Greece & Italy Reflections

Venice is a unique city built on more than 100 small islands in a lagoon along the Adriatic Sea, with canals instead of roads. Near Piazza San Marco, the Bridge of Sighs stands as a stunning example of the city's historic architecture. Known across Italy, Venetian cuisine features high-quality seafood. With easy access to fresh fish from the lagoon, local chefs serve dishes made with ingredients caught just steps away.

Venice, a city of canals and bridges, sits on over 100 small islands in a lagoon along the Adriatic Sea. With no roads, transportation flows by gondola and water taxi. Near Piazza San Marco, the Bridge of Sighs spans a narrow canal between historic buildings, offering a glimpse into the city’s romantic past. Venice is also celebrated for its seafood-focused cuisine, with local chefs preparing fresh catches straight from the lagoon. Whether wandering quiet alleys or watching boats glide past historic palaces, Venice offers a timeless blend of culture, flavor, and charm.

You’ll know you’ve arrived somewhere special from the moment you stroll along the Sibenik promenade. Surrounded by epic views of the islands just off the coast, it may just take the throne as the best city in Dalmatia. For an even more impactful view, pedal the path that runs along St. Anthony’s Channel. At the end of the trail, reward yourself with a selfie at the UNESCO masterpiece of the Fortress of St. Nicholas. Fans of the television series Game of Thrones recognize this as the city of Braavos. If you prefer real-life fantasy, journey to Krka National Park, where a wonderland of thundering waterfalls awaits you.

Not far from Bari is the hidden treasure of Monopoli. This secret gem of Southern Italy captures your heart as it has done to so many others. Like many towns on the Adriatic, Monopoli has been thoroughly influenced by its strategic location. Originally settled in 500 BCE, the town fell under different rulers, beginning with the Roman Empire. Today it’s a beautiful coastal city teeming with gorgeous piazzas and charming winding streets. At the center of Monopoli, you’ll find the Basilica of the Madonna della Madia, a large Roman Catholic Cathedral, and Piazza Giuseppe Garibaldi, where you can enjoy an espresso with the locals.

Upon arriving in Parga, the first sights that greet you are colorful houses on a lush mountain, a white church and a Venetian castle, complete with an antique canon on its walls. Like most other Greek isles and towns, it’s a destination made for beach hopping, sunbathing and aquatic adventures. Make a trek to Acheron River, a stunning scene out of Greek mythology, as it stands as one of the five rivers that legend says leads to the gates of Hades. Explore the Castle of Anthoussa on the hill between Parga and Agia. Various small villages surround Parga, letting you explore the rich history and culture further.

Before heading into the legendary Delphi, you can dock in the charming coastal town of Itea. Feel free to explore Miami Beach (not to be confused with Florida’s), its prestigious Blue Flag beach. The expansive local fields of Amfissa olive trees create a lush, green landscape known as the “sea of olives.” The peak of Mount Parnassus in the distance adds to the sense of wonder in this picturesque scenery, made for an impromptu photo shoot.

When you’re ready for some ruins, the Oracle at Delphi awaits. To explore the Sanctuary of Apollo and other ancient remnants, you must climb the slopes of the mountain on a path known as the Sacred Way. It is here you gaze upon what’s called the navel of the world.

As you stand among the crumbling stones that make up the Athenian Treasury and ancient stadium, you cannot help but get swept back in time. There is a great sense of adventure that makes you feel like a certain iconic archaeologist as you step over stones the ancient Greeks once walked. Panoramic views behind the remaining structures create a richer picture of life before modern times. The surrounding environment creates a harmonious balance between nature and manmade marvels.

Delphi is a place where history and mythology become entangled, where one cannot exist without the other. Everything feels simpler. But that does not make it any less inspiring. It is a privilege to witness these ancient Greek ruins that have stood the test of time.

Standing at 70 feet wide at sea level, 81 feet wide at its top level, 300 feet tall and only about four miles long, the sheer limestone cliffs of the famous Corinth Canal can only be sailed by smaller ships and boats. The intimate size of the yachts allows you to freely navigate it for an adventurous expedition. Standing on deck as you make the way through the narrow passage, its awe-inspiring perspective invoke a true sense of exploration.

Please note: Navigation times may change at the Captain’s discretion.

One of the most sophisticated of the Greek Isles, Hydra, lies in the Argo Saronic Gulf. This island is a popular getaway for celebrities and the elite, making it an exceptional destination for the explorer who wants cultural immersion. Various historical sites and landmarks like the bastions surrounding the port, the Merchant Marine Academy and Monastery of Agia Efpraxia tell the island’s story throughout the years. The three main villages - Hydra Town, Vlichos and Kaminia - each hold a different facet of Greek life. Hydra also offers a surplus of beaches to bask in the sun on the sandy shores.

In the Saronic Gulf lies the charming small town of Nafplion, Greece. Narrow stone streets amid whitewashed houses and quaint local shops create a romantic picture straight out of a postcard. Find the steps leading to Palamidi castle perched on a cliff atop the town for a heart-pumping exploration. Not far from Nafplion you can explore the remains of King Agamemnon’s castle in Mycenae. This site contains the history of the dominating culture of mainland Greece from the late Bronze Age. Nearby in Epidaurus discover the famous amphitheater where you can stand in certain points at the bottom and hear the speaker at a location in the seats all the way to the top

Athens is still as iconic as ever. Winding pathways from ancient times transformed into modern-day roads and streets lead you to the monumental gateway of the Acropolis and other archaeological sites. It is a land soaked in history and mythology, but not stuck in the past.

As you wend through back alleys, passing the street art and getting serenaded by street musicians, you are never lost. You are simply taking a journey to an unknown destination. You may find yourself at the likes of the Church of Agioi at the southeast corner of the Holy Apostles Ancient Agora, a less-crowded historical site away from the flocks of tourists.

Try your hand at haggling with local vendors at the Plaka or Monastiraki flea market. There are so many handmade wares and trinkets to peruse and purchase. Keep an eye out for the more risqué souvenirs if you want a good laugh.

Aside from venturing through the cradle of Western Civilization, you can explore the port of Piraeus. It is the biggest port in Greece and one of the most important ports of the Mediterranean. Centuries of history have transformed this seaside town from a wartime fortress to a major shipping and transportation center.