17th Monday (London – Athens)
It was an early start – 3am wakeup as the taxi came at 4am to take us to Heathrow T5. At the airport, it was a relatively easy check-in (as we could not do it online) and security screening.
As we were early enough, we had some time for breakfast at Giraffe – though we ended up ordering a bit too much food.
We boarded the plane pretty much on time, and were just about to push off just after 7am, when one of the passengers alerted the crew of an emergency situation. The couple in the end left the plane for medical attention. In the meantime a plane taking off also left debris on the floor, so had to return (and a runway had to close for a while). So in the end we left around 2.5h late.
The plane managed to catch up a little in time, so we landed about 2h later then scheduled. Customs was quite straight forward and we went to collect the bags – Both of our bags were severely damaged (though not open). So we then had to talk to the baggage logistics. We ended up taking the replacement baggage they offered (black) as we could not continue with our baggage for further flights.
After this excitement we got to the nearby metro station and took the train to Athens town centre, which was slow going. With half a dozen stops left, the train stopped and everybody had disembark – there was a bomb scare in town. So we exited and tried to figure out how to continue our journey by bus. This was pretty hard as they are not clearly marked at all, and google maps refused to show bus directions. We eventually found the stop – on the other side of the main road and 300m up it. The bus arrived – it was packed. Bhavni was desperately trying to find other bus routes, but luckily I managed to get the freenow app working and got a taxi.
The taxi dropped us just outside our apartments – Feel Athens, Monastiraki – it was 6pm. It was nice to be somewhere finally. We got ready then headed down for dinner. We ended up sitting in Just Pita, having falafel – quite good. We then bought a bit of breakfast items and then had a walk around the streets near Monastiraki, before heading back to the apartment and calling it a night.
18th Tuesday (Athens)
After a morning breakfast with cereal and tea in the apartment, we headed out, walking around 15 minutes to the Acropolis Museum.
Airyen’s ticket was free (as he was 5), ours were €10 each. Airyen got a trail card to find some items, which helped keep his interest whilst we walked around. It is quite a good museum, showing lots of the items found in the Acropolis and the relevance of them. The museum is on 3 main levels, with a nice view from the upper floors to the surroundings and the Acropolis.
After we had finished the main museum we went and had a look at the excavated neighbourhood below it.
After finishing the museum we crossed the main road and had a look at Hadrian’s Arch, before going to the entrance of the Temple of Olympian Zeus on Vasilssis Olgas Avenue. Here we bought the Combination Ticket for €30 each with Airyen being free. It was amazing to see the ruins of the temple, which would have been really impressive with the massive columns and stones. We walked all the way around enjoying the sight in the sun. Some of the columns are being repaired / restored and you could see work being done. As we were walking back, we spotted some tortoises, Airyen had some fun watching them and even feeding one some flowers.
After leaving, we carried on down Vasilssis Olgas Avenue. It was lunch time so we stopped at Ramblas City Pleasure, which was quite nice, with our first Greek salad.
From here we went to the Panathenaic Stadium (again Airyen was free). The ticket here includes an audio guide. It was nice to walk around the stadium and up the the top of the seating, even though Airyen made me do a race around the track. Part of the tour took us up the passage way to the rooms, were all the Olympic torches (or copies) were on display with the posters for the games. We continued and took some more photos and had another couple of small races, though we got told off for using the dry skis that were there in the open.
From the stadium, we crossed over into the national gardens and made our way up to Zappeion Hall. A practice for a evening show a bit like surf de solei was going on, which got Bhavnis and Airyens interest for a while. We then tried to go to the playground in the gardens, but they had cordoned off all of the area for works, so we made it to the pond and after Airyen had seen the birds, and the bridge, we headed back and walked next to the Presidential palace. I thought from the maps we could have a closer look, but no such luck. However we saw the famous guards practising their marching.
We next ended up at the Lyceum of Aristotle, where we had a look around, interesting how many books end other items were there.
Next we walked along the main road towards the busy Syntagma Square, where we had to stop for the fountains. From here we continued to Monastiraki along Ermou street, with the nice shops, and an ice cream from Davinci Gellato. Then back to the apartment.
We had an idea to go to a roof garden to see the sunset and have a drink, so after getting ready we headed to A for Athens, but it was a waste of time. We got to the top, but the waiter said there was a wait, but did not take any details from us, whilst letting others who came in walk in. We did not want food, so asked about booking for the next day – no only online – but 4 ppl minimum for drinks. I had been online and there was no such information like any of this. So we left and went back to the apartment for a bit.
