"Greece" is the Word

(Travel Dates: May 15-23 2023)

Greece is one of the most popular vacation destinations in Europe, and for good reason. This beautiful country is home to stunning landscapes, fascinating history, and delicious cuisine, making it an ideal place to escape for a relaxing and rejuvenating holiday. In this blog post, we'll take a closer look at what makes a vacation to Greece so special, and highlight some of the top things to see and do while you're there.

Athens, the capital of Greece, is a city rich in history and culture. From the iconic Parthenon to the bustling streets of Plaka, Athens offers visitors a unique experience that combines the ancient and modern world. Mykonos, a popular island in the Aegean Sea, is known for its pristine beaches, stunning architecture, and vibrant nightlife. In this blog post, we will take you on a journey from one night in Athens to a week in Mykonos.

Arriving in Athens, we were immediately struck by the contrast between the ancient monuments and the bustling modern city. We luckily had the foresight to arrange for private transportation - which is the least stressful way to transport to your hotel after an 11 hour overnight flight. We checked-in to the hotel, dropped off our luggage and headed straight to the Acropolis. With only 1 night in Athens, before heading to Mykonos, we figured we better get started sightseeing.

The Acropolis, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, which is located on a hilltop in the center of Athens. As you climb the stairs to the top, you will be amazed by the breathtaking views of the city below. The Parthenon, the most famous monument in Athens, dominates the skyline and is a must-see for anyone visiting the city.

After exploring the Acropolis, head down to Plaka, the oldest neighborhood in Athens. Here, you will find narrow streets lined with restaurants, cafes, and souvenir shops. Plaka is a great place to enjoy a traditional Greek dinner, and you will find plenty of choices here. Whether you prefer seafood, meat, or vegetarian dishes, you will find something to satisfy your appetite.

NOTE: While in Plaka, if anyone with flowers, offers you a "free" flower and you say "yes" - then will then ask you to pay for it. Not the best business model, in my honest opinion, but that's the way it works there.

After stopping for a light lunch/snack, we headed back to the hotel to clean up and rest before heading to dinner. Dinner was on the hotel rooftop with the most gorgeous view of the city. The food was delicious and we had an amazing time catching up, since we have traveled from different parts to meet up for this fabulous trip and before merging with the rest of the group tomorrow.

Keep in mind, in Greece, whenever you ask for the check - they usually bring shots of **Ouzo* for everyone. So if you need to leave, be sure to ask for the check about 20 mins before you are ready to leave, because they would prefer you stay and continue your great time. Of course, there is no pressure, just the temptation. :)

Once we had finished our meal, we moved into the lobby bar for a nightcap or 3 before heading to bed, since we had a flight in the morning to our final destination, Mykonos.

Of course, we had private transportation to the airport for ease (and definitely worth it to split between 6 people). At the airport, we met up with the rest of our group arriving from Paris.

The flight from Athens to Mykonos takes around 45 minutes, and upon arrival, you will be greeted by the island's vibrant atmosphere.

Once landed in Mykonos and obtaining our luggage, rental cars and Starbucks, we headed to the most magnificent Villa. The Villa was walking distance from *** Beach and since it was hilly, GREAT cardio!

Mykonos is known for its stunning beaches, so the first thing you should do is head to one of them. There are plenty of options to choose from, but some of the most popular include Paradise Beach, Super Paradise Beach, and Elia Beach. Spend the day relaxing in the sun, swimming in the crystal-clear waters, and enjoying some of the water sports on offer.

In the evening, head to Mykonos Town, the main town on the island. Mykonos Town is known for its stunning architecture, with whitewashed buildings and blue shutters. The town is also famous for its nightlife, with plenty of bars and clubs to choose from. Start your evening by enjoying a drink in Little Venice, a picturesque area of Mykonos Town that is known for its colorful buildings that overlook the sea. After that, head to one of the many bars or clubs that are dotted around the town.

During your week in Mykonos, be sure to explore the island and its many attractions. From visiting the iconic windmills to taking a boat trip to the nearby island of Delos, there is plenty to keep you busy. Don't forget to indulge in some of the island's delicious cuisine, which includes fresh seafood, grilled meats, and traditional Greek dishes like moussaka and souvlaki.

In conclusion, Athens offers a unique blend of ancient and modern culture, while Mykonos is the perfect place to relax, soak up the sun, and enjoy the island's vibrant nightlife. Whether you are a history buff, a beach lover, or a party animal, Greece has something to offer everyone.