July 21, 2024 From my laundry room … This morning I checked out of the Courtyard Marriott and returned to Boston Logan for United Flight 2098 from Boston…
July 19, 2024 From the rooftop bar of the Polis Grand Hotel in Athens … After an early breakfast we disembark from the Celestyal Discovery at 7:30a following…
July 18, 2024 From Santorini … We start the day with a visit to Crete, the largest of the Greek islands, known for its stunning beaches, rugged mountains,…
This morning I checked out of the Courtyard Marriott and returned to Boston Logan for United Flight 2098 from Boston Logan to Washington Dulles departing at 9:30a.
Early morning Boston Logan Terminal B Gate 26 Boston, United States • 42°21’42.06″ N 71°1’1″ W iPhone 12 mini back dual wide camera 4.2mm f/1.6 • ISO 32 • 1/2100 sec at f/1.6
I’m home by 12:30p and immediately out the door for a welcome home lunch from The Burger Shack and to stock up on groceries at Wegmans. A few hours later I’m unpacked and laundry is underway. I really enjoy traveling, but I also really enjoy getting home. And in the post-trip glow of feeling travel accomplished, it’s a good time to reflect back on the trip …
By far, in terms of days of travel, this has been the most ambitious international trip I’ve done. I left Virginia early on July 2 and I’m getting home nearly three weeks later. But also in terms of destinations … Venice, Florence, Orvieto, Rome, Vatican City, Capri, Sorrento, Pompeii, Tolo, Athens, Mykonos, Kusadashi, Patmos, Rhodes, and Santorini. Not to mention airports in London and Milan. Counting Vatican City, that’s five countries! (And just one passport stamp!)
Venice skyline Venice, Italy • 45°25’46.38″ N 12°19’3.12″ E Nikon Z8 • NIKKOR Z 28-400mm f/4-8 VR at 89 mm • ISO 64 • 1/800 sec at f/6.3
And this trip did not disappoint. I’ve meant to get to Italy for years. It was amazing from start to finish and I should have done this much sooner. Each city had a different flavor. I enjoyed each one, but I’d really like to come back and see more of Venice, Capri, and Sorrento and maybe some other places as well.
Marina Grande Capri, Italy • 40°33’20.70″ N 14°14’25.36″ E DJI OSMO Pocket 3 • 6.5 mm f/2 • ISO 80 • 1/3200 sec at f/2.0
This trip also provided the opportunity to see parts of Greece I hadn’t visited on my previous trip … Tolo, Olympia, Epidaurus, Mycenae, and the Corinth Canal. And the blue skies and blue waters of the Aegean Sea during our island cruise were really worth coming back to see!
Theatre of Epidaurus Epidaurus, Greece • 37°35’44.97″ N 23°4’45.26″ E Nikon Z8 • NIKKOR Z 28-400mm f/4-8 VR at 28 mm • ISO 64 • 1/640 sec at f/4.0
But doing all this with a great group of travelers makes the experience special …
The Milford Travelers with Big Red … Cory, Hannah, Patrick, Terry, Beth, Brad, Sophie, Mallory, Hugh, Michelle, Marguerite, Brian, Elaine, Jess, Bernie, Michael, Kim, Greg, and Juan’s crutches iPhone 11 back dual wide camera 4.25mm f/1.8 • ISO 32 • 1/450 sec at f/1.8
Brad has been planning and leading these trips for nearly 40 years. It’s a huge amount of work and he dedicates many hours before departure and during the trips to make sure that things go smoothly while we are traveling. You can see where his experience as a high school principal would lend itself to this sort of leadership role. He makes sure the logistics of getting a large group through airports, busses, ferries, funiculars, cruise ships, and subways always works, while letting each of the travelers experience these new places in their own way. And even though he has been to all of these places many, many times he always finds something new to enjoy. Commendatore!
Brad and kitty in Ephesus Selçuk, Türkiye • 37°56’28.85″ N 27°20’30.33″ E Nikon Z8 • NIKKOR Z 28-400mm f/4-8 VR at 200 mm • ISO 1100 • 1/500 sec at f/8.0
During the trip, long time Explorica tour guide Bianca was responsible for complex logistical travel arrangements, managinga sizable group of travelers through crowded tourist sites and cities, working with our drivers Antonio and Costas, and the care and feeding of the group. A highly skilled and experienced travel guide, Bianca has been imparting travel wisdom and Bianca’s Rules for Love and Life to the youth of the world for many years. “I mean, hello!”
