As late summer’s golden light gave way to cooler breezes, 45 spirited voyagers set sail on the Norwegian Getaway for a nine-day exploration of Greece’s Aegean jewels. From September 1 to 10, 2024, Two Travel Gurus guided their seasoned group, joined by Joan Broussard—owner of Roux Magazine—and her close-knit circle of family and friends. What began as two separate parties quickly blended into one tight-knit crew, discovering ancient ruins, vibrant bazaars, and sun-drenched beaches together.
EARLY ARRIVALS IN ATHENS:
The group touched down in Athens two days early, eager to soak up the city’s timeless energy. Beneath the Parthenon’s sandstone columns at sunrise, they snapped photos and traded stories over strong Greek coffee in Plaka’s hidden cafés.
DAY 1: EMBARKING FROM PIRAEUS
On September 1, the merged group gathered at Piraeus harbor. The Norwegian Getaway’s sunlit decks and sea-spray breezes set everyone at ease. They explored lounges, sampled Mediterranean hors d’oeuvres, and swapped excitement about the days ahead. Laughter echoed over the welcome toast as Two Travel Gurus made sure every last bag and boarding pass was in order.
DAY 2: EPHESUS THROUGH A GROUP’S LENS
In Kusadasi, the group joined the sightseeing crowd at Ephesus. They strolled marble avenues toward the Library of Celsus and clustered on the Great Theatre’s worn steps, imagining ancient performances. Some members hurried up to the House of the Virgin Mary on Mount Koressos, while others paused at the Basilica of St. John, soaking in its solemn beauty. Shared selfies and impromptu family portraits brought personal warmth to those storied ruins.
DAYS 3–4: ISTANBUL’S COLORFUL CONTRASTS
When the ship pulled into Istanbul, everyone was all in—haggling for silk scarves in the Grand Bazaar, marveling at Hagia Sophia’s mosaics, and sipping tea in bustling gardens. One evening, the whole gang piled onto a Bosphorus cruise, toasting minarets aglow against the night sky. “Istanbul felt like the world in one city,” someone said—an observation they all agreed belonged on next year’s “must-do” list.
DAY 5: VOLOS & MOUNT PELION’S MYTHIC TRAILS
Back under Greek skies, the group lunched seaside in Volos on grilled octopus and Greek salad. In the afternoon, they split between a cheese tasting at a local dairy and a hike through Mount Pelion’s shaded forests—home of centaur legends.
DAY 6: MYKONOS’ SUN-FILLED DAYS & STARRY NIGHTS
Mykonos greeted them with dazzling white walls and turquoise waters. Some lounged beachside while others explored the winding streets. By night, the family and friends regrouped on the ship for dinner, shows, and lots of socializing in the Martini Bar.
DAY 7: MEDIEVAL RHODES’ TIME-WORN CHARM
Rhodes whisked everyone into the medieval past. They wandered the UNESCO Old Town, posed at the Palace of the Grand Master, and raced down the Street of the Knights. A highlight was the half-day trip to Lindos—whitewashed cliffside homes and panoramic sea views that stole more than a few hearts (and smartphones).
DAY 8: CRETE’S MINOAN MYSTERIES
In Crete, they dove into Minoan legend at Knossos—snapping photos of frescoed walls and labyrinthine corridors. Between crunchy dakos salads and sticky loukoumades, they discovered Crete’s true flavor: its traditions.
DAY 9: SANTORINI’S ICONIC SUNSET FINALE
Santorini delivered its famous finale. The group gathered in a cliffside café in Oia to frame the sun’s descent—a blaze of coral and gold. Glasses of crisp Assyrtiko clinked as everyone agreed: no view in the world beats a Santorini sunset. Selfies turned into group photos, which turned into promises to return together.
DAY 10: FULL CIRCLE IN ATHENS
Back in Piraeus, the entire party shared one last espresso aboard the ship. They traded favorite moments—best meal, funniest mishap, most breathtaking ruin. As they disembarked, excited chatter shifted into planning mode: “Where to next?” Echoes of new trip ideas swirled around the café tables.
LOOKING AHEAD: A NEW ADVENTURE IN THE MAKING
Fueled by unforgettable memories and insider tales, the group—and the wider Two Travel Gurus circle—can’t stop plotting the next escape. Two Travel Gurus is already sketching out itineraries for 2026 and 2027 that blend cultural deep-dives with carefree fun. After this Greek odyssey, everyone’s ready to set sail for new horizons—this time with even bigger laughs and fresh stories to write home about.