The Ackos European Adventure

Our first trip to the Northern hemisphere. Read more

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Day 12
Wednesday, August 23, 2023
☁️ 26 °C
Altitude: 11 m
England Victoria Memorial 51.502238, -0.14082351°30’8” N 0°8’27” W
More London
August 23, 2023 in England ⋅ ☁️ 26 °C
More of City of London (or from the Roman Times Londimium) and its 1 sq mile and the City of Westminister.
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Day 14
Friday, August 25, 2023 at 11:18 AM
☀️ 32 °C
Altitude: 6 m
Greece Órmos Glifádhas 37.861364, 23.74751337°51’41” N 23°44’51” E
Athens...underwhelming
August 25, 2023 in Greece ⋅ ☀️ 32 °C
Arrived in Athens in the wee morning hours after a very delayed flight from London. The hotel is glorious, but I got the impression, once leaving its beautiful walls, that tourists are a burden that Greece must tolerate, and only just tolerate.
The beaches of the Greek Riviera are stunning, but Athens itself, while offering many historical sites that you gaze at in awe, the rest of the city is a mix of crumbling ruins. Dilapidated buildings and modern cosmopolitan structures with branding of name brands. Beggars are everywhere, even approaching cars stopped in the traffic for a few Euro. It is a city of opposites, with gracious people who are happy to assist, while many who inflate prices and are openly rude to the tourist. Kind of a European version of Noumea, that anyone who has sailed to the Pacific port will agree.Read more
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Day 15
Saturday, August 26, 2023 at 8:38 AM
☁️ 29 °C
Altitude: 40 m
Greece Deligianni Square 37.943522, 23.65218837°56’37” N 23°39’8” E
Still laundry to be done.
August 26, 2023 in Greece ⋅ ☁️ 29 °C
It's just not fun. 2 klm uphill walk to the laundromat. No magic holiday fairy to do the drugery jobs. It's very hot and overcast in Athens today and its only 8.30am. Will be boarding the ship Celebrity Infinity at 2pm today...Yoowho they have BINGO eyes down......Read more
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Day 15
Saturday, August 26, 2023 at 2:12 PM
☁️ 33 °C
Altitude: 5 m
Greece Cape Miaulis 37.939029, 23.62778437°56’21” N 23°37’40” E
Sailing the warm water of Greece
August 26, 2023 in Greece ⋅ ☁️ 33 °C
Heading to Mykonos from Pireaus Athens. Very hot day that cooled down quickly when we boarded 3 hours early and settled in to watch the Broncos win over Canberra. Who would have thought that the NRL would be on TV on the cruise ship Celebrity Infinity while docked in Greece. WINNING. Great win for the boys on Oatsies 200th game. Sailing along now in calm seas while sitting in a quiet corner, taking it all in.Read more
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Day 16
Sunday, August 27, 2023 at 9:16 AM
🌬 25 °C
Altitude: 7 m
Greece Syros Ferry Port 37.465675, 25.32252337°27’56” N 25°19’21” E
Elia Beach Mykonos Greece
August 27, 2023 in Greece ⋅ 🌬 25 °C
Morning trip to Elia Beach Mykonos. Local Greek beer ordered, and chilling out on our sunbeds. A bit windy, and the water is cold, but the sun is glorious.
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Day 16
Sunday, August 27, 2023 at 10:34 AM
🌬 25 °C
Altitude: 5 m
Greece Elia Beach 37.422664, 25.39043737°25’22” N 25°23’26” E
Mykonos...blown away
August 27, 2023 in Greece ⋅ 🌬 25 °C
Literally 😃 not figuratively. The sun was glorious, but we got a full body sand exfoliation (not in the nudist part of the beach hehehe) so we can cross that off the Spa treatments 😃 Mykonos is a very rocky and rugged island, dotted with beautiful white rendered structures that seem to rise and erupt from the hills in no particular fashion. Not much, really no flat land, so everything is terraced down, gazing out across the azure blue sea. Heading back to the ship for more rest and relaxation in the Persian spa area of the ship....oh and, of course, more food and beer.Read more
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Day 16
Sunday, August 27, 2023 at 2:24 PM
🌬 26 °C
Altitude: Sea level
Greece Syros Ferry Port 37.465702, 25.320137°27’57” N 25°19’12” E
Mykonos....living like a Greek
August 27, 2023 in Greece ⋅ 🌬 26 °C
Chilling out in the Persian Spa.....Thalassotherapy pool.....lying back relaxing.
