Greece

Greece is one of the essential bucket list destinations. It really has everything. History, beaches, temples, islands, and the FOOD! This trip was my first time in Greece but it will not be my last. I did my typical whirlwind see as much as possible in as little time itinerary and so I did get around the country a little. It started off in Athens where you are surrounded by history everywhere you look. I stayed in walking distance from the Acropolis and had a rooftop dinner in the hotel taking in the view. First full day I went first to the Acropolis hoping to beat the crowds. It was early May and so tecnically not high season but still pretty packed. The goal was to get in before the cruise ships arrive so it was a success. I can only imagine how miserable it must be to see it on one of those croweded tours! After I went to the Acropolis Museum - conveniently located just across the road.

The next destination was Nafplio. The drive was just about 2 hours and we stopped along the way to see the Corinth Canal. This canal was cut through the isthmus of Greece to connect the Aegean Sea the to the Ionian Sea. The ship fits but just barely.. fascinating watching it make its way through the narrow passage. The town of Nafplio is quaint and on the water. It overlooks the Bourtzi Castle. There are lots of great little restaurants and shops throughout the streets. It is not crowded and a nice little escape from busy Athens.

We went to the Ancient Theatre of Epidaurus. The acoustics here are better than anything built in the past century and it is a mystery exactly how it was done. And then to Myceane - Ruins of a civilization between 1600 and 1100 B.C. Our next stop was the Delphi. This was a long drive - over 3 hours. We arrived late and checked into the hotel. We had a quick dinner and then crashed. Early start the next day heading to the Temple of Delphi.

Driving back to Athens and to the port I boarded a sailboat, my home for the next 4 days. We sailed around and stopped at several islands: Mykonos, Sifnos, Milos and Syros. Each was so unique. Sailing around the islands

Mykonos Being the most popular stop everyone was super excited. Our ship was small enough to stop near the Mykonos town - the main touristy part. Just a short tender ride had us at the harbor and then we walked through the narrow streets of shops and restaurants, getting lost over and over but then finding our way back to the main path. Eventually we found our way to the end and the famous windmills. We took the obligatory photos and then met up with the rest of our group for a drink by the water.

Milos It is hard to pick a favorite since the islands were all so different. And we just had a few hours at each. But.. Milos might have been the most picturesque. First we stopped for coffee in the main town of Plaka. And then drove about 10 minutes to Sarakiniko Beach. It was so unique and often described as being moonlike. It is made up of white ridged rocks and the water is the brightest turquoise blue.

Syros As we approached Syros it looked like an actual town. This was a more populated island than the others, we walked past city hall and some kids playing out front. We also saw a school. We visited St. George's Cathedral and checked out a few small hotels.

Sifnos This is another island knownn for its nightlife scene. We explored on foot walking the trail that includes monasteries, small chapels, and old towers. It overlooks the beaches and all the buildings are blue and white. We also visited a local pottery workshop.

After disembarking there was time for one more stop before the airport. It was the Temple of Poseiden located on Cape Sounion, a southern point on the water. It is located high up on a cliff overlooking the water and was built in honor of Poseiden, the god of the sea. Fishermen in ancient Greece would pray to Poseiden to keep them safe.