Setting off on our Greek escapade, we were on the brink of an extraordinary adventure. For me, Kathryn, it was a thrilling milestone as I embarked on my very first cruise, promising a unique and exciting vacation. We had been looking forward to this trip not only for the celebration of our friend's marriage but also for the chance to explore the wonders of Greece.
As we prepared for our journey, a sense of anticipation filled the air. We were eager to immerse ourselves in the stunning landscapes of Greece and savor the delights of cruising. The prospect of exploring ancient wonders and idyllic islands had us brimming with enthusiasm.
While leaving our two precious girls behind for an extended period was undoubtedly bittersweet, our focus was on the adventure that lay ahead. We knew that this journey would be a harmonious blend of excitement and celebration, a voyage that would create lasting memories while reminding us of the incredible bonds we share with our family. Greece awaited us with open arms, and we couldn't wait to make the most of every moment.
***Details of our Virgin Voyages cruise will be in a separate post***
Athens Travel Day and Arrival:
Getting prepared for our trip to Athens was a bit of an adventure in itself. Erik and I decided to exchange money for Euros, but we discovered that Zions bank offered a better rate and only charged a $10 fee for non-members. In the future, we'd recommend checking your bank's exchange rates well in advance to make the process smoother. Many banks allow you to purchase foreign currency but have to mail it to you and it can take up to a week to do this.
Our journey to Athens began at the SLC airport, where we encountered a minor delay due to a mechanical issue. Thankfully, the pilot made up for lost time during the flight. We flew Delta Comfort+ from SLC to CDG, and while the seats were tolerable with additional space, they didn't stand out much. Despite a lack of sleep, we enjoyed two meals on the flight – butter chicken with rice for dinner and a delightful breakfast calzone with ham and sausage.
Unfortunately, my hope for an espresso martini with bourbon cream was dashed, as they didn't offer martinis on international flights. I settled for bourbon cream on the rocks.
After a 10-hour flight, we landed in Paris, where our layover lasted over 3 hours. We decided to dine at Paul, a restaurant serving French sandwiches and pastries. We savored quiche Lorraine and pizza, accompanied by pastries. Then, we boarded our AirFrance flight from CDG to Athens.
Our seats were in the first row of the economy section and suited us fine. On our plane it did not seem like the first class seats were any different than economy. We received a ham and butter sandwich, biscuit cookies, and enjoyed a pleasant cabernet sauvignon. We also appreciated the inclusion of beer and wine in the drink selection.Exhausted, we managed to get some sleep during this flight since there was no in-flight entertainment.
Upon landing in Athens, we faced a lengthy wait at baggage claim and encountered friends who had taken a different route. After collecting our luggage, we took the metro to our Airbnb, enjoying the sights along the way.
Our first dinner in Athens was at Pepene, a nearby Greek restaurant. We ordered pastrami saganaki, kebap, kontosoubli, and a bottle of the red wine Erotikos. It was a delightful introduction to Greek cuisine, and the hospitality was exceptional.
Full Day in Athens (Day 1):
Our day kicked off with a tour of the Acropolis and a walking food tour. The Acropolis was bustling with tourists, which was expected. The hike to the top was enjoyable, and our guide highlighted differences between Greek and Roman architecture. A fellow tour member fell ill during the ascent, causing a brief delay.
Once at the top, the Acropolis was truly remarkable, its grandeur leaving a lasting impression. We learned that the Acropolis lacks straight lines, a fact we hadn't realized before. The city's name, Athens, being derived from Athena, also became clear to us.
After the Acropolis tour, we embarked on the food tour, where we met a group of friendly travelers. We began at Fresko, sampling yogurt with spoon sweets. Surprisingly, the black cherry sweets were a hit, even for someone who typically dislikes cherries.
Next stop was Crème Royale, where we enjoyed spinach and fruit pies. A visit to a vegetable market introduced us to various grape types, with purple grapes being our favorite. We even learned that grape seeds are edible!
We continued to Varvakeios Central Market, first navigating the fish market, where we learned about the significance of fish curvature. Then we explored the meat market, where we indulged in delectable skewered pork wraps at H BOABH.
En route to our final stop, we paused at the Holy Church of Saint Irene, a beautiful and peaceful church. Our food tour concluded at LUKUMAΔΕΣ, where we relished Greek doughnuts covered in honey and cinnamon, a sweet ending to our gastronomic adventure.
