Athens: Guided Day Trip to Aegina Island With Swimming

Exploring the idyllic island of Aegina from Athens is a must-do adventure for travelers seeking a perfect blend of culture and relaxation. This guided day trip offers a chance to discover the island’s rich heritage, from the ancient temple of Athena Aphaia to the Byzantine city of Paleochora. Visitors can enjoy the island’s stunning natural beauty, with ample time for swimming and beach leisure. Whether you’re a history buff or a sun-seeker, this excursion promises an unforgettable escape into the heart of Greece’s Saronic Islands. What awaits those who embark on this journey? Let’s find out.

Key Points

• A guided day trip from Athens to the island of Aegina, lasting 11 hours and priced at €98.40 per person with up to 18% savings.
• Includes round-trip ferry tickets, expert guide, transportation, and entrance fees, with activities focusing on ancient temples, monasteries, and beach relaxation.
• Explore the Byzantine city of Paleochora, visit the Saint Nektarios Monastery, and tour the ancient temple of Athena Aphaia.
• Enjoy two hours of free time for swimming and beach relaxation on the island.
• Meeting point is at Piraeus port, and recommended items include comfortable shoes, sunglasses, hat, and swimwear.

Trip Overview and Pricing

This guided day trip to Aegina Island from Athens offers travellers an opportunity to explore the island’s rich history and natural beauty.

The tour lasts 11 hours and is priced at €98.40 per person, allowing you to save up to 18% off the regular price. You can reserve your spot now and pay later, and free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

With ferry boat tickets, an expert guide, transportation, and entrance fees all included, this day trip provides excellent value for money.

Whether you’re interested in ancient temples, Byzantine monasteries, or relaxing on the beach, this comprehensive tour has a lot to offer.

Itinerary and Activities

The guided day trip to Aegina Island begins with a ferry ride from Piraeus port to the island itself.

Visitors will explore the Byzantine city of Paleochora and the Saint Nektarios Monastery, admiring the exceptional wall paintings of the 28 surviving churches.

They’ll also tour the ancient temple of Athena Aphaia and enjoy two hours of free time to swim in the Saronic Gulf and relax on the sandy beaches.

The tour includes:

1. Visiting Paleochora and Saint Nektarios Monastery
2. Exploring the 28 churches with exceptional wall paintings
3. Touring the ancient temple of Athena Aphaia
4. Swimming and relaxing on Aegina’s beaches

After the activities, participants can savor local seafood at traditional taverns and taste the famous Aegina pistachios.

Inclusions and Transportation

The guided day trip to Aegina Island includes round-trip ferry boat tickets, a knowledgeable local guide, comfortable coach transportation for viewing the island, a pistachio tasting, and the entrance fee to the archaeological site of the ancient temple of Athena Aphaia, which costs €6 per person.

This ensures visitors can fully enjoy the island’s history and natural beauty without having to worry about logistics.

The ferry ride from Piraeus port to Aegina provides stunning views of the Saronic Gulf, while the coach transportation allows for a more comprehensive exploration of the island’s highlights, including the Byzantine city of Paleochora and Saint Nektarios Monastery.

Meeting Point and What to Bring

At the Piraeus port, the meeting point for the guided day trip to Aegina Island is GATE E8, which is just a 10-minute walk from the nearby metro stations.

Visitors are encouraged to bring the following items:

• Comfortable shoes for walking
• Sunglasses to protect from the sun
• A hat or visor to keep cool
• Swimwear and a towel for the beach portion of the trip

These recommendations will ensure travelers are prepared to fully enjoy the day’s activities on the island.

The meeting point and suggested items to bring will help make the guided tour to Aegina Island a comfortable and memorable experience.

Customer Feedback and Ratings

Customers have provided overwhelmingly positive reviews of the guided day trip to Aegina Island.

With an overall rating of 4.7/5 based on 159 reviews, the experience has been a hit. The knowledgeable and friendly guides have received a stellar 4.9/5 rating, while the transportation and service have also been praised, earning 4.7/5 and 4.7/5, respectively.

The only area with a slightly lower score of 4.4/5 is the organization, but this doesn’t seem to have significantly detracted from the overall enjoyment.

Reviewers highlight the excellent food options and the enjoyable experience exploring the island’s highlights.

Ferry Ride to Aegina Island

Typically, the guided day trip to Aegina Island begins with a scenic ferry ride from Piraeus port. The journey across the Saronic Gulf takes approximately 40 minutes, offering passengers stunning views of the Athenian coastline and the surrounding islands.

The ferry is comfortable and well-equipped, providing a smooth and enjoyable experience. During the crossing, travelers can:

1. Admire the picturesque coastline and the clear blue waters of the Saronic Gulf.
2. Spot the iconic landmarks of Aegina, such as the Temple of Aphaia, from the ferry.
3. Enjoy the sea breeze and relax before the start of the day’s activities.
4. Prepare for the upcoming exploration of the island’s rich history and natural beauty.

Exploring Paleochora and Monastery

After the scenic ferry ride, the guided tour takes visitors to the Byzantine city of Paleochora.

Here, they’ll explore the well-preserved ruins of this medieval town, including the remnants of 28 churches with exceptional wall paintings.

The group then visits the nearby Saint Nektarios Monastery, a significant religious site known for its impressive architecture and beautiful frescoes.

Guests have the opportunity to learn about the monastery’s history and spiritual significance from the knowledgeable guide.

This part of the excursion provides a fascinating glimpse into Aegina’s rich Byzantine heritage and the island’s enduring religious traditions.

Visiting Athena Aphaia Temple

Next, the guided tour takes visitors to the ancient temple of Athena Aphaia. This well-preserved Greek temple dates back to the 5th century BC and is considered one of the finest examples of Doric architecture.

Visitors will have the opportunity to explore the temple’s ruins and learn about its rich history and cultural significance. The highlights of this visit include:

1. Admiring the temple’s impressive columns and pediments.
2. Discovering the temple’s role in the ancient Greek world and its connection to the goddess Athena.
3. Exploring the serene surroundings and taking in the stunning views of the Saronic Gulf.
4. Understanding the archaeological importance of the site and its ongoing preservation efforts.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is the Dress Code for the Tour?

The recommended attire for the tour includes comfortable shoes, sunglasses, a hat, and swimwear. Visitors should also bring a towel, as there’s an opportunity to swim in the Saronic Gulf during the excursion.

Are There Any Discounts Available for Children or Seniors?

The tour doesn’t explicitly mention discounts for children or seniors, but many operators offer reduced rates for these groups. It’s best to check with the tour provider to inquire about any available discounts.

Can We Visit Any Other Sites on the Island Besides the Ones Listed?

The tour doesn’t mention any additional stops beyond the listed sites, but travelers could explore Aegina town and other parts of the island on their own during the free time. They’d need to coordinate any additional activities independently.

Is There an Option to Extend the Duration of the Tour?

There’s no option to extend the duration of the tour. The guided day trip to Aegina Island is fixed at 11 hours, which includes ferry rides, site visits, swimming, and free time to explore the island.

Can We Purchase Additional Food or Souvenirs on the Island?

Yes, travelers can purchase additional food and souvenirs during the free time in Aegina town. The trip includes a pistachio tasting, but visitors are free to buy more local products and explore traditional taverns.

Recap

This guided day trip from Athens to Aegina Island offers a well-rounded experience. Visitors can explore the island’s rich history, visit picturesque churches, and enjoy leisure time for swimming at the beach. With convenient transportation and a knowledgeable guide, it’s an ideal way to discover the natural and cultural highlights of this charming Greek island, making for a memorable day trip from the capital.