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The Ancient History Tour

May - June 2019
A trip to Egypt, Greece, Italy, Crete, Malta and Turkey. Read more
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  • 11countries
  • 40days
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  • Beth VogelzangThe Ancient History Tour
    Day 22

    Acropolis Now with John & Helen

    May 29, 2019 in Greece ⋅ ☀️ 27 °C

    A long day, we caught up with good friends John and Helen, who flew from Heathrow. We arrived in Athens just after 1.30am, and they arrived at 2.45 am. Waiting for us was a driver, to take us to our accommodation. The journey was 45 minutes through empty streets (the best way to go!), and we checked in to our little apartment at about 4am and grabbed a few hours of much needed sleep. Later that morning, before we ventured out, we were moved into a bigger apartment which was a bit more room. That done, we went in search of much needed coffee and breakfast, only a hundred metres or so away.

    The next few steps had us in the shadow of the Acropolis. There was quite a queue to get in, and we were convinced to take a guide,including entry ticket to jump the queue. Good in theory, but the guide moved so slowly, she bored us to tears, so after 45 minutes, we escaped and headed up the top by ourselves. Lesson learned (note to anyone coming to the Acropolis: don’t be tempted to do this to beat the queue! Tickets are apparently available on line, and you will be able to scan and walk through!)

    It was quite arm, and a glorious day. The Parthenon (otherwise known as the Temple of Athena) is undergoing renovations, so there’s scaffolding and cranes around, but it remains an iconic structure.    Read more

  • Beth VogelzangThe Ancient History Tour
    1
    Day 22

    Temple of Hephaestus

    May 29, 2019 in Greece ⋅ ☀️ 27 °C

    From wandering the Acropolis, we entered the lower grounds heading to the Temple of Hephaestus. This building was where a 500 strong council gathered to meet. Outside, a sculpture of Emperor Hadrian sat, in full regalia.

    Helen and I climbed what the boy’s affectionately named Backpacker’s Rock, but was actually called Areopagus Hill. This huge rock was where the Apostle Paul apparently delivered a sermon when he came to Athens. It’s quite a treacherous climb due to the granite being worn smooth from the millions of people who have climbed it over the Millennia.

    We then moved to a little church, dated 1000 AD, John took a thinking pose, before entering to light a candle to ensure our safe travels (at least, that’s what we think he was doing...)

    From there, we found a stunning spot for a beer break, and downed a few pints, as the day was warm, and we were getting a bit weary. Lots of laughs were had. Refreshed, off we went, wandering through the Plaka area, of restaurants, stall and shops. There was a stunning little sweet shop that took the fancy of Helen and I...

    After 18000 steps, we headed back to our apartment, to shower and ready to hunt and gather for dinner, and by that, I mean find a great restaurant.

    We had sent our scout Paul ahead, and he managed to find “Smile - the Family Restaurant”. We were sceptical, but we were tired and very hungry. What a gem, Paul redeemed his notorious restaurant seeking skills. We ordered the mixed grill (“for two”) with grilled kalamari, and grilled whole sea bream, and Greek salads. Suffice to say, we were absolutely stuffed and the food was amazing. We finished off with a dessert of Greek Yoghurt, with chocolate and mint (think Arnott mint slice biscuit, though John suggested toothpaste was closer haha). We explained the art of a flat white (and they succeeded well, and in return, they convinced us to try Metaxa, a Greek brandy, somewhat reminiscent of cough syrup! We laughed and then meandered around the corner to our apartment, and collapsed in to bed.    Read more

  • Beth VogelzangThe Ancient History Tour
    Day 23

    Hellenic Parliament

    May 30, 2019 in Greece ⋅ ☀️ 30 °C

    At 16.00 hours, we managed to arrive precisely at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, in front of the Hellenic Parliament Building. At this time, the Changing of the Guard occurred. The Evezone are an elite military force, who guard the Tomb 24 hours a day. They provided an impressive display for the 40 or so people who’d gathered to watch, and we were very lucky to be there...Read more

  • Beth VogelzangThe Ancient History Tour
    Day 23

    Acropolis Museum, and Syntagma

    May 30, 2019 in Greece ⋅ ☀️ 28 °C

    A slower start today, we headed out for breakfast and coffee, then headed into the Acropolis Museum, with the tickets we’d bought the previous afternoon to jump the queue (having learned our lesson the day before). This is a brand new structure, which has been built over excavated ruins still being unearthed, and large areas of the floor of the museum are glass, so you can see the ruins beneath.

