Cities of Antiquity

Italy -> Malta -> Cyprus -> Greece Read more

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Cities of Antiquity Jenn J
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Day 9
Sunday, December 10, 2023 at 10:04 PM
🌬 63 °F
Altitude: Sea level
Malta Il-Moll tal-Kurcifis 35.889513, 14.50879535°53’22” N 14°30’32” E
Valletta, Malta - Day 2
December 10, 2023 in Malta ⋅ 🌬 63 °F
Day 6 -
67 F / 19 C
Mostly sunny

VALLETTA, MALTA
With an area of just one-third of a square mile, green space is at a premium in Vailetta, which is why the city's gardens: are so treasured. Created in 1661 upon the St. Peter & Paul Bastion, the Upper Barrakka Gardens are perched at the highest point of the city walls. Knights of Italy once escaped the demands af court in this splendid and shady haven. Its terraces offer sweeping views of the Grand Harbor and medieval warrens belaw. The centerpiece is a pair of arched wa surrounding a tranquil stone courtyard. Among the garden's palm-lined lanes is a memarial ta Minston Churchill.Read more
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Day 10
Monday, December 11, 2023 at 1:16 PM
☀️ 66 °F
Altitude: 26 ft
Malta Fort St. Angelo 35.892553, 14.51859235°53’33” N 14°31’7” E
Fort St. Angelo
December 11, 2023 in Malta ⋅ ☀️ 66 °F
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Cities of Antiquity Jenn J
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Day 10
Monday, December 11, 2023 at 11:10 PM
🌬 64 °F
Altitude: Sea level
Eastern Mediterranean 35.972297, 15.75197835°58’20” N 15°45’7” E
Sail the Ionian Sea
December 11, 2023, Eastern Mediterranean ⋅ 🌬 64 °F
Day 7 -
64 F / 18 C
Partly cloudy

SAIL THE IONIAN SEA
Gateway to the Adriatic, the lonian Sea could be viewed as a vast, fanning bay of the Mediterranean, marked by the sole of Italy's boot and the western coasts of Albania and Greece. Its seven major islands hug Greek shores. The sea was likely named for lo, the goddess who conquered its vast expanse. After being turned into a white heifer by her lover Zeus, she swam across the sea to Egypt, where he promised to return her to human form. Another legend says it was named for lonius, son of Adrias, who gave the sea to the north its name. One thing is certain: these azure waters kiss some of Europe's most beloved shores.Read more
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Cities of Antiquity Jenn J
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Day 11
Tuesday, December 12, 2023 at 8:37 PM
🌙 66 °F
Altitude: Sea level
Eastern Mediterranean 35.838287, 20.72926735°50’18” N 20°43’45” E
Heraklion (Crete), Greece
December 12, 2023, Eastern Mediterranean ⋅ 🌙 66 °F
Day 8 -
71 F / 22 C
Sunny

HERAKLION (CRETE), GREECE
Crete was home to the Minoans, Europe's earliest recorded civilization. Its capital, Heraklion, grew from the riches of t Venetian Empire, which ruled here for four centuries. Crete enjoyed a Renaissance building boom that helped bolster Heraklion as the region's most strongly fortified city. The island is blessed with generous beaches, soaring mountains, gorges and coursing rivers. It is also where the distinct mantinades-narrative couplets of love accompanied by Creta stringed instruments-could break out at any number of cafés as you sip Tsikoudia, a grape-based brandy distilled inRead more
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Day 12
Wednesday, December 13, 2023 at 6:50 AM
⛅ 57 °F
Altitude: Sea level
Greece Néa Alikarnassós 35.375252, 25.15348235°22’31” N 25°9’13” E
Good morning Crete!
December 13, 2023 in Greece ⋅ ⛅ 57 °F
Arriving in Crete this morning.
We’re going to the Palace of Knossos, the seat of power for the Minoan civilization which ruled Crete from 2700 BC - 1420 BC. The palace is said to have over 150 rooms and cover over 22,000 sq meters.

