Week 1 (7-13 May)

7 May 2025

Landed in Athens and had a very quiet 40min trip to our accommodation called Arthome. Our driver decided we would stop at the end of our street and we walked to the accommodation. I completely understood why when I saw how steep the descent was with a dead end. I wouldn't have attempted it either!

He left us at the top with suitcases in hand to try our luck making it to the bottom unscathed. Success!

Keys retrieved and shown through accommodation, with the final stop on the 2nd floor with a spectacular view of the Acropolis!

Early night after 20 hours of travel. Looking forward to day 2.

8 May

Jade's enthusiasm for the sunrise had me awake just before 6am. It was a beautiful sight. I can't believe we are finally here.

Today we visit the Acropolis. Downloaded Rick Steve's walking tour and off we set with the 9am crowd. 

Amazing structures, including the Parthenon and temple to Athena, still standing the test of time with some help from scaffolding and works rebuilding some segments. It truly is an amazing architectural feat. Missed out on the close up of Dionysus Amphitheatre (one of my favourite Gods - how can you go wrong with wine and festivities), we took a wrong turn and exited the area. Saw it from the south side of the acropolis, so that counts 😅. Below is the Odeon of Herodes Atticus which is part of the Acropolis.

Next was the Acropolis Museum, lunch and then a very reluctant climb of Philopappos Hill. 147m straight up. Views were amazing once I could breathe again.

Then finally back down again, a short uphill downhill walk to our stay. Jade popped out for a quick bite to eat, day was done.

9 May

Jade's hungry demon set off at 5am. So we were up early searching for breakfast. Many places open early so you don't have to look too far. We have Big Bus tickets which we can see the sights and get off where we want. First stop was Temple of Zeus, supposedly was never finished being built. We hopped on the bus and visited the Panathenaic Stadium. Managed to climb the very steep steps to the top and took a rest and enjoyed the view. We took the underground path to a small museum to every Olympic Games including the torches and posters for every year it was held. We used the listening devices to understand the history including sitting in the seats for royalty. We hopped back on the bus and did the full route to see if there were any more sites we wanted to visit.

We watched the evzones (Greek Presidential Guards) guard the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and the Presidential Palace, including their unusual march style.

10 May

Today we hopped on the bus that took us to the coast and enjoyed the fresh air and the coast of Athens, also got a good idea of where we needed to go to board the ship. Next stop was the National Archaeological Museum, we paid high price for not very good food at the Museum's cafe. Once again amazing discoveries. Jade loved the tiny carvings of headless bodies, considered one of the earliest carvings of the human form.

 

11 May

Majestic Princess Cruise day. Slowly got ready and packed for our next step of the holiday. Grabbed a taxi and travelled to the port only to be put back on a bus and told to come back in an hour. Dropped of in the city and walked around until it was time to get back on the bus and head to the port. A very quick check in and medallions in hand we headed to our room. I was blown away by the sheer size of the ship and the fact it continues to float. Our room was spacious and had a small lounge and a balcony so definitely gave us a chance for fresh air and space. Sat at the back of the ship watching it leave port.

12 May

Arrived in Mykonos and took a boat to Delos. Here we did a guided tour with whisper devices (which kept cutting out) of the whole town. Once a magnificent place originally built in 3rd BC. It is said Apollo was born on this island. It was once a busy trading port. So much is still to be uncovered and a lot was destroyed during times of war. This is where the lion statues are located. The originals have been moved inside the Delos Museum however the replicas stand in their place showing you what a grand entrance it would have been. There are still signs of mosaics on some flooring.