I'm just back from a week on the Costa Classica, which was entirely pleasant. The only negative is that we were only in port for 3-4 hours at most places, and that drives me crazy and is why I'll never be a big cruise afficianado. (sp.?); this was a professional assocition conference, so that got me on board. First Greek port was Santorini, where I'd been 6-7 years ago. That time I visited the interesting ruin area of Akrotiri (highly recommended), so this time I went to Oia on the other end of the island. Just gorgeous! Many wonderful small inns and hotels hidden away there. Brilliant weather...low 70's and sunny. Went back to the main town of Fira, and had a cappucino in an outdoor cafe hanging off a cliff and was very happy.
Next port was Mykonos, where I hadn't been before. We were only in port long enough for a brief walk around and then dinner at one of the many cafes on the waterfront. Dolmas, tzatziki, gyros, saganaki - and of course, ouzo.
Finally a whole day in port, on Rhodes. I was there 6-7 years ago and love it. We had done an excursion to Lindos before, so this time I just spent the day wandering about Rhodes City. Had lunch at Sammy's (grilled lamb, pita, tzatziki, wine, and the heavenly Greek yogurt with honey for dessert. Amazing how much better full-fat yogurt is, isn't it!) I find Rhodes wonderful for shopping, and found my way back to a shop I'd bought from before. Owner greeted me like a long lost friend, served me lemonade, etc. Very reasonable prices on gold and silver jewelry (I stuck with silver, though). The name is Meandros Gold and Silver, at 65 Ermou St. in the Old Town; proprietor is M. Papaeleftheriou.
All too soon we were on to Dubrovnik, which I'll post separately.
SALLY WATKINS, Certified Travel Counselor sally@century-tvl.com www.sallywatkins.com My business depends on referrals - please tell someone today!
Sally, your post brought back memories of a 7-day trip 22 years ago. We did a week on the Stella Solaris and visited the ports you mentioned and others. It was fabulous! We also had short stops at Mykonos and Santorini, and a tour of Lindos (I loved it). We got most of a day in Crete. Our tour started with 3 stops in Turkey: Pergamom, Istanbul and Ephesus. One of these days I'll take my husband and go!
Posts: 403 | Location: Wisconsin | Registered: 26 April 2002
Your post mentions another of my 'most favorite places, that being Ephesus. I've been blessed to be there twice, and find it the most amazing ruin imagineable. Gotta' admit that seeing Olympia this past week was pretty terrific, too!
SALLY WATKINS, Certified Travel Counselor sally@century-tvl.com www.sallywatkins.com My business depends on referrals - please tell someone today!
Oh, Sally... Olympia is up there, too! I have to admit Delphi is even more heavenly of the two. That Charioteer is my absolute favorite ancient bronze. As for Ephesus... it had the feeling of a living city to me. Our tour bus parked at the top of the site and we walked down the hill with the magnificent library at the foot of the hill.
But then... munching freshly roasted pistachios under a grape arbor on Aegina, exploring crusader castle ruins in Heraklion, and getting pretty silly at a neighborhood-type place in the Plaka are happy memories, too!
Posts: 403 | Location: Wisconsin | Registered: 26 April 2002
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