Port Profiles | Portipedia

European cruises are like exquisite appetizers. Your ship gives you a taste of the delicious culture capitals, allowing you to decide which cities and countries are most intriguing and appealing. Each stop on the cruise ship’s itinerary is designed to provide convenient access to the primary attractions, but the cruise ship must maintain a schedule, limiting port calls to 10 hours, occasionally overnight.

For a fuller flavor of any European destination, a few extra days in one of the Continent’s great cities allows you to explore more and get a sense of the rhythms and personalities of the place. To take full advantage of the trip across the ocean, more and more experienced travelers are taking the extra time before or after their cruise, extending their stay in Europe to learn and enjoy a particular place.

Following are some quick descriptions of some of the favorite European cities where cruise travelers are choosing to spend a few extra days, find some favorite restaurants and soak in the local flavors.

When cruise ships call on Athens, most travelers scramble up the Acropolis, and even if there were no Parthenon, the trip to the Acropolis is worthwhile for the commanding view of Athens and the temples below.

Athens is one of the safest capital cities in the world, so with common sense always at your side, feel free to get out and walk, especially at night.

The extensive collections on display at the National Archaeological Museum in the heart of Athens are captivating. Set aside several hours for a trip through the many centuries of Greek history and culture.

A great afternoon trip from Athens, Cape Sounion and the Temple of Poseidon is as much a favorite with the locals as it is with the tourists. A superb spot for sunsets, it provides a classically Greek moment against the ruined monument along with a terrific sea view.

View from Royal Penthouse Suite, King George Palace, originally uploaded by Ralph Grizzle.

When cruising to or from Athens (or more accurately, the port of Piraeus, about 30 minutes away), you’ll no doubt want to spend time perusing such sites as the Parthenon.

There are few places better to admire the Greek Temple than from upper digs at the King George Palace Hotel. The hotel’s Royal Penthouse Suite does not come cheap, but boy does it come with a view. Occupying the entire ninth floor, the expansive suite features a terrace with a jaw-dropping panorama of the Parthenon, even from the suite’s private pool.

You don’t have to book the swank suite, however, for great views on antiquity. Just drop in on the hotel’s Tudor Hall Dining Room, where the Parthenon, lighted at night, is framed in the large windows framing a picture you’re not likely to forget.

Transferring From Shore To Ship In Athens, originally uploaded by Ralph Grizzle.

Want a cheap way to transfer from Athens International Airport to your hotel in the city center or your ship in Piraeus? Stop by the Athens Public Transportation kiosk in the baggage claim area in the arrivals terminal. The metro to the city center or Pireaus: only 6 euros per person. If going to your ship, better to take the direct bus X96 to Piraeus, however. That way you don’t have to change metro lines and the cost for the up to 90-minute transfer: only 3.20 euros. 

From Athens’ city center to Piraeus by Metro is only 80 euro cents. Make sure you know where to locate your ship, likely in either Terminal A or Terminal B, a healthy walk from the Metro station in Piraeus. Better to transfer from the Metro station by bus or taxi to your ship. I walked all the way to Terminal B, 30 minutes, but pleasant. Thank god for rolling luggage.

Athens Airport To City Center, originally uploaded by Ralph Grizzle.

From Athens International Airport arrivals hall, follow the signs for trains to reach the Metro station.

Purchase a ticket at the Metro counter. Cost per person: 6 euros.

Don’t forget to stamp your ticket before boarding. Stamping validates the ticket. Without validating, you risk being fined more than 100 euros..

Grab a seat for the 45-minute journey. The Metro gets crowded after the first few stops.

Travel 12 stops after boarding the metro to reach Syntagma, the city center.

The Metro is clean, efficient and cheap.