We left Halifax at noon on April 17th with a stopover on Toronto on our way for Athens, Greece for our 11 day cruise of Greece and Türkiye. Flying in a few days early to checkout Athens and get use to the 6 hour time change.

An airplane is parked at a gate connected to a passenger jet bridge at an airport. The gate numbers displayed are 175. In the background a city skyline is visible. The aircraft is white with a sleek design and an engine on its left wing.

After two flights and 12 hours in the air, over 17 hours from the first take off to arriving in Athens, we are on the ground at 11 am picking up our bags and trying to find our ride to the Acropolis Stay hotel. Arriving so early meant our room would not be ready so we dropped off our bags and headed out to start our tour of Athens.

As with our previous cruise we arrived on Free Entry day so most attractions were quite busy. We decided to go to the Acropolis Museum as the Acropolis itself would be too crowded on a day with no entry fee, our tickets were already purchased for an early start tomorrow.

As we walked up to the museum we noticed the walkway was see through, during construction they found ruins so they built directly over them preserving and showcasing them.

A black and white photo showing two people seated closely in an airplane cabin. Both are wearing headphones around their necks. The man on the left has a beard and glasses, and is wearing a shirt with partially visible text. The woman on the right has shoulder-length hair and is smiling widely.

Archaeological excavation site under a modern structure with a glass-railed walkway at the top. Visitors are observing from the walkway. The ruins feature ancient stone walls, circular patterns, and a cobblestone surface, indicating historical or cultural significance.

Ancient stone ruins are partially shaded beneath a modern structure supported by large concrete columns. The ruins display circular and rectangular formations. In the background, a staircase and walkway lead upward. A person is visible on the right side standing on the walkway. The area appears to be an archaeological site.

Ancient ruins with circular and rectangular stone structures are visible under a modern bridge supported by large circular pillars. The ruins feature various levels and stone walls creating a sense of depth. Sunlight illuminates some areas while others remain in shadow, creating a dramatic contrast.

Ancient ruins with circular stone structures and walls, showcasing a historical archaeological site. The scene includes multiple levels of stone construction with varying textures. Tall columns are visible in the background, and the overall landscape suggests a well-preserved site that offers insights into ancient architectural practices.

We spent a couple of hours wandering through the museum.

A rough-textured stone sculpture is carved with geometric shapes amidst a gallery setting. A white mask with eyes sits recessed within the stone, creating a juxtaposition between the organic and the artificial. The background features a person on stairs and a perforated wall with circular patterns.

A black and white photo of an ancient stone sculpture showing a bearded figure with a draped garment. The figure carries another detached head and a skin draped over the shoulder. It stands in a modern gallery space with a geometric wall on the left and a staircase with people in the background.

Three ancient sculpted figures with beards are depicted in a row, partially embedded in a textured surface. Each figure appears to hold an object resembling a staff or tool. The figures have a natural stone color with some darker patches, and display intricate detailing in their facial features and attire.

An intricate sculpture with ornate and swirling patterns resembling stylized leaves and tendrils in cream and tan hues stands against a backdrop of a large window displaying a cityscape with several buildings and mountains in the distance.

White sculptures depicting a group of mythological figures in various poses standing and seated with some mounted on a chariot. Two horses are positioned towards the center with a figure holding a trident. Placed on a rectangular platform against a glass backdrop. Plaque reads Refurbishment and Reconstruction of the West Pediment of the Parthenon according to drawings by K Schwerzek 1896

After we left the museum we went on a walk back to the hotel looking for supper and got our first look at the Parthenon.

Ancient ruins with tall columns and marble structures partially obscured by lush trees and a stone wall under a clear sky with a single white cloud visible

Sleep did not come easy on the plane and we were reaching the end of our day, having been up for over twenty eight hours.

Had a great supper at sto Kentro Eatery before retiring for the night.

✈️ 🇨🇦-🇬🇷 🗺️