Athens

We arrive in Athens late afternoon and the drive was a very forgettable one as I was fast asleep through it all. We stopped at a resting stop and walked over to see this beautiful canal. Corinthian Canal

Acropolis, which means top city

Arriving in Athens I was delighted to see some of the ruins all combined with the city dwellings.

We meet up with the local tour guide and it’s a very stinking hot day. She takes us onwards for a tour at the infamous Acropolis, which means top city. It’s a spectacular sight as we are lead right up to the highest point.

Biggest tip is to wear very comfortable shoes, as the walk to the top is a very uneven and slippy one.

We grab pictures of the Parthenon, which is an absolute marvel and to know it’s been standing for that many years is amazing.

The view from the top is truly worth the walk up. We have 15 mins remaining as Pom and I make a dash to climb up another section of the acropolis. It was climbing up a massive rock but getting down was the hardest part. It ended up being the case of kick your shoes off. We make it to the coach just in time. Phew!

We head forwards to our city tour and are shown the Temple of Zeus. The pillars are still standing and the original roof of the temple still remains. Again unbelievable it’s lasted all these years.

We get a tour through the city and shown the museum of arts, the national museum, the national library and the parliament to see the guards doing there unusual march which looked more like a dance.

We then head towards our hotel, which is nicely located near the Plaka centre. The old area of Athens.

Our hotel is ‘Acropolis Select Hotel’. We head into town and the walk over to the Plaka area that is the well-known old centre of Athens where there are plenty of cafes, souvenir stores and restaurants. It takes us only 10mins so nice and close.

We go up and down the many tight streets popping in and out of the stores until it was time for dinner.

Having walked pass the Taverna Restaurant , we were lured in by the waiter who harassed us to go in. His offer for free drinks was the bait. It was actually a very lovely restaurant complete with a nice garden in the back.

Whilst we enjoyed the food, we also enjoyed the music. The guitarist playing some soothing Greek tunes.

The traditional dish being Souvlaki was good. I had no room for dessert.

We head towards the Acropolis area, and mingle with the crowds. By this time, there are plenty people out and about. We take a walk until it falls dark.

Our stroll back to the hotel was relaxing. Tomorrow will be a full day and off to the Greek islands. Can’t wait!!!