A Summer Family Odyssey: Greece and Adriatic!

Hey there, fellow adventurers!

This summer was truly unforgettable for our family as we embarked on a journey brimming with history, culture, plenty of sunshine and of course, adventure!  From the ancient wonders of Athens to the idyllic islands of Greece, and through the stunning landscapes of Montenegro and Croatia, culminating in the romantic canals of Venice, our trip was a whirlwind of excitement and wonder. Join me as we relive this incredible experience!

Athens, Greece: A Journey Back in Time   

Our adventure kicked off in the historic and vibrant city of Athens. Arriving early in the morning, we dove straight into exploring!

The Acropolis was our first major stop. Not named for one specific building, but describing a citadel on top of hill. The Acropolis was built in the 5th century BC and is one of the most famous archeology sites in the world.

Standing before the Parthenon, which is the one of the most well known structures dedicated to the Greek Goddess Athena Parthenos, I couldn't help but imagine the ancient Greeks who once walked these paths. The grandeur of the structure was beyond anything we had ever seen. After taking in 360 degree views of the Athens and the remaining ancient structures still standing in the Acropolis, we wandered to the Temple of Zeus.

It is thought that the Temple of Zeus was built around 470 B.C. and was one of the largest temples. It was dedicated to the Olympian Zeus and although only 16 columns remain in the ruins, it once was home to 104!

We continued our exploration around the city stopping to watch the Changing of the Guard at Syntagma Square which was equally mesmerizing, adding a timeless sense of tradition to our visit. You can witness the Changing of the Guard every hour, or if you are lucky to be in the city on a Sunday, can see the Grand Change at 11am. Fun fact - military service is required for all Greek men above the age of 18 years old and the Members of the Presidential Guard go through a very rigorous election process.

Of course, exploring makes one hungry, and Athens more than delivered with its array of local delights. We treated ourselves to dishes like moussaka, souvlaki, and fresh Greek salads in quaint little tavernas. The city’s vibrant street life, friendly locals, and the rich aroma of Greek food made our day—and night—unforgettable.

Sailing Away on Royal Caribbean's Voyager of the Seas   

With Athens behind us, we boarded Royal Caribbean's Voyager of the Seas. Our Grand Suite was spacious and luxurious, providing the perfect retreat with concierge amenities at our fingertips. Settling into our temporary sea home allowed us to appreciate the vastness of our journey ahead.

Mykonos: A Dream Island   

Our first port of call was the dazzling island of Mykonos. We sailed out to Delos, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the legendary birthplace of Apollo. The ancient ruins transported us back to a time of myth and heroes. Back in time, Delos was an thriving trading port until it became abandoned in the 8th century.

We then anchored at Rhenia island which according to Greek mythology was a refuge for Leto and birthplace of daughter, Artemis. Today the island provides a quiet and uninhabitable destination to plunge into its crystal-blue waters. We swam, snorkeled, and for the bold among us, even took a leap from the side of our boat! A delicious home-cooked Greek lunch served on the sailboat was the cherry on top of a perfect day.

The Old Port area of Mykonos invited us to wander through charming boutiques and soak in the island’s vibrant atmosphere.

Chania, Crete: A Cultural Feast   

Our next adventure led us to Chania, Crete. A friendly tour guide regaled us with tales of the island’s rich history as we explored by bus.

Our journey ended at Agioi Apostoloi Beach, a slice of paradise with golden sands and warm, turquoise waters. We spent hours playing, swimming, and soaking up the Cretan sun.

Argostoli, Kefalonia: Exploring Enchantment   

Argostoli, Kefalonia, soon emerged as a highlight. The scenic bus journey through winding mountain roads led us to the surreal Drogarati Cave, replete with centuries-old stalactites and stalagmites. It is said that the cave is 150 million years old and was only discovered when an earthquake uncovered the cave's entrance.

From there, we visited Melissani Lake—an underground marvel where sunlight pierced through to create dazzling reflections on the azure waters. Despite the long, hot wait, the sight was worth every moment. There are lots of myths surrounding the lake, with locals believing it was named after Melisanthe, a shepherdess who went looking for her lost sheep but fell and drowned in the lake.

A leisurely walk through Argostoli’s pedestrian-only center, lined with delightful stores, ice cream shops, and cafes, brought the day to a perfect close. Dinner by the water was an absolute treat, offering stunning views and delectable local dishes.

