DAY 1, Saturday - Depart for Greece
We flew overnight to Athens with a layover in Frankfurt. Both flights were delayed over an hour, which seems to happen more and more these days. We thought a brawl was going to break out as we were departing Frankfurt. Fortunately, the flight attendants were able to calm the situation.DAY 2, Sunday - Arrive in Athens
We arrived in Athens mid-afternoon, the classical capital of Greece and the city known as the cradle of Western Civilization and the birthplace of democracy. We had some time to explore the area around the hotel; translated, looking for store that sells wine.
We arrived in Athens mid-afternoon, the classical capital of Greece and the city known as the cradle of Western Civilization and the birthplace of democracy. We had some time to explore the area around the hotel; translated, looking for store that sells wine.
Our hotel, The Stanley has one of the best views in Athens.
We had great dinner at Greek restaurant called Alexander the Great.
DAY 3, Monday - Athens City Tour
Today was a busy day, the start of our 22nd Gate1 trip. The day started with a ride through the city past the Tomb of the Unknowns in Syntagma Square; it is guarded 24/7 by the fancy uniformed Evzones.
Then to the 1896 Olympics Stadium, where the modern Olympics started.
From there we went to the Acropolis Museum, an amazing place. Unfortunately, many of its historical items are in the British Museum. When building the Museum, a large ancient neighborhood was discovered, so they modified the Museum plans so the site could be viewed as part of the museum.
Lots of pottery.
Some other pieces from the Acropolis.
From the Erechtheion. These 5 of the original statues are here, the other is in the British Museum.
The top floor of the museum is shaped to the dimensions of the Parthenon. These pieces fit in where they would actually have been.
We couldn't take pictures on the 2nd floor except for these 2 animal sculptures.
Great views from the Museum, as well.
After the Museum we walk through the lively Plaka area, the oldest section of Athens, a neighborhood of charming restaurants, shops and sidewalk cafes.
Then we went across the street past Hadrian's Arch to the Temple of Olympian Zeus. The same Hadrian that built the wall in Scotland. He really got around.
Not much left of the original Zeus temple and it is under restoration.
After lunch we went to the Acropolis. This architectural masterpiece was built during the Golden Age of Athens and today is designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. After so much time and destruction by enemies, it's amazing how much still stands.
The most known Parthenon.
The Propylaia.
After leaving the Acropolis, these 3 classical buildings, the Academy of Athens, University of Athens and National Library are right next to each other.
Tonight, we went to the lively Plaka area again under the Acropolis and enjoy a 3-course traditional Greek dinner, including wine and live music at a typical Greek taverna.
DAY 4, Tuesday - Sightseeing enroute to Olympia
Departed Athens via the scenic coastal road to the mighty Corinth Canal, dividing the Peloponnese from mainland Greece. The Canal connects the Aegean Sea to the Ionian Sea. It was built by the same company that built the Suez Canal. It's less than a kilometer long.
Passed by a long abandoned Venetian fortress. Venice has quite the sphere of influence at one time.
Continued to Nauplion and more Venetian fortresses.
Then to Mycenae, the heartland of Greek mythology and the works of Homer.
Stopped at a beehive tomb of unknown person.
Visited the Acropolis of Mycenae and the Tomb of Atreus, built around 1250 B.C.
Circle A is where mummies of men, women and children were discovered bedecked with gold and jewelry.
It had an interesting museum. All the artifacts were from there.
A death mask from circle A.
From here, we traveled through the Central Peloponnese Peninsula, whose major cities in classical times were Corinth and Sparta. Then, continued to Olympia, birthplace of the first Olympic games.
Departed Athens via the scenic coastal road to the mighty Corinth Canal, dividing the Peloponnese from mainland Greece. The Canal connects the Aegean Sea to the Ionian Sea. It was built by the same company that built the Suez Canal. It's less than a kilometer long.
Then to Mycenae, the heartland of Greek mythology and the works of Homer.