A few facts about Crete:
It’s the largest of the Greek islands; 5th largest in the Mediterranean.
#1 product is Olive Oil
They have 38+ million Olive Trees
The island contains 14 peaks, with the highest peak reaching 6,000 ft and gets snow.
Crete originally consisted of 3 separate islands.
Ruled by multiple civilizations including, Roman, Byzantine, Arabs, and Veniatins. They gained their independence in 1898 and joined Greece in 1913.Read more
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Cities of Antiquity Jenn J
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Day 12
Wednesday, December 13, 2023 at 8:00 AM
☀️ 57 °F
Altitude: 289 ft
Greece Knossos 35.297871, 25.16223535°17’52” N 25°9’44” E
Palace of Knossos
December 13, 2023 in Greece ⋅ ☀️ 57 °F
Minoan Palace

Origination of the myth of the Minotaur.
With over 150 rooms, the Minoan palace is thought to be the labyrinth in the myth of the Minotaur.
The Minoan civilization is named after the first king of Crete, King Minos.
It’s Europe’s oldest advanced civilization.

Original stone throne was discovered in the throne room and can be viewed.
The bull was an important symbol in Minoan culture and the art of “bull jumping” key to religious ceremonies.Read more
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Cities of Antiquity Jenn J
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Day 13–14
December 14, 2023 at 11:39 PM - December 15, 2023
1 night
☁️ 68 °F
Altitude: Sea level
Eastern Mediterranean 34.578793, 32.08092134°34’44” N 32°4’51” E
Limassol, Cyprus - Day 1
Dec 14–15, 2023, Eastern Mediterranean ⋅ ☁️ 68 °F
Day 9 -
65 F / 18 C
Partly cloudy

LIMASSOL, CYPRUS
With its strategic location in the Eastern Mediterranean, Cyprus and its historic capital of Limassol boast a long history that encompasses Greco-Roman, Byzantine, Ottoman, Venetian and British rule. Legend tells us that the magnificent Aegean landscape of Cyprus was the birthplace of Aphrodite, the goddess of love and beauty. Famously, the island nation is home to spectacular medieval churches and monasteries whose humble facades belie richly wrought Byzantine frescoes and icons. With such an auspicious reputation and long history, it seems a high privilege to visit this breathtaking place. In the city's historic center, history stands in for mythology at the stalwart Limassol Castle, where Richard the Lionheart is said to have married on his way to the Crusades in the Holy Land.Read more
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Cities of Antiquity Jenn J
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Day 14
Friday, December 15, 2023 at 10:03 AM
☁️ 66 °F
Altitude: 197 ft
Cyprus Krommya 34.664183, 32.88870334°39’51” N 32°53’19” E
Kourion
December 15, 2023 in Cyprus ⋅ ☁️ 66 °F
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Day 14
Friday, December 15, 2023 at 10:31 AM
☁️ 68 °F
Altitude: 131 ft
Cyprus Kástro Kolossíou 34.664813, 32.93433334°39’53” N 32°56’4” E
Kolossi Castle
December 15, 2023 in Cyprus ⋅ ☁️ 68 °F
Named after a French nobleman. Town is named after him as well.

King Richard I (the lionheart), stopped by on his way to the crusades and got married.
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Day 14
Friday, December 15, 2023 at 11:07 AM
☁️ 68 °F
Altitude: 413 ft
Cyprus Sanctuary of Apollo Hylates 34.673288, 32.86358834°40’24” N 32°51’49” E
Sanctuary of Apollo Hylates
December 15, 2023 in Cyprus ⋅ ☁️ 68 °F
Baths, dormitories, temple, wrestling.

(From brochure)
The Sanctuary of Apollo Hylates was one of the most important sanctuaries of ancient Cyprus, with a history going back as early as the Late Bronze Age (1650-1050 BC). It reached its zenith during the Roman period when large-scale building works were carried out, which architecturally overlayed all previous phases. During the Roman period, it was considered to be one of the three most important sanctuaries of Cyprus.
Like all the sanctuaries of Apollo, it was located outside the residential area, to the west of the ancient city of Kourion, Its ruins are located today on the north side of the main Lemesos (Limassol) - Pafos highway, at a short distance from the ancient city.

The sanctuary was destroyed by a powerful earthquake in the 4th century AD (around AD 370).