Afterward, we visited Couleur Locale, a rooftop bar, where we met fellow tour members for drinks and enjoyed a view of the Acropolis. Following this, we explored various archaeological sites, making the most of our combo ticket.
The combo ticket granted access to seven archaeological sites, and we visited Ancient Agora, Hadrian’s Library, and the Roman Agora.
Afterward, we relaxed at Kiki de Grèce, a local wine bar. We indulged in various local wines, including rosè, orange wine, and a Syrah.
Later, we joined friends for dinner at Aneton, savoring cocktails like Kale Espresso Martini and Pathos Mojito, followed by appetizers such as tuna tartare and lamb meatballs. Our main courses included Paccheri pasta with seafood and lamb ragout. We concluded the feast with Tiramisu, mousse, and a chocolate delight. It was a fulfilling day of sightseeing, culinary delights, and Athens' vibrant atmosphere.
Athens Day 2:
Our second day in Athens, which was also our embarkation day for the cruise, was meant to be relaxed. We found a luggage drop-off spot near the port and then visited the remaining stops on our combo pass.
We began with a train ride to Kerimekos, explored Syntagma Square, and witnessed the changing of the guard ceremony. Due to a large crowd caused by the Greece Cancer Walk, we decided to wait patiently for the ceremony.
Post-ceremony, we dined at Café Merlin, where I was convinced to try the meatball special and Erik ordered their brunch omelet. We also enjoyed Espresso Fredos and a glass of Rosè. We continued our sightseeing with a visit to the Lyceum of Aristotle and a stroll through Athens National Garden.
We explored the Temple of Olympian Zeus and the neighborhood of Anafiotika, which was described as a Greek island within Athens, characterized by distinct architecture.
As the day unfolded, we decided to return to get our luggage and prepare for our cruise embarkation. After a somewhat challenging trek to the cruise terminal with our luggage, we realized that taking a taxi might have been a wiser choice. Nevertheless, we eventually boarded the cruise ship.
Santorini: A Feast for the Senses
The day began early on our cruise ship as the anticipation of exploring Santorini beckoned me out of bed. A leisurely morning stroll around the ship set the tone for the day ahead. We met a friend for a quick breakfast snack, as we had reservations at the Wake restaurant later in the morning. My choice was overnight oats and an apple cinnamon croissant—a delightful start to the day. Once we were ready, we headed to the Wake restaurant.
We joined our group for the "Scenic Santorini and Free Time in Oia" tour, which took us from the port to Oia, and later to Fira, where we'd catch the transfer ferry back to the ship.
In Oia, we wandered through the iconic streets, capturing breathtaking photos of the blue-domed rooftops and whitewashed buildings. A stop at Thalami restaurant offered refreshing Greek beers and lemonades, rejuvenating us for more exploration.
The picturesque town of Oia left us awestruck, but our journey continued to Fira, where our tour gave us free rein to explore until we took the cable car back down. At Select Beer and Wine House, we sampled Greek delights while sipping on Malt and Marvel IPA and Nykteri white wine. The sample platter featured local treats like olives, breadsticks, tzatziki sauce, and a unique fried tomato that was a Santorini specialty.
As the day unfolded, we found a charming donkey souvenir to bring home to Jules. Finally, we descended on the cable car and boarded the tender back to the ship. However, our return to the ship wasn't as smooth as our Santorini adventures. After an hour and a half, we finally made it on board, and the first order of business was ice cream. We got a few drinks, Erik got some pizza, and we had some time to call the girls and get ready for dinner. We had dinner at Test Kitchen which was a delight. While there were plans to catch a comedy show later that night, exhaustion caught up with us, and we decided to call it a night. We needed our rest for another day of exciting adventures awaiting us in Rhodes.
Rhodes: A Surprising Mediterranean Gem
Before our Greek cruise, I had never given much thought to Rhodes. I had no preconceived notions about what to expect, and I wondered if I would even like it. However, Rhodes turned out to be a delightful surprise that left a lasting impression on me.
Our day in Rhodes began with an all-day walking tour, a decision we made as a group of nine. We boarded a bus for about an hour's drive to Lindos, where ancient ruins awaited us. Perched atop a hill, the Lindos Castle offered stunning views, and the journey up and down was adorned with charming shops and restaurants. For those looking to add a touch of adventure, there was even a donkey rental service to transport you up or down the hill. After soaking in the picturesque vistas around Lindos, we descended the hill.
