Our vacation kicked off with one of the highlights of the trip: the Acropolis in Athens. We had a private guide take us through the site allowing us to move at our own pace and learn more about the things that interested us.
One last shot of the Erechthion, next to the Parthenon.
Following the Acropolis, we did a self-guided archaeological tour around Athens, which included the Temple of Zeus. We were amazed by how many extraordinary sites were within walking distance of our hotel!
The Temple of Zeus was completed in 131 AD and has 16 of the 104 columns preserved. It was interesting to see both the preserved and toppled columns to gain insights into how they were built.
Another highlight of the trip was two days of hiking along exclusive mule paths from the village of Pouri to Mizela with our guide Demetris. Around each bend was another surprise from the stone tile house roofs, to the scenic vistas, to the sweeping ocean beaches—hiking in Greece was unforgettable!
Growing in each village square was an incredibly old tree; pictured here are Demetris and Jeff with one of the largest.
One of the things we most enjoyed touring Greece via the customized itinerary that Hellenic Adventures set up for us was that we were “off the beaten tourist path.” We enjoyed the villages, little shops and never had trouble finding a great cup of coffee in Greece!
We were a bit worried about Leftheris’ recommendation to rent a car (after all, the road signs are in Greek), but we were so glad we did as we had unforgettable experiences from the farms to the churches to the road side shops! In the villages we had beautiful scenic highways meeting only an occasional tractor or combine; quite the contrast from Athens’ bustling streets.
Another highlight of our trip—pictured behind us here in Turkey—was sailing on the Star Clipper, which carries just 170 guests, almost like a private yacht. It really made our 20th anniversary something very spectacular!
Here is a picture of the Star Clipper at nightfall with her lights on. It was always amazing to come back after touring each day to such a beautiful sight!
The beautiful views and vivid blues of Santorini during the day were matched by a stunning sunset that colored the ship, sails, and the landscape astonishing warm browns, reds and golds.
The island of Santorini Greece had the most breathtaking views as the white Cycladic houses are built on the top of tall cliffs over a submerged volcano.
Bodrum Castle in Turkey was built by the Knights Hospitaller starting in 1402. Also, there was a museum of underwater archeology. The views of the harbor and city from the top of the castle were amazing!
In Turkey we were taking a relaxing boat ride down the small canals of the Dalyan River when we came around a bend and there in front of us were these gigantic elaborate tombs carved out of the side of a 300 foot cliff. These tombs date back to 400 BC with no clear access from the ground!
This photo really captures the enigma that is Greece! Here’s a man selling Sponge Bob balloons with this miraculous church in the background, but no one seems to notice Sponge Bob or the Church! Yet, when Jeff and I were on a corner and even referenced a map, within moments someone always stopped and helped us! So, Sponge Bob and a beautiful old church—OK, whatever. Lost tourists—not OK, instant friendly.
Traveling with Hellenic Adventures was the most unforgettable 20th Anniversary experience—each day unfolded as a unique exciting adventure! They planned our trip with exactly the right balance of touring amazing sites and having relaxing quiet moments together. We can’t wait until our next Adventure!
