As I was getting my cultural and historical fix in Athens and Northern Greece , I knew that for Monicca, this whole trip was leading up to her personal highlight, Santorini . Sure I knew from all the pictures and movies shot here how beautiful the island is; but what got me really excited was when I read that the Legend of Atlantis was actually based off of this island! To get a chance to explore the so-called most beautiful city in antiquity, destroyed by the gods because of its citizens’ hubris ? Count me in! * The departure gate at Athens’  Eleftherios Venizelos . You know you’re going to have an epic time when all your fellow passengers are wearing shorts and sandals .

Not just known as the title of Linkin Park’s epic second album, Meteora , (translating to “suspended in the air”) is home to one of the most important and beautiful Eastern Orthodox monasteries in Greece. On day two of our travels across Northern Greece , we actually went up a couple of these monasteries to experience this extraordinary early Christian site and get a glimpse of the lives of its inhabitants. * Made by the same natural forces that shaped the Grand Canyon and Petra , the scenery of Meteora is dominated by six monasteries that are built on top of  natural sandstone rock pillars .

After spending much time admiring the hustle and bustle of  Athens , and before flying off to enjoy the enchanting beauty of the  Cyclades   (Greek islands in the Aegean) , we set off to tour the  Greek countryside  to gain a further understanding and appreciation for the link between Greek history and the mythological and legendary stories found within her culture. On Day 1 of our tour, we visited the renowned  Oracle of Delphi  and the  Battlefield of Thermopylae . * What’s a tour without  tourist traps ? Fortunately here in Greece, they come with excellent  Greek coffee ,  gelato  and  Paprika-flavored Pringles . Add the very fresh Greek countryside air to the mix and you have a hell of a great time!

While a big chunk of any itinerary in Athens involves  sight-seeing , one must also make sure to leave enough time (a day at least!) for souvenir shopping ! Seriously, of all the countries I’ve been in, this is where I had the most fun at not only buying souvenirs but also window-shopping the huge variety of items for sale. So whether you’re a fan of  fashion  (branded and local),  typical tourist souvenirs (tshirts, hoodies, magnets, spoons etc) ,  AWESOME tourist souvenirs   (orthodox icons, statues, swords and armor!!)  or just plain  weird stuff   (antiques, old pictures of random families, taxidermied animals) , Athens has something for you. * Such a nice day for a  stroll along Plaka’s streets . Armed with time for leisure-strolling, the art of exploring, getting lost, and finding one’s way again equates to a very pleasurable experience indeed.

This is a story of two cities: Athens and London . Two cities separated by over 3000 kilometers but united culturally because of their great contributions to our study and understanding of Greek culture. Wait what, London?! Yes, London. For when the Ottoman Turks had the whole of Greece under their rule, an enterprising Brit with the title of Lord of Elgin fell in love with the Parthenon upon seeing it and decided to use his official title, as British Ambassador to the Ottoman Empire , to legally purchase almost ALL the sculptures in the Parthenon, of which can now be found in the British Museum of London . But first things first, let’s take a look at the Acropolis in Athens! 1. The Acropolis in Athens. * The Propylaea serves as the main entrance to the Acropolis. Meaning monumental gateway , the Propylaea’s design has been copied numerous times; from the Brandenburg Gate in Berlin to the Propylaea in Munich .