A trip to Greece is not complete without a cruise around the Greek Isles. The last four days of our trip were spent sailing the Aegean Sea, stopping at Mykonos, Rhodes, Kasudasi, Santorini, and Crete. We cruised with EasyCruise, which is a discount cruise ship, one that I would consider the Yaris of Cruises: It gives you everything you need, but may not have everything you want. It provided us beds, rooms cleaned two times a day, turn down service, and all you can eat buffet at breakfast, lunch, and dinner. It even had its own wave pool, i.e. the pool water made waves everytime the ship would rock side to side. And of course, you could even have your own private hot tub on deck, at sunset.
Our first stop on the cruise was at the isle of Mykonos. Named after Mykons, a grandson of the god Apollo, Mykonos is well known as a premier tourist destination. Its ring of white sand beaches and well established hotels cater to old and young alike. Set in the Aegean Sea, Mykonos was the reported location of a battle between the Olympians, gods of the Greek pantheon, and the Gigantes, a race of giant offspring of Ge the earth mother. This famed battle is depicted on the metopes of one side of the Parthenon in Athens, and is termed the Gigantomachy.
Though Mykonos entertains an exciting, warlike legendary history, the island is better-known for its bars, clubs, beaches, and relaxed atmosphere. Its nightlife is one of Europe’s most prosperous, and its clear ocean waters, warm temperatures and stretches of resorts are now its claim to fame.
Isle number 2 was Rhodes. Though the island of Rhodes offers its visitors much in the way of classical archeological sites, its medieval city is the axis of its historical significance. The fortified upper and lower medieval towns show a wonderful mixture of Gothic and Ottoman architecture. In the upper town where the Christian Gothic style is prevalent, the mighty Palace of the Grand Master looms, one of the many structures built by the knights of the Order of St. John, or the Knights of Rhodes.
Rhodes has been the destination of choice for many illustrious visitors, including the Roman emperor Tiberius, who sought refuge on the island from the pressing concerns of governing and turned it into his fantasy hideaway. Prior to Roman rule, the island was home to successful and influential Greek settlements, best memorialized in the remains of the Acropolis of Rhodes and the Acropolis of Lindos. These magnificent sites are beautifully offset by the medieval quarters, with the traditional Gothic style of the palace, the hospital, and many churches. The period of rule of the Knights of Rhodes lasted from 1309 to 1523, after which followed periods of Ottoman and Italian occupation—hence the sight of churches and mosques arranged side by side in the lower town.
Our day in Rhodes also served as our day at the beach.
As well as a day for boating...
Stay Tuned for Part 2 of Cruising the Aegean Sea...
No comments:
Post a Comment