Juan is an Explorica employee from Mexico on the trip as an employee benefit and travelled with us on the Italy and Greece portion of the trip. He is extremely knowledgeable about the travel industry and offered great insight into touring along the way.
Terry, Beth, and Patrick have done a number of trips with Brad, but none of the trips I’ve done. Terry and Beth are medical professionals and their expertise was welcomed by the group on more than a few occasions. Patrick has a great sense for the finer things in life and he shopped hard. And Patrick slays the recovery. Twice!
Michelle, Sophie, Greg, Marguerite, Beth, Kim, Terry, Patrick, and Hugh searching for the Mykonos windmills Mykonos, Greece • 37°26’49.82″ N 25°19’32.22″ E Nikon Z8 • NIKKOR Z 28-400mm f/4-8 VR at 28 mm • ISO 280 • 1/500 sec at f/5.6
Cory and Hannah both work in the education field and travelled with us on the Italy and Greece portion of the trip. My first trip with both and I hope to travel with both soon! Cory first traveled with Brad when he was a student at Milford HS. He might be a future trip leader at some point.
I’ve traveled with Bernie and Jess several times and they’ve done other Brad trips I haven’t been on. It’s always great to spend time with them and catch up on Bernie’s woodworking and Jess’s beekeeping. (I need to get some of her honey.)
Brian and Elaine are friends of Bernie and Jess. This was their first trip with Brad. Brian served as a local elected official for many years. Elaine is a talented painter. Dinner conversations with both were always interesting and thought provoking. And both are part of their local arts council.
Bernie, Elaine, Brian, Marguerite, and Jess in Santorini Oía, Greece • 36°27’42.78″ N 25°22’35.55″ E Nikon Z8 • NIKKOR Z 28-400mm f/4-8 VR at 28 mm • ISO 900 • 1/500 sec at f/8.0
Marguerite has been on every trip I’ve done and I really enjoy traveling with her. At the age of 77 she still teaches at Milford HS and plans to teach for a few more years. She always has an interesting story to tell and photographs everything while we are traveling.
Marguerite in Venice Venice, Italy • 45°25’31.71″ N 12°22’8.22″ E Nikon Z8 • NIKKOR Z 28-400mm f/4-8 VR at 50 mm • ISO 160 • 1/500 sec at f/5.6
Mallory has travelled with Brad previously. She’s working through college towards an education career. Midway through our trip we were joined by her sister Jordan who surprised Mallory by flying Greece for the Aegean Island cruise. Jordan did a study abroad program in Greece last year. Mallory slays tech support. Great to travel with these sisters!
Jordan and Mallory (📷 Sophie) Athens, Greece • 37°58’6.03″ N 23°43’45.64″ E
I previously travelled with Greg on the Peru and Southeast Asia trips. He’s always extremely well read on the places we are traveling to. Although I’ve only travelled before with Greg, he and his family are all very experienced travelers on previous Brad trips. Kim and I have been connected on social media for years. She is the Milford HS librarian, passionate about books, and leader of impromptu Italian roadside rest stop yoga classes. Hugh slays drums and even sat in with the jazz band on the cruise ship. Sophie slays kitties, tech support, and social media. Occasional blog proofreader. Charter member of the M&M’S.
Hugh, Greg, Kim, and Sophie at the Trevi Fountain Roma, Italy • 41°54’3.22″ N 12°28’59.22″ E Nikon Z8 • NIKKOR Z 28-400mm f/4-8 VR at 28 mm • ISO 320 • 1/500 sec at f/4.0
Michelle and I met on the trip to Peru and started planning for this trip several years ago. On a trip you need a travel buddy or two. Someone to explore a new town with, find a great lunch cafe with, and to commiserate with. And occasional blog proofreader! And Michelle is an outstanding travel partner! Always up for adventure, excellent taste in wine and cheeses, on the lookout for the perfect cafe, and a great sense of humor. Charter member of the M&M’S.
Michelle braves the wind in Athens Athens, Greece • 37°58’54.93″ N 23°44’35.87″ E Nikon Z8 • NIKKOR Z 28-400mm f/4-8 VR at 66 mm • ISO 2200 • 1/500 sec at f/22The M&M’S in Mykonos … Michelle, Sophie, and Michael (📷 Sophie) Mykonos, Greece • 37°27’56.42″ N 25°19’20.71″ E iPhone 14 Pro back triple camera 2.22mm f/2.2 • ISO 1250 • 1/8 sec at f/2.2M&M’S Cocktails (📷 Sophie) Athens, Greece • 37°59’8.08″ N 23°43’46.32″ E iPhone 14 Pro back triple camera 6.86mm f/1.78 • ISO 125 • 1/120 sec at f/1.8
Now that I’m home I can start unpacking and get to work transferring the photo and video files. Lookout for the Italy and Greece workflow post soon! And thank you for reading along as we made our way through Italy, Greece, and Türkiye!
