NCL Jade 7-Day Greek Isles- Oct 12-19, 2013 - Review and Pictorial

[computerworks]

After all that walking on Delos and thru Little Venice, we just took a cab straight back to the ship.

 

 

 

Sailaway time, passing the far end of Mykonos

 

 

We freshened up and headed for La Cuchina... where it was Italian Night...a new event. They had a small combo playing Italian songs.

 

 

We raised a toast to a great day in Mykonos

 

 

We left a thunderstorm behind, hoping for a clear day tomorrow

 

 

Tomorrow is Katakolon... and our day trip out to Olympia. Very excited about seeing that area.

[fabnfortysomething]

your review is getting me excited for our cruise same itinery next year-sadly in a balcony cabin not the Garden Villa!

 

my husband has walking difficulties but did manage Ephesus and Pompeii with plenty of rest breaks

 

Is Delos worthwhile and how much walking is involved?

[computerworks]

...my husband has walking difficulties but did manage Ephesus and Pompeii with plenty of rest breaks

 

Is Delos worthwhile and how much walking is involved?

 

Although Delos is rich in historical significance, it does not have the visual 'pop' of places like Ephesus or Pompeii. Signage is minimal...and the walking is tedious on mostly rocky paths.

 

Our day was a bit overcast, but on a sunny or hot day, it is said to be brutal... no shade or rest areas.

 

Given a choice for someone with walking difficulties, I would offer Olympia ( at Katakolon) or Akrotiri on Santorini as more preferred.

[fabnfortysomething]

Although Delos is rich in historical significance, it does not have the visual 'pop' of places like Ephesus or Pompeii. Signage is minimal...and the walking is tedious on mostly rocky paths.

 

Our day was a bit overcast, but on a sunny or hot day, it is said to be brutal... no shade or rest areas.

 

Given a choice for someone with walking difficulties, I would offer Olympia ( at Katakolon) or Akrotiri on Santorini as more preferred.

 

cheers look forward to upcoming review of Katakolon!

[computerworks]

Day Six - Katakolon

 

This would be an interesting day.. and would turn out to be one where flexibility has to come into play. In my planning, I had chosen several locales I wanted to see... but unlike the small islands, they were very far apart.

 

I knew I had to have some options, and would probably drop the lesser ones.

It turned out that we had such a great time at Olympia and the Land Winery, we scrubbed the rest and called it a day after those two stops.

 

My Original Port Plans

Katakolon - 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM

 

H - Pick up car

 

B - Drive to Olimpia

 

C - Stop at Land Winery

 

Options-

 

D/E - (if time allows) side trip to Kremasti Monastery

F - (if time allows) Kyllini Beach and Spa

G - (if time allows) Chlemoutsi Castle.

 

H - Return car

 

 

 

As it turned out, we will save the Kyllini Beach and Chlemoutsi Castle for another trip. They were just too far North to safely make it back to the ship in time. We spent most of the day at Olympia and thoroughly enjoyed it.

 

We rented a car from DIAS - Dionisios Diplas - Rent a Car. They are right at the base of town, as you walk from the pier. We rented a Fiat Panda for 40 Euro with insurance, taxes and 120 km free mileage.

 

Very happy with the choice.. easy, convenient and great people. The car was perfect.

[computerworks]

Interesting arrival. We were supposed to dock in Katakolon, but got a notice the night before that instead, we would have to tender...since there were 3 other ships in port.

 

It was a very windy and choppy morning when we arrived. It turns out that the OTHER THREE ships blew off this port, claiming it was too choppy to dock, or even tender.

Our Captain apparently said, "...Phooey! I can park this sucker...lemme through!"

 

We were the only ship in port that day. He parallel parked the Jade without a curb bump!

 

All the tour buses waiting for someone to dock

 

 

With the wind..it indeed would have been an adventurous tender operation.

 

 

 

The small port of Katakolon. One long main street of shops and cafes. Clearly, the trip to Olympia is the highlight of this port.

 

[computerworks]

With my name on a sign in the window, it was easy to pick up the car and head out to Olympia.

 

Great roads, well marked.. an easy drive.

 

I dropped the ladies off at the Welcome Center, and went to park the car on a side street.

 

 

There are two main areas here... the Site and the Museum. I would allow at least an hour and a half for each...or more, if you are like me.

 

 

Walking back to the Welcome Center...olive trees.

 

 

You can really find your way around, with 20 or so "stations" with stories about the area you are presently in.

