"WELCOME TO GREECE" Greece by LoriPori

Greece Travel Guide: 34,385 reviews and 74,386 photos

KALOSORISATE STIN ELLADA!

May 27 to June 9, 2007
Kalosorisate stin Ellada! Welcome to Greece!
Greece is located in southwestern Europe and borders Albania, Macedonia, and Bulgaria to the North, Turkey to the North-east, the Aegean Sea to the east, the Mediterranean Sea to the south and the Ionian Sea to the west. Numerous islands surround the mainland. The Greek peninsula covers an area of 131,944 square km and has a population of approximately 9.5 million people. Athens is the capital.

Our Trip to Greece - Saturday May 19 to Saturday June 9, 2007
Hans and I returned to Greece after an absence of 38 years. I last visited here as a student in 1969 as Athens was a stop on a Mediterranean cruise I was on. Hans was actually there too, in the sixties, as he made several stops in Piraeus while working on a merchant ship.
On this trip we managed to see quite a bit in three weeks. Our first taste of Greece was a Sunday drive along the Saronic coast to Sounion and the Temple of Poseidon. The next day Janet took us to Mycenae, with its massive Lion's Gate and to the lovely coastal town of Nafplion.
Sunday, May 27, our Sailing Odyssey began. Our three Bavaria50 sailing yachts - the Pyth - King1 - Oceanida - with 26 adults, one child and three captains, set out for five days of adventure. Our first island was Kea, then on to Serifos, Nisos Sifnos, Ios and our final destination - Santorini. It was an amazing experience.
I have made a video - actually a slide show with music - of our sailing adventure using music by Pix Lax provided to me by Janetanne. Thanks Janet.

Santorini - What can I say! It's right up there as one of the most beautiful destinations in the world. Our VT meet there was incredible. We got to see many of our old VT friends, but more importantly made many more new friends.
Highlights - The Sunset in Oia - the Pirate Ship outing - the donkey ride up the cliff in Thirassia - our Sunday night farewell dinner at the Poseidon in Fira.
And after it was all over and we said our last goodbyes and gave our last big hugs, Hans, Janet and I headed back to Athens on the Blue Star Ferries ship Paros. During the eight hour return trip we made two stops, one in Naxos and one in Paros.
As Stephanie and Gerry had invited us to accompany them to Delphi, we did that on Tuesday, June 5. We had a ball with them - laughing and singing in Harry's taxi along the way, stopping for a lunch of baby lamb and experiencing the mystical Delphi together. Thanks again Gerry and Stephanie - you guys are the best.
Thursday June 7, we did a day in Athens to visit the Acropolis. I'm sure glad we waited, as it was a wonderful day to walk up the many steps to the Parthenon, not too hot and not raining like it was during our first week. Somehow, the Parthenon was larger than I remembered. My only disappointment was that it was so crowded with people and the Parthenon was surrounded by scaffolding and a crane as there was ongoing restorations being done.
All in all it was a wonderful experience. I want to take this opportunity to thank Janet and Galatea, Gerry and Stephanie and all the wonderful VTers who came from far and wide, to Santorini and made this Euromeet2007 the best ever!!!

Fira - Santorini

On our boat - the PYTH

Pros and Cons

Pros:Wonderful Sailing experience
Cons:Getting pickpocketed, ripped off & short-changed numerous times spoiled an otherwise pleasant Greek experience

Last visit to Greece: Jun 2007
Intro Updated Jul 25, 2010
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Reviews (20)

ISLAND OF SANTORINI - FAMOUS OIA SUNSETS Things to Do (15)

The traditional village of OIA 11 km to the north of Fira, is a place of incomparable beauty. The unique appeal of Oia... more travel advice

AIR TRANSAT Transportation (1)

When Hans and I were planning our trip to Greece, obviously the first thing that must be done is book your air... more travel advice

SHOPPING IN GREECE Shopping (1)

Popular buys include traditional handicrafts, silver and gold jewellery, flokati rugs, pottery, items made of onyx,... more travel advice

ACROPOLIS - THE PARTHENON Things to Do (15)

Thursday June 7, 2007 When you think of Athens, you think of the Acropolis and THE PARTHENON. I was last here at the... more travel advice

Local Customs (1)
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Comments (26)

MalenaN Dec 7, 2011 at 10:42 AM Report Abuse

The Island Hopping Sailing Cruise sounds to have been wonderful, and Santorini too for the VT-meet! Lovely photos, I especially like the one from Nafplio!
toonsarah Nov 17, 2011 at 12:39 AM Report Abuse

What a marvellous Greek odyssey!! I always regret that I didn't discover the wonderful VT Euromeets until the year after Santorini ;-( And I would love to go on a cruise like that, especially with sich a great group of friends! I enjoyed your gastronomey tip a lot too, even if it did make me hungry! And the VT song is a classic - we should start a revival at the next meet ;-))
greekcypriot Jan 19, 2011 at 9:13 PM Report Abuse

A great video and one of my favourite Greek songs -the music background. Yes, Greece is beautiful indeed!
Aitana Jan 2, 2010 at 11:58 AM Report Abuse

Greece is a wonderful country. Great page, Lori.
hopang Sep 10, 2009 at 6:24 AM Report Abuse

Excellent overview on Greece especially on beautiful islands such as Santorini. Lots of ancient ruins to visit and explore such as Acropolis and various temples. We hope to visit Athens again soon. It was ages since we last visited Athens. ~ho & pang
kyoub Nov 16, 2008 at 8:39 AM Report Abuse

Great video, Lori The trip really looks like fun.
janetanne Aug 4, 2008 at 6:45 AM Report Abuse

Great Video Lori and the music is my favourite song by Pix Lax. It really brought back the lovely memories of the islands we sailed to. I'll send you the translation of the words to that song later:) Janet
sim1 Apr 9, 2008 at 12:53 PM Report Abuse

Great page Lori! Wow, you bring back so many memories back from my trip to the Greek Islands last year. I only went to two island, and your page makes me eager to discover more! Love your photos, they give a real feel of Greece.
volopolo Jan 5, 2008 at 4:11 AM Report Abuse

Nice Parthenon picture!
Beamer23 Nov 26, 2007 at 1:19 PM Report Abuse

I absolutely Love that picture you took of the bell tower in Greece where you are looking down at the the two bells and the dark blue water is in the background. http://cache.virtualtourist.com/3544780-Travel_Picture-Greece.jpg Excellent shot!