We then headed out for dinner which we had at Kitro, a pity there was no live music like the day before. Greek salad, pasta and falafel. After this we headed back to the apartment.
19th Wednesday
Breakfast again in the apartment before we headed out at around 8.30am. We again walked the 15 minutes towards Acropoli station, where we entered the Acropolis entrance (Acropoli Dionysus); the ticket inspector even said ready for the adventure!
The Acropoli Dionysus entrance is the better entrance for us as this way we saw some other sights on the way up; the first of which was the Theater of Dionysis, which is a large amphitheatre dating from the 6th C BC. Only the lower tiers still had remnants of stone on them, but it was still impressive. We passed a couple of other sights such as Stoas and other ruins, before reaching the Odeon of Herodes Atticus. This was really impressive and is in good condition as its still used today (There were no concerts there for while we were in Greece, which would have been nice to go to).
After this we reached the crowds coming from the main entrance on the tour buses etc. So we filtered in with them through the main entrance to the Acropolis. We spent the next 45minuites up at the top, looking at the monuments and views, although Airyen needed a break so he had a rest on the a bench there with us taking turns walking around.
We then made our way out, through the main gate and onto Thiorias Rd. We did the little climb on to Areopagus Hill (very small climb), before proceeding to the Roman Agora which involved some steep streets and steps. This site had few columns and facades standing, from the old Agora. Quite a lot of information here also to absorb.
From here we then went to the Ancient Agora (over the metro line), where there were quite a few ruins to see. However up the slope was the Temple of Hephaestus, which was pretty well preserved. We spent a little while here and Airyen got to see more tortoises around.
From here we got lunch on Adrianou street at one of the eateries with Greek food – where we got our Greek Salad and other items. Leaving we went to Monastiraki station (with Airyen and Bhavni having an ice cream on the way). I got 2 tikets for travel and we took the metro 2 stops to Evangelismos station.
From here it was a walk uphill (past the hospital) and then up plenty of steps to the Lycabettus Hill Cable Car station (I had plenty of complaints about the climbs). I bought some one way tickets to the top (with some confusion about how to pay), and we got the train up (though it was not a massive climb in retrospect). At the top we got the the church and the viewing area there. What a great view. We could clearly see the Acropolis, the Panathenaic stadium, the national park and lots more. Bhavni and Airyen played a game of finding domed roofs.
Then it was a walk to the road and then the path down off road. We gave some encouragement to some Americans who were climbing up this way. When back on the roads, it was a decent towards town centre. We made a stop at a cafe called Bollard, for a capachino and hot chocolate for Bhavni and Airyen (though Bhavni had it all and I had to get another for takeaway).
Getting back to the apartment, we were early enough that we had some time to relax. I got out the wine and we had olives on the balcony absorbing the heat – so much so everyone got a little sleepy! But we watched the sunset and saw the light over the Acropolis from the shared balcony.
For dinner we went to Eatery, which was just a short walk away. Most of the food was quite good, after asking for a place a bit further from the busy road, though there was a chill in the air there. After it was back to the apartment, where we put Airyen to sleep then packed the bags for the next day.
20th Thursday (Athens – Santorini)
Breakfast was a bit later today, after which we put our bags in order. Then it was off to Hadrains library, which we had missed out yesterday, arriving about 10am.
After a little walk about the ruins, we walked back to the apartment, where we did a final pack and clear out, leaving the apartment and leaving our bags in the locked hallway.
The plan was to catch a bus going north to the National Architectural Museum, but after the bus failed to materialise we walked it. We quickly went past Athens central market with its strong odours, to Omonia Square, where there was a nice bakery to which had some tempting items, then onto the museum (Where Airyen again was free). It was quite big, with a lot of cultural items and quite heavy for us. We kept Airyen amused with the large sculptures and depictions, staying there from 12 to 1.30.
Again we walked back as there were no buses due for a while. For lunch we stopped at Vegan Beat. Here we had some Spiral potato, Greek Dakos and a big boss burger. Then Airyen surprised the staff by ordering a Key Lime Pie, of which he ate a fair bit.
It was then time to get to the our bags from the accommodation. Due to the exploits from getting into Athens, we decided to play it safe and I ordered a taxi using the freenow app. The taxi arrived quite quickly and it took us 45 minutes to get to the airport.
Checking in was fairly straight forward, just a couple of American tourists causing a fuss and trying to jump queues. The domestic gates were very quick to get to.
Our flight (Volotea) left just after the scheduled time of 6pm, arriving at Santorini about 7pm.