Aware that a late lunch awaited us, we decided to grab a quick snack. Unfortunately, our stop at a place called GeloBlu left us with a less-than-pleasant experience. The service was rude, with a request to move aside while ordering, and an attempt to charge extra for items already paid for. This encounter left us a bit disheartened about the people of Rhodes, but thankfully, it turned out to be an isolated incident. Everyone else we encountered on the island was friendly and welcoming.
Following our visit to Lindos, we embarked on another hour-long drive, this time to the medieval part of the island. What was once a medieval town had transformed into a museum and a district filled with more shops and restaurants. As a group, we explored the castle, delving into its history, the significance of specific coats of arms, Italian influences, and even some hidden quirks like an upside-down pillar top. The mosaics on the floor, painstakingly assembled stone by stone thousands of years ago, were a testament to human craftsmanship.
After the castle, it was finally time for lunch. We dined at Romeo Garden and Terrace, where we enjoyed a multicourse meal. It began with an array of bread and dips, followed by the main course—a delightful assortment of meat and veggies served in parchment paper. We couldn't leave without trying the famous local dessert—orange cake.
We strolled through the charming town, indulging in a bit of shopping, and then made our way back to the port, a short walk from our cruise ship. Back on the ship, we freshened up for dinner and headed to the Wake restaurant for our reservations.
Our time in Rhodes had been a blend of surprises, historical discoveries, and delectable cuisine, making it yet another memorable chapter of our Greek cruise adventure.
Bodrum: Exploring Turkish Delights
The following day, we found ourselves in Turkey, and I couldn't contain my excitement to explore this new destination. Turkey was uncharted territory for me, and I was eager to see what this coastal town had to offer. As we approached Bodrum from the ship, the view of white buildings dotting the landscape was nothing short of picturesque.
We had another full day planned, which would take us to various areas of Bodrum. Our first stop was at Myndos Gate, a historic site and the sole surviving gate from ancient times when it served as the city's entrance. Our visit here was brief, and soon we were off to Gumusluk, a charming fishing village. We enjoyed a light snack accompanied by traditional Turkish tea, basked in the serene ambiance along the small beach, and took a leisurely stroll around the area. Unfortunately, we arrived a bit early, and many of the shops were still closed. However, we were fortunate to savor some highly recommended Turkish ice cream. I opted for the unique flavor of black mulberry, while Erik tried Tahini sesame.
Our journey continued to Yalikava, another charming town adorned with shops and restaurants lining the marina. We meandered through the inviting shops before deciding to grab a bite to eat. At Yalikava Iskele Café, a bustling spot with many patrons dining al fresco, I was eager to experience authentic Turkish cuisine. I ordered Turkish meatballs and chicken, not realizing it would take quite a while to arrive. To my surprise, Erik's sandwich arrived promptly, and our friends finished their meals before mine even arrived. I hurriedly devoured my food to catch up, and just in the nick of time, we made it back to the bus, with only a minute to spare. Unfortunately, I had to discard a significant portion of my meal to ensure we didn't miss the bus.
Our last stop of the day was at the Myndos Hotel, where we indulged in Turkish coffee. The panoramic view from the hotel was breathtaking, and the coffee, though strong and filled with fine grains, was a treat. Despite being advised not to drink too many of the grains, my coffee was so grainy that it was impossible to avoid them. Yet, the rich and robust flavor made it a worthwhile experience.
When it was time to leave, we encountered an unexpected delay as a man was found beneath our bus trying to fix it. The situation led to the summoning of a new bus to take us back to the port, and after a swift transition, we arrived back at the port as scheduled. A bustling center filled with shops and restaurants awaited us near the port, so we decided to explore the area. Our guide had estimated a five-minute walk, but it turned out to be closer to 20 minutes. Nevertheless, we were delighted to find a special Turkish coffee maker at a convenience store, saving us a significant amount compared to the stores in the main area. However, I must admit that this particular area didn't charm me as much as the other towns we had visited, largely due to the persistent pushiness of some individuals who urged us to dine at their restaurants or purchase knock-off items. We eventually made our way back to the ship, where we agreed that a drink and a refreshing shower were in order.