 

 

Each of the venues are very clearly delineated and marked.

 

 

[computerworks]

The paths are easy to walk and shade is always available.. it was like a park.

 

 

A highlight was the location of a temple and statue of Zeus

 

 

The statue of Zeus ...one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World

 

 



 

[computerworks]

 

 

 

Edited November 10, 2013 by computerworks

[computerworks]

The next significant area was the "tunnel," where the athletes entered the arena

 

 

 

 

This was a very popular area...

 

 

Folks would either rest...or run the track in a 200 meter dash

 

 

Everyone wants to pose at the starting line...

 

[computerworks]

 

I loved the signage... each stop would explain the area, show you how it looked back then and explain the excavation

 

 

 

[computerworks]

Leaving the site, it was just a short walk up a hill to the Museum

 

 

You are greeted by a beautiful model of the site, as it was.

 

 

 

The recovered artifacts were amazing.

 

 

 

[computerworks]

 

 

 

[computerworks]

 

 

A rendering of the Statue of Zeus

 

 

 

I am the worst person to go to a museum with... I want to see everything and read every panel. But...we had more to do, so it was time to leave.

 

Found a secret path next to the museum, that was a shortcut back to the town. I walked ahead to fetch the car and bring it back for my companions.

 

Pom trees seen on the way.

 

 

Leaving Olympia, we headed West to find the Land Winery, driving into the hilly village area.

 

[computerworks]

A family run estate... we thoroughly enjoyed a visit there, and recommend it as a great stop.

 

http://www.olympiagi.gr/?lang=en

 

Wine and olive oil... homemade

 

 

We did a tasting...and had some snacks

 

 

We stayed far longer than we planned... enjoyed the company of the daughter of the family and talked and talked...

 

 

 

[computerworks]

We took a walk in the vineyards.

 

 

 

 

 

We said our goodbyes and headed back towards the ship

 

We jumped off the highway and drove thru Pirgos, then on to Katakolon

 

The Jade, as always, was waiting for us.

 

[computerworks]

Freshen up and down to the Grand Pacific for dinner.

 

 

Sitting at the stern of the ship, while at sea, and having dinner is a pure delight.

 

 

Had some business with Guest Services, so we headed to the Atrium after dinner.

 

 

Luis, our Group Services Officer came to say "hi."

 

 

Just about this time... the Kid's Club made their way through the Atrium, singing and having a ball.

 

[computerworks]

Back up to the cabin... and time to get ready for the White Hot Party tonight.

 

We met our Room Steward, Antonio ® and our "Cabin Boy" and Garden Steward, Leto (l) in the middle of their evening rounds.

 

 

Evidence they were there already

 

 

Ready to go to the WHP

 

[computerworks]

The Spinnaker was quite decked out for the party

 

 

Special Drinks and Jello Shots.

 

 

 

Neon, lasers and black light.

 

 

[computerworks]

Yes... I was there, too.

 

 

Always high energy

 

 

The Show dancers also help with the energy

 

 

 

A great party...we stayed out late!

 

 

Tomorrow...that Bittersweet day. The last Sea Day, a time to relax... and pack the suitcases.

[KayentaJane]

Thank you for the pictures and review. I am loving the memories from our trip. (Best thing I purchased on Mykonos: a 6 pack of 1 litre bottles of Coke Zero.)

[coka]

Computerworks, I love your review and I love your pictures! You went to places in Greece we hoped to see and it is fun to reminisce the places we did. Thank you for taking the time and the care to post each day. All of your pictures are stunning yet I admit my favorite is the one with you and your lovely bride at the White Hot Party! I hope to meet you on a future Norwegian sailing someday...especially if you are the GV again, hahaha.

 

Coka:D

[computerworks]

Coka... thanks for the kind words. I truly enjoy going thru the tons of pictures and sharing the best of the bunch... to try and give a sense of the whole wonderful time we had.

 

I hope to meet you on a future Norwegian sailing someday...especially if you are the GV again, hahaha.

 

Me too! The chances of us crossing paths on a future Norwegian cruise may be pretty good... the chance of another GV trip...not so possible. :p

 

But, it would be fun, regardless.

[coka]

Have a great time on the Gem CTN!

 

coka

[jdvmd]

Fantastic review and photos!

We stayed at the Hotel Olympia a few years ago and loved it! Thanks for sharing the pictures. Brought back great memories.