Athens

The Aegean Sea, 2008

This is the 1st time, in all my life (that I can remember) that I am sorry to have returned from a trip. Don't get me wrong - I am happy to be home. But, even after 2 weeks ....I continue to reminisce about this trip. It was The Perfect Vacation. A cruise from Athens to Istanbul, with stops at Mykonos, Santorini, Patmos, and Kusidasi. We're stayed in top rated facilities at every turn. Our Athens hotel is in the center of the city, our cruise; Oceania Cruises, in our suite at the top of the ship, was spectacular, and finally our hotel in Istanbul was in the absolute perfect location. And everything connecting these destinations was highlighted by the very clear, very blue Aegean Sea.

Athens, Greece, was certainly interesting. The hotel was fine - as well as too expensive. The location was perfect for visiting the city of Athens though. There are ruins from the Romans & Greeks everywhere, where 1 is more interesting than the next...."if" you like that sort of thing - which I do, but Cathy does not. The Plaka for shopping, drinking, and eating was very good. .... but the ship was waiting for us...

Oceania Nautica, WOW! This is the absolute only way to travel - with a cruise ship, on the top deck, in a suite, including a butler & balcony. The ship could not have been any better. The best description I can give this would be "sophisticated luxury". We had a very relaxing time - the music was soft, the bars rarely over-crowded, the staff were very calm & polite, our room was plenty big, and our bathroom included a shower & tub (very nice for a cruise ship).

Briefly :

Athens was ok. Greek & Roman ruins were within eye shot at almost every moment. The pubs & restaurants were very good. Shopping in the Plaka was quite an experience. But prices were high, and the locals through out all of our stops can not be trusted. But I presume that is the case with all people's throughout the world - always someone, somewhere with a scam to take advantage of the innocent.

Mykonos is a great island stop. Perfect beaches & beautiful scenery. This is the island of the Windmills. From the ship you could see the city & Windmills, from the Windmills you could see our ship & the city. A perfect stop. Shopping, food, & booze....oh yeah.

Santorini was the best island on this trip. The most scenic views from the town over looking the harbor & out-lying islands. From the ship the view was unbelievable - the "impossible to reach" town of Santorini sitting on top of the mountain across the incredibly blue water.

Patmos is a very quiet, laid-back island. Not much to do here.

Kusidasi, Turkey is a good stop. Not an island, but plenty of history & activity. Some ruins at the port city. Great restaurants & bars with views of the ship. Our ship actually pulled up the pier this stop - extra nice. Very good shopping & history.

Istanbul - final stop of a perfect trip. What a great city! Our hotel, Apex Historical, was perfect....and very inexpensive. The city has sooo many things to see and experience, from Palaces, Underground cisterns, Temples, Museums, shops, carpet makers, etc.... Note - Turkish Baklava is the absolute best ! Better than Greek by a leap & jump.