For more info: www.mcw.gov.cy/daRead more
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Cities of Antiquity Jenn J
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Day 14
Friday, December 15, 2023 at 3:52 PM
☁️ 68 °F
Altitude: 10 ft
Cyprus Digital Heritage Research Lab 34.671263, 33.04387234°40’17” N 33°2’38” E
A few of the cats of Cyprus
December 15, 2023 in Cyprus ⋅ ☁️ 68 °F
We were warned the island is full of cats. I only saw a handful. The residents feed the local population.

If u wonder how there’s so many cats on the island, it’s from St. Helena, mother to Emperor Constantine, who ordered 2 ships full of cats to the island after visiting to deal with the numerous snakes on the island.Read more
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Cities of Antiquity Jenn J
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Day 14
Friday, December 15, 2023 at 9:08 PM
☁️ 63 °F
Altitude: 26 ft
Cyprus Akrotiri Harbour 34.654513, 33.02137834°39’16” N 33°1’17” E
Limassol, Cyprus - Day 2
December 15, 2023 in Cyprus ⋅ ☁️ 63 °F
Day 10 -
62 F / 17 C
Partly cloudy

Viking Daily has the same text, so I won’t duplicate. Instead I’ll add some interesting facts.

Wine - Commandaria
Only made in 16 villages
More info:
https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cypriot_wineRead more
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Cities of Antiquity Jenn J
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Day 15
Saturday, December 16, 2023 at 8:00 AM
☁️ 54 °F
Altitude: 2,641 ft
Cyprus Ómodos 34.847947, 32.80799534°50’53” N 32°48’29” E
Cats of Omodos
December 16, 2023 in Cyprus ⋅ ☁️ 54 °F
Saw more cats here than in Limassol… lol
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Cities of Antiquity Jenn J
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Day 15
Saturday, December 16, 2023 at 8:22 PM
🌙 66 °F
Altitude: Sea level
Eastern Mediterranean 35.154392, 31.11166135°9’16” N 31°6’42” E
Rhodes, Greece
December 16, 2023, Eastern Mediterranean ⋅ 🌙 66 °F
Day 12 -
63 F / 17 C
Mostly sunny

RHODES, GREECE
The lush, fertile island of Rhodes is home to the Palace of the Grand Masters, a remarkable and sprawling fortification. historic quarter is Europe's largest active medieval town. Outside the city, forests of pine and cypress blanket mountai slopes and hug rocky shores; vineyards and groves of citrus and olive soak up the Aegean sun. The Knights of Saint Joh Jerusalem conquered the island in the 14th century, bringing great wealth from the Holy Land. Under their rule, the cit was reconstructed to mirror the medieval ideal. Many of the buildings from this era remain and make for rewarding strolls.

A few facts about the Colossus of Rhodes:

One of the Ancient Wonders of the World
Statue of sun god Helios
108 ft / 33m / 70 cubits (about size of Statue of Liberty)
Collapsed in earthquake 226 BC
Erected to honor victory over CyprusRead more
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Day 16
Sunday, December 17, 2023 at 8:26 AM
☀️ 63 °F
Altitude: 72 ft
Greece Palace of the Grand Master of the Knights of Rhodes -Παλάτι του Μεγάλου Μαγίστρου των Ιπποτών της Ρό 36.445589, 28.22371536°26’44” N 28°13’25” E
Old Town Rhodes
December 17, 2023 in Greece ⋅ ☀️ 63 °F
10 entrances.
It would take all day to visit all the streets in the Old Town.
Largest Medieval town in Europe.
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Cities of Antiquity Jenn J
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Day 16
Sunday, December 17, 2023 at 8:33 AM
☀️ 63 °F
Altitude: 75 ft
Greece Gate D'Amboise 36.445972, 28.22335536°26’45” N 28°13’24” E
Cats of Old Town Rhodes
December 17, 2023 in Greece ⋅ ☀️ 63 °F
So many cats and they appear well fed.
Try counting the cats in street pic… lol
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Cities of Antiquity Jenn J
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Day 16
Sunday, December 17, 2023 at 8:44 AM
☀️ 63 °F
Altitude: 72 ft
Greece Palace of the Grand Master of the Knights of Rhodes -Παλάτι του Μεγάλου Μαγίστρου των Ιπποτών της Ρό 36.445683, 28.22406236°26’44” N 28°13’27” E
Palace of the Grand Masters
December 17, 2023 in Greece ⋅ ☀️ 63 °F
200 rooms

Rebuilt multiple times.