    Many artefacts have been removed from the Temple of Athena (the Parthenon) and displayed here, a lot reconstructed and “completed” with plaster, so the visitor can appreciate the final art works...quite amazing.

    Leaving the museum,we walked towards Hadrian’s Gate, and the Gardens of Syntagma. A lush, but untamed area of gardens in the centre of Athens, near the Parliament House.    Read more

  • Beth VogelzangThe Ancient History Tour
    Day 25

    Delphi and Patras

    June 1, 2019 in Greece ⋅ ☀️ 20 °C

    We left Athens after collecting our hire car, and headed toward our first hotel. On the way, we stopped an an overlook, Arachova. The town itself was very quaint, but we pushed on reaching the archeological site of Delphi. Had a 5 minute cool rain drizzle, followed by some camera issues (horror!) but the site was very interesting with a “stadia” (running and athletics track) at the top. Below the site is a museum, with artefacts recovered from the site. From there, we drove to the town of Patras, and our apartment. We grabbed the chance to use the washing machine (always a joy to find on vacation!) then headed out to find dinner. All the restaurants in these towns seem to centre around a big square, and after getting directions, we found the spot. Then came decision time. We decided to go to the one where all the people were. “Talks” - a great decision! The manager apologised that all the tables were booked after 10.30pm, but if we could be done by then, we were welcomed. It was only 8.30, so was fine. The food was great, and the music cranked up Greek Latin Swing. It was awesome! We’ve since searched on google, and have downloaded. Sated with food, wine, ouzo and music, we reluctantly left, and headed back home. It was a fabulous place for a birthday dinner!Read more

  • Beth VogelzangThe Ancient History Tour
    Day 27

    Sparti to Corinth

    June 3, 2019 in Greece ⋅ ☀️ 23 °C

    Today we left Sparti heading for Corinth, and for John & Helen to take a handover for their home for the next 4 months, the Captain John, a 46 foot Bavaria. On the wat, we stopped at a site of ancient ruins - Mycenae. This was a fortress perched high upon a hill, with magnificent views over a very fertile valley, all the way to the sea.

    It was a quick stop, as we needed to be in Corinth by 12.30, which we made easily. Reaching Corinth, we headed to the Marina where Giannis was waiting for John & Helen. Our first meeting with the Captain John! Once loaded aboard, John and Helen had their briefing for a few hours, Paul and I went for a walk in the township scoping our restaurants for dinner.

    Once Giannis had finished, we asked directions for a supermarket to provision up. It was a problem on a Sunday, but Giannis saw a local cop,who radioed other officers, who reported where a large super market was open on a Sunday! So,off we went! European supermarkets are always an adventure, but Greek even more so! No recognizable brands, but even to see what the ingredients are is often a big challenge! Haha. We headed back to the boat, and off loaded, but then Paul had to drive back to Athens (an hour’s drive, to drop off the car). We put the groceries away, and the wind had picked up. Many boats were coming into the marina for shelter and one tried to raft up next to us, but as it was so windy, not a good idea. He left. Another boat came in late, and moored next to the break wall. At 11pm, we saw his boat listing deep, it appears his keel was stuck on something, and the emergency boat came to help release him. Don’t know if it was successful, as the boat was still there the next morning, not listing though, but tide was up.

