2 Days in Athens: How We Spent the Perfect Pre-Cruise Stay Before Our Greece and Turkey Cruise

Before boarding our Greece and Turkey cruise, we spent two days in Athens—a city where ancient history and modern life collide at every turn. It’s not the most polished capital, but there’s something captivating about standing among ruins that have endured for centuries. Our time here was about shared experiences—visiting the Acropolis with friends, watching daylight fade to twilight over dinner at Dionysos Zonars, and seeing the Parthenon glow against the night sky. With warm September weather, light layers and comfortable shoes made it easy to move from sightseeing to dinner without needing to rush back to the hotel. Athens may be a bridge destination for many travelers, but for us, it offered the perfect mix of history, connection, and anticipation before setting sail.

Where We Stayed – The Moxy Athens City

For our short pre-cruise stay, we chose the Moxy Athens City. It’s a modern, budget-friendly option with playful décor and an easy location for exploring. Like all Moxy hotels, the bar doubles as the front desk—so instead of a formal check-in, we were greeted with a welcome cocktail. It was a fun touch that set a lighthearted tone for our two-night stay. While there are more upscale hotels in Athens, the Moxy was perfectly fine for a quick stop—clean, safe, and within walking distance of cafés and shops. For travelers looking for something convenient before a cruise, it’s a good fit, especially if you’re spending most of your time out sightseeing.

Check-in at the bar with a welcome cocktail—Moxy’s signature start to the stay.

🍷 Dinner with a View – Dionysos Zonars

Our first evening in Athens set the tone for the entire trip. We had dinner at Dionysos Zonars, a restaurant that sits directly across from the Acropolis with panoramic views of the illuminated Parthenon. We’d eaten there for lunch on a previous trip and made dinner reservations the moment we booked this one—highly recommended if you plan to go, since tables with the best view fill quickly. Watching the Acropolis shift from daylight to sunset to glowing night lights was a highlight of our time in Athens. The setting, food, and company made it one of those shared moments you know you’ll remember long after the trip ends.

💡 Travel Well Tip: If Dionysos Zonars is on your list, reserve early—tables with an Acropolis view fill fast, especially at sunset.

Watching the Acropolis light up as the sun set from our table at Dionysos Zonars.

🏛️ A Morning at the Acropolis

The next morning, we headed to the Acropolis—a site that somehow feels both larger than life and deeply human. Climbing the marble paths and hearing stories of the philosophers, rulers, and ceremonies that once filled the grounds was unforgettable. Comfortable shoes are a must—the stone can be slick—but the view from the top, stretching across the city, is worth every bit of the climb. It’s incredible to pause and think about what took place here so long ago, and how these ruins still watch over Athens today.

The view from the top—ancient stones, modern city.

💡 Travel Tip: Our visit happened to fall on European Heritage Days in late September, one of several free-admission weekends at the Acropolis. It’s a great perk if your trip coincides—but expect heavier crowds. Otherwise, go early or later in the day for softer light and fewer people. The marble steps are worn smooth from centuries of visitors, so wear comfortable, non-slip shoes.

Athens might not be a city of romance in the traditional sense, but it’s a place that stirs reflection—a reminder of how much beauty comes from contrast. From ancient temples to lively streets lined with graffiti, from the hum of the city to the quiet awe atop the Acropolis, every moment felt like a balance of old and new. For couples or friends adding a quick stop before a cruise, two days here is just right: enough time to experience its history, enjoy a memorable meal with a view, and carry that sense of wonder forward into the islands of Greece and Turkey.

Our First Oktoberfest Experience: What to Know Before You Go

Cheers from Munich! Experiencing Oktoberfest for the first time was everything we hoped for — lively, welcoming, and unforgettable.

A Festive Start to Our European Adventure

After landing in Munich just after sunrise, we stopped at a nearby café for a coffee and pastry — the perfect pick-me-up after an overnight flight. Once checked into our hotel and settled, we met friends for an early dinner nearby before heading to the festival grounds later that afternoon.

There was no better way to kick off our European trip than diving straight into the world’s most famous beer festival — Oktoberfest. Jet lag or not, the energy of the city was contagious, and by late afternoon, we were joining thousands of others in celebration at the festival grounds.

We’d heard so much about the music, the outfits, the atmosphere — but experiencing it in person was something entirely different. The mix of laughter, music, and the clinking of steins felt like one giant welcome to Bavaria.

Where We Stayed

We stayed at Hotel Olymp Munich, a great value choice just outside the central area.

We based ourselves at Hotel Olymp Munich, located in Eching, about a 40-minute train ride from the Oktoberfest grounds. The location worked perfectly — more cost-friendly than staying directly in the city and easy to reach by train.

Comfortable, modern rooms and a calm location after busy festival nights.

