Trip to Greece--May 2017
Linda and Tom Averill
Slide Show of Photos with captions at end of trip information
Tom and I took our 6th trip with Overseas Adventure Tour (OAT) this past May and loved it as much as the other 5. This trip featured one week visiting Athens, Delphi, Meteora and everything in between. For the second half of the trip, we were aboard the beautiful small ship Athena, touring Syros, Delos, Mykonos, Santorini, Paros and Patmos. The trip also included a half day visit to Ephesus on the Turkish coast. Our guide, Effie Perperi, was extraordinary. We learned so much. Tom and I highly recommend this trip and are happy to talk with anyone about it or any other questions you may have about this travel company!
First night in Athens found us enjoying gorgeous views of the Acropolis and yummy small plates of shrimps and calamari under a starry sky. The next morning, we began our bus ride to the World Heritage site of Meteora known for its cliff-hanging monasteries. The visits to several of these magnificent structures was awe inspiring and spiritual. Our accommodations were lovely, located in a breathtaking valley below the monasteries.
Our scenery in this beautiful part of Greece was gorgeous.... spring poppies and wild herbs dotted the landscape throughout our journey. Our time in this area included wonderful meals at local cafes and a home-hosted dinner that included interesting conversation and delicious regional specialties.
Our next leg of the mainland portion of the trip took us to Delphi and the famed Oracle. It is a wonderful site with temples in excellent condition. To stand next to the Oracle is an experience I will never forget. Our hotel in Arachova was spectacular as was the sunset and full moon.
The second half of the trip found us aboard the lovely and comfortable MS Athena. We were lucky to have a small balcony. The " small ship" sleeps about 60 maximum which includes crew. During this part of the tour, there were two groups aboard, each with their own trip leader. Meals were delicious.
Our first stop was the sophisticated and off the beaten track Island of Syros in the Cyclades Island group. We visited Byzantine churches- one featuring an El Greco masterpiece (reclining Christ figure), open air markets, and local cafes. During free time, I found a wonderful music store and bought several traditional CDs.
The next stop on our itinerary was the white-washed gem of an island- Mykonos. We visited countless churches, gazed in awe at the famed windmills, and ate dinner under the stars on this magical isle. Beauty greeted us around every corner.
From Mykonos, we boarded small tenders to transport us to the nearby UNESCO World Heritage site of Delos, the mythical birthplace of Apollo and Artemis. It was once a prosperous seaport as well as a sacred locale for all Greeks. It bears traces of past civilizations dating to the third millennium BC.
Crossing the cobalt blue Aegean, we arrived at Turkey's prize- the magnificent Ephesus. It is an unforgettable site. It was our second visit there and though I did not snap a lot of photos, it was equally stunning to our first visit.
My favorite Island was the next stop - the Dodecanese Island of Patmos- the sacred sanctuary of St. John the Apostle. Here, we swam in the beautiful Aegean, ate incredibly fresh seafood, and shopped for pretty, local crafts. It would be a great Island to spend a leisurely month...
The highlight of our visit however was our tour of St. John's former cave home where he supposedly wrote the Book of Revelation. It is yet another UNESCO World Heritage site. So much history throughout Greece.
We have all seen the infamous postcard photo from Santorini. Well, it is accurate! The island is truly beautiful but exceptionally touristy. We took a side trip to a winery which was a great alternative. We are glad to have seen this gorgeous spot but preferred the slower pace and the more authentic feel of the lesser known islands.
Due to rough waters and wind, our ship captain exchanged Naxos Island for nearby, lesser known, and more protected Paros. It was a wonderful experience on so many accounts. Changing island itineraries is not unusual so our guide was well able to put together a terrific tour for us. We walked many narrow streets, tasted local pastries and "refreshments" at local tavernas, visited a stunning fishing village, and chatted with local islanders. We loved every minute.
For the last day and a half of the trip, we were back in Athens. We were given a wonderful tour of the city, Acropolis, Archeological Museum, and free time to wander the wonderful Plaka market area. What a trip it was filled with beauty, history, great food, and much laughter.