Retrieving our bags, we met a person from the car rental (Caldera) who showed us to our car – compact! After squeezing the bags in, we put set off. It was dark, so had not view at all. We stopped at a supermarket so we could pick up some essentials for the next day. Then it was onto Emporio and Mantilida Villa. The final road was quite narrow, though Bhavni kept repeating that this car was tiny.
We got in (following the instructions for the keys), partly settling ourselves, before going to Filipos on the main high street for a couple of take away pizzas and greek salad (there was no seating). Whilst we waited Bhavni could not resist some shopping.
Back to the Villa and we had dinner before settling down for the night.
21st Friday
A new morning on the new Island – So after not being able so see any scenery last night, we found ourselves in a rugged landscape with quite steep hills near by. We had a look around the villa and its complex and had breakfast.
Today was a day to do a little local exploring – getting into the tiny car, we drove a little way to the windmill nearby taking in the views including Emporio from the hill.
We then drove to Vlychada down some scenic roads, where we stopped at the Tomato Museum just past 11am, where we went and bought tickets – We were the only tourists at that time, just with a group of school children having a tour also. It was interesting, with an audio guide for all 3 of us, showing all the machinery and rooms in the factory and a lot of the history of the place. At the end of the tour, we got a taste of the tomato paste produced on the islands, then Airyen had a go at drawing a label which he got to stick onto an empty can and close the can “himself”. All in all a nice 1h tour.
We left the car where it was and just had a short walk to Vlychada beach. We walked down the course black sanded beach, with our feet in the blue water – not that warm – with the cliffs on the side. It was really tranquil as there were hardly any other people. Airyen really loved running in the water.
Getting back to the car, we drove the short distance to Perivolos beach, where we parked on the actual sand on near the road. After a bit of debate, we ordered food at the nearby Margarita restaurant and sat down on some of the sun loungers on the beach. The food was quite good – Chips, Greek Salad, Local Beer and a lemonade.
After being fed and watered we went for a 30 minute walk along the beach, with Airyen running through the lapping waves. By the time we got back to the car it was around 3pm, which was time to head back to the villa, for some relaxing time.
After a little time, we headed out again at around 5PM. We were to make our way to Akrotiri, to see the sunset at the western point lighthouse. It was quite a scenic road, with plenty of inclines and views of the main villages over the caldera. We got to the parking and managed to find a spot not too far away from the path to the lighthouse. Past the lighthouse, there was a rocky area overlooking the ocean, where we settled down as we had 45 minutes to wait – it was a game of entertaining Airyen.
The sunset was amazing and picture perfect. After the sun went down we scrambled back up the rocks and back to the car, making our way back to the villa in the reducing light. When back we made some pasta for dinner along with a little of the left over pizza from the day before.
22nd Saturday
It was a semi early start today as we had to catch a coach from the main road in Emporio at 9 (with a pit stop at a cafe for Airyen). The Coach did a couple more pick ups before driving down the steep cliffs of Santorini Ferry port, arriving just after 9.30am. Offloading we made our way onto the awaiting boat, claiming a space near the front of it.
The boat left just after 10am, a little chilly but otherwise great conditions. It was around a 30 minute sail to the Nea Kameni Volcanic Park, with some introductions and notices by the guide on board, where we docked on Jetty B. We were warned that if we disembarked we had to make sure we got back in time and on to the correct jetty.
All 3 of joined the rest making out way up the path and paying the park fee at a small gate. We all then made our way up to the volcano craters (in a long staggered march). On the way the guide stopped to explain the crators and the significance on Santorini. The explosion that broke Santorini into the islands that exist was one of the highest category explosion.
At the top the guide explained some more about the 7 vents on the island, and which are still “active”. We were then left to explore the area for the next half hour, where we just explored.
It was then time to head back – we did go to dock B and were one of the last lot on board. Time for some snacks as the boat got underway towards the north of the island where it stopped for allowing people to swim in volcanicity warmed waters in the caldera. Airyen was not allowed to go as it was sea swimming (which did not please him). I had a go – pretty cold to tepid water.
The Ship then sailed onto the Thirasia where we docked for the next few hours to allow exploring and lunch. We changed Airyen and tried to let him swim in the shallow waters near the shops – but he was very hesitant as it was rocky and there was plenty of algae and plants in the water, even with me in the water to help him. So back to normal clothes.
