Sadly it was time to say goodbye to Greece today & return home.
We had a very early start from Nafplion but the drive to Athens Airport was uneventful & we are now enrollee to the US, arriving home later today.
It has been an amazing trip, both a pilgrimage & sightseeing tour, & conversations have begun about where to visit next...
A lot of people contribute to making a tour like this go so smoothly - including our drivers, local guides, restaurants & hotels, etc. But I'm especially thankful to all the travelers for their wonderful company over the past 10 days, & to Diane & Todd for their efforts to make this trip happen.
Bon voyages!
Declan
September 9th: Nafplion at Leisure
Sadly today is our last day in this beautiful & charming country. The day has been left entirely free for everyone to relax & spend at their leisure - whether it be swimming in the Aegean off the town's small beach, exploring any of the three castles, heading further afield to archaeological sites, or shopping in the many boutiques.
First thing this morning, before breakfast, some of the group gathered to tackle the climb (950+ steps) to the Palamidi Fortress - a tough workout repaid by wonderful views over the town & bay.
We'll rendezvous this evening to celebrate our time together & discuss the pilgrimage aspects of our travels, then enjoy a farewell dinner in one of Nafplion's best restaurants.
First thing this morning, before breakfast, some of the group gathered to tackle the climb (950+ steps) to the Palamidi Fortress - a tough workout repaid by wonderful views over the town & bay.
We'll rendezvous this evening to celebrate our time together & discuss the pilgrimage aspects of our travels, then enjoy a farewell dinner in one of Nafplion's best restaurants.
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| Morning sunlight in the backstreets of Nafplion |
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| The start of the climb to Palamidi Fortress - the top is just visible, 950+ steps above! |
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| We few, we happy few... |
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| We've all been enjoying the very civilized breakfasts in Nafplion |
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| Farewell dinner in Nafplion |
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September 8th: The Island of Hydra
After a fabulous breakfast buffet at our quaint pension we departed Nafplion this morning for the drive to the tiny 'port' of Metochi. This was our departure point for a short ferry crossing to the idyllic Greek island of Hydra.
We spent lunchtime & the afternoon at leisure on the island - shopping, eating & drinking, hiking, riding boats, or swimming in the blue waters of the Saronic Gulf!
We regrouped in the late afternoon for the return ferry & bus journey, then this evening was free in Nafplion for folks to choose where to dine - everybody loves this beautiful little city.
We spent lunchtime & the afternoon at leisure on the island - shopping, eating & drinking, hiking, riding boats, or swimming in the blue waters of the Saronic Gulf!
We regrouped in the late afternoon for the return ferry & bus journey, then this evening was free in Nafplion for folks to choose where to dine - everybody loves this beautiful little city.
September 7th: Corinth - the Canal & Ancient Corinth
Our morning was free in Athens today, for more sightseeing or just relaxation.
At lunchtime we departed by bus for the Peloponnese, the huge peninsula that makes up most of southern mainland Greece & is home to many of it's most renowned archaeological sites & ancient cultures - Sparta, Olympia, & our destination Corinth.
At the point where we crossed over the isthmus to the Peloponnese we stopped to view the Corinth Canal, a marvel of late 19th century engineering that cut through the 4 mile isthmus & saved maritime traffic a perilous journey of over 200 miles.
Our main visit this afternoon was to Ancient Corinth where we were guided by the marvelous Sofia.
We began with the excellent brand new museum, then explored the outdoor site including viewing the Temple of Apollo & - most importantly for Pauline pilgrims - the 'bema' or podium where Paul himself stood & spoke!
After our visit we celebrated a eucharist together, under the shade of a tree & joined by some of the archaeological site's resident stray dogs.
After arriving in Naplion later we checked-in to our charming little pension, the Omorfi Poli, then enjoyed a great fun dinner at The Old Town Taverna, under the shade of a bougainvillea & with live music. A great end to a great day.
At lunchtime we departed by bus for the Peloponnese, the huge peninsula that makes up most of southern mainland Greece & is home to many of it's most renowned archaeological sites & ancient cultures - Sparta, Olympia, & our destination Corinth.
At the point where we crossed over the isthmus to the Peloponnese we stopped to view the Corinth Canal, a marvel of late 19th century engineering that cut through the 4 mile isthmus & saved maritime traffic a perilous journey of over 200 miles.
Our main visit this afternoon was to Ancient Corinth where we were guided by the marvelous Sofia.
We began with the excellent brand new museum, then explored the outdoor site including viewing the Temple of Apollo & - most importantly for Pauline pilgrims - the 'bema' or podium where Paul himself stood & spoke!
After our visit we celebrated a eucharist together, under the shade of a tree & joined by some of the archaeological site's resident stray dogs.
After arriving in Naplion later we checked-in to our charming little pension, the Omorfi Poli, then enjoyed a great fun dinner at The Old Town Taverna, under the shade of a bougainvillea & with live music. A great end to a great day.
September 6th: Athens in Depth
Today we explored Athens, birthplace of western civilization.
After breakfast we strolled past the National Gardens & Gate of Hadrian to the new(ish) Acropolis Museum where we met our local guide Rebeca.
We spent our morning learning about the Acropolis in the air-conditioned comfort of the museum, then headed outside to see the real thing.
We also took a small detour to the Areopagus, or Mars Hill, where St. Paul met with & preached to the Athenians.
After free time for lunch in the area of the Roman Forum some of the group regathered to visit the Ancient Agora together, climbing up to the Temple of Hephaestus & viewing the Stoa of Attalus.
Later the evening was free for everyone to enjoy on their own, seeking out different local restaurants for dinner.
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