I am back from a week on a cruise ship and can I tell you I was soo happy. I really wish I could just go on like 10 cruises a year or just travel the world. For me, traveling in my happy place. I wish I could go back. However, I cannot. My next big vacation is in 293 days!! I will be exploring Greece and its Islands. I love Greece and I will be staying there for 15 days!! I am hoping at the time that I leave for Greece, I will be able to speak the language a little. I am taking this trip with Collette Vacations. Collette Vacations plans the entire trip out for you. Below is that I will be doing and seeing on my trip.
Air 1: Overnight Flight
Discover the beauty and timeless wonder found only in Greece. Your tour of Greece begins with an overnight flight.
Day 2: Athens, Greece - Tour Begins
Your tour begins in the capital city of Athens. This evening, join your fellow travelers for a welcome dinner in Athens’ historic district, known as the Plaka. In a traditional taverna you will feast on local cuisine, wine and enjoy Greek entertainment.
Day 3: Athens
LANGUAGE DISCOVERY: Today, your Tour Manager will help you discover the origin and history of the language(s) you will experience on your tour along with key words and phrases that will help you communicate with the locals. Touring Athens, see the ruins of the Temple of Zeus, the Royal Palace, Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, the Olympic Stadium and the incredible Acropolis (UNESCO).
Day 4: Athens - Thermopylae - Kalambaka
Travel north through central Greece to the ancient city of Thermopylae where you stop to see a monument dedicated to Leonidas, who died defending the city against the Persians. Then, stop at a local studio to see painters creating beautiful Byzantine icons. End your day in Kalambaka.
Day 5: Kalambaka - Metéora - Kalambaka
Today you tour Metéora (UNESCO), a unique landscape of limestone rock “towers” that stand nearly 900 feet tall. Over 600 years ago, Byzantine monks chose to build their monastic community perched atop these virtually inaccessible rocks. As you travel through the dazzling Peneios Valley, stop and visit one of these remote holy places. Return to Kalambaka for some leisure time.
Day 6: Kalambaka - Delphi - Arachova
Continue on to the ancient city of Delphi (UNESCO), one of Greece’s most important religious centers during Classical times. It was here that the famous Oracle was consulted to foretell the destiny of Man. A local expert guides you on a visit to the Sanctuary of Apollo, the Doric Temple and the Theatre.
Day 7: Arachova - Olympia
Travel along the Gulf of Corinth before crossing into the Peloponnese and the historic city of Olympia (UNESCO), a testament to the grandeur of ancient Greek civilization. Your guided visit includes the sanctuary of Zeus and the Olympic Stadium, where the first Olympic Games were held.
Day 8: Olympia - Mycenae - Epidauros - Tolo
Enjoy spectacular scenery as you cross the Arkadian Mountains en route to the ancient city of Mycenae (UNESCO). A guided visit of the excavations features the Beehive Tombs and the Lion Gate. Continue to Epidauros (UNESCO) to view the spectacular 2,300-year-old open air theater. End your day in the charming seaside village of Tolo.
Day 9: Tolo - Nauplion - Tolo
Today, experience the seaside charms of Nauplion. Explore the old town and the imposing Palamedes Fort, situated high atop the city with commanding views.
Day 10: Athens - Mykonos
This morning you transfer* to the port of Athens and board the high speed ferry to Mykonos, the whitewashed jewel of the Cyclades Islands. Enjoy magnificent views as you sail across the Aegean Sea to this island paradise.
Day 12: Mykonos - Santorini
Bid farewell to Mykonos as you sail to the most spectacular destination in the Mediterranean, the island of Santorini. Upon arrival, visit a winery followed by a tasting of the unique wines of Santorini that have become world-famous.
Day 13: Santorini
Spend the morning exploring the cultural wonders and history of Santorini. Begin by traveling through a fascinating landscape of vineyards, whitewashed chapels and volcanic cliffs to the spectacular town of Oia, where the best views of the crater are found. Later, visit the Archaeological Museum** with its impressive collection of frescoes, Byzantine works of art and sculptures of the Hellenistic period. The remainder of the day is at leisure.
Day 14: Santorini - Athens
Bid farewell to the Greek Islands and fly back to Athens for your overnight stay. This evening, join your fellow travelers for a farewell dinner celebrating the end of a memorable trip to Greece.
Day 15: Athens - Tour Ends
I wish i was leaving now. But I guess I can wait. I just wish I could quit my job and work on a criuse ship tomorrow. It would be great to just have fun and enjoy my life while I am still young and single. However, I do need to marry a man who LOVES to travel. :-)
Nothing much else to say. Just ready for the weeekend to sleep and do nothing. I still need to unpack from the cruise also. Guess I will do that this weekend....
