Piraeus (Athens), Greece
Where it all began—the heartbeat of the ancient world and of our Jewels of the Adriatic voyage.
There’s something undeniably charming about this city. The moment you step into it, you feel the gravity of time, the pulse of history, the warmth of a place that has welcomed seekers, dreamers and storytellers for over 3,000 years.
"In Athens, time stands still just long enough to remind you who you are—and why you came.”
— Anonymous
Highlights
Athens is a city where myth and modern life intertwine—where ancient gods still seem to walk alongside hurried café-goers, and every breeze off the Aegean carries a whisper from the past. From the sacred majesty of the Parthenon to the vibrant pulse of its street markets and murals, every stone and corner tells a story worth leaning in to hear.
Here, sun-drenched hills give way to winding neighborhoods alive with music, laughter and the aroma of fresh-baked bread. The rhythm is soulful, the wisdom timeless, the welcome warm. This is where our Jewels of the Adriatic journey begins—rooted in history, charged with energy, and ready to set sail toward a week of beauty, discovery and unforgettable moments at sea.
Plaka District
Old soul, young heart—that’s Plaka. Tucked at the base of the Acropolis, it’s Athens’ most enchanting neighborhood, where history and modern life brush shoulders at every turn. Cobbled lanes wind between pastel façades draped in blooming bougainvillea, each corner revealing a tiny taverna, a hidden courtyard, or a shop overflowing with handcrafted treasures.
Here, the air is rich with the scent of fresh-baked spanakopita drifting from family-run bakeries, mingling with the aroma of strong Greek coffee. Street musicians add a lilting soundtrack as you wander, and every doorway seems to hold a welcome. In Plaka, you’re not just exploring a neighborhood—you’re stepping into the living, breathing heart of Athens.
Ancient Agora
Where great minds once walked, the Agora stood as the beating heart of ancient Athens—equal parts marketplace, civic center, and open-air salon for the philosophers, artists and citizens who shaped the world. This was where Socrates sparked debates that still ripple through time, where merchants traded spices and stories, and where democracy itself took its first steps.
Today, the Agora remains a place of wonder. Marble columns rise from the earth like fragments of thought made solid, while worn pathways guide you past temples, altars, and relics that whisper of daily life 2,000 years ago. In the quiet between tour groups, you can almost hear the echoes of conversations that changed the course of history.
The Acropolis
An icon of civilization, Athens stands in the shadow of the Acropolis—a timeless stage where history, art and human ambition converge. Towering above the city, its crowning jewel, the Parthenon, is far more than a collection of ancient stones. It’s a masterwork of balance and beauty, a bold statement of what humanity can dream and achieve.
As you climb the sacred hill, each step draws you deeper into a world shaped 2,500 years ago, yet still alive in every sunlit marble surface. The columns rise like sentinels, framing sweeping views of the city and sea, while the wind carries the same salt-and-olive scent that once greeted philosophers and poets. Here, you don’t just witness history—you feel it echo beneath your feet.
Mount Lycabettus
For a view that stops time, make your way to the summit of Athens’ highest point—whether by the gentle climb of the funicular or on foot, if you’re chasing that extra thrill. As you rise above the city, the sounds fade, the breeze cools, and Athens begins to unfurl beneath you like a painted tapestry.
From the top, the panorama is nothing short of breathtaking. The Acropolis stands proud in the middle distance, its marble glowing gold in the late-day light, while the Aegean Sea shimmers on the horizon in shades of sapphire and silver. In this moment, the city feels both vast and intimate—a place you can hold in your gaze, yet never fully take in.
The National Museum of Contemporary Art (EMST)
Yesterday meets tomorrow in Athens, a city where the past is carved in marble but the future bursts in color and ideas. While its ancient landmarks may draw the crowds, its creative pulse beats just as powerfully in the present. The EMST—Greece’s National Museum of Contemporary Art—stands as proof, a striking space where bold, provocative works by Greek and international artists challenge, inspire and ignite conversation.
Here, sleek galleries contrast with the city’s centuries-old skyline, and every exhibit feels like a bridge between eras. It’s a reminder that Athens isn’t just a living museum—it’s a living muse, still shaping culture and sparking imagination on a global stage.
Why I Love Athens
Athens holds a special kind of magic—a fusion of myth and music that makes it one of my absolute favorite places on Earth. And what better city to kick off our Jewels of the Adriatic?
There’s just nothing like it. Walking through Athens is like time-traveling on foot. One moment you’re standing before the mighty Parthenon and the next you’re sipping coffee in a lively square surrounded by modern art, street music and vibrant energy. The spirit of thinkers like Socrates and Plato still lingers here but the city is anything but frozen in the past. It’s alive, soulful and endlessly inspiring.
I love wandering the winding lanes of Plaka where every turn reveals a tucked-away taverna or a view that takes your breath away. I love the golden light at dusk as it hits the marble ruins and spills down toward the sea. And let’s not forget the food—grilled octopus, warm pita, the tang of tzatziki and a glass of crisp white wine under the stars? That’s heaven.
Come Aboard Somma
Where every day brings a new horizon, every night a new memory and every journey feels like it was made just for you.