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Day 17
Monday, August 28, 2023 at 11:29 AM
☀️ 29 °C
Altitude: Sea level
Ionian Sea 36.419708, 23.00310936°25’11” N 23°0’11” E
Relaxing day at Sea
August 28, 2023, Ionian Sea ⋅ ☀️ 29 °C
Had my massage and facial....scary when converting USD$ to AUD$. But all worth it if it helps me get through my facial paralysis. Sailing through some island channels today from Mykonos to Zakynthos Greece tomorrow.Read more
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Day 18
Tuesday, August 29, 2023 at 12:25 PM
☀️ 28 °C
Altitude: Sea level
Greece Órmos Zakýnthou 37.786728, 20.91215637°47’12” N 20°54’44” E
Zakynthos, Ionian Islands, Greece
August 29, 2023 in Greece ⋅ ☀️ 28 °C
Χαλάρωση και Ειρήνη
(Relaxation and Peace)
Dinner late last night at one of our Specialty dining nights. Indulgence at Luminere. Escagot for me and Yellow Corn Soup for Darren, with Lamb for main course. Very romantic, candlelit, windows table for us. We both enjoyed a very strong Rum and bitters drink that made us both a bit wobbly, while enjoying the ambience of the Rendezvous lounge. Today we are enjoying Peace in the Solarium as we are docked in Zakynthos in the Ionian Islands of Greece. Our tour to Shipwreck Beach and the blue caves was cancelled due to earthquakes causing the Greek Government to restrict access. Oh well. Enjoying some very quiet time on board.Read more
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Day 19
Wednesday, August 30, 2023 at 9:13 AM
⛅ 20 °C
Altitude: Sea level
Montenegro Rt. Pokrivenik 42.430041, 18.62301142°25’48” N 18°37’23” E
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On our way to Kotor Montenegro
August 30, 2023 in Montenegro ⋅ ⛅ 20 °C
Mountains rising up from the water from both sides of the ship. Turning from the Adriatic Sea, we are travelling a narrow channel to Kotor in 🇲🇪 Montenegro. Arrival expected to be around 11am. It is currently 10.05am. We are enjoying a coffee and pastries while watching the passing landscape.Read more
Traveler ❤️
8/30/23Reply
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Day 19
Wednesday, August 30, 2023 at 10:06 AM
⛅ 19 °C
Altitude: Sea level
Montenegro Ponta Grašovo 42.460608, 18.75034342°27’38” N 18°45’1” E
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Kotor Montenegro
August 30, 2023 in Montenegro ⋅ ⛅ 19 °C
добродошли и довиђења из Црне Горе
What a stunningly beautiful place that surrounds the water. Ancient walls protecting the city still serve as homes and shops. High above can still be seen structures from centuries ago. It's has been a lovely day, albeit rainy and stormy. So "добродошли и довиђења из Црне Горе" Welcome and Goodbye from MontenegroRead more
See translation
Great shot!
4/26/25Reply
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Day 20
Thursday, August 31, 2023 at 9:38 AM
☁️ 19 °C
Altitude: 386 m
Croatia Srđ 42.649326, 18.11159542°38’58” N 18°6’42” E
Croatia ... Dubrovnik Part 1
August 31, 2023 in Croatia ⋅ ☁️ 19 °C
Our morning started with a trip on a cable car to the top of the mountain overlooking Dubrovnik "old town". Surrounded by Bosnia and Herzegovina 🇧🇦 Montenegro 🇲🇪 Italy 🇮🇹 and the Adriatic Sea. The long history and, more recently, war ravaged region was told to us by our most amazing tour guide, as we ascended in the cable car, and on our walking tour around Old Town. Many locations from Game of Throne were clearly identifiable. An amazing day in Dubrovnik Croatia.Read more
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Day 20
Thursday, August 31, 2023 at 1:16 PM
⛅ 23 °C
Altitude: 10 m
Croatia Monastère Franciscain 42.641454, 18.10859142°38’29” N 18°6’31” E
Croatia - Dubrovnik Part 2
August 31, 2023 in Croatia ⋅ ⛅ 23 °C
They say rubbing the nose of the statue of Marin Drzic on Old Town Dubrovnik will ensure that you return one day, so we rubbed. Poor fellow, there was a long line of people waiting to rub his already golden nose.