Linda and Tom Averill
Slide Show of Photos with captions at end of trip information
Tom and I took our 6th trip with Overseas Adventure Tour (OAT) this past May and loved it as much as the other 5. This trip featured one week visiting Athens, Delphi, Meteora and everything in between. For the second half of the trip, we were aboard the beautiful small ship Athena, touring Syros, Delos, Mykonos, Santorini, Paros and Patmos. The trip also included a half day visit to Ephesus on the Turkish coast. Our guide, Effie Perperi, was extraordinary. We learned so much. Tom and I highly recommend this trip and are happy to talk with anyone about it or any other questions you may have about this travel company!
First night in Athens found us enjoying gorgeous views of the Acropolis and yummy small plates of shrimps and calamari under a starry sky. The next morning, we began our bus ride to the World Heritage site of Meteora known for its cliff-hanging monasteries. The visits to several of these magnificent structures was awe inspiring and spiritual. Our accommodations were lovely, located in a breathtaking valley below the monasteries.
Our scenery in this beautiful part of Greece was gorgeous.... spring poppies and wild herbs dotted the landscape throughout our journey. Our time in this area included wonderful meals at local cafes and a home-hosted dinner that included interesting conversation and delicious regional specialties.
Our next leg of the mainland portion of the trip took us to Delphi and the famed Oracle. It is a wonderful site with temples in excellent condition. To stand next to the Oracle is an experience I will never forget. Our hotel in Arachova was spectacular as was the sunset and full moon.
The second half of the trip found us aboard the lovely and comfortable MS Athena. We were lucky to have a small balcony. The " small ship" sleeps about 60 maximum which includes crew. During this part of the tour, there were two groups aboard, each with their own trip leader. Meals were delicious.
Our first stop was the sophisticated and off the beaten track Island of Syros in the Cyclades Island group. We visited Byzantine churches- one featuring an El Greco masterpiece (reclining Christ figure), open air markets, and local cafes. During free time, I found a wonderful music store and bought several traditional CDs.
The next stop on our itinerary was the white-washed gem of an island- Mykonos. We visited countless churches, gazed in awe at the famed windmills, and ate dinner under the stars on this magical isle. Beauty greeted us around every corner.
From Mykonos, we boarded small tenders to transport us to the nearby UNESCO World Heritage site of Delos, the mythical birthplace of Apollo and Artemis. It was once a prosperous seaport as well as a sacred locale for all Greeks. It bears traces of past civilizations dating to the third millennium BC.
Crossing the cobalt blue Aegean, we arrived at Turkey's prize- the magnificent Ephesus. It is an unforgettable site. It was our second visit there and though I did not snap a lot of photos, it was equally stunning to our first visit.
My favorite Island was the next stop - the Dodecanese Island of Patmos- the sacred sanctuary of St. John the Apostle. Here, we swam in the beautiful Aegean, ate incredibly fresh seafood, and shopped for pretty, local crafts. It would be a great Island to spend a leisurely month...
The highlight of our visit however was our tour of St. John's former cave home where he supposedly wrote the Book of Revelation. It is yet another UNESCO World Heritage site. So much history throughout Greece.
We have all seen the infamous postcard photo from Santorini. Well, it is accurate! The island is truly beautiful but exceptionally touristy. We took a side trip to a winery which was a great alternative. We are glad to have seen this gorgeous spot but preferred the slower pace and the more authentic feel of the lesser known islands.
Due to rough waters and wind, our ship captain exchanged Naxos Island for nearby, lesser known, and more protected Paros. It was a wonderful experience on so many accounts. Changing island itineraries is not unusual so our guide was well able to put together a terrific tour for us. We walked many narrow streets, tasted local pastries and "refreshments" at local tavernas, visited a stunning fishing village, and chatted with local islanders. We loved every minute.
For the last day and a half of the trip, we were back in Athens. We were given a wonderful tour of the city, Acropolis, Archeological Museum, and free time to wander the wonderful Plaka market area. What a trip it was filled with beauty, history, great food, and much laughter.