Sunset over Athens Athens, Greece • 37°58’28.57″ N 23°43’52.11″ E Nikon Z8 • iPhone 12 mini back dual wide camera 4.2mm f/1.6 • ISO 32 • 1/1600 sec at f/1.6
After nearly three weeks touring, it’s time to make our way home. Today is our return day to the United States.
After a leisurely breakfast at the Polis Grand Hotel we check out at 9a for the bus ride to the Athens airport. Traffic is light on a Saturday morning in Athens. We’re on British Airways Flight 639 from Athens International to London Heathrow. Our departure is delayed nearly an hour to load baggage on the plane and due to “air traffic control restrictions.”
Boarding British Airways Flight 639 at Athens International Spata, Greece • 37°55’51.64″ N 23°56’29.49″ E iPhone 12 mini back dual wide camera 4.2mm f/1.6 • ISO 32 • 1/4700 sec at f/1.6British Airways Flight 639 departing Athens Petalioi Gulf • 38°3’33.88″ N 24°3’30.43″ E iPhone 12 mini back dual wide camera 4.2mm f/1.6 • ISO 32 • 1/3500 sec at f/1.6British Airways Flight 639 on final approach to Heathrow London Borough of Wandsworth, England • 51°27’47.55″ N 0°13’38.15″ W iPhone 12 mini back dual wide camera 4.2mm f/1.6 • ISO 32 • 1/7300 sec at f/1.6
After a quick layover we board British Airways Flight 203 from London Heathrow to Boston Logan.
British Airways Flight 203 Middlesex, England • 51°28’14.49″ N 0°28’34.41″ W iPhone 12 mini back dual wide camera 4.2mm f/1.6 • ISO 32 • 1/2300 sec at f/1.6
We arrive in Boston around 7:30p. It’s been a long day of travel! After we move through passport control it’s time to say our goodbyes. The rest of the group is making their way to communities in New Hampshire. I’m heading to a nearby Marriott before flying home to DC tomorrow morning.
From the rooftop bar of the Polis Grand Hotel in Athens …
After an early breakfast we disembark from the Celestyal Discovery at 7:30a following the overnight sail from Santorini to the port of Lavrion.
Disembarkation from the Celestyal Discovery Lavrion, Greece • 37°42’33.98″ N 24°4’0.68″ E iPhone 12 mini back dual wide camera 4.2mm f/1.6 • ISO 32 • 1/3200 sec at f/1.6
An hour bus ride gets us back to Athens to drop our bags at the Polis Grand Hotel. Check in isn’t until later this afternoon, so we’ve got some free time in Athens. Some members of the group are heading to the Acropolis, but Michelle and I are off on an adventure to Mount Lycabettus. Reached by funicular it’s the highest point in Athens and home to the 19th century Chapel of St. George. The views of the city from here are outstanding …
Mount Lycabettus Athens, Greece • 37°58’18.26″ N 23°43’34.84″ E Nikon Z8 • NIKKOR Z 28-400mm f/4-8 VR at 400 mm • ISO 100 • 1/500 sec at f/8.0The Mount Lycabettus funicular Athens, Greece • 37°58’50.01″ N 23°44’38.42″ E Nikon Z8 • NIKKOR Z 28-400mm f/4-8 VR at 200 mm • ISO 8000 • 1/8 sec at f/8.0Olympic Stadium from Mount Lycabettus Athens, Greece • 37°58’55.00″ N 23°44’35.74″ E Nikon Z8 • NIKKOR Z 28-400mm f/4-8 VR at 170 mm • ISO 100 • 1/500 sec at f/7.6The Acropolis from Mount Lycabettus Athens, Greece • 37°58’55.00″ N 23°44’35.74″ E Nikon Z8 • NIKKOR Z 28-400mm f/4-8 VR at 200 mm • ISO 90 • 1/500 sec at f/8.0
It’s incredibly windy, but we enjoy the view for a couple of hours before returning to the hotel for lunch.
An Englishmen and an American meet for coffee in Athens to chat about sourdough bread baking. Sounds like a pitch for a spy novel!