Most people seemed happy staying down, but we took the stairs up (150m+) to the main town making a game of it with Airyen – looking out for the donkey leavings (which was accompanied with a trail of donkeys descending). Getting to the top with the great views, we went further in the small town and ended up in the Different restaurant. Lovely location with an amazing view (especially after we nabbed a table near the edge). I had a local beer, Bhavni a Fanta and Airyen a juice. We stayed there for a while taking in the views (and photos) before a quick look around then heading back down to the docks, where it was time for Airyen and Bhavni to have a desert – waffle with ice cream.
Soon enough we had to board the boat which then began its sail back to the main island, sailing past Oia then Fira before getting to the main port. Getting off we were directed to a coach which would take us back to Emporio. With drop offs – we got to the main town around 5.30pm.
Rather than going back directly we stopped at Desiderio, for a drink and snack – nice little cafe / bar. Then instead of going to the villa, we decided to explore some of Emporio, climbing towards the tower through the lovely windy streets. Airyen picked up a follower – a dog – who we could not shake for nearly 20 minutes of exploring, before it finally got bored. We got to see the sunset before we made our way to the villa (before it got dark). We then made ourselves some dinner and chilled for the rest of the evening.
23rd Sunday
After breakfast we set off on our drive to Thera (about 30 minuites). Getting there we ended up going round the block in the one way system looking for parking. We found the parking where we entered the main city about 11am.
We walked into Thera, past the museum of prehistoric thera and then towards the path near the cliff edge. We continued on this scenic walk north past quite a few churches and other areas of interest. The views were amazing in the wall to wall sunshine and heat. We carried on past the 3 Bells church and slowly made out way to Imerovigli. (I ended carrying Airyen as it was uphill and he was getting tired slowly climbing uphill).
From the path we could see Skaros Rock, but it was not going to be a good idea with Airyen to visit. In Imerovigli we walked all the way into the town seeing the many blue domes, eventually making it to a tower with a blue dome.
After this it was a return journey, as it was more downhill we managed to persuade Airyen to walk. We also got some fruit from a market hawker so have on our way.
En route back we stopped about half way as it was approaching 1pm at a cafe called Onar, where I had a coffee and Bhavni/Airyen had a chocolate milkshake. I was right on the cliff face with a beautiful view over the caldera. With us being fed and watered it was soon time to carry on the amazing walk until we got to the car.
From Thera it was around a 25 minute drive to get to Oia. We drive quite a way in looking for parking – (there was very little), but luckily we found a space just opposite the Hungry Donkey restaurant. Before we set of into town I bought some water from the store there (refilling our stocks).
It was time for lunch as it was around 3pm, so Bhavni guided us through the streets to a restaurant, where we got seated upstairs in very nice surroundings. We ordered pasta, with chips and a Greek salad for our late lunch and took our time, even getting some photos with the owner.
It was near enough 4pm when we left, we went to see the castle of Ola, which was quite busy. Then we went for a walk to discover more of Ola, with amazing views all around. We headed to the windmills higher up (finding the paths was part of the battle). Near one of the further windmills we found a semi secluded spot with no tourists around at about 5.30, where we decided stick around. There was a photo shoot and some American tourists to keep us a little amused initially. After a while another tourist family turned up, and a little girl similar age to Airyen played some card game with him.
Sunset was amazing at 6.30, even the party boats quietened down for it. After the sun descended into the blue, we headed back to the car, surprising how far it was in the end, past the bus stops where most people ended up (though had to make a pit stop for Airyen).
As it was so late, we decided to go to Thera to get some food (as it could easily be on our way). We went to Veganissimo and took a take away (though they had no hummus), then headed on back to Emporio and our apartment for a well deserved dinner.
24th Monday
After a hectic few days, it was time for a bit more of a chilled day; so after breakfast, we sat outside near the pool area. Airyen tried his luck in the pool for a bit, but it was chilly so soon it was Bhavni and Airyen playing cards around the table and reading for me.
After lunch, we took an afternoon walk to the monestory (around 3pm) which was at the end of our road in Emporio. It was a lovely short walk with some interesting sights like paths with cacti and old walls. The monestory was closed, but it was still worth it.
Back at the apartment it was time to leave; as we had to go to the Lost Atlantis Experience, but as we had a little time we visited Megalochori at around 4.30, having a look at the famous church there.
It was then back to the Lost Atlantis Experience for 5pm, first with the 4D cinema showing the volcanic explosion, then the other experiences about the civilisation on Santorini and the relation to Atlantis.
After the experience, we headed back to Emporio, and to the Laurel and Hardey for dinner, with some lovely food (and an interesting chef/owner) – fried feta with honey anyone ?
Back at the apartment after Airyen went to sleep, we packed everything ready for the next day.
