INSPIRATION & EXPERT ADVICE FOR INDEPENDENT TRAVELLERS
While many tourists flock to Greece for its picturesque islands and beautiful beaches, what inspired me to visit was the country’s influential history and archaeological remains. As the cradle of Western society, there are plenty of ancient sites in Greece where you can learn about Europe’s first advanced civilizations. From their architecture, technology, art, mythology,...
This week I’m featuring a photo taken at Mycenae during my 2007 trip to Greece. The aptly named Lion Gate is the main entrance to the citadel of Mycenae, an archaeological site in the north-eastern Peloponnese area of Greece. Mycenae was a major centre of Greek civilization and powerful kingdom way back in the second...
In the centre of Athens, just southeast of the Acropolis, stands the ruined Temple of Olympian Zeus. In 1515 BC, Athenian tyrant Peisistratos laid the foundation for what he envisioned being the greatest temple in the world. Unfortunately, construction was abandoned five years later when Peisistratos’ son, Hippias, was overthrown in 510 BC. Over the years,...
Epidaurus was once celebrated as a place of miraculous healing, but these days visitors don’t come seeking a cure for what ails them, they flock to see the remarkable ancient Greek theatre. It’s hard not to let your mouth fall open when the theatre at Epidaurus first comes into view. I remember being shocked at...
As we made our way over to the dirt covered track in Ancient Olympia, my heart started to beat a little faster. Could I do this? Was I ready? Or would I be left behind in the dust? The Greek sun mercilessly beating down on me, I started to feel flush as I stepped up...
Nestled between the rugged peak of Mount Parnassus and a spectacular valley of cypress and olive trees is Delphi, regarded by ancient Greeks as the most sacred site in the world. About Ancient Delphi- History and Mythology Delphi is said to have been founded by Zeus, who determined it to be the centre of the...
The Temple of Hephaestus is the best preserved Doric temple in Greece. It was built on the western edge of the Ancient Agora in honour of God of the Forge, Hephaestus. The temple has 34 columns, a frieze depicting nine of the Twelve Labours of Heracles and was once surrounded by foundries and metalwork shops....
The most famous church on the island of Mykonos is Panagia Paraportiani, whose name translates to “Our Lady of the Side Gate”. In addition to its obvious beauty, the church has a unique construction that makes it one of the most interesting churches in Greece. Panagia Paraportiani is actually not a single church, but a group...
From almost any point within Athens you can see the Acropolis standing high above the city, a monumental beauty built in homage to Athena, the goddess of wisdom. When I arrived in Athens, I could not wait to visit the Acropolis, one of the most famous ancient Greek sites. Walking towards it and getting my...
Santorini was the place I was most looking forward to visiting when I set off to Greece. I couldn’t wait to walk among the white-washed buildings with the famous brilliant blue domes. I pictured myself sitting on a terrace, enjoying a wonderful meal as I gaze out to the caldera, watching the setting sun paint...
Plopping down onto the bed in my Athens hotel room, I burst into tears and announced that I wanted to turn right around and head back home. “I hate Athens!” I pouted like a tantruming child. “I’m phoning my mom and telling her I’m coming home!” Was Athens was really that bad? So bad that...
The Sanctuary of Athena was a temple built at the gateway to Ancient Delphi honouring the goddess of Athena. The full name for the site is the Sanctuary of Athena Pronaia (pronaia meaning “the one before the temple”) and it served to welcome visitors who came to Delphi from the east. The sanctuary consisted of...
If you have an interest in Greek mythology and archaeology, then the ruins of Knossos Palace make for an interesting stop during a visit to the island of Crete. As the capital of the Minoan civilization on Crete, Knossos is associated with many great stories in Greek Mythology. According to legend, it was here that...
Santorini is no doubt one of the most beautiful places in the world. The cliff top village of Oia is completely breathtaking! If you are looking for a place that makes you have a “WOW” moment, this is it. One of my biggest travel regrets is not having enough time here. My cruise ship arrived...
We are Rhonda and Mike, a Canadian couple who make it a priority to travel every chance we get!
We describe our travel style as "laid back luxe" and enjoy a mix of outdoor adventures and historic sites.
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