July 16, 2026
From the island of Patmos …
It’s nearly 10p by the time we’re back on board the Celestyal Discovery and have a late snack for dinner. Overnight the ship leaves Mykonos and cruises to Kusadasi, Türkiye. After a 6a breakfast it’s a very early 6:45a start for the Ephesus excursion.
Ephesus is one of the most well-preserved ancient cities in the Mediterranean. The archaeological site is renowned for its impressive ruins, including the Library of Celsus, the Great Theatre, and the Terrace Houses, which provide insight into ancient Roman life and architecture. With the early start our local guide Oz makes sure that we are the first group in and we are treated to almost empty views of the site.
Next we see the work of the Turkish carpet weavers and their intricate knotting technique at Golden Fringe. A few carpets are purchased by members of our group.
We head back to the ship for lunch and the short cruise to Patmos.
The island of Patmos is said to be where Saint John the Apostle received the visions recorded in the Book of Revelation. The notable landmarks on the island are the Monastery of Saint John the Theologian and the Cave of the Apocalypse. It’s a quick tender ride from the ship to the small town on the island. We don’t have enough time for the taxi ride up to the monastery, so we head to the beach instead.
Tonight is dinner on the ship and we sail the 112 nautical miles to the island of Rhodes.
July 15, 2025
From Katerina’s Cocktail Bar in Little Venice, Mykonos …
After an early breakfast and checkout at the Hermes Hotel, we’re on the bus with our new driver Fanis for the transfer to the port in Lavrion. Boarding for the Celestyal Discovery starts at 9a. We depart at 1p for the 68 nautical mile sail to Mykonos. There are 32 nations represented amongst the passengers onboard.
The island of Mykonos is known for its stunning beaches, whitewashed architecture, vibrant nightlife, and the iconic windmills. Walking through the narrow winding streets a new dining adventure awaits around every corner.
Our first stop is the iconic Mykonos windmills.
Then Michelle, Sophie, and I enjoy the sunset from Katerina’s Cocktail Bar in Little Venice. It’s beautiful!!
July 14, 2024
From the Central Hotel Terrace Bar in Athens …
It’s Sunday and we’ve been at this for almost two weeks! There is a certain routine to this kind of touring … breakfast at the hotel, morning sightseeing stops, lunch on your own or with the group, afternoon sightseeing or free-time, dinner with the group, and an evening glass of wine or two. And even though my days at home are also kind of repetitive, I do kind of enjoy my home routine. But being able to step away from the comforts of the home routine every so often is really good for me. I enjoy getting away, spending time with my fellow travelers, and seeing people and places out in the world.
We’re on the bus around 8:30a heading south on the Leof. Athinon Sounio highway passing the many coves and beaches on the way to Cape Sounion. It’s hot early at 88F/31C and the beachgoers are already cooling in the sea.
Home to the Temple of Poseidon, Cape Sounion stands on a cliff overlooking the Aegean Sea. The Temple of Poseidon is a beautiful example of classical Greek architecture. In ancient times the site served as a strategic lookout for protecting Athens from maritime invasions.
By 1p we are back in Athens. Michelle, Mallory, and I enjoy lunch at Liondi Traditional Greek Restaurant in the Plaka. Dolmadakia stuffed grape leaves. Saganaki fried cheese. And traditional kebab, but we forgot to take a picture.
Then Sophie sends a text. Mallory’s sister Jordan just arrived from Boston Logan. It’s a surprise for Mallory when Sophie brings Jordan to the restaurant. Everyone cheers when the sisters unite. Jordan is here to join us for the cruise portion of the trip.
After dinner I head up to the Terrace Bar of the Central Park with Michelle, Greg, Sophie for cocktails and a stunning sunset over Athens.
Tomorrow we board the Celestyal Discovery for our 5-day Aegean Island cruise!
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.
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.
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!
Tomorrow we visit Cape Sounion.
July 12, 2024
From the Hermes Hotel in Athens …
Tolo is a gorgeous small seaside town. Last night, after a late dinner, we walk down to the beach for swimming and the sunset. Then to the Hotel Solon bar to celebrate our arrival in Greece. Then more wine in the hotel lobby until late!
After breakfast we check out of the Hotel Zakros and board the bus for a quick ride to the Epidaurus Archaeological Site.
Epidaurus was a major center for the worship of Asclepius, the god of medicine, and housed a healing sanctuary that attracted pilgrims seeking cures. The archaeological site is renowned for its theater, with its exceptional acoustics and classical Greek architecture. We walk to the top of the theatre to take in this ancient engineering feat and the view of the surrounding landscape.
Next we’re back on the bus to Mycenae, about an hour away. Our first stop is the Mycenaen School of Ceramic Art to learn about the production of authentic ceramics.
Mycenae is an ancient archaeological site, known as a major center of Greek civilization during the late Bronze Age and the home of King Agamemnon. Mycenae features include the Lion Gate, the Cyclopean walls, and the Treasury of Atreus.
A 30-minute drive down the road and we arrive at the Corinth Canal. Completed in 1893, the Corinth Canal connects the Ionian Sea with the Aegean Sea cutting through the narrow Isthmus of Corinth. An engineering marvel, the canal is about 4 miles long (6.4 kilometers) and 70 feet wide (21 meters), the canal significantly reduced the journey around the Peloponnese peninsula.
We end the afternoon with a one-hour drive to Athens. Tomorrow we see tour the Athens area.
Note: The post was originally intended for March 2020, and I thought the COVID-19 stay at home order would provide plenty of time time to pull this together….
Earlier this week NASA astronauts Doug Hurley and Bob Behnken made history by launching aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket and docking their Crew Dragon spacecraft with the…
Note: This post is way overdue. I usually write these post-trip gear and workflow reviews a couple of months after I get home. I’m writing this in May…
Travel Workflow! I’m back with the Southeast Asia gear and workflow update. Every trip requires a carefully considered pack list that balances the demands of international shooting locations…
View from the balcony ...
Michael S. Liberman