25th Tuesday (Santorini – Athens – Delphi)
It was a very early start with me waking up at around 4.30am, getting things finalised before everyone else got ready. We were out of the door around 5.45am and made our way to the airport, where we dropped of our car and checked in for our flight.
A few last photos of the pre dawn at 7am on the tarmac before boarding the plane, then we were off on our short 30min flight.
Arriving in Athens, it was not too long a wait for our bags, then we met a gentleman from Caldera cars who took us to the minivan then drove us 15minuites to where the car hire company was based. They were surprised that we had only hired the car for 2 days when going to Delphi, but that was all the time we had. Anyway in no time we were in a nice automatic car and then en route to Delphi.
As it was quite a long drive (through some lovely scenery even though it was a motorway), we stopped for a break at Orchomenos, a small town, at 11am. Bhavni suggested a cafe to go to and I completely misunderstood (due to Airyen being a bit loud), so ended up in a local cafe sitting on tables under some trees. I had to go inside to choose a tea for Bhavni (as they did not normally serve it). It was a pleasant place to have a rest. After we had a little walk around (mostly cafes and such) before letting Airyen blow off some steam in a playground
After we headed on our way (with Bhavni and Airyen sleeping a bit). We got there around 1pm and checked into the Amaili Hotel and made our way to our room.
The original plan was to go see the Delphi ruins – but everyone was so exhausted and it was really hot – 25C+, so Airyen and I went out for a walk into the town. After scoping out some of the restaurants we ended up in the Agora Cafe. Airyen had a large orange juice and I an iced coffee. Soon Bhavni joined us and we got a light bite there. We were so impressed with the view (and a suitable menu) that we reserved it for dinner.
Heading back to the hotel, it was going to be a time to recover, so we changed and headed to the pool. I was being lazy and reading on the side, but Airyen wanted to go in the pool, so I jumped in – I dont think ive been in a colder pool ever! It took a while before I could breathe normally. Airyen tried to jump in – his eyes went was wide as they could, so i pushed him out – but he decided that he wanted to try again – for the same to happen. He then spent the rest of the time with a towel on him saying he was cold.
After getting ready and resting in the room (and a explore of the hotel) we headed out to the Agora Cafe at 6pm, sitting outside with the great view. A lovely last dinner in Greece – Our usual Greek salad, pasta for Airyen and Pizza, and watching the sunset at around 6.30.
It was then back to the hotel where we retired quite quickly.
26th Wednesday (Delphi – Athens – London)
Today was again a reasonably early start, as we had to see Delphi (luckily Bhavni asked for a little later checkout so we did not have to empty the room). Breakfast was downstairs, with so many coach groups around. It was quite a reasonable selection. They even filled our water bottles for us.
We were out at around 8am and headed strait to to old Delphi, where we were able to park near to the entrance, unlike yesterday where there were so many cars.
It was a nice slow walk up through the ruins (from around 8.30am to 10am), seeing the Treasuries, the ancient theatre, and then to the top with the Ancient Stadium. Airyen was amused by counting the stairs down.
After it was a short stroll to the Delphi Museum, which was quite good for the 45 minutes we spent there.
It was time then to get to the car and back to the hotel, where we checked out and then headed on our drive home.
Bhavni wanted to stop at Arachova – which is a ski town about half an hour away. We managed to find parking (quite busy), with a shopkeeper beckoning us to come into his shop. We said we would come later. Nice little town, we walked to the iconic church on a rocky hill area, then went to a cafe/chocolate shop for some coffee/hot chocolate and orange juice, with Bhavni ordering a number of chocolate cookies (which we gorged ourselves on).
Heading back to the car (around 1pm), we had to go to the shopkeepers shop – a little time – but only one item.
We were then on our way, however soon Airyen was getting peckish, so we got off the road at Livadia, where we were stopped by the police (a random stop). The police officer had a birthday only a few days different from mine, anyway Bhavni asked about Italian places to eat, which the police officer suggested a few – However they were all closed. We parked in town and walked a bit, but could not find much, so we got chips, then carried on.
Soon enough we were approaching Athens, and we had to deal with the local traffic and local driving getting around to the car hire place. A little stressful as we were getting a little tight for time compared to my original timing. However we got there and managed to fill up before returning the car. Returning was quite easy and the guy dropped us to Athens Airport in the same car we drove (showing us there was AC in the car).
At the airport we checked in the bags then went to La Pasteria, where we ordered a couple of pastas for us.
It was then trough security and then soon onto our 18:15 flight to London.
The flight was fine, and we arrived in Heathrow on time. Security and bags were quite quick, but a little wait for the taxi. Then it was home time.