Greece, Turkey, and a Taste of Adventure
At the end of April, Dave and I packed up, grabbed our son Liam, and set off for Greece. Our mission? Drop Liam off at the Kingfisher Project on Skopelos (yes, the “Mamma Mia” island!) and sneak in some adventures of our own, celebrating our 28th anniversary with a cruise in the Adriatic Sea.
Our Floating Hotel: The “Infinity”
We spent 10 days aboard Celebrity Cruises’ Infinity. The sailing was calm, the service was outstanding and each port brought its own level of magic. If you’ve never sailed these waters, you’re missing out!
Nafplio: A Picture-Perfect Start
Nafplio was an unexpected gift. A mudslide rerouted us from Volos, turning what could’ve been a setback into an unforgettable adventure. We hit the cobblestone streets early, soaking in the Venetian charm before the cruise crowds arrived. With the Palamidi Fortress offering sweeping views, it was a history lover’s dream.
But Nafplio didn’t stop at charm—it has depth. Our side trip to Epidavros, home to the famous 3rd-century BC theatre, the Ancient Theatre at the Asclepieion of Epidaurus, left us speechless. The acoustics were so flawless, that you could almost hear a pin drop from the stage to the top row.
We rounded out the day with local flavours—fresh oranges from the local farmer’s market, seafood from the Mediterranean, and wine that tasted like sunshine. Nafplio turned out to be the perfect blend of history, beauty, and flavour.
Click here for more of my photos from Instagram.
Istanbul: Where Continents Collide
Istanbul greeted us with two electrifying days, where Europe meets Asia. The moment we stepped off the ship, we felt the city’s pulse—an exciting mix of ancient history and modern life. We explored bustling bazaars, the awe-inspiring Hagia Sophia, and the stunning Blue Mosque. Sipping Turkish tea surrounded by centuries-old landmarks? Unforgettable.
Day 1: History and Markets
Our first day was packed. We kicked things off at the Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia, where a local guide was worth every penny, bypassing lines and diving deep into the history. From there, we tackled the Grand Bazaar, a maze of over 4,000 shops. It was a bit of a chaotic day, but I couldn’t resist picking up two beautiful rugs by the end of the day.
More photos from my Instagram are here.
Day 2: Bosphorus Cruise
Day two was more relaxed but no less magical. On a friend’s recommendation, we booked a private yacht on the Bosphorus. Seeing Istanbul from the water was breathtaking, and stepping foot in Europe and Asia in one day? It’s pure bucket list material.
If you visit Istanbul, take time to slow down and soak in its charm.
Ephesus (Kusadasi): Walking Through Time
Our day in Ephesus was nothing short of unforgettable. A chance encounter in Athens led us to book a private tour with the amazing Nagehan Kiziltug from Ephesus Tours—a last-minute decision that turned into one of the best of the trip. Nagehan’s passion and storytelling brought history to life, making every moment feel like we were stepping back in time.
We started at Mother Mary’s home, a simple yet sacred site, before moving on to the Grand Theatre, where the Apostle Paul may have once preached. To know we walked the same streets as him was enough for me. Then, we visited St. John’s burial site, followed by the stunning Temple of Artemis, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. The highlight, though, was the Library of Celsus—standing before its grand facade was a breathtaking reminder of how advanced this ancient civilization was.
Beyond history, Nagehan made sure we experienced the local culture. We visited charming shops, tasted Turkish coffee, admired handcrafted pottery, and shopped for Turkish cotton and leather goods. Yes, I bought another rug, along with pottery and more Turkish treasures!
This wasn’t just a tour of ancient ruins—it was an immersive journey through time and culture, filled with stories that made every stop even more meaningful.
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Rhodes: Medieval Meets Beach Vibes
Rhodes was a beautiful blend of history and relaxation. As a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it’s rich with stories, once home to the famous Colossus of Rhodes, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. We clocked in 15,000 steps exploring the Gothic and Ottoman structures of the old city, indulging in some shopping before unwinding on the island’s sun-drenched shores. Rhodes felt like a perfect balance between exploration and beachside bliss.
Mykonos: A Dream Destination
Mykonos was easily my favourite port of call. From the moment we stepped off the ship, this stunning island swept me away. Being among the first to disembark gave us the chance to truly savour every moment, and Mykonos deserves it.
We wandered through narrow streets lined with whitewashed buildings and those iconic blue accents—it felt like stepping into a postcard. Every corner offered a new, picturesque scene, and we couldn’t resist stopping constantly to soak it all in.
The food? Easily the best of the trip. Fresh, vibrant flavours from the Mediterranean made our only meal off the ship this day, a dream. I wish we had more time to explore the island’s hidden gems, beaches, and beauty. Mykonos left me wanting more.
Check out more of my photos of Mykonos here.
Santorini: Yes, It’s That Beautiful
In Santorini, we beat the crowds (again), strolling through Oia’s quiet streets before the shops opened. The views were surreal, and every moment felt like a dream. A local bus ride took us to the postcard-perfect village, where we enjoyed a quiet coffee at an empty with a view of the Aegean Sea. Walking down nearly 600 steps back to the port was an adventure in itself, but well worth it for the memories.
Athens: A Walk Through History
Our disembarkation stop before Skopelos was Athens, the birthplace of democracy, philosophy, and yes—souvlaki. This city is a living history museum, where every step feels like you’re walking through time.
We visited the must-sees: the Acropolis, and Parthenon, and strolled through the charming Plaka neighbourhood. Despite the heat and long lines, the Acropolis was worth every second. Standing before the Theatre of Dionysus, the Propylaea, and the Temple of Athena Nike was awe-inspiring, and Liam was completely captivated, imagining life in ancient Greece.
One unforgettable moment was standing on Mars Hill, just outside the Acropolis. This is where the Apostle Paul debated with philosophers, as told in Acts 17. Knowing its biblical significance added depth to the experience.
Athens was hot and exhausting, but the history and culture made it more than worth it. This city’s stories have shaped the world, and it’s a place we’ll never forget.
More photos of our time in Athens are here.
Skopelos: A Peaceful Finale
Our Mediterranean adventure ended with a peaceful stay on Skopelos, the island made famous by Mamma Mia. After the whirlwind of our cruise, this quiet retreat was exactly what we needed.
We spent our days at stunning beaches, with Kastani Beach standing out for its crystal-clear waters and rugged cliffs. One highlight was climbing to the Chapel of St. John, perched on a rocky hilltop. The panoramic views of the Aegean Sea were dreamlike.
Evenings were spent strolling along the promenade, soaking up the calm, and making friends with the local cats. Being the first guests of the season at Hotel Prince Stafilos made it feel even more special—like we had our own private paradise.
Check out more photos of Skopelos here.
But the trip’s true highlight was seeing Liam begin his 10-week adventure at the Kingfisher Project. Sleeping in a treehouse amidst an olive orchard was a fitting start to his unforgettable journey. Skopelos was the perfect, serene close to our travels, made all the more meaningful by seeing Liam off.
More pics of Liam’s send-off are here.
The Takeaway
This trip was more than just a vacation—it was a blend of history, adventure, and quiet moments. From the crowded markets in Istanbul to the tranquil beaches of Skopelos, every step added to the richness of the journey. It reminded us to embrace the unexpected and savour each moment.
