Stamps in My Passport

For as long as I can remember, I’ve dreamt of visiting the beautiful islands of Greece. Walking amongst ancient ruins, seeing the iconic whitewashed homes with brilliant blue rooftops, the charming windmills perched on sun-kissed hills, the cobbled stone paths painted with white, the scent of citrus in the air, and the sparkling aquamarine waters of the Mediterranean — it all lived vividly in my imagination long before I ever stepped foot there.

So when the opportunity came up to celebrate our 10th wedding anniversary with a Mediterranean cruise through Greece, Italy, and Montenegro, I could hardly contain my excitement. Brad and I hadn’t taken a proper extended vacation together since our honeymoon a decade earlier. Life had been full — sometimes overwhelming — and we were both longing for a meaningful getaway to reconnect, reflect, and savor the journey we’ve taken together.

My best friend mentioned she and her husband were also considering Mediterranean cruises for their 15th anniversary, and the idea instantly sparked something. We began researching options, both landing on Royal Caribbean itineraries — different routes but overlapping dreams. Though we ended up just missing each other in Venice by one day, she left a sweet surprise at the hotel: a postcard tucked into a book, a tiny scavenger hunt across time and place that made me feel like we were traveling together after all. 🙂

First Impressions of Athens

The moment we landed in Athens, the air felt different. Dry, warm, infused with florals and citrus — it carried the promise of adventure. Our taxi wove through a sea of white and beige buildings, ancient ruins peeking through modern cityscapes, streets lined with citrus trees and bursts of fuchsia bougainvillea. It was overwhelming and enchanting all at once.

Our hotel was just a short walk from the Acropolis. I wasn’t prepared for what it would feel like to see it for the first time. Standing in the shadow of the Parthenon — a structure so powerful and iconic — was genuinely awe-inspiring. To imagine that theologians, philosophers, biblical figures, and poets once walked these same stone paths was humbling. We explored the grounds slowly, taking in the Theater of Dionysus where a live concert created an etheral atmosphere, standing in awe and wonder of the impressive Pantheon, Temple of Athena Nike, the Erechtheion, the carved faces of the Caryatids, and the towering columns of the Propylaia.

As dusk settled over the city, the sky transformed from gold to amber to a velvety royal blue. We watched from the hills as stars began to peek through the haze. That night, we grabbed gyros from a nearby shop — warm pita filled with lamb, creamy tzatziki, tomatoes, salad, and crispy fries. Simple, flavorful, and perfect. Back at our hotel balcony, we toasted the start of our journey with a glass of wine, listening to the sounds of Athens drifting through the air.

A Morning Under the Acropolis

We woke to the call of unfamiliar birds and the promise of more adventure. Breakfast at a charming café called Sparta turned out to be one of the best meals we had in Athens — Greek omelets (more like a mini frittata cut into wedges), fresh tomato and cucumber slices, soft focaccia bread, freddo cappuccinos, and the best orange juice I’ve ever tasted — freshly squeezed and sweet as sunshine.

Fueled up, we headed to the hop-on-hop-off bus tour, winding through the heart of Athens and catching glimpses of excavation sites, ancient statues, and the grandeur of Syntagma Square. We paused to watch the Evzones perform the ceremonial changing of the guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, a moving and precise ritual.

From there, we wandered through the vibrant Plaka district and stopped at a little cafe for Greek yogurt smoothies as a refreshing treat while we made our way back toward the Acropolis for one final stop: Socrates’ prison cell — a somber site that grounded us in the depth of history beneath our feet.

Onward to the Sea

As we made our way to Piraeus to board our cruise ship, I carried with me a full heart. Athens had already left an impression — one that would echo through every step of our journey. Over the next eight days, we would sail from Athens to Mykonos, Crete, Zakynthos, Corfu, then on to Montenegro and finally Venice, Italy. But it was in Athens where the magic began.

The layers of history, the richness of culture, the vibrant colors, scents, and sounds — they wrapped around us like a warm embrace. And while each place on our itinerary would prove special, Athens was where we first were able to relax and simply be present in wonder.

If you’ve ever considered a trip to Greece, I urge you — go. There’s something about standing in the midst of ruins that have endured for thousands of years that makes your heart beat differently. It reminds you of what truly lasts: love, legacy, and the memories we build together.

To begin planning your own Greek adventure tap the links below to find planning guides, checklists and other printables. Save on tour tickets, entrance fees & more with my go to resource: Get Your Guide, see link below & use code: STAMPSINMYPASSPORT15 to save 5% off your next purchase! Download the app today to have quick access to all their tours, tickets & guides at your fingertips.

Read the next chapter in this series: Why Greece Is More Than Just a Destination, Part I.

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With love & sunshine,

~Krista

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