All About Travel

Last month, we had the absolute pleasure of traveling with an amazing group of 14 wonderful people from 𝗦𝗵𝗮𝗿𝗼𝗻 𝗟𝘂𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗿𝗮𝗻 𝗖𝗵𝘂𝗿𝗰𝗵 on an unforgettable adventure through 𝗔𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗻𝘀, 𝗦𝘁𝗲𝗺𝗻𝗶𝘁𝘀𝗮 𝗶𝗻 𝗔𝗿𝗰𝗮𝗱𝗶𝗮 , 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗖𝗿𝗲𝘁𝗲!

☀️From the lively streets of Athens, where the group explored the 𝗔𝗴𝗼𝗿𝗮, marveled at the 𝗔𝗰𝗿𝗼𝗽𝗼𝗹𝗶𝘀 𝗠𝘂𝘀𝗲𝘂𝗺, dining in famous Athenian restaurants such as 𝗞𝘂𝘇𝗶𝗻𝗮 and 𝗙𝗲𝗲𝗱𝗲𝗹, to the peaceful beauty of 𝗦𝘁𝗲𝗺𝗻𝗶𝘁𝘀𝗮 and the monastic serenity of 𝗠𝗼𝗻𝗶 𝗧𝗶𝗺𝗶𝗼𝘂 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗱𝗿𝗼𝗺𝗼𝘂 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗠𝗼𝗻𝗶 𝗣𝗵𝗶𝗹𝗼𝘀𝗼𝗽𝗵𝗼𝘂 – every moment was rich in history, laughter, and meaningful connections.

☀️In 𝗖𝗿𝗲𝘁𝗲, we dove deep into Cretan culture with guided tours of Knossos, wine tastings at local wineries🍇 at the Lyrarakis Wines and Douloufakis Douloufakis Winery - Οινοποιείο Δουλουφάκη wineries, and a lesson on the importance of olive oil at 𝗞𝗼𝗿𝗼𝗻𝗲𝗸𝗲𝘀.. We also explored the rich culinary traditions of Crete on a food tour.
From street bites to heartwarming dishes made with love, every stop told a story of Cretan hospitality heritage and history.

🍞And who could forget 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗯𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗱-𝗺𝗮𝗸𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗱𝗮𝘆? We started by grinding seeds into flour the old-fashioned way. Then, with flour-covered hands and plenty of laughter, we shaped, kneaded, and baked our own loaves – all in the heart of the Cretan countryside.
Seeing everyone come together from different backgrounds and with different stories, but sharing one beautiful journey, was a joy. Thank you all for the great memories, laughs, and warmth. 🙏Special thanks to our friends, Coleen Zoller and Robert Doll , who always find joy in visiting this country and dreaming up the next adventure.

✈️𝗪𝗲 𝗰𝗮𝗻’𝘁 𝘄𝗮𝗶𝘁 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗻𝗲𝘅𝘁 𝗮𝗱𝘃𝗲𝗻𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗲 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝗮𝗹𝗹 𝗼𝗳 𝘆𝗼𝘂!

Ας είναι αυτές οι μέρες γεμάτες χαμόγελα , όμορφες στιγμές και αληθινές ευχές !⭐️
Χρόνια πολλά σε όλους !🎅🎄 #χριστουγεννα #αγαπη #γιορτές
Happy Holidays to everyone !🎅🎄

There can be no Greek summer without a bright green basil plant , sending off its fragrance, charm and its promise of wellness and good fortune 🇬🇷

A Portuguese Outing to Remember 💯

🇵🇹 Azores, Porto, Lisbon are your passport to a vibrant culture, rich history and breathtaking scenery.

⛰ My adventure began in the Azores, an archipelago of 9 volcanic islands in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean. At this time of year, we were only able to visit Sao Miguel, the largest island in the complex. I hiked along lush trails leading to hidden lagoons where I plunged into the calm waters surrounded by lush vegetation. ⛰ The island's volcanic activity manifested itself in bubbling hot springs and steaming 'fumaroles' (hot springs where the water table rises close to the surface).

🇵🇹 Second stop is Porto, a city renowned for its historic charm and delicious cuisine. Walking through the winding streets of the Ribeira district, I marvelled at the colourful buildings decorated with intricate azulejos, traditional Portuguese tiles that tell stories of the past. I enjoyed a leisurely cruise along the Douro River, taking in the panoramic views of Porto's skyline, punctuated by the iconic Dom Luís I Bridge.

However, a trip to the renowned🍇 Douro Valley wine region was in order. I learnt about the region's unique microclimate and terroir, which give Douro wines their distinctive characteristics, renowned for their depth, complexity and longevity.

Portuguese gastronomy is a delightful fusion of flavours, with bacalhau🐟 (the salted codfish known as Portugal's 'national dish'), with hundreds of ways to prepare it, a perfect pairing with Douro wine.🍷

🇵🇹 Leaving Porto behind, I made my way to Lisbon, the vibrant capital that effortlessly blends tradition and modernity. The city's 7 hills are dotted with historic monuments such as the imposing São Jorge Castle and the ornate Jerónimos Monastery.

Strolling through the narrow streets of the Alfama district, I encountered lively fado performances and stumbled upon charming cafés serving freshly baked pastéis de nata, Portugal's beloved custard tarts.🥧

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