Michael S. LibermanItaly and Greece Day 12: Athens
July 13, 2024
From the Hermes Hotel rooftop terrace …
It’s extremely hot here in Athens, so today the schedule is a little lighter. After breakfast at the Hermes Hotel we begin our day.
Athens is a unique blend of ancient history and modern-day culture, with the landmark Acropolis overlooking the vibrant Plaka neighborhood. The entire city is a museum to the ideas that have shaped Western civilization.
Athens, Greece • 37°58’17.25″ N 23°43’33.61″ E
Nikon Z8 • NIKKOR Z 28-400mm f/4-8 VR at 400 mm • ISO 80 • 1/500 sec at f/8.0
We Board our bus at 8a for a one-hour driving tour to see Parliament, Syntagma Square (Constitution Square), the Museum of Currency, the National Library, the National Military Museum, the Olympic Stadium, Museum of the Acropolis and other important locations in Athens.
At 9a we’re at the base of the Acropolis for the walking tour before the heat of the day sets in. I was here on 2011, but it’s good to experience this again. Our local guide is Agathi, and she really does a wonderful job telling the story of the Parthenon and the Temple of Athena Nike.
Athens, Greece • 37°58’17.05″ N 23°43’37.97″ E
Nikon Z8 • NIKKOR Z 28-400mm f/4-8 VR at 28 mm • ISO 64 • 1/800 sec at f/5.6
Athens, Greece • 37°58’18.12″ N 23°43’29.54″ E
Nikon Z8 • NIKKOR Z 28-400mm f/4-8 VR at 180 mm • ISO 80 • 1/500 sec at f/7.6
Athens, Greece • 37°58’18.34″ N 23°43’36.51″ E
Nikon Z8 • NIKKOR Z 28-400mm f/4-8 VR at 105 mm • ISO 64 • 1/500 sec at f/6.3
We end the morning with a walk back to the Hermes Hotel. We’ve got some free time this afternoon, so Michelle, Mallory, and me go to Couleur Locale, a rooftop bar and restaurant recommended by Mallory’s sister who was here on an extended visit just a few months ago. Then we shop through the Plaka for the rest of the afternoon!
Athens, Greece • 37°58’39.65″ N 23°43’27.81″ E
DJI OSMO Pocket 3 • 6.5 mm f/2 • ISO 90 • 1/3000 sec at f/2.0
Athens, Greece • 37°58’28.43″ N 23°43’52.81″ E
Nikon Z8 • NIKKOR Z 28-400mm f/4-8 VR at 300 mm • ISO 8000 • 1/25 sec at f/8.0
Tomorrow we visit Cape Sounion.
You have an amazing view from the hotel.
Did require some leaning over the railing and a little cropping, but the Acropolis is beautiful at night!!