In the evening, we reconvened for dinner at Razzle Dazzle. The ship had a special event planned for the night—Scarlet Night. Tomorrow promised a full day at sea, and while the rest of our group was in a party mood, we were content knowing we had no early morning commitments. We looked forward to no commitments during our day at sea as we make our way to Mykonos.
Mykonos: A Day of Discovery
Our day in Mykonos began with a gentle workout—a light jog followed by some arm-focused weightlifting. Given the extensive walking we'd done throughout the trip, we decided to give our legs a bit of a respite. With no early morning rush, we could take it easy knowing that our tour wasn't scheduled to start until 10:30 am.
After getting ready, we set off for our excursion, which was just Erik and me this time. It promised to be a delightful beer and cheese tour, beginning at Mykonos Farmers, where we had the chance to sample some of the local cheeses. We contemplated bringing some home but worried about it spoiling during our travels.
The tour continued as we visited a small town and enjoyed a pastry known as a "little basket" along with some refreshing lemonade. We took a leisurely stroll around the town square, picking up a souvenir for Madison along the way. We also visited a grocery store to stock up on Greek olive oil and honey—when in Greece, right? We thought these would make lovely gifts for my mother-in-law as well.
The highlight of our tour was undoubtedly the visit to Mykonos Brewing Company. We embarked on a fantastic brewery tour and gained insights into the beer-making process. It was fascinating to learn about brewing not only beer but also other types of alcohol. We purchased a beer as a memento, and we couldn't resist purchasing some brewery merchandise before being dropped off back at the port.
Once back on the ship, we decided to have lunch. Erik opted for a classic burger and fries, while I chose a comforting bowl of ramen. Our appetites satisfied, we ventured out to explore the charming Mykonos town. It was everything I had imagined a Greek town to be—narrow stone streets lined with small shops and inviting restaurants.
As we meandered through the picturesque streets, we had a chance encounter that left us astonished. We bumped into the people we had shared drinks with in Athens, who were not on the cruise with us. They had ventured to Paros and Crete since we last saw them in Athens. The odds of running into them within the winding streets of Mykonos were incredibly slim, yet there we were. After our unexpected reunion, we grew quite tired and decided to return to the ship.
Opting for the Sea Bus, which cost only 2 euros, proved to be a quicker and more convenient option than walking back to the shuttle. The sea was a bit choppy due to the windy conditions, making for an adventurous ride.
Upon our return to the ship, we took some time to relax, called our girls, and prepared for dinner. Our reservation was at Pink Agave, a Mexican restaurant on board. We had one more day in Mykonos before commencing our journey back to Athens.
Mykonos Day 2: Farewell to the Island of Winds
Our final day in Mykonos began with our last planned excursion. Originally, we had contemplated canceling it, but we ultimately decided to keep it, as it provided an opportunity to use the tender to reach the island, which turned out not to be necessary, as we were able to dock at the port. The excursion was a walking tour through Mykonos Town. We remained with the group until we reached the iconic windmills, at which point we opted to strike out on our own. The merger of two tour groups, combined with the presence of our large group and four cruise ships in town, had turned the streets into bustling thoroughfares. The previous day, with only our cruise ship, had been a more pleasant experience.
We ventured off on our own and decided to treat ourselves to a delectable crepe.
We remembered passing a crepe shop that our friends had visited just before we left for our excursion. We made our way back there and found ourselves at Trio Bambini for crepes. Erik and I shared the strawberry delight crepe, while our friends chose the mixed nuts crepe, both topped with ice cream. Every bite was a delightful fusion of flavors. The serving size was so generous that we were grateful for sharing.
We also took a moment to visit a nearby liquor store, where we acquired bottles of Mastika and Tsipouro. Although we hadn't had a chance to try these traditional Greek spirits during our trip, we wanted to bring them home as a taste of Greece for ourselves and my mother-in-law.
Our ship was scheduled to depart at 2 pm to return to Athens, so around noon, we began our journey back. Erik and I chose to ride the Sea Bus once again, while our friends opted for the shuttle. Upon our return to the ship, we joined the rest of our group, who were already brunching at Razzle Dazzle. We had dinner at Gunbae and watched the show Persephone. We went back to our room since we still needed to wrap up our packing and get a good night's sleep before we embarked on the final leg of our journey, heading back to Athens.
