Odyssey - 18 nights Athens to Barcelona LIVE ON BOARD

[galeforce9]

So we fly to Athens tomorrow, ahead of Saturday’s cruise.  Will post on this thread as and when time allows.  

Edited October 18, 2018 by galeforce9

[FlyingScotSailors]

 

Eleanor, we hope you and Neil have a great cruise.

 

We board the Quest on Sunday, and will "follow" you as the internet allows.

 

Ann & Peter

 

[TRIPACIAN]

We were on this cruise in 2017 and had a fabulous time.

[frantic36]

galeforce have a great time on your cruise. I will enjoy reading of more of your adventures and seeing your fabulous photos.

 

Julie

[galeforce9]

Thanks all for your good wishes.  We started Friday with an earlyish trip to London Heathrow.  Travelling is always a good reason for a glass of champagne before the usual hour.   

[galeforce9]

The flight was smooth.  We had a bit of amusement with the wrong menus being handed out.  I really fancied the prawns but that option was whipped away with the change of menu.  I settled for pork. 

[galeforce9]

There were some nice views of the mountains en route.  

 

 

[galeforce9]

Our hotel in Athens was the ever reliable and top notch (best in Athens?),  historic Hotel Grand Bretagne.    It became headquarters of the third reich.  Rommel and Hitler stayed there on the eve of the Soviet invasion.  Used by Seabourn for many a year, we’ve stayed twice, before Red Sea and Mediterranean trips, at this time of year.  Centrally located, with views across the rooftops of Athens to the Acropolis and down into Syntagma Square, it’s a walkable distance to most of Athens’ sights.  This was the view from our room, to the Parliament where the Evzones soldiers stand guard over the tomb of the unknown soldier.   

 

 

[galeforce9]

This is a (zoomed in) view of the Parthenon from the roof top bar, courtesy of my brother. 

[Isklaar]

Looking forward to following your trip.  Will be quite a contrast to your previous one!

Have a wonderful cruise.

[galeforce9]

Thanks Isklaar!  

[galeforce9]

After an early breakfast we headed off to the Acropolis for opening at 8am, in an attempt to beat the crowds that are still here at this time of year.  Opening was just after sunrise and the buildings were lit with a warm golden light as the early sun shone through the haze.  

 

[galeforce9]

Then it was a quick walk back to see the changing of the evzones at 10am.  There’s a big ceremony at 11am each Sunday, for the tourists, with a marching band  but each hour every day the guards change and it’s quite something to see the slow choreographed movements as they change position.  

[galeforce9]

[galeforce9]

The transfer to the ship was arranged for just after 12.  After about 40 minutes we were on board and enjoying lunch at the patio grill. 

[galeforce9]

Our cases arrived around 2 and we were all unpacked by lifeboat drill at 4.  

[galeforce9]

After a very tasty dinner at Thomas Keller Grill, it was an earlyish to bed. The seas were smooth, with no sense of motion at all. 

[galeforce9]

Today we’re in Napflio.  Instead of trips to Mycenae or Epidaurus we decided to stroll around the town.  It being Sunday, the town was full of strolling families.  Remnants of Venetian forts overlook the town and there’s one just out to sea too. 

[galeforce9]

[Camillus112]

Thanks for your photos and comments, galeforce9.  We will visit Napflio next May in Serenity and are unsure whether to stay in port or go to Mycenae/Epidaurus...  Had you visited these before?  Did you find the port city quaint/satisfying enough to forego the excursions?  Thanks, and continue enjoying your cruise!

[galeforce9]

1 hour ago, Camillus112 said:

Thanks for your photos and comments, galeforce9.  We will visit Napflio next May in Serenity and are unsure whether to stay in port or go to Mycenae/Epidaurus...  Had you visited these before?  Did you find the port city quaint/satisfying enough to forego the excursions?  Thanks, and continue enjoying your cruise!

 

Hi.  In future I’d probably get a taxi in port. It was 70 euros to either of these places with one hour waiting time.  Obviously entrance fees would be extra.  I thought that was good value.  This time I was happy to not do too much.   

[galeforce9]

Just enoying a thirtieth anniversary cocktail. 

[SLSD]

Galeforce,  We stayed at the King George in Athens about 13 years ago with great views of the Acropolis.  We had drinks at the rooftop bar at your hotel.  Such great memories.  Thank you for this travel log.  I always enjoy what you have to report.  And your photos are inspiring. 

[galeforce9]

Here are last night’s menus from the main restaurant, along with a few of my selections.  

 

 

[galeforce9]

Lobster as a second course (small portion)