But we’re meeting Phil, my sourdough bread baking guide. Phil is from Cambridge, England and lives with his family in Greece. He’s been a professional chef and is a bread baking phenom. I found his Culinary Exploration YouTube channel when I started baking sourdough and joined his Sourdough Unchained baking community to improve my baking skills. We talk sourdough baking, international travel, and get a local perspective on living in Athens.
Meeting with Phil at the Grand Polis Hotel (📷 Michelle) Athens, Greece • 37°59’7.76″ N 23°43’46.51″ E iPhone 11 back dual wide camera 4.25mm f/1.8 • ISO 125 • 1/60 sec at f/1.8
It’s our last night in Greece, so Sophie, Michelle, and I toast the end of the trip at the rooftop bar of the Polis Grand Hotel. The view is amazing!
M&M’S at the the Polis Grand Hotel rooftop bar (📷 Sophie) Athens, Greece • 37°59’8.08″ N 23°43’46.32″ E iPhone 14 Pro back triple camera 2.22mm f/2.2 • ISO 50 • 1/100 sec at f/2.2Mount Lycabettus from the Polis Grand Hotel Athens, Greece • 37°59’8.08″ N 23°43’46.33″ E Nikon Z8 • NIKKOR Z 28-400mm f/4-8 VR at 170 mm • ISO 280 • 1/500 sec at f/7.6The Acropolis from the Polis Grand Hotel rooftop bar Athens, Greece • 37°59’8.08″ N 23°43’46.33″ E Nikon Z8 • NIKKOR Z 28-400mm f/4-8 VR at 400 mm • ISO 400 • 1/500 sec at f/8.0
Time to head home and get my starter back in to shape!
We start the day with a visit to Crete, the largest of the Greek islands, known for its stunning beaches, rugged mountains, lush valleys, ancient ruins. A quick bus ride gets us to the Bronze Age Archaeological Site of Knossos, the center of Minoan civilization, for a walking tour.
Archaeological Site of Knossos Heraklion, Greece • 35°17’51.9″ N 25°9’47.95″ E Nikon Z8 • NIKKOR Z 28-400mm f/4-8 VR at 28 mm • ISO 80 • 1/500 sec at f/4.0Archaeological Site of Knossos Heraklion, Greece • 35°17’54.37″ N 25°9’47.68″ E Nikon Z8 • NIKKOR Z 28-400mm f/4-8 VR at 34 mm • ISO 64 • 1/800 sec at f/4.5Archaeological Site of Knossos Heraklion, Greece • 35°17’51.76″ N 25°9’47.17″ E Nikon Z8 • NIKKOR Z 28-400mm f/4-8 VR at 50 mm • ISO 90 • 1/500 sec at f/5.6
Then we return to Heraklion, the capital of Crete, a vibrant city that blends modern urban life with rich historical sites. We’ve got a little free time to shop around before returning to the ship.
The local market in Heraklion Heraklion, Greece • 35°20’17.28″ N 25°7’59.49″ E Nikon Z8 • NIKKOR Z 28-400mm f/4-8 VR at 28 mm • ISO 360 • 1/500 sec at f/4.0Gathering for coffee in the market Heraklion, Greece • 35°20’12.80″ N 25°8’0.24″ E Nikon Z8 • NIKKOR Z 28-400mm f/4-8 VR at 28 mm • ISO 560 • 1/500 sec at f/4.0Grapes in the market Heraklion, Greece • 35°20’13.48″ N 25°8’0.15″ E Nikon Z8 • NIKKOR Z 28-400mm f/4-8 VR at 50 mm • ISO 3200 • 1/500 sec at f/5.6The local market in Heraklion Heraklion, Greece • 35°20’15.40″ N 25°8’0.04″ E Nikon Z8 • NIKKOR Z 28-400mm f/4-8 VR at 400 mm • ISO 7200 • 1/500 sec at f/8.0
Lunch is back on board the Celestyal Discovery, along with some much needed time to pack for disembarkation. At 4p the ship arrives in the Santorini Caldera and shortly thereafter we are on a tender to the island.
Cruise ship and tender in the Santorini Caldera Santorini Caldera, Greece • 36°23’20.79″ N 25°24’30.24″ E Nikon Z8 • NIKKOR Z 28-400mm f/4-8 VR at 200 mm • ISO 100 • 1/500 sec at f/8.0
With its whitewashed buildings, blue-domed churches, and stunning sunsets Santorini is on every travel photographers bucket list. The island’s unique landscape, shaped by a volcanic eruption, offers breathtaking views of the caldera and the Aegean Sea. Santorini’s rich history, vibrant culture, and exquisite cuisine make it a must-visit destination in the Greek islands. It’s a little crowded here, but the views across the caldera are stunning.
