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Day 13: Athens
Day 13: Athens
Αθήνα
Αθήνα
After journeying back to the mainland on a much larger (and noticeably nicer) hydrofoil, we disembarked and boarded our final tour bus, returning full-circle to the same hotel where our adventure began. We scattered quickly to our rooms, grateful for a little downtime before heading out to meet Mama Faye for one last tour—this time of the National Archaeological Museum.
Day 13: National Archaeological Museum
Day 13: National Archaeological Museum
Εθνικό Αρχαιολογικό Μουσείο
Εθνικό Αρχαιολογικό Μουσείο
Since I had explored the museum earlier in my travels, I decided to keep my camera tucked away and simply absorb the experience, just taking a few pictures on my cell phone. Mama Faye highlighted layers of meaning I had completely overlooked on my own and even led us into a room I had missed entirely (not surprising given how many there are!), full of items from the Artikythera shipwreck (60-50 BC, though the items date the 4th-1st Cent. BC and were recovered from the seabed in 1900-1901 and 1976).
Day 13: Final Group Dinner
Day 13: Final Group Dinner
Τελικό ομαδικό δείπνο
Τελικό ομαδικό δείπνο
Afterward, we returned to the hotel, and I realized I did not have enough time to visit the Christian and Byzantine Museum as previously hoped. Instead, I opted for a leisurely wander through Plaka, soaking up its charm while picking up a few final mementos and gifts for home. I treated myself to baklava gelato—as one does!—and left with some jewelry and a magnet tucked into my bag.
Back at the hotel, I changed for our final group dinner. We ended the evening feasting on far more food than any of us imagined we could eat, drinking the ever-flowing Greek wine, sharing favorite memories from the tour, and raising our glasses to an unforgettable experience.
The traditional dips were irresistible, perfectly paired with warm, crusty bread straight from the oven.
Above: Lentil salad. Simple ingredients, big flavor.
Right: The mushroom orzo looked simple, but each bite was packed with far more flavor than you might expect based on its appearance
Day 14: Athens
Day 14: Athens
Αθήνα
Αθήνα
I woke before my alarm, too excited about my journey to Venice to sleep any longer. After a final Greek breakfast at the hotel and talking about what is next for us in our travels, I made the rounds of goodbyes—so many new friends gathered in the breakfast room, and I received more hugs in one morning than I have in a long time. My taxi arrived a few minutes early and I shared the ride with a couple whose flights were around the same time as mine. Splitting the fare was a welcome perk, and soon we were parting ways; Germany and the US for them (one had a business trip before heading back to their home) and Italy for me.
At the airport, I discovered that my ticket didn’t allow online check-in because the airline was using a small regional carrier—a minor hiccup, but more about that on the next page. Even so, I found myself saying farewell (αντίο) to Athens with a full heart, carrying warmth, gratitude, and memories I know will last a lifetime.
Pro Tip: Have your receipts ready for VAT tax reimbursement before going to the airport!
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