This is just a quick update on my trip to Greece because half of you have probably already been there but it also serves as a log for me to remember the trip
I travelled with a company called Cosmos because they not only did a pretty diverse trip around Greece but also linked up with a cruise company to do a 5 day trip on the ‘Louis Crystal' that took me around the Greek islands so I got a good overview of Greece. I chose to travel the last two weeks of October because the weather would be cooling down and yet the sea would still be warm.
It was a good choice because the days were hot and sunny and the sea probably at its warmest. Another advantage of going later in the season was that the coach was only half full so there was plenty of room to spread out and on our excursions we could all get a look in. On our 1st full day we had the option to take and island tour for the day, it turned out to be a 10 hour trip taking in the islands of, Hydra, Poros and Aegina. This was a good choice, not only was the weather super but you get the chance to meet other passengers face to face as you relax on deck and there was a group of Australians who were great company and a pleasure to know.
Our travels started with an early morning trip to the Acropolis before all the coaches from the cruise ships arrived and ironically as we were leaving, a party following a ‘Discovery’ lollipop arrived and Discovery coach No2 was parked next to our coach in the car park but I didn’t spot anyone I knew (I know a lot of crew from this ship). Most days were an early start but this was a big advantage, to get to these sites before the other tourist arrive is worth the effort, not only do you get better photo opportunities but it is also cooler, I would hate to make this trip in the height of the season, it was hot enough when we were there and mainland Greece is a very hilly place with a lot of steps to climb.
Our coach trip took us to the, Corinth Canal, Epidaurus (major amphitheatre), Mycenae, Sparta, Mystra, Olympia, Delphi, and Meteora. It was good to stand on the same spot where this years Olympic flame was lit, the same flame that past my house earlier in the year. Travelling between these sites you realise just how mountainous Greece is and I was amazed at how loaded the olive trees were. Mainland Greece is well worth seeing, there is so much history there and the scenery can be quite impressive but not for me in the heat of the high season.
The 5 day cruise was an experience, the passengers were multicultural which made announcements longwinded, the selfishness and disregard for others, from some passengers spoilt the otherwise excellent shows. The dining experience was open sitting and you never knew who you would be next too but the food was acceptable and the service fortunately swift. The itinerary however suited me although our allotted time at each port was limited. We first visited Mykonos said to be a swinging island but we had to leave at 9pm before the party started. Day two took us to Turkey and the ruins of Ancient Ephesus, these ruins of white marble were spectacular, it must of been amazing in its day. The following afternoon we got to visit the beautiful island of Patmos.
Day 3 we had the whole day at Rhodes and I took a trip to Lindos where we were soaked by a thunder storm, the afternoon was spent swimming and visiting the walled city of Rhodes. Our final day took us to Crete and Knossos in the morning and although Crete is said to be a beautiful island, I found Knossos and the queuing back at the port disappointing. Our final stop, late afternoon was to be Santorini we were all hoping the weather would improve for this iconic destination, we were not disappointed. Santorini is much bigger than I expected, it must of been one hell of a bang when that went off, but it is a stunning place that more than matched my expectations. We stayed ashore until dark, which is quite unusual for a cruise ship visit, so we had the added bonus of watching the sunset. It was a perfect end to a most enjoyable trip.
All for now, next trip will be the Amazon in March 2013, - Rich.
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