GREECE IN THE SUMMERTIME!
August 29th - 31st
We arrived in Athens on August 29, 2021. Took a taxi to our apartment which was in the perfect location. From our balcony we were able to see the Parthenon atop the Acropolis. We arrived at 5:30, unpacked, took showers, and then set about walking the city. We approached a blocked area of the sidewalk and was asked to cross the street due to filming. We obliged and found a restaurant where we decided to sit and have a Greek beer. Our waiter informed us that the filming was the 3rd season of Jack Ryan with John Krasinski. No we didn't get to see him, as it turned out that was the last day of filming and they were done. We spent the evening exploring and found another restaurant to enjoy dolmades and some skewers. Everything is delicious in Greece! We knew the next day was going to be an early and long day so we opted to head back and get some sleep. The next day we walked to the Acropolis and spent most of the day exploring all the ancient sites that came with the package price. This included the Parthenon, the Temple of Zeus, The Roman Agora, The Ancient Agora, Hadrian's Library, and Keramikos. It was a wonderful experience. To think all of these buildings were built without machinery. We stopped and had lunch next to the Parthenon. The next day we were catching the ferry to Santorini so we walked back towards our apartment, shopping along the way and stopping for a quick bite. The ferry ride to Santorini was like a cruise ship. We purchased the business class tickets and was in the lounge in the front of the boat. We had access pretty much to the entire boat except the cabin floors. Yes you can even purchase a cabin for your ride. We arrived in Santorini at 2:30 AM was transferred to our villa and went to bed. Our next day we walked to Santorini Brewing Company for a craft brew, then walked up the street to Canava Rousso's Winery which is the oldest winery on Santorini. We had a wonderful educational experience. Our waitress told us the history, the process, and that Santorini doesn't irrigate the grape vines. They are grown dry. When I saw them, I thought they were all dead because the leaves were all wilted and the vines looked dead. The wine was delicious and I even brought a few bottles home. That evening we took the public bus to Fira. 1.60 in Euro and it will get you anywhere on the island. We enjoyed a sunset and dinner in Fira. Did some souvenir shopping and took the bus back. The next day we rented a car and explored the entire island. We made reservations at this little restaurant to watch the sunset in Oia. Santorini is a magical place, I loved every minute of our Greece trip. Here are a few pictures.