It's been a month since my wife and I returned from Greece, spending nearly two weeks traveling across an ancient land which exceeded our expectations.
To view images of this beautiful country in books or on the Internet is one thing, but to witness them firsthand while walking among the ruins or taking in the breathtaking vistas from mountains to coastlines is something to behold.
Our sightseeing journey began in Athens, the oldest city in Europe and the birthplace of democracy more than 2,500 years ago. We walked up to the Acropolis, the citadel overlooking the gray-toned city, and saw the Parthenon, Temple of Athena, Theatre of Dionysius, and the Erechtheion. You couldn't help but marvel at the architecture and the craftsmanship in erecting the buildings for their mythological gods.
From there, we drove to the Delphi, home of the ancient oracle and the Temple of Apollo, situated on the steep side of a hill. You marvel how the ancient Greeks were able to transport materials to the rugged location.
We then drove to the Meteora region, to the village of Kalambaka, at the foot of the Pindus Mountains. We toured the Monastery of Great Meteoron and St. Stephen's Monastery, constructed nearly 500 years ago on the top of 1,000-foot high pinnacle rocks.
For those who have seen the 1981 James Bond movie, "For Your Eyes Only," one of the scenes was filmed at the Monastery of the Holy Trinity.
Meteora ranks as one of the highlights of the trip. The area is a geological wonder, stunning, gorgeous and unforgettable.
The next stop was the island of Corfu on the Ionian Sea, a place influenced architecturally by Venetian rule for nearly 400 years. We toured the grand Achilleion, the summer palace of Empress Elizabeth of Austria as well as Kaiser Wilhelm II of Germany, then spent an afternoon exploring Old Town of Corfu, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
We were also there during the Greek Orthodox Church celebration of Easter, a colorful event that includes religious processions across Greece and in Corfu, the traditional tossing of pottery from windows that represents letting go of the old to make room for the new.
We'll continue the trip in the next part.
Until the next time . . .
To view images of this beautiful country in books or on the Internet is one thing, but to witness them firsthand while walking among the ruins or taking in the breathtaking vistas from mountains to coastlines is something to behold.
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| The Parthenon |
Our sightseeing journey began in Athens, the oldest city in Europe and the birthplace of democracy more than 2,500 years ago. We walked up to the Acropolis, the citadel overlooking the gray-toned city, and saw the Parthenon, Temple of Athena, Theatre of Dionysius, and the Erechtheion. You couldn't help but marvel at the architecture and the craftsmanship in erecting the buildings for their mythological gods.
 |
| Temple of Apollo |
From there, we drove to the Delphi, home of the ancient oracle and the Temple of Apollo, situated on the steep side of a hill. You marvel how the ancient Greeks were able to transport materials to the rugged location.
We then drove to the Meteora region, to the village of Kalambaka, at the foot of the Pindus Mountains. We toured the Monastery of Great Meteoron and St. Stephen's Monastery, constructed nearly 500 years ago on the top of 1,000-foot high pinnacle rocks.
 |
| Monastery of Great Meteoron |
Meteora ranks as one of the highlights of the trip. The area is a geological wonder, stunning, gorgeous and unforgettable.
 |
| Old Town in Corfu reflects Venetian influence |
The next stop was the island of Corfu on the Ionian Sea, a place influenced architecturally by Venetian rule for nearly 400 years. We toured the grand Achilleion, the summer palace of Empress Elizabeth of Austria as well as Kaiser Wilhelm II of Germany, then spent an afternoon exploring Old Town of Corfu, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
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| Smashed pottery in Old Town |
We'll continue the trip in the next part.
Until the next time . . .
Great guide to explore the beautiful Corfu Town Greece. Thanks for sharing & keep up the good work.
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