As a mom of four, I'm a light sleeper so it's an adjustment sharing a room. This morning that meant waking up at 5:30. Unable to get back to sleep, I decided to explore the ship a bit more. I found a lovely observation lounge and outdoor seating that I had all to myself, a perfect spot to reflect on the trip so far.
Today we stopped in Porto Empedolce to access the Valley of the Temples at the archaeological site of Agrigento. Ironically, this isn't located in a valley at all, but rather along a steep hillside. This UNESCO Heritage Site was built by the Greeks in the 5th century BC. Originally home to 14 temples, there are remains of seven temples still here, all in Doric style. The highlight is the Temple of Concordia, the largest and best preserved Doric temple in Sicily and second only to Athens in the world. It is truly stunning! Built with the Golden Ratio and perched on the hillside, it's an impressive site. In recent years, a bronze statue of Icarus was created by Igor Mitoraj and it's position in front of the Temple of Concodia only adds to the ambiance.
Our guide, Luigi, taught us so much about the history of the area from Bronze Age settlers through Greek and Roman times, up to Byzantine occupations and even recent influences. He is passionate about history and culture and his enthusiasm was definitely contagious!
The extreme heat combined with the inclines of the site and relative scarcity of shade did make for a very long, exhausting day. By the time we reached the botanical gardens of the site, I could barely summon the energy to climb down and explore. The gardens are located in the area where the ancient Greeks built aqueducts and at least one is still functioning in the gardens today. A local Sicilian preservation group has taken over care of the gardens and they market the organic produce such as lemons, grapefruit, giant zucchini, tomatoes, and eggplant to fund upkeep.
After a long afternoon in the heat of the temples, we visited the Agrigento Museum. The highlight is a three story high stone statue cared around 480 BC that was originally housed in the Temple of Zeus. It was one of several colossal statues that appeared to support the columns of this unfinished (and now completely in ruins) temple at the Valley of the Temples.
Though incredibly impressive, the heat had gotten the best of me and I nearly fell asleep in the museum. It was great to get back to the ship to freshen up for the Captain's Gala Dinner. This was definitely a bigger production than I've seen on other ships. First we met in the theater for photos with the captain and entertainment by one of the onboard singers. We had a cocktail and the standard introductions before heading to the dining room for a four course set menu. After dinner, the Paris C'Show ballet dancers performed a show in the theater.
Adventure Life is always an excellent choice when planning complicated, extreme, or exotic vacations or expeditions. They provide friendly professional services and advice and are enthusiastic and encouraging in helping us to prepare and thoroughly enjoy our trip. They handle all the details which greatly reduces the stress of planning a difficult trip. I'm very impressed with Adventure Life and definitely recommend them to friends and family.
Scott Trochim
2 days ago
The response from Adventure Life to my first inquiry was prompt and promising. I worked with Jamie Broeckel, Trip Planner, via text, email, and phone calls- always extremely responsive and thorough with information and explaining the process to arrange a private tour for me to Malaysia Borneo. Within about week, the booking was complete and I made decisions because of Jamie's great customer service , friendly manner, and overall competence on behalf of the company's travel expertise. Now I have an itinerary, additional Trip Planner Assistants, several links for vital information for traveling to Maylasia, etc. Still many details for Sept. trip, but now the heavy lifting is done and I can enjoy the rest of the anticipation and research!! Thanks Jamie- you are amazing!!!!
Susan Campo
4 days ago
The trip was not only memorable for the amount of animals we saw but also for the people and accommodations at the two camps where we stayed. Our first guide, BK, was a wealth of information about the animals, landscape and down to the plants and what they were used for. Everyday out was a learning experience with him. All the people at the camps were gracious and the food was excellent.
Our second camp in the Okavanga was just as good as the first as far as the staff, accommodations, food and animals. After our experience at the first camp we amazed that the high quality remained the same. Our guide, G, made sure we were able to enjoy every experience including a rush through the bush to witness a cheetah and an ensuing hunt that he heard over his radio.
In both camps there were enough guides out that if they saw something the other guides were informed which helped in seeing as much as possible. It was also nice that the concessions were large enough that we did not have vehicles following each other throughout the day.
Normally there is always something in a trip of this length that we think could be improved upon but this is the rare case where we cannot think of anything. From the time we left the States to when we returned it was one of the most hassle free vacations we took.
Perhaps emphasizing the use of the laundry facilities at the camps would be useful because of the luggage restrictions would be the only thing I can think of as an improvement to future clients.
Kenneth Dropek
5 days ago
Mary was so pleasant and professional. She made sure all of our questions were answered.