A Day of Fun on the Voyager of the Seas   

A sea day provided a much-needed break from our busy itinerary. The ship was an adventure in itself:

- We conquered the rock climbing wall  

- Tried our hand at the Flowrider surfing simulator  

- Played mini-golf on the upper deck  

- Raced down water slides  

- Enjoyed spectacular daily shows  

Every corner of the ship had something exciting to offer. Rain or shine, you can always count on there being plenty to do while on a cruise ship!

Kotor, Montenegro: A Hidden Gem   

Kotor in Montenegro captured our hearts with its picturesque landscapes and tranquil beauty. Moored in a valley that resembled a scene straight from a movie, we tendered to shore and prepared for an exhilarating day.

Our private speedboat driver, Marco, took us on a day-long adventure. Highlights included:

The secret Naval tunnels used for submarine storage by the Yugoslav Navy during World War II and the Cold War. Construction on these tunnels started in the 1950s and went on for years. There are three different tunnels in Kotor Bay and easily accessible by boat.

The ethereal Blue Cave, accessible only by boat and aglow with a blue hue reflected off its limestone walls. Cracks in the rock allow for the sun to peek through which creates the amazing iridescent shades of blue. It is a popular place for boaters to anchor outside either of their entrances and enjoy a refreshing swim.

Lady of the Rocks, a tiny man-made island with a single Roman Catholic Church—a serene and unique visit. Legend has it that the islet was formed over centuries by seamen who honored an ancient oath after discivering the icon of the Madonna and Child on a rock in the sea in July, 1452. After each successful voyage, they would return and place a stone in the bay until it eventually grew into the islet.

Split, Croatia: Land and Sea Adventures   

Our time in Split was the kids' favorite. We experienced both land and sea guided by the friendly and knowledgeable Karlo.

First stop: Laganini Beach Club, a waterfront club located on Ciovo Island. Not only does the club offer boaters an amazing spot to anchor and relax, but with an inflatable water park, snorkeling and restaurant, it's a perfect family spot.

Then, we followed Karlo’s advice and opted for the Green Lagoon, less crowded but equally stunning. Jumping off an old double-decker boat was sheer fun!

We then explored Trogir, another UNESCO World Heritage Site. For Game of Thrones fans, it was exciting to see the filming locations used for Qarth. This small island city oozed charm and history. Lunch at a waterside restaurant was a gastronomic delight—those mussels are something I still dream about! The oldest ice cream shop in Europe provided a sweet treat to round off our exploration.

Back in Split, we delved into the past at Diocletian’s Palace, a Roman monument of staggering beauty and historical importance. Fun fact: Trogir was built by Greeks and Split by Romans, just a short distance apart.

Venice, Italy: The Grand Finale   

Disembarking the Voyager of the Seas didn’t mark the end of our journey. A three-hour shuttle ride from Ravenna brought us to Venice, where a private water taxi whisked us through the bustling canals to our temporary Venetian home overlooking the Grand Canal.

Afternoon explorations led us to the Jewish ghetto and synagogues in Cannaregio, topped off with authentic Italian pizza—a dream come true. A gondola ride at sunset painted a romantic and perfect end to our day.

Our final day's highlight was San Marco, where we toured St. Mark’s Basilica and marveled at its golden mosaics and marble inlays. Located in the Piazza San Marco, St. Mark's Basilica was built in the 9th century to house the relics of St. Mark, the patron saint of Venice. Not only is it a place of worship, but also a symbol of Venice's artistic heritage, Italo-Byzantine architecture and wealth.

Doge’s Palace next door unfolded the story of Venetian power and opulence. Built in the 14th century, the Palace served as the residence of the Doge of Venice, the city's chief magistrate. Not only does the Palace showcase a stunning blend of Gothic and Byzantine architectural styles, you will also find paintings by artists like Tintoretto and Veronese.

Travel Tip: When visiting these sites, ensure you have appropriate attire—shoulders and knees should be covered!

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Reflections on our Adventure

This journey was a beautiful mix of exploration, relaxation, and discovery, perfect for a family seeking varied experiences. We maximized our time across Greece, Montenegro, Croatia, and Italy, packing twelve nights with unforgettable memories.

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