Stopped at a beehive tomb of unknown person.
Visited the Acropolis of Mycenae and the Tomb of Atreus, built around 1250 B.C.
This is the only intact entrance carving in the world.
DAY 5, Wednesday - Tour Olympia Archaeological Site
In the morning, we visited the archaeological site of Olympia, including the Sanctuary of Olympian Zeus. even though most of the area is in ruins due to time, war and earthquakes. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Temple of Olympian Zeus.
Temple of Hera.
Training area for athletes.
Replica of the seal that once graced the top of the Temple of Hera.
This is what remains of the pediment of the Temple of Hera, now housed in the museum.
The Nike of Paionios was originally in the Temple of Zeus.
The Temple of Olympian Zeus. Originally, housed one of the Wonders of the Ancient World, the Chryselephantine Statue of Zeus (picture), by the sculptor Pheidias in 430 BC.
The Hermes of Praxiteles was found in the ruins of the Temple of Hera.
We went to lunch where we learned to cook some Greek food and also learned some Greek dancing. Zach made Kolokithokeftedes. It was very good!
Some mountains on the other side of the Ionian Sea viewed from Patras, third largest Greek city.
We crossed the Corinth Strait via the Rion Anterion, the longest cable stayed bridge in the world.
We had a short stop in the town of Naupactus. Another Venetian fortress.
And a rocky beach.
Then a beautiful ride along the coast and into the mountains toward Delphi.
Last stop of the day was in Arachova. Interesting back yard decor.
Sunset in the mountains.
The small, roped off area behind Zach is where the Olympic torch starts its journey every Olympics, the Alter of Hera.
Olympic stadium where 1st Olympics were held in 776 BC.
Training area for athletes.
Then we went to the museum.
DAY 6, Thursday - Archaeological Tour of Delphi
We toured the excavated site of Delphi, perched on the slopes of Mount Parnassos, declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Considered one of the most important places in Greek history, its stunning setting and ancient ruins are truly inspirational. We walked the Sacred Way with all the ancient inscriptions.
Stopped at the sacred Omphalos of Delphi, believed to have fallen from heaven.
Next up the hill was the reconstructed Treasury of Athens.
Then was a partial column with the rest of it in the museum with a Sphinx on top.
We walked up the hill more toward the amphitheater.
Then Zach went the rest of the way up to the Roman Stadium.
We toured the excavated site of Delphi, perched on the slopes of Mount Parnassos, declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Considered one of the most important places in Greek history, its stunning setting and ancient ruins are truly inspirational. We walked the Sacred Way with all the ancient inscriptions.
Stopped at the sacred Omphalos of Delphi, believed to have fallen from heaven.
Next up the hill was the reconstructed Treasury of Athens.
The imposing 4th century B.C. Temple of Apollo, site of the most important oracle in the classical world.
We walked up the hill more toward the amphitheater.
Theatre was built by the Romans.
From there we went to the archaeological museum. This is a painting of how Delphi looked in its glory days.
A Bronze shield.
Face mask of Apollo.
A rare, restored ceramic piece of Apollo and a woman he turned into a bird.
Sculpture of Olympic long jumper. Not the same long jump of today. theirs was standing with weights in both hands.
DAY 7, Friday - Cruise Embarkation, Arrive in Mykonos
In the morning, we arrived at the pier in Lavrion, about an hour south of Athens, for embarkation. Our ship, the Celestyal Discovery, was bigger and nicer than we expected. The cruise took us to 6 ports in 3 very busy days through the beautiful turquoise waters of the Aegean.
It is the most cosmopolitan of the Greek islands. The city was set up like a maze to discourage attack. It also discourages tourists from navigating the streets. We walked to the Alefkandra district, known as the Venice of Mykonos.
In the morning, we arrived at the pier in Lavrion, about an hour south of Athens, for embarkation. Our ship, the Celestyal Discovery, was bigger and nicer than we expected. The cruise took us to 6 ports in 3 very busy days through the beautiful turquoise waters of the Aegean.