Rebuilt for Victor Emmanuel I. Cause he needed a place to stay while visiting Rhodes during Italian occupation.
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Cities of Antiquity Jenn J
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Day 16
Sunday, December 17, 2023 at 11:16 AM
☀️ 66 °F
Altitude: 299 ft
Greece Castle of the Knights Hospitaller 36.091883, 28.08820836°5’31” N 28°5’18” E
Acropolis of Linos
December 17, 2023 in Greece ⋅ ☀️ 66 °F
Acropolis means highest point in town, so each town has its own Acropolis.

People from Linos founded the city of Naples. They named it Napoli which means “new city”.
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Cities of Antiquity Jenn J
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Day 16
Sunday, December 17, 2023 at 11:37 AM
☀️ 66 °F
Altitude: 197 ft
Greece Acropolis of Lindos 36.091247, 28.08834736°5’28” N 28°5’18” E
Cats of Linos
December 17, 2023 in Greece ⋅ ☀️ 66 °F
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Day 16
Sunday, December 17, 2023 at 1:09 PM
☀️ 64 °F
Altitude: 810 ft
Greece Pastida 36.399312, 28.13931736°23’58” N 28°8’22” E
Highest point in Rhodes
December 17, 2023 in Greece ⋅ ☀️ 64 °F
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Day 16
Sunday, December 17, 2023 at 3:03 PM
☀️ 64 °F
Altitude: 830 ft
Greece Pastida 36.399125, 28.14313636°23’57” N 28°8’35” E
Peacocks and Peahens of Rhodes
December 17, 2023 in Greece ⋅ ☀️ 64 °F
Found at the Acropolis of Filerimos

So many…
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Day 16
Sunday, December 17, 2023 at 8:50 PM
🌙 63 °F
Altitude: Sea level
Aegean Sea 36.360162, 27.68742536°21’37” N 27°41’15” E
Santorini, Greece
December 17, 2023, Aegean Sea ⋅ 🌙 63 °F
Day 12 -
52 F / 11 C
Sunny & Windy

SANTORINI (THÍRA), GREECE
Gleaming villages perched on black rock make Santorini one of the most visually arresting islands in the Aegean. Its whitewashed capital of Thira perches on a cliff 1,300 feet above the sea; enjoy spectacular views of this magnificent city on a hill from our anchorage in turquoise waters. Dating to the early Bronze Age, Thira's winding streets are a delight to explore and its charming cafés invite lingering respites in the Cyclades sun. Not to be upstaged, the island and its surrounding islets also offer opportunities to experience fully the natural volcanic splendor, from thermal spring soaks to caldera hikes. And despite the harsh volcanic soil, Santorini's viticulture is rich and thriving and boasts a 5,000-year history.

A few facts about Santorini:
Made up of 5 islands.
Known as the “postcard” island.
Wine made on Santorini is highly coveted.

Nautical Term of the Day: Pooped
The poop is the stern section of a ship. To be “pooped” is to be swamped by a high, following sea.Read more
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Day 17
Monday, December 18, 2023 at 7:59 AM
🌬 57 °F
Altitude: Sea level
Greece Órmos Firón 36.41147, 25.41666236°24’41” N 25°24’60” E
Good morning Santorini!
December 18, 2023 in Greece ⋅ 🌬 57 °F
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Cities of Antiquity Jenn J
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Day 17
Monday, December 18, 2023 at 10:15 AM
🌬 59 °F
Altitude: 423 ft
Greece Panagía 36.461492, 25.37550336°27’41” N 25°22’32” E
Village of Oia, Santorini
December 18, 2023 in Greece ⋅ 🌬 59 °F
Pronounced “E-ah”

Picturesque village that’s the backdrop for numerous travel images and postcards.
The village consists of narrow streets winding through buildings built into the cliff side.

Better pics to follow. :-)Read more
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Cities of Antiquity Jenn J
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Day 17
Monday, December 18, 2023 at 10:32 AM
🌬 59 °F
Altitude: 338 ft
Greece Órmos Ammoúdi 36.460533, 25.37326736°27’38” N 25°22’24” E
Cats of Oia
December 18, 2023 in Greece ⋅ 🌬 59 °F
Cats from the picturesque village of Oia (pronounced “E-ah”).
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