Michael S. Liberman

Jul

15

Italy and Greece Day 14: Mykonos

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.

Departing Lavrion on the way to Mykonos
Lavrio, Greece • 37°42’20.13″ N 24°4’3.62″ E
Nikon Z8 • NIKKOR Z 28-400mm f/4-8 VR at 33.5 mm • ISO 64 • 1/500 sec at f/5.6

Temple of Poseidon at Cape Sounion as we leave Lavrion
Lavrio, Greece • 37°40’13.17″ N 24°4’58.51″ E
Nikon Z8 • NIKKOR Z 28-400mm f/4-8 VR at 400 mm • ISO 100 • 1/500 sec at f/8.0

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.

Mykonos Old Port and Little Venice
Mykonos, Greece • 37°27’0.21″ N 25°19’44.73″ E
Nikon Z8 • NIKKOR Z 28-400mm f/4-8 VR at 28 mm • ISO 64 • 1/500 sec at f/5.6

Our first stop is the iconic Mykonos windmills.

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

The iconic windmills of Mykonos
Mykonos, Greece • 37°26’48.39″ N 25°19’32.68″ E
Nikon Z8 • NIKKOR Z 28-400mm f/4-8 VR at 66 mm • ISO 72 • 1/500 sec at f/6.0

Mykonos
Mykonos, Greece • 37°26’39.96″ N 25°19’31.12″ E
Nikon Z8 • NIKKOR Z 28-400mm f/4-8 VR at 400 mm • ISO 280 • 1/500 sec at f/16

Then Michelle, Sophie, and I enjoy the sunset from Katerina’s Cocktail Bar in Little Venice. It’s beautiful!!

Sophie and Michelle enjoy the sunset in Mykonos
Mykonos, Greece • 37°26’48.34″ N 25°19’32.59″ E
Nikon Z8 • NIKKOR Z 28-400mm f/4-8 VR at 47 mm • ISO 100 • 1/500 sec at f/7.1

Wine and windmills!
Mykonos, Greece • 37°26’48.39″ N 25°19’32.68″ E
Nikon Z8 • NIKKOR Z 28-400mm f/4-8 VR at 33 mm • ISO 140 • 1/1000 sec at f/4.2

Sunset in Mykonos!
Mykonos, Greece • 37°26’48.34″ N 25°19’32.59″ E
Nikon Z8 • NIKKOR Z 28-400mm f/4-8 VR at 145 mm • ISO 100 • 1/500 sec at f/7.1

Jul

14

Author:
Michael

2 Comments

Italy and Greece Day 13: Cape Sounion

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.

On the way to Cape Sounion
Thimari, Greece • 37°41’14.16″ N 23°56’16.36″ E
Nikon Z8 • NIKKOR Z 28-400mm f/4-8 VR at 62 mm • ISO 800 • 1/500 sec at f/6.0

A quiet beach on the way to Cape Sounion
Thimari, Greece • 37°41’3.70″ N 23°56’19.03″ E
Nikon Z8 • NIKKOR Z 28-400mm f/4-8 VR at 130 mm • ISO 640 • 1/500 sec at f/7.1

Beach club near Cape Sounion
Cape Sounion, Greece • 37°39’3.21″ N 24°1’31.23″ E
Nikon Z8 • NIKKOR Z 28-400mm f/4-8 VR at 58 mm • ISO 100 • 1/500 sec at f/5.6

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.

The Temple of Poseidon
Cape Sounion, Greece • 37°39’2.45″ N 24°1’30.35″ E
Nikon Z8 • NIKKOR Z 28-400mm f/4-8 VR at 28 mm • ISO 160 • 1/500 sec at f/10

The Temple of Poseidon
Cape Sounion, Greece • 37°39’2.45″ N 24°1’30.35″ E
Nikon Z8 • NIKKOR Z 28-400mm f/4-8 VR at 155 mm • ISO 200 • 1/500 sec at f/10

Cape Sounion overlooking the Aegean Sea
Cape Sounion, Greece • 37°39’2.45″ N 24°1’30.35″ E
Nikon Z8 • NIKKOR Z 28-400mm f/4-8 VR at 66 mm • ISO 250 • 1/500 sec at f/10

Listening to local guide Maria
Cape Sounion, Greece • 37°39’3.21″ N 24°1’31.23″ E
Nikon Z8 • NIKKOR Z 28-400mm f/4-8 VR at 32 mm • ISO 64 • 1/640 sec at f/5.6

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.

