GREECE the perfect way to visit!
Falling in Love with the Greek Isles: A Birthday Adventure with Azamara
There are some trips you take, and then there are the trips that stay with you long after you return home. My journey through the Greek Isles with Azamara was definitely one of those trips.
LANDED RIGHT IN TOWN
I have traveled to many beautiful places, but I can honestly say that I fell completely in love with Greece. From the ancient history and breathtaking scenery to the charming villages, incredible food, warm people, and that unmistakable blue Mediterranean water, Greece captured my heart in a way I never expected.
Our journey began in Athens, and what a way to start! Athens is, in my opinion, the greatest city in the world. There is something incredible about walking through a city where thousands of years of history are literally surrounding you, while at the same time enjoying a vibrant, modern destination filled with amazing restaurants, shops, and neighborhoods to explore.
Athens Acropolis
So many amazing historical spots to soak in and enjoy.
From Athens, we sailed to Syros, followed by Patmos, Rhodes, Marmaris in Turkey, Crete, Santorini, and finally Monemvasia. Every stop had its own personality and something completely different to discover.
Rhodes was one of my favorites. I absolutely loved wandering through the Old Town of Rhodes, with its medieval streets, stone buildings, little shops, cafés, and hidden corners. I could have spent hours simply getting lost there.
Enjoying Monemvasia
And then came Monemvasia — a place I will never forget because I had the incredible opportunity to celebrate my birthday there. What a birthday gift! Monemvasia felt almost magical, with its medieval stone town tucked beneath the cliffs and the beautiful sea surrounding it. It was one of those moments when you stop and think, How lucky am I to be here?
Of course, the destination was only part of what made this trip so special. Azamara was amazing. I absolutely loved the experience of traveling on a smaller ship. One of the biggest advantages is that the ship can take you right into the heart of many destinations, rather than leaving you miles away at a large cruise port.
That makes such a difference. Instead of spending precious vacation time getting from the cruise terminal to the destination, you can step off the ship and find yourself right where you want to be — walking through a historic old town, enjoying a local café, shopping, exploring, or simply taking in the view.
BEAUTIFUL SANTORINI
There was something wonderfully intimate about cruising with Azamara. The smaller ship created a relaxed atmosphere, and I loved being able to experience so many incredible places while only unpacking my suitcase once.
But if there is one thing I brought home from this trip, it is this: Greece has my heart.
Every island, every village, every sunset, every delicious meal, and every beautiful blue view seemed to offer another reason to fall in love with this incredible country.
And celebrating my birthday in Monemvasia? That was the perfect ending to an unforgettable adventure.
I returned home with wonderful memories, hundreds of photos, and an even longer list of places in Greece that I want to return to. If Greece isn't already on your travel list, I hope my journey inspires you to put it there.
And if you're looking for a way to experience the Greek Isles, I can't recommend the combination of Azamara and small-ship cruising enough. Sometimes the best way to discover a destination is to get right into the heart of it — and Azamara makes that possible.
Enjoying White Night on board Azamara Cruise Line in Santorini Greece
Greece, you stole my heart. I can't wait to come back. 🇬🇷💙