"Walking from Stradun to the Cathedral, you’re bound to pass by the bronze statue of the writer Marin Držić. Lovingly called Dubrovnik's Shakespeare, he is today best known for his comedies which shed a light onto the social realities of the Renaissance period. The statue is the work of Croatia’s eminent sculptor Ivan Meštrović. Note the bullet hole in his neck.
The statue’s shiny spots are the result of a trend for rubbing its (considerable) nose for good luck and taking photos seated in the lap, but beware: the custom is frowned upon by local heritage aficionados" courtesy of Lonely Planet.Read more
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Day 21
Friday, September 1, 2023 at 10:54 AM
☀️ 24 °C
Altitude: 9 m
Croatia Riva 43.508064, 16.43849643°30’29” N 16°26’19” E
Croatia still....in Split today
September 1, 2023 in Croatia ⋅ ☀️ 24 °C
Goodness me. Croatia 🇭🇷 is the most amazing place. We are just loving our time here. Will definitely come back again.

The Mosor Mountains is a part of the Dinaric alps, stretching from Split to Omis. They are a beautiful backdrop to this beautiful seaside town. A mix of historic and modern seems to blend seamlessly here.Read more
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Day 22
Saturday, September 2, 2023 at 9:51 AM
☀️ 22 °C
Altitude: 65 m
Italy Piazza Santa Croce y Basilica 43.769043, 11.26059543°46’9” N 11°15’38” E
Benvenuti a Firenze
September 2, 2023 in Italy ⋅ ☀️ 22 °C
Sono arrivati gli Atkinson

Well, the train ride was fast, and we have already done one circuit on a hop on Hop off bus. The view from our small balcony is spectacular at Hotel Della Nazoni. More photos once we have done our ebike tour of Firenze this afternoon. Until then, arrivederci xxRead more
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Day 22
Saturday, September 2, 2023 at 2:43 PM
☀️ 30 °C
Altitude: 70 m
Italy Battistero di Firenze 43.773421, 11.25435943°46’24” N 11°15’16” E
pomeriggio giro in bicicletta per Firenz
September 2, 2023 in Italy ⋅ ☀️ 30 °C
What an amazing afternoon. We ended up having a private bike tour around Florence. 3 hours cycling to all 4 major areas and up to Piazzale Michelangelo for the most amazing view. Benji, our guide, was an encyclopaedia of Florence history, and great fun as well.
The evening ended with a lovely meal at Il Giardino Tratoria.Read more
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Day 23
Sunday, September 3, 2023 at 9:00 AM
☀️ 22 °C
Altitude: 9 m
Italy Piazza del Duomo 43.723185, 10.39516843°43’23” N 10°23’43” E
Pisa
September 3, 2023 in Italy ⋅ ☀️ 22 °C
Pisa
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Day 23
Sunday, September 3, 2023 at 9:43 AM
☀️ 24 °C
Altitude: 8 m
Italy Leaning Tower of Pisa 43.722835, 10.39637843°43’22” N 10°23’47” E
Pisa, San Gimignano & Siena in one day
September 3, 2023 in Italy ⋅ ☀️ 24 °C
Tuscany, you sure are awesome inspiring. A morning stop at Pisa to take in the beautiful Duomo and Leaning tower. Then, back on the bus to the fortified mountain top Citi of San Gimignano. A beautiful lunch and wine tasting at Poggio Ai Laghi. Amazing wines, vinegars and oils that paired beautifully with the prosciutto, salami, piccolo cheese, and breads. I enjoyed the white wine, and then Darren enjoyed my red wines, as well as his own. Up into the city walls, we walked to have the most amazing gelato at Gelateria Dondoli, world champion gelato makers. And again, We are back on the bus to Siena. WOW... even with tired feet, this place puts a spring in your step. Siena Cathedral is just astonishing. The frescos and sculptures are breathtaking, as is the entire building. How did they do it? Is a question asked more than once today.Read more
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Day 23
Sunday, September 3, 2023 at 12:00 PM
☁️ 28 °C
Altitude: 336 m
Italy Piazza della Cisterna 43.467185, 11.04354843°28’2” N 11°2’37” E
San Gimiginano
September 3, 2023 in Italy ⋅ ☁️ 28 °C
San Gimiginano
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Day 23
Sunday, September 3, 2023 at 4:40 PM
⛅ 31 °C
Altitude: 355 m
Italy Piazza Jacopo of Quercia 43.317461, 11.32918643°19’3” N 11°19’45” E
Siena and Duomo Di Siena
September 3, 2023 in Italy ⋅ ⛅ 31 °C
Siena and Duomo Di Siena
TravelerLooks amazing
9/3/23Reply
TravelerIt was Dad. Around the first tier there were sculpted busts of all the pope's to about the 16th century. The city of Siena had 2 pope's from the same family, an uncle and a nephew. Had an amazing guide today. Pity all these walled cities in Italy are on mountain tops, lots of uphill to climb.
