistication and contemporary nature that's expected of any 21st century capital city."

WELCOME TO ATHENS

Cruise Nation are delighted to bring you our great range of Athens Cruise & Stay Holidays. These packages all feature a cruise sailing from the port of Piraeus. This means that Cruise Nation bring you massive choice on cruise lines to sail with throughout the year. Our Athens Smart Packages feature FREE stays in one of many handpicked hotels which are all centrally located in Athens providing you with the ideal base from which to explore all that this exciting destination has to offer.

Athens - Greece
A Landscape shot of some houses in Athens

With our Athens Cruise & Stay packages, your flights will always be included. We also offer flights from a number of regional airports throughout the UK giving you much greater flexibility and making your holiday experience as smooth as possible.

A view of a Bay in Athens

Star Buy

Weather in the Mediterranean

Athens’ weather is a sun-soaked delight, with its Mediterranean climate offering mild winters and hot, dry summers. Summers are the highlight, with temperatures soaring to 30–35°C, and plenty of sunshine to bask in while exploring ancient landmarks like the Acropolis or lounging at a nearby beach. A light breeze often drifts through, offering some relief from the heat, especially in the evenings.

Spring and autumn are wonderfully temperate, with temperatures ranging from 15–25°C. These seasons are perfect for outdoor adventures, from wandering bustling markets to hiking nearby hills for panoramic city views. The air is crisp, the skies are clear, and the crowds are thinner—making it an ideal time to visit.

Winters are mild and short, with temperatures around 8–15°C and occasional rain showers. It’s still warm enough for comfortable sightseeing, and the city’s cozy cafés and lively tavernas provide a warm escape when needed. Whether drenched in summer sun or glowing under winter skies, Athens’ weather is as timeless and inviting as the city itself.

Things to do in Athens

A trip to Athens wouldn’t possibly be complete without visiting the ancient ruins. By touring the city you’ll quickly discover a collection of archaeological sites located within the central areas. This is evidence of past civilisations that are still scattered across this bustling metropolis today.

The main sites of ancient ruins to tick off your travel list are Roman Agora, Hadrian’s Arch and the Temple of Zeus. These hot spots, plus many more, are all connected via continuous pedestrian pathways that span across several districts and shopping areas.

The Acropolis in Athens

The Acropolis

The Acropolis

Millions of visitors head to the Acropolis each year to see the imposing structures which loom tall over Athens. The Acropolis itself is made up of three temples, all relatively intact from the fifth century BC. This should be the first stop on your Athens holiday.

The Plaka housing district in Athens, Greece

Plaka

Plaka

It hides in the hillside below the Acropolis and is always a hive of activity. It’s always full of tourists but it still retains a traditional, village feel. There are plenty of shops, restaurants and museums to spend many a hour touring this lovely village.

Mt Lyacbettus in  Athens

Mt Lycabettus

Mt Lycabettus

It gives you stunning views across Athens and the Acropolis. A steep path leads to the top and if you’re not feeling that energetic you can take the funicular tramway which leaves Kolonaki every 30 minutes.

The Acropolis Museum in Athens

Acropolis Museum

Acropolis Museum

Light and welcoming, it wants you to explore Athens’ ancient history in modern times. Famous archaic and classical finds from the Acropolis can be found here. The Parthenon Gallery is particularly impressive.

Athens isn’t just about the expansive heritage, which is why so many tourists venture to this wonderful Greek paradise to experience the best of both worlds. The Athenian Riviera is a breezy and pleasurable place to soak up the sun and with the latest, modern tram network, it’s easier than ever to access the city’s most sought after beaches, coastal shopping locations and incredible dining establishments.

Lake Vouliagmeni the heart of the Athenian Riviera in Greece

If you’re a theatre fanatic then what better way to spend your time in Athens than in the place where the first theatrical plays were written? Whether you’re looking for comedy or tragedy, Athens is home to some of the most famous writers including Sophocles, Euripides, Aeschylus and Aristophanes. If you are very lucky, you may even have the opportunity to watch a play on the Roman Theatre of Irodis and feel part of the ancient festivals honoured by the god, Dionysus.

A Roman Theatre in Athens

Restaurants

A Couple at dinner Drinking wine

Funky Gourmet

Funky Gourmet

As a two Michelin starred restaurant, expectations can be high when visiting Funky Gourmet. The restaurant delivers on every front, it’s innovative, creative and above all delicious. The food is aimed to activate your senses and engage their guests in an exciting way.