Dolmadakia stuffed grape leaves (📷 Michelle)
Athens, Greece • 37°58’6.03″ N 23°43’45.64″ E
iPhone 11 back dual wide camera 4.25mm f/1.8 • ISO 125 • 1/120 sec at f/1.8

Saganaki fried cheese (📷 Michelle)
Athens, Greece • 37°58’6.03″ N 23°43’45.64″ E
iPhone 11 back dual wide camera 4.25mm f/1.8 • ISO 100 • 1/120 sec at f/1.8

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.

Jordan and Mallory (📷 Sophie)
Athens, Greece • 37°58’6.03″ N 23°43’45.64″ E

Yamas!! (📷 Sophie)
Athens, Greece • 37°58’5.65″ N 23°43’45.81″ E
iPhone 14 Pro back triple camera 6.86mm f/1.78 • ISO 64 • 1/150 sec at f/1.8

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.

Sunset over Athens
Athens, Greece • 37°58’28.57″ N 23°43’52.11″ E
iPhone 12 mini back dual wide camera 4.2mm f/1.6 • ISO 32 • 1/1600 sec at f/1.6

Tomorrow we board the Celestyal Discovery for our 5-day Aegean Island cruise!

Jul

13

Author:
Michael

2 Comments

Italy 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 and the Saronic Gulf from the Acropolis
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.

The Parthenon
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

View from the Acropolis
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

Columns of the Parthenon
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!

Walking through the Plaka District
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

The Parthenon from the rooftop terrace of the Hermes Hotel
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.

Jul

12

Author:
Michael

6 Comments

Italy and Greece Day 11: Tolo to Athens

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.

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

Seating in the Theatre of Epidaurus
Epidaurus, Greece • 37°35’44.11″ N 23°4’45.15″ E
Nikon Z8 • NIKKOR Z 28-400mm f/4-8 VR at 220 mm • ISO 360 • 1/500 sec at f/8.0

Epidaurus healing sanctuary site
Epidaurus, Greece • 37°35’49.08″ N 23°4’38.01″ E
Nikon Z8 • NIKKOR Z 28-400mm f/4-8 VR at 400 mm • ISO 200 • 1/500 sec at f/8.0

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.

Mycenaen School of Ceramic Art
Fichti, Greece • 37°43’14.11″ N 22°43’35.34″ E
Nikon Z8 • NIKKOR Z 28-400mm f/4-8 VR at 70 mm • ISO 8000 • 1/500 sec at f/6.0

Mycenaen School of Ceramic Art
Fichti, Greece • 37°43’14.11″ N 22°43’35.34″ E
Nikon Z8 • NIKKOR Z 28-400mm f/4-8 VR at 180 mm • ISO 8000 • 1/200 sec at f/7.6

Mycenaen School of Ceramic Art
Fichti, Greece • 37°43’14.11″ N 22°43’35.34″ E
Nikon Z8 • NIKKOR Z 28-400mm f/4-8 VR at 210 mm • ISO 8000 • 1/160 sec at f/8.0

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.

The view from Mycenae
Mycenae, Greece • 37°43’50.38″ N 22°45’23.59″ E
Nikon Z8 • NIKKOR Z 28-400mm f/4-8 VR at 28 mm • ISO 64 • 1/1250 sec at f/4.0

Treasury of Atreus
Mycenae, Greece • 37°43’37.66″ N 22°45’17.67″ E
Nikon Z8 • NIKKOR Z 28-400mm f/4-8 VR at 28 mm • ISO 64 • 1/500 sec at f/4.0

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.

Corinth Canal
Corinth Canal, Greece • 37°55’38.16″ N 22°59’40.90″ E
Nikon Z8 • NIKKOR Z 28-400mm f/4-8 VR at 28 mm • ISO 64 • 1/800 sec at f/4.0

Entrance to the Corinth Canal
Corinth Canal, Greece • 37°55’38.16″ N 22°59’40.90″ E
Nikon Z8 • NIKKOR Z 28-400mm f/4-8 VR at 400 mm • ISO 140 • 1/500 sec at f/8.0

We end the afternoon with a one-hour drive to Athens. Tomorrow we see tour the Athens area.