Resurrection of the Lord Holy Orthodox Church Oía, Greece • 36°27’41.97″ N 25°22’31.73″ E Nikon Z8 • NIKKOR Z 28-400mm f/4-8 VR at 55 mm • ISO 250 • 1/500 sec at f/8.0Cruise ships in the Santorini Caldera Oía, Greece • 36°27’43.41″ N 25°22’41.23″ E Nikon Z8 • NIKKOR Z 28-400mm f/4-8 VR at 155 mm • ISO 110 • 1/500 sec at f/8.0Wine and bruschetta overlooking the Santorini Caldera Oía, Greece • 36°27’41.97″ N 25°22’31.73″ E Nikon Z8 • NIKKOR Z 28-400mm f/4-8 VR at 66 mm • ISO 500 • 1/500 sec at f/8.0
Tomorrow we head back to Athens.
In Santorini Oía, Greece • 36°27’41.41″ N 25°22’32.09″ E iPhone 12 mini back dual wide camera 4.2mm f/1.6 • ISO 32 • 1/6900 sec at f/1.6
At 7a we arrive at the island of Rhodes. We’re on our own today and there is no rush.
Known for its medieval Old Town, Rhodes, Greece, features the impressive Palace of the Grand Master, ancient city walls, beautiful beaches, clear waters, and scenic landscapes offers a blend of past and present. We sample it all!
Rhodes Port Rhodes, Greece • 36°26’37.30″ N 28°13’52.09″ E Nikon Z8 • NIKKOR Z 28-400mm f/4-8 VR at 28 mm • ISO 64 • 1/1250 sec at f/4.0Walls surrounding the Medieval City of Rhodes Rhodes, Greece • 36°26’44.96″ N 28°13’29.23″ E Nikon Z8 • NIKKOR Z 28-400mm f/4-8 VR at 28 mm • ISO 1600 • 1/500 sec at f/22
Michelle and I head out at 9a for a walk through the medieval Old Town and then up the hill to the Rhodes Acropolis. Unfortunately the Rhodes Acropolis is hidden behind scaffolding, but the view from this hilltop makes the walk up worthwhile.
Through the Old Town Rhodes, Greece • 36°26’32.48″ N 28°13’26.94″ E Nikon Z8 • NIKKOR Z 28-400mm f/4-8 VR at 28 mm • ISO 90 • 1/500 sec at f/4.0Odeon at the Rhodes Ancient Olympic Stadium Rhodes, Greece • 36°26’24.38″ N 28°12’43.15″ E Nikon Z8 • NIKKOR Z 28-400mm f/4-8 VR at 28 mm • ISO 64 • 1/1600 sec at f/4.0The Rhodes Acropolis and Stadium Rhodes, Greece • 36°26’23.07″ N 28°12’40.36″ E Nikon Z8 • NIKKOR Z 28-400mm f/4-8 VR at 50 mm • ISO 72 • 1/500 sec at f/5.6
Next we walk back into town for lunch that is an assortment of breads, feta, and grilled octopus at Romio’s.
Hippocrates Square in Rhodes Rhodes, Greece • 36°26’36.77″ N 28°13’42.3″ E Nikon Z8 • NIKKOR Z 28-400mm f/4-8 VR at 28 mm • ISO 64 • 1/1250 sec at f/4.0Breads and Feta at Romio’s Rhodes, Greece • 36°26’32.32″ N 28°13’40.02″ E Nikon Z8 • NIKKOR Z 28-400mm f/4-8 VR at 28 mm • ISO 800 • 1/500 sec at f/4.0
Then we walk through town to Ronda Beach Bar for a glass of wine and a dip in the Aegean Sea.
The beach in Rhodes Rhodes, Greece • 36°27’12.6″ N 28°13’29.01″ E Nikon Z8 • NIKKOR Z 28-400mm f/4-8 VR at 28 mm • ISO 64 • 1/2000 sec at f/4.0Lined up on the Rhodes Diving Platform to cool off in the Aegean Sea Rhodes, Greece • 36°27’12.01″ N 28°13’28.96″ E Nikon Z8 • NIKKOR Z 28-400mm f/4-8 VR at 84 mm • ISO 64 • 1/640 sec at f/6.0
A little before 6p the Celestyal Discovery departs Rhodes to begin the 168 nautical mile sail to Crete.
I remember traveling. I also remember thinking at the beginning of the pandemic that more time at home might mean more time to catch up on editing the…
Michael S. Liberman
