Day 10: Mykonos, Greece

Day 10 (May 8): Mykonos, Greece 

Today we hired a private driver to give us a tour of Mykonos. 

We visited the Armenistis Lighthouse

and the Panagia Tourliani Monastery 

We also went to scenic beaches like Kalafatis (still early in the season).

And saw several churches

We also saw panoramic views of Mykonos Town and its iconic windmills

We ended the tour with a tasting from Mykonos Brewing Company

Before heading back to the ship

Day 11: Crete, Greece

Day 11 (May 9): Souda (Crete), Greece 

Today we took a ship excursion

that was a self-driving 4x4 safari in Crete. The cars (Suzuki Jimny) were a tight fit for two but felt like a clown car when they filled then with four adults.

One of the first stops after leaving port was at Therisso Gorge.

We then stopped for coffee and a stretch break in the small village of Therissos.

From there we drove on gravel roads through Drakona and some other small villages.

Hiliomoudou was the main stop on our tour, where we had a longer break and lunch.

While listening to information about the area, one passenger in our car passed out and fell. She and her husband were taken back to the ship and did not continue with the tour. This allowed us to only have two people in the Jimny for the rest of the tour. We appreciated the extra space, but not the injury of the other passenger.

From there, we had another gravel "off road" section to drive. 

We the briefly stopped at a lake

Before returning to the Souda Port.

Day 12: Katakolo / Olympia, Greece

Day 12 (May 10): Katakolo / Olympia, Greece 

Today we booked a private driver/tour from the Katakolo port.

We decided to replace the scheduled visit to the Olympic archeological site and museums with the Olympic Botanical Garden.

Even though the garden was small,

 it was very well laid out and had many informative signs of the different plants.

Wr also saw lots of bees and beetles in the garden

Our next stop was Klio's Honey Farm 

We learned about the history of the farm (and honey farming in general), including how the beehive produces royal jelly, wax and venom. Also, how the bee collects nectar, pollen and propolis.

We sampled quince spoon sweets (preserves served on a spoon) from the fruit grown on the farm. We also bought some to take home, along with honey. We also sampled “diples”, a traditional sweet with honey (picture taken before honey was added).

Our next stop was at Drouva Winery where we had a brief production tour, then sat in the gardens for a tasting of three wines.

Along with the wines, we were served two boards/plates of mezze (appetizers).

After leaving very full, we went to a scenic viewpoint of Katakolo 

Before being dropped of in town for shopping (we bought some olives)

And then walking back to the port.

Day 13: Saranda, Albania

Day 13 (May 11): Saranda, Albania 

Since this was a tender port and we didn't know how long it would take to leave the ship, we didn't make specific plans. Instead, once off the ship, we decided to walk along the  Sarande Promenade and relax by the sea.

There were lots of dogs on the beach

and pirate-themed ships that offered tours.

Steve decided to brave the cold and try snorkeling off the beach.

We also saw artwork, including "orange pickers".

Towards the end of promenade, we walked a few blocks into the city 

and past the bunker. 

We stopped for lunch across the street from Friendship Park at te Bequa where we ordered pastitio

A country salad, and mussels.

All this food and 2 beers left us full for under 20 Euro.

After lunch, we walked past the Archeological remains of Synagogue-Baslica

before walking back to port.