    We when came back from dinner, we were relaxing when a fireworks show started about 10.30pm. Paul came back by this time, having to wait for a train. We’d seen a wedding, and figured the fireworks were for that! Very cool way to spend the first night aboard!

    hot and tired after a long day, headed into town for a    Read more

  • Beth VogelzangThe Ancient History Tour
    Day 27

    Corinth to Epidavros

    June 3, 2019 in Greece ⋅ ☀️ 24 °C

    Today we set sail, and the first task was lining up for the Corinth Canal. This is a narrow 4km long man-made isthmus. It is one way traffic at a time, so the boats line up to wait till it’s our turn. It’s quite fascinating going through, and quite narrow. At the other end, you have to moor, and complete paperwork for the harbour master, paying the tolls of course. We took the opportunity to fill up with diesel as well. As with all of Greece, cats abound, and one little white cat took a shine to Paul. Such a shine, that it jumped on the boat when we weren’t looking! It got quite miffed when I grabbed it and tossed him back to shore!

    We sailed for a couple of hours, mooring at Epidavros, disembarking and then could a taxi to the ruins of an ancient theatre. It was very impressive as it was mostly intact, and had amazing acoustics! Paul impressed us all by singing Waltzing Matilda for the masses, which when we were a the top of the stadium, could hear clearly. Regrettably I was not quick enough for video,capturing only the last few seconds...what a trooper!

    We decided to have a home-cooked meal tonight, and John excelled as usual. Beth decided to jump in the water to test it out - cool, but do-able!

    It was a much calmer night’s sleep in calm waters!    Read more

  • Beth VogelzangThe Ancient History Tour
    Day 32

    Mykonos to Heraklion

    June 8, 2019 in Greece ⋅ 🌙 26 °C

    Today we sad a sad farewell to John and Helen, as they set forth on the next 3 months and 3 weeks of their Odyssey. The winds were up, so getting us back to the new port of Mykonos so we could disembark was always going to be a challenge. However, the gods were smiling then, as the Harbour master allowed us to berth on the good side of the harbour, in calm waters, and John and Helen executed a perfect parallel mooring, complete with perfectly placed (old tyre) step, allowing clumsy Beth to get off with dignity (unlike her usual method of hands and knees!). As the sailed away into the sun, Paul and I made the short walk to our ferry site, and proceeded to wait. We were supposed to board the super fast catamaran ferry at 13.15 hours, arriving in Heraklion at 19.30, with quick stops in Eos and Santorini. When we checked in, they told us our direct ferry was cancelled, but we were to change at Santorini. No probs, we said. However, that time came and went, with no ferry. They assured us all would be fine and we’d make the connection. Then, at 3pm, they announced all the tickets would have to be reissued,and those going to Eos & Santorini would go at 4pm. However, no good for us, as that means we would miss the onlyconnection to Heraklion til the next day. They’d put us upon a hotel. Nope, we said, not good enough. So, they said they’d pay for flights there. Ok we said. Only problem, was that we had to go back to Athens first, then Heraklion. Then they said we could catch the town bus to the airport. Nope, we said. So they sent a car for us. Then,had to sit around airport til 21.30. That plane was late! Ugh, we were then worried we’d miss the connection in Athens, but fortunately, got there with minutes to spare. We hailed a cab at Heraklion airport, taking us to our lovely hotel, who were waiting with welcome drinks, and a lovely room. Finally in bed by 1.30am!Read more

  • Beth VogelzangThe Ancient History Tour
    Day 33

    Heraklion

    June 9, 2019 in Greece ⋅ ☀️ 29 °C

    After a disaster day yesterday, we took to the streets of Heraklion, following the Venetian fortress walls. We came across some gorgeous churches, a fountain built in 1649, wonderful back alleys and laneways, and fishing boats at the harbour...Read more

  • Beth VogelzangThe Ancient History Tour
    Day 34

    Heraklion - Knossos

    June 10, 2019 in Greece ⋅ 🌫 24 °C

    Today we picked up our hire car and drove to Knossos. I’d learned about Knossos in my Ancient History class at high school, so I had a good idea of Minoan civilisation, and the history here, though have to admit, after the Museum of Herculaneum, which was excellent, we were underwhelmed...and their management of crowds, large tour groups and passageways leads much to be desired! still, it is a tick off the bucket list!Read more

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