Tastes of Greece

Athens remains an iconic destination, blending ancient history with modern vibrancy. Stroll along pathways that have evolved into bustling streets leading to landmarks like the Acropolis. While steeped in history and mythology, Athens embraces its present. Explore the city's charming alleys adorned with street art and echoing with the melodies of local musicians. Serendipitous discoveries await, such as the tranquil Church of Agioi, a respite from the tourist crowds. Experience the lively atmosphere of Plaka or Monastiraki markets, where you can haggle for unique handmade souvenirs. Don't be surprised to find some amusing and quirky items among the offerings. Beyond Athens, venture to Piraeus, Greece's largest port, where centuries of transformation have turned it into a bustling hub of maritime activity. From its origins as a wartime fortress, Piraeus has evolved into a vital center for shipping and transportation in the Mediterranean.
 

In modern-day Greece, picturesque narrow streets wind amidst whitewashed houses topped with blue domes, offering an iconic scene. On the horizon, the famed windmills of the Cyclades stand as landmarks. The enticing aroma of an ancient bakery, still using a 15th-century wood-burning stove, fills the air with the delicious scents of Greek pastries. No trip to Mykonos is complete without savoring loukoumádes, delectable fried dough drizzled in honey and sometimes sprinkled with sesame seeds. Toast to newfound friendships and adventures with Ouzo and Mostra at a local taverna. Take a ferry to Delos, a secluded island dedicated solely to archaeology, revered as the birthplace of the sun god Apollo. It holds the distinction of being the world's only island entirely composed of ruins.
 

Making port in the coastal resort town of Kusadasi from the Aegean Sea, travelers are greeted by a castle on Pigeon Island surrounded by lush green trees. The causeway along the route connects this lone island to the mainland of Kusadasi, where visitors will disembark to begin their exploration of Turkey.

Picture this: marble ruins of one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World right before you. Through the rubble, you gaze upon the impressive Temple of Artemis. This is the experience of Ephesus, a UNESCO-listed, 4,000-year-old city located in Selcuk that is considered the best-preserved classical city of the eastern Mediterranean.

Countless historical sites and ruins abound in the region, from the Basilica of St. John to the House of the Virgin Mary. A visit to Ephesus makes it easy to step into the past and imagine life among the locals in times before. Nothing invokes that feeling more than the ruins of the Library of Celsus, an ancient Roman site where its namesake is buried beneath a crypt.

This archaeological zone still buzzes with activity, as archaeologists continue to dig through the ruins and discover its secrets. To walk among the excavations as scientists continue to unearth the site’s remnants makes it hard not to get swept up in the history.

Standing amid the ruins, beyond the excavations, stretching far and wide before your eyes is Ayasuluk Hill. Dotted with palm trees and other foliage, the site creates the perfect picture of the region’s mild climate, making it a vacation haven.

The "Holy Island" of Patmos holds religious history as the site where St. John wrote the Book of Revelations. Venturing over to the Cave of the Apocalypse amid the hills between Skala and Chora, you get a whole new view of the countryside. Along the seaside village you find an array of restaurants with the fresh catch of the day. With quintessential whitewashed houses in the Greek style and iconic windmills against a backdrop of blue skies, the Sacred Land of the Aegean also offers breathtaking panoramas that will impress the most experienced travelers.

When you think of the quintessential whitewashed houses of Greece with blue domes and windmills sprinkled throughout the landscape, it’s Santorini that comes to mind. This island of the Cyclades contains lush scenery, a quaint charm and cosmopolitan feel all at once. Just 300 steps down from the northern city of Oia you will find Amoudi Bay, an exquisite vista of vibrant red cliffs and the caldera that demand you stop and take in the view. In the little village of the bay you will find the Greek island life thriving amid the local tavernas serving the catch of the day. Discover one of the most prominent excavations of prehistoric settlements in the Aegean at the Akrotiri archaeological village. Ruins from the ancient city date back as far as 1700 BCE before it was buried by a volcanic eruption. But the first inhabitants date even further back to the Late Neolithic period (fourth millennium BCE). For the wine lovers who are curious about the history and process of their favorite drink, the Koutsoyannopoulos Wine Museum is a must-visit. Nestled within a natural cave six meters underground, a tour of the museum and tasting of the vineyard’s Volcan wines is an experience like none other. A visit to Santorini is not complete until you sample the local fare - fava me koukia. Mashed fava beans are prepped with lemon, parsley, dill and fennel for a delectable Greek dish popular among the islanders. Or opt for tomato gefthedes (tomato fritters) for another savory selection.

In the Saronic Gulf lies the charming small town of Nafplion, Greece. Narrow stone streets amid whitewashed houses and quaint local shops create a romantic picture straight out of a postcard. Find the steps leading to Palamidi castle perched on a cliff atop the town for a heart-pumping exploration. Not far from Nafplion you can explore the remains of King Agamemnon’s castle in Mycenae. This site contains the history of the dominating culture of mainland Greece from the late Bronze Age. Nearby in Epidaurus discover the famous amphitheater where you can stand in certain points at the bottom and hear the speaker at a location in the seats all the way to the top

Nestled within the Saronic Gulf of the Aegean Sea, the Greek island of Spetses creates an ambiance that is equal parts idyllic charm and elegant, relaxed luxury. Quaint shops, a breathtaking harbor and fine restaurants make its historic old town a paradise for yachtsmen and one of Greece’s best-kept secrets. It’s easy to fall in love with Spetses, a combination of pine scents — earning it the nickname "The Isle of the Aromas" — stunning Neoclassical buildings and horse-drawn carriages roaming through its enchanting streets. A sense of tranquility created by a lack of cars on the island cultivates an atmosphere that invites more intimate connections among fellow explorers and locals alike. Stop in at one of the traditional tavernas to share a mezze with new friends and sample the fresh catch of the day. Together with your expedition family, find hidden coves and take a dip in the clear blue waters of Spetses’ beautiful beaches.
 

After breakfast, bid farewell to your fellow travelers as you disembark in Piraeus.