September 26-28, 2023

We left Santorini mid morning and headed down to the ferry harbor for our journey over to Athens. Another day on the water is always a good thing, this high speed ferry made a few stops to other Greek Islands along the way and we pulled in to the harbor in Athens a bit late but good to be there. We had a taxi lined up to take us into the city centre to our hotel. The Niche Hotel was located just below the Acropolis and the view from the rooftop restaurant was spectacular, especially at night when the Parthenon was lite up. Glenna and I had a seat at the outside bar with a bottle of wine and some appetizers, it was perfect to sit and stare at this amazing site as we reflected on our epic trip.

Wednesday morning we had a tour scheduled for the Acropolis, after a night of rain, thunder and lightning, it didn’t look good. However, the rain slowed down and off we went. We met our guide Yota and started our walk up the hill and into the entrance. What an incredible masterpiece for the world to see, amazing that they were able to preserve the ruins after all these years. The museum was equally impressive and filled with statues and pieces of art. Down the hill we went and into the town of Plaka where we found a nice restaurant to sit and have a snack and rest our legs. Plaka is the oldest neighborhood in Athens and Athens holds half of the 10 million people that live in Greece. We revisited Plaka later in the evning to find a place that Guy Fieri visited and raved about the Gyros served here, did not dissapoint. After 6 miles of walking, we went back to the hotel for one last look at the Acropolis from the rooftop bar and called it a night.

Thursday was moving day, off to the airport for our flight to Chicago then LAX. Got in around midnight, checked into the Hilton Curio hotel for the night. Our car transport pick us up on Friday morning and drove us back to the ranch.

What and epic trip we experienced, Glenna and I feel very fortunate that we had this opportunity to explore Italy and Greece and spend time with some family and friends along the way.

Fun facts about our journey:

32 day trip

Carry on luggage and a backpack, no checked bags, way to go Glenna!!!

2 Continents

3 Countries: Italy, Switzerland and Greece

13 different Hotels

2 Airlines: American and Ryan Air

Many Boats, Ferries and Boat Tours

Trains, Trains and more Trains all throughout Italy

Many Taxis and Private Cars

To many Super Yachts to count but were awesome to see

1 Fantastic Cooking Class

To many Pizzas, Pastas, Greek Salads and bottles of wine to count

Miles of walking and to many steps to count

12 Bags of Homemade Carmels shared with fun people in Italy and Greece

1 Fantastic Anniversary with Pat and Glenna, # 8

Keep living your dreams, travel, eat, drink and love your familes and friends!!!!!!!

Cia, Antio Sas and Good Bye for now, thanks for following along.

Love and Hugs,

Pat and Glenna

Acropolis at night from our hotel rooftop bar

Pat in the kitchen with the cooks in Plaka

Our journey

Don’t see 20% grades to often

Pat at the Parthenon

Pat and Glenna

Ruins under the city

Parthenon sculptures

Pork Gyros in Plaka

Great restaurant in Plaka

This was the spot of the first olive tree in Greece on the Acropolis

Good Greek wines

View of Athens from atop the Acropolis

Good Night from Athens