9/3/23Reply
TravelerIt made it strenuous for enemies to attack them.
9/3/23Reply
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Day 24
Monday, September 4, 2023 at 10:48 AM
☁️ 26 °C
Altitude: 19 m
Italy Belvédère de Manarola 44.107453, 9.72647444°6’27” N 9°43’35” E
Daytrip to Cinque Terre
September 4, 2023 in Italy ⋅ ☁️ 26 °C
Morning train ride from Firenze via Pisa to La Spezia for a day trip to Cinque Terre. First stop - Manarola for a Pesto class, wine, and lunch at Nessun Dorma. Fantastic experience and it got very messy with the mortar and pestle as we made our own Pesto. Fresh basil, salt, garlic, pecorino cheese, and olive oil...Bellisima. This went perfectly with the prosciutto, breads and Cheeses, not to mention, the perfectly matched wines.
Now at Montorossi El Mare for a swim and sun time. 30 Euro for an umbrella and 2 chairs for the day. Nowhere near as many staps as yesterday in Tuscany....more relax and foodie time.Read more
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Day 25
Tuesday, September 5, 2023 at 9:00 AM
☀️ 22 °C
Altitude: 64 m
Italy Piazza della Repubblica 41.902786, 12.49626741°54’10” N 12°29’47” E
Trip to Rome
September 5, 2023 in Italy ⋅ ☀️ 22 °C
An early morning train trip to Rome, then onto a hop on Hop off bus to get ourselves around. Rome is a bustling, busy, congested, crowded city that lives in the shadows of pre Christian historical sites on one hand, and in the shadows of the centre of Christianity on the other being the Vatican or The Holy See.
There is so much to see and do. We will have to visit again later on our trip when we return again in the final stages on our way to Milan.Read more
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Day 25
Tuesday, September 5, 2023 at 10:05 AM
☀️ 24 °C
Altitude: 67 m
Italy Piazza della Repubblica 41.902758, 12.49621541°54’10” N 12°29’46” E
Vatican City and The Colosseum Rome
September 5, 2023 in Italy ⋅ ☀️ 24 °C
Huge day in Rome with early train from Florence, then hop on - Hop off bus to travel from Vatican City to the Colosseum and all places in between. Beautiful bustling city with a mix of BC ruins and AD antiquities. Dinner in Rome was at a Muslim Pizzaria for a Halal potato pizza ( new one for me ). Late train back to Florence for our last night before heading to Venice.Read more
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Day 25
Tuesday, September 5, 2023 at 11:00 PM
🌙 23 °C
Altitude: 70 m
Vatican City St. Peter's Basilica 41.902347, 12.45330541°54’8” N 12°27’12” E
The Vatican
September 5, 2023 in Vatican City ⋅ 🌙 23 °C
The Vatican is emmence, ostentatious, flaunting its wealth and riches at every turn. The Museums, St Peters Square, the Sistine Chapel, and St Peters Basilica are enough to take away the breath of the most fervent non-believer. The collections are varied and astounding, from tapestries to animals, pottery and ceramics, Egyptian artefacts, historical maps, paintings, and statues from the old masters like Botticelli. Michaelangelo and Da Vinci, the list is endless. The buildings soar with such grandeur that it is hard to imagine, even today, just how they were constructed. Awe-Inspiring, even for a lapsed Catholic.Read more
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Day 26
Wednesday, September 6, 2023 at 2:34 PM
☀️ 27 °C
Altitude: 6 m
Italy Colonne di San Marco e San Todaro 45.4334, 12.339945°26’0” N 12°20’24” E
Venice Italy
September 6, 2023 in Italy ⋅ ☀️ 27 °C
It's not hard to get lost in Venezia. We did, and a lot!!!!! Lost on a Vaporretto at midnight. Lost in the beautiful narrow alleys that connect amazing squares. Venice is beautiful and crowded, and you can walk for hours and discover something new with each crossing of another bridge.Read more
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