We arrived in Mykonos about 6pm and had to take the tenders to the dock because of too many ships in port. Fast operation!
At the dock, we immediately started our tour of the ultra-popular and chic jet-set island of Mykonos with its whitewashed houses, iconic windmills and sophisticated town, trendy cafes and lots of people in the narrow streets.
It is the most cosmopolitan of the Greek islands. The city was set up like a maze to discourage attack. It also discourages tourists from navigating the streets. We walked to the Alefkandra district, known as the Venice of Mykonos.
We then hurried back to the ship for a late dinner and an even later show called Cirque Fantastic. It was a fantastic show! What a crazy set of stairs!
The ship departing at 11 pm for Kusadasi, Turkey.
DAY 8, Saturday - Arrive in Kusadasi (Ephesus), Evening in Patmos
We arrived in Kusadasi, Turkey about 7am.
We arrived in Kusadasi, Turkey about 7am.
This splendid city is renowned for its nearby significant historic and religious sites, including ancient Ephesus, one of the most exquisite cities in antiquity. We toured the magnificent archaeological site of Ephesus, which are Hellenistic and Roman ruins. Only 13% of the ruins have been uncovered. Founded about 2000BC and dedicated to the goddess Artemis, it one time had a of population of approximately 250K. The Temple dedicated to Artemis is one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. It had more than 100 marble pillars, today one remains.
Toilets used by men only.
Library of Celsus.
Many other ruins.
After Ephesus, we went to a carpet weaving demonstration. it takes from 1 to 6 months to weave one carpet.
After lunch, we passed through the Straights of Samos, where Greece and Turkey are closest.
About 4 pm we arrive at Patmos dock via tenders. This small island is steeped with an intense spiritual character, which inspired St. John the Divine to write the Book of Apocalypse. A large monastery in his name dominates the landscape above Chora, the island's capital, surrounded by strong fortress-like walls.
We followed the picturesque narrow lanes in the port of Skála.
Strolled by the "beach".
After dinner, we watched the show Mythologia. Excellent production with songs, dance and aerobatics about Greek gods.
The ship departed at 9 pm for our next stop in Crete.
DAY 9, Sunday - Arrive in Crete, Evening in Santorini
At 7 am, we arrived in Crete, largest of the Greek Islands.
Crete's remarkable history is highlighted by the ruins of the great Palace of Knossos, ceremonial and political center of the ancient Minoan civilization and residence of the mythical King Minos. We had seen enough ruins and opted for a tour in the countryside.
We went to a farm in the traditional village of Stirones, 550 meters above sea level. We met the farmer, Vasiles and other villagers. The farm does everything by hand using proven techniques from years past.
Did a little wine and raki tasting; liked the raki, wine not so much.
Did a little wine and raki tasting; liked the raki, wine not so much.
Watched traditional dancers.
On the way back to the port of Heraklion, we visited the "Koules" fortress.
Around 430pm we cruised into Santorini's caldera with its marvelous sapphire blue water, snow-white architecture and multicolored cliffs that characterize this enchanting getaway.
We had to choose between the 700 steps up or the 3-minute cable car ride. We chose the cable car.
The streets of bustling Fira, the island's capital city, were a vision of pristine whitewashed buildings. We strolled along the narrow cobblestone streets, admiring the views from the cliffs.
It didn't take long to get to St Minas.
The largest umbrella in the world!
We headed toward the other side of the city and then we found out how long the line for the cable car ride was and we just got in the line. We had to be on the ship by 9pm. An hour later we were heading down in the cable car as the sun was setting. Zach was able to get a few photos before the bottom. We were on the ship at 8pm for a late dinner.
The ship sailed towards Athens about 930pm. Somehow everyone managed to get back to the ship on time.
The next morning, we flew to Turkey (part 2 of the trip).
What an awesome trip. Thanks for sharing
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