Ancient Ruins, Island Roads & Shish Kabobs: 17 Days in Greece
In May 2023, I travelled to Greece on a 17-day adventure, exploring ancient ruins, island villages, and sun-drenched coastlines. From the Acropolis to the Aegean, this trip was a deep dive into history, culture, and a whole lot of walking.
Athens, Delphi & Meteora: A Crash Course in Ancient Civilisation
We began in Athens, where I quickly realized I should’ve paid more attention in history class. Standing beneath the Parthenon, I felt the weight of centuries - and the thrill of finally seeing it in person. We wandered through vibrant neighbourhoods, sampled street food, and even stumbled upon a fantastic Mexican restaurant whose motto was: “Euros, not pesos, por favor.”
From there, we travelled to Delphi, once considered the centre of the world. The ruins were fascinating, but what really stood out was watching archaeologists actively uncovering an ancient city. It felt like walking through a live documentary.
Next came Meteora, where monasteries perch on towering rock pillars. The views were jaw-dropping, and the spiritual energy of the place was undeniable. Our hotels, arranged by Exoticca, were comfortable and well-located, making it easy to rest after long days of exploring.
Paros: Side-by-Side Adventures
After the mainland, we ferried to Paros, a charming island with whitewashed villages and winding roads. My friend and I rented a side-by-side and spent the day exploring on our own - laughing, getting lost, and loving every minute of it. It was one of the most fun and freeing days of the trip.
Santorini: Sunsets, Steps & Shish Kabobs
Santorini was stunning, but it came with a workout - 27,000 steps a day, to be exact. We mastered the local bus system out of necessity and explored every corner we could. I was on a mission to find the best shish kabobs in Greece, and I found them here. Worth every bite.
We took a pirate ship cruise to the hot springs, and while I chickened out of jumping off the plank, I did climb down the ladder and soak in the warm, mineral-rich waters. In Oia, I was shocked to find no barriers at the cliffside viewpoints—beautiful, but not for the faint of heart.
What I Learned in Greece
• History is way more exciting when you’re standing in it.
• Island-hopping is magical - but also a cardio challenge.
• You don’t need a guidebook - just curiosity, good shoes, and a sense of humour.
• Sometimes the best memories come from the unexpected: a side-by-side ride, a missed jump, or a perfect kabob.
This trip reminded me why I love travel - it’s not just about seeing places, but about experiencing them fully, with all the surprises, laughter, and lessons along the way.
Ready to Plan Your Own Greek Adventure?
If Greece is on your bucket list, I’d love to help you plan a trip that blends ancient history with island magic. Whether you dream of standing at the Acropolis, cruising to Santorini, or tasting authentic Greek flavours, I can make it happen.
Need help booking? Reach out today—I’ll handle the details so you can focus on the adventure.
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