Thursday 2nd June - Pireaus for Athens

Well, we got it wrong today.  

We didn't realise there would be shuttle buses ready to take us into Athens, if we had, we wouldn't have booked a panoramic tour. 

We only booked the tour because we aren't supposed to use public transport (buses, taxi's, trains), into Athens, and w've already had a look around Piraeus, which is OK, but not really a tourist destination.  

I booked us on the tour, which is an inclusive tour, therefore no cost,  last week.  This morning however, we found out there were shuttle buses into the city, but you are supposed to give the Explore Ashore team at least 24 hours notice of cancellation if you want to drop out of a tour.  Since we are on probation with Saga and didn't want to upset anyone, we decided we'd better attend the tour that we had requested.

 

The excursion included a brief visit to the foot of the Acropolis, and then a 10 minutes stop at a historic stadium.  The rest of the tour involved being shown the sights as we sat in the bus.  

In all honesty, it's not a bad tour if you want to be shown around the city.  But it wasn't for us.  We'd rather be walking around, taking our time and exploring for ourselves.  If only we had known there would be a shuttle bus...........

I've put the mistake down to poor research, and I would sack the person responsible if it wasn't for the fact it is me.   I shall do better next time.

Segway tour

Unfortunately the tour was from 10 - 12.45. Not giving us enough time to get on a shuttle bus into the city afterwards, because we would have had to be back within an hour of getting there.  Not only that, it was very hot.  Hot enough to drain all spirit and energy.  So once we got back to the ship, we agreed to stay there. 

We had a nap, chilled out, went to dinner and just took it easy.  I think that's what you are supposed to do on a cruise.

Tomorrow is Heraklion - somewhere new really, since the last time I was here, it was to catch a plane.  I'm hoping for better things than today.