Jul

11

Author:
Michael

2 Comments

Italy and Greece Day 10: Patras to Tolo

July 11, 2024

From the bus about an hour outside of Tolo, Greece …

The overnight ferry is an adventure! I share a cabin with Brad and Juan. It’s tight, but there is good AirCon and everyone sleeps well. Not everyone on board the ferry has a cabin. Many people find a chair in the lounge for the night. And others bring air mattresses or sleeping bags and sleep in every nook, cranny, and stairwell of the ferry!

Ferry passing through the Ionian Islands enroute to Patras
Ionian Sea, Greece • 38°31’24.46″ N 20°39’22.04″ E
Nikon Z8 • NIKKOR Z 28-400mm f/4-8 VR at 28 mm • ISO 64 • 1/1600 sec at f/4.0

Nearby yachts
Ionian Sea, Greece • 38°30’38.32″ N 20°41’26.53″ E
Nikon Z8 • NIKKOR Z 28-400mm f/4-8 VR at 400 mm • ISO 125 • 1/500 sec at f/8.0

The ferry arrives a little after 1p in the port of Patros, Greece. We board a new bus and meet Costas, our driver for Greece. We stop at Pic Nic for a quick slice of pizza or chicken stick. (I thought it would be a kebob here, but no … it’s a chicken stick! And it’s delicious.) Then it’s a 60-minute ride to Olympia passing the many farms and agricultural areas that line the roadside in this part of Greece.

Farmland in the Greek countryside
Savalia, Greece • 37°45’36.24″ N 21°19’45.45″ E
Nikon Z8 • NIKKOR Z 28-400mm f/4-8 VR at 28 mm • ISO 180 • 1/500 sec at f/4.0

A general strike was declared in Greece yesterday, and that means no tour guide on our visit to Olympia.

Olympia is an archaeological site located in the western part of Greece. It is the birthplace of the ancient Olympic Games, which were held here from around 776 BC until AD 393. The ancient Olympic Games featured a 200 meter sprint, wrestling, boxing, pankration (wrestling/boxing), the pentathlon, and equestrian events. The site includes athletic facilities, the Olympic Games stadium, the Temple of Zeus (one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World), and the Archaeological Museum of Olympia.

Olympia archaeological site
Archea Olybia, Greece • 37°38’19.29″ N 21°37’44.92″ E
Nikon Z8 • NIKKOR Z 28-400mm f/4-8 VR at 115 mm • ISO 64 • 1/640 sec at f/6.7

Olympia archaeological site
Archea Olybia, Greece • 37°38’17.85″ N 21°37’48.13″ E
Nikon Z8 • NIKKOR Z 28-400mm f/4-8 VR at 55 mm • ISO 72 • 1/500 sec at f/5.6

Olympia archaeological site
Archea Olybia, Greece • 37°38’20.62″ N 21°37’44.50″ E
Nikon Z8 • NIKKOR Z 28-400mm f/4-8 VR at 240 mm • ISO 250 • 1/500 sec at f/8.0

Olympia archaeological site
Archea Olybia, Greece • 37°38’17.85″ N 21°37’48.13″ E
Nikon Z8 • NIKKOR Z 28-400mm f/4-8 VR at 210 mm • ISO 220 • 1/500 sec at f/8.0

After a one-hour walking tour through the site, we’re back on the bus headed to Tolo, a three-hour ride from Olympia. Tolo is a seaside village in the Peloponnese region of Greece, known for beautiful beaches, clear blue waters, and a charming atmosphere.

Showers on the way to Tolo
Rapsommati, Greece • 37°23’11.98″ N 22°11’31.79″ E
iPhone 12 mini back dual wide camera 4.2mm f/1.6 • ISO 32 • 1/800 sec at f/1.6

This has been a fast-paced trip with two nights each in Venice, Florence, and Rome. But an even faster pace the last couple of days with just one night in Sorrento, one night on the ferry, and just one night tonight in Tolo. After that things slow a little with three nights in Athens and then four nights on the cruise. Tomorrow we make our way to Athens with stops in Mycenae, Epidaurus, and the Corinth Canal.