Disembarkment Day and Traveling Back to Salt Lake
Disembarkment day arrived, but our night's sleep hadn't been the most restful due to the ship's movement and the rumbling engines as we reached the Athens port. We woke up, wrapped up the final packing details, and prepared for our last meal on the ship, a breakfast reservation at the Wake with some of our friends.
Our plan once we were off the ship was to meet up with our pre-arranged driver through Welcome Pickups and head straight to the airport. Disembarking the ship was relatively smooth; we had the option to take a shuttle to the terminal or walk, and as we could see the terminal from where we were, we decided to walk. We arrived at the terminal, where we were directed to wait as we had arranged our own transport service. We were at the pick-up area about 20 minutes early and kept in touch with our driver, who was on his way. When we spotted him with my name on a sign, we were off to the airport.
The drive was a bit thrilling with our driver taking many side streets and navigating the Greek roads aggressively. However, we made it to the airport in approximately 40 minutes. I was impressed with the efficiency of the Athens airport, especially considering we were traveling internationally. From dropping off our bags to reaching the gate took less than 30 minutes, which was remarkable. We weren't hungry, so we chose to sit by the gate and wait. The flight had a substantial number of passengers, but the boarding process was well-organized.
Our flight ended up being delayed, but it still seemed like we would make our connection, so we decided not to switch our flight. Although we had initially been upgraded to Delta One, that upgrade was later revoked, so we were now in comfort plus, albeit not seated together. Erik and I were initially assigned middle seats, but when an aisle seat became available, I took it so we could sit closer to each other. The boarding process revealed an interesting seating arrangement - a couple from Detroit decided to leave an empty middle seat between them, and that random middle seat ended up being mine. I found it slightly annoying to be spoken over during the flight, which was somewhat baffling.
As for the meals during the flight, they were decent. The first meal consisted of Basil Chicken with a side salad and salted caramel ice cream for dessert. The second meal offered a spinach and feta pastry with double chocolate mousse. I enjoyed a few glasses of red wine and a bourbon cream during the flight, and I kept myself occupied by writing about the trip, watching a few movies, and catching up on some much-needed rest.
Upon landing in Atlanta, we were in a hurry to make our connection. Our flight from Athens had been delayed, so we had only an hour and a half to clear customs, collect our checked bags, go through security, and maybe even call the girls if time allowed. Fortunately, we made it with about 10 minutes to spare, and I was able to see the girls on Facetime. Madi, in particular, was very upset that we were still away and tearfully called out for "mama." It tugged at my heartstrings, as I had been missing them every single day of our journey.
Our next flight was bound for Salt Lake City, and we watched the Sunday night football game while on board. I decided to try the TipTop Espresso Martini mixed with the bourbon cream, which was quite good, although it curdled, leaving me pondering how to avoid that next time. During the flight, I experienced a range of emotions, but the anticipation of being reunited with our daughters was the most powerful.
Upon arriving in Salt Lake City, we made our way to baggage claim. While waiting, I checked my email and discovered that one of our bags had not made it onto our flight. I had to see a Delta baggage agent, who took my information and assured me that our missing bag would be delivered the following day. Luckily, the bag that did make it onto our flight contained our toiletry bag, which was a relief. I was baffled as to how both bags, dropped off to the same person and station in Atlanta, failed to make the same flight.
After resolving the issue with our missing bag, we needed to book a rideshare service to get home. I had initially checked Lyft, but the price had surged from $40 to $60 within 15 minutes, so we decided to try Uber, which allowed us to book a ride for $47. Our driver was a bit peculiar, but he got us home safely. Finally, we walked through our front door just before midnight.
The following morning, we woke up and eagerly made our way to retrieve our girls. During our absence, our missing bag had been delivered to our house. We then went to collect Maple from the dog sitter. By afternoon, our family was fully reunited. Our journey had been an incredible adventure, but there's something truly special about being back home with our family.
In conclusion, our Greek adventure was an incredible journey filled with memorable experiences and exciting moments. We embarked on a fantastic voyage that introduced us to both the highlights of Greece and the world of cruising. Virgin Voyages provided an excellent first cruise experience, leaving us with lasting impressions and a desire to explore more. It's essential to note that our Greek cruise, while fantastic, did not offer an in-depth cultural immersion experience. In the end, our Greek adventure was a captivating chapter in our travel story, and we eagerly await the next adventure that awaits us. Greece, with its stunning landscapes, rich history, and warm hospitality, will forever hold a special place in our hearts.
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