A pizza

Strofi

Strofi

This wonderfully located restaurant has some of the best views in Athens. Perched just below the Acropolis you get a beautiful view of the Parthenon whilst enjoying your fine food and wine. It has a traditional Greek menu but incorporates a twist.

Clean Wine glasses and plates

Klimataria

Klimataria

If you want classical Athens, Klimataria is the restaurant for you. Located in the centre of Athens, wine barrels line the walls, live music fills the space and the aroma of good food reaches the courtyard.

A couple cheering glasses of wine

Aleria

Aleria

Aleria’s beautiful surroundings set expectations high. Its situated in a mansion, an old tile floor welcomes you in and a courtyard is waiting for you around the back once you’ve had your fill and are off exploring. Aleria offers an impressive, extensive set of menus.

Nightlife

People dancing in a nightclub

Brettos

Brettos

Open since 1909, Brettos is the oldest bar in Athens. Various spirits line the walls, providing a colourful backdrop for the bar. Wooden barrels used by its founder all those years ago can be found perched against a wall in the bar.

People dancing in a nightclub

Galaxy Bar

Galaxy Bar

If you want stunning views with your cocktails then Galaxy Bar is for you. Situated on the top floor of the Hilton Hotel, the Acropolis sits to your right meaning spectacular floodlit views of the Parthenon every night.

A Drink

Taf

Taf

For a more of a relaxed evening, head to The Art Foundation (TAF). A cosy, modern courtyard overhung with greenery makes having a drink here a pleasure. Painting exhibitions and sculptures can be found as you wander through the building.

Events

The Acropolis in Athens at sunset

The Acropolis in Lego Bricks

The Acropolis in Lego Bricks

For something a bit different on your holiday, why not visit The Acropolis Museum in December. For two weeks in December, the Acropolis is recreated in all its glory in Lego bricks. Made up from more than 120,000 bricks, this creation is nearly as impressive as the Acropolis itself.

The Archaeological Site of Jerash in Athens

Athens and Epidaurus Festival

Athens and Epidaurus Festival

This festival is the annual arts festival and is a highlight of the Greek calendar. It incoproates a full programme of music, theatre and dance. It is a wonderful mix of modern and classic and is well worth visiting an event if you’re in the city.

What's Included

A Plane

Return flights included from a choice of UK airports.

A person in bed

FREE Handpicked Athens Hotel Stay.

A ticket

Discounts for Tickets to Athens Excursions

Anchor

A Choice of Accommodation on Ship.

A Knife and Fork

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner & Snacks in Selected Ship Eateries.

A Mug

Hot drinks, Ice Tea's, Lemonade, Juices, and Water in Select Buffet Venues.

A ladder out of water

Use of swimming pools, hot tubs, fitness centre and leisure facilities where available.

Theatre Masks

Entertainment & Activities, Day & Night, Inc Theme Nights & Parties.

A Child

Fantastic Youth Programmes from Babies to 17 years old.

An Invoice File

Ship Port Taxes & Fees

Amazing Athens Cruise & Stay Deals

* Price information

Prices on display are from and per person based on 2 sharing the lowest cabin grade unless otherwise stated. Gratuities are not included in any of these offers unless otherwise stated. Baggage charge may apply. No Booking fee is payable when you book online. Cruise Nation and Cruise Line Terms & Conditions apply. E&OE.

For the latest and most up to date availability & pricing, please click on a deal or call our team on 0333 455 8500

Average Customer Rating:4.9/5|
Feefo logo

Independent Service Rating based on 12,125 verified reviews.Read all reviews

Award

Amazing service

The speed and ease of the booking service is fantastic If you have a problem in the app, go to the online chat. It's NOT a robot!!!!

Mrs Katrina Lewis-25 October 2026

Best value on the seas

Always good, I could call now and get a polite answer

Mr Ian Trimnell-24 October 2026

Cruisenation review

This is my second cruise with Cruisenation wouldn’t go with anyone else, excellent service answered all my question absolutely Faultless so professional and caring 5 stars from me 👍

Michael Higginbottom-23 October 2026

Excellent prices with great customer

Excellent prices and brilliant customer service. We were so pleased with the cruise that we had booked and went on this year that we called back again and spoke to Tracy who helped us to book a virgin cruise the prices were good and the...

Mrs Michelle Cullen-21 October 2026