We chose the hotel because one of our friends was already familiar with the Eching area from a previous trip, and it turned out to be an excellent recommendation. The hotel offered both comfort and convenience, and the train system made getting into Munich simple and stress-free.

The breakfast buffet at Hotel Olymp was outstanding — a massive spread of fresh pastries, local meats, cheeses, and fruit.

Breakfast was a highlight — an incredible variety of European and American options, perfect for fueling up before a long day out. We even had dinner there one evening; the restaurant offered a more elevated dining experience with great service and regional dishes.

Our Oktoberfest Experience

Our travel group ready to celebrate — the perfect kickoff to our European adventure.

We arrived at the festival between 3:00 and 4:00 p.m. on a Thursday — a strategic choice that worked beautifully. The grounds were lively but not overwhelmingly crowded. It was easy to grab a pretzel, order a beer, and even make it to the restroom without long waits (a rare Oktoberfest win).

Our first stop was the Paulaner tent, one of the largest and most popular at Oktoberfest. We found an open table and settled in for our first drink — a crisp local light beer that was easy to love. Each glass holds a full liter, so pace is key! One of our friends ordered hers mixed with Sprite (a Radler), a refreshing option for anyone who prefers something lighter.

Not long after, we learned how table reservations work firsthand — we were politely asked to vacate our table as the evening reservation time began. Luckily, we quickly found another open spot for our group of seven, and it ended up being even better. The band picked up, people started singing along, and soon, the entire tent was standing on benches, toasting and dancing together.

The live music was the heart of the experience. Every 15 minutes or so, the brass band launched into “Ein Prosit der Gemütlichkeit” — the traditional toast song — and the entire tent would raise their steins in unison. Even if you didn’t know the words, you couldn’t help but join in.

Servers move quickly through the crowds, balancing a dozen liter-sized beers at once — impressive!

As the night went on, we explored other tents, including the JW Augustiner Bräu, where we grabbed an outdoor table since the inside was full. Each tent had its own personality — some rowdier and louder, others more relaxed. The atmosphere everywhere was the same combination of friendly and festive that defines Oktoberfest.

Classic Bavarian pretzel and a Paulaner beer — a simple but perfect pairing.

Between the music, the food, and the laughter, the entire evening felt like one long toast to good company.

Later, we wandered through the fairgrounds, a carnival-style area filled with rides, games, and flashing lights. The crowd skewed younger here, but it was fun to walk through and take it all in. We even stopped at the Devil’s Wheel, a chaotic spinning ride where participants try to stay on as long as possible — definitely entertaining to watch!

We left before midnight to catch the train back to our hotel, tired but still smiling from the night’s energy.

The Oktoberfest fairgrounds glow after dark — every tent alive with music and lights.

What We Wore

I wore a red-accented dirndl I ordered online and had tailored to fit just right — proof that you don’t need a pricey outfit to join in the fun. Jack’s blue checked shirt complemented it perfectly. We had brought our outfits from home, knowing we wanted to take part in the fun, though there are plenty of opportunities around Munich to purchase traditional clothing if you prefer to buy locally.

Layering turned out to be key — the weather cooled off once the sun went down. I wore flesh-toned leggings with knee socks, which worked perfectly, and low-heeled booties that were comfortable for walking the festival grounds.

For men, checked shirts and leather shorts were most common, but we saw every level of formality — from traditional attire to everyday outfits. The takeaway: wear what makes you feel festive.

Takeaways and Tips Woven from Experience

Arriving mid-afternoon was one of the best decisions we made. We easily found a table before the evening crowd arrived, and Thursday struck the ideal balance between lively and comfortable.

Cash was handy for quick tipping — about one euro per beer — though cards were accepted at most tents. There wasn’t a visible security or bag check, and moving between tents was simple; they’re clustered close together. Restrooms inside were easy to access, while outdoor facilities sometimes meant a short walk.

If you’re attending for the first time, focus less on having the perfect plan and more on joining the spirit of celebration. Find a table, order a beer, and take it all in — that’s the essence of Oktoberfest.

Oktoberfest lived up to every bit of its reputation — joyful, welcoming, and filled with unforgettable moments. From spontaneous songs to endless toasts, it was an evening that reminded us how travel brings people together in the best ways.

Next stop: Athens — where our adventure continued as we boarded our Mediterranean cruise through Greece and Turkey.

Because adventures are better when shared.

Staying at the Blue Lagoon Retreat Hotel in Iceland: Full Review

We generally like to end an active trip with some wind-down time, and the Blue Lagoon felt like the perfect place. After exploring Iceland’s waterfalls, caves, and coastlines, we spent four nights at the Retreat Hotel at the Blue Lagoon. It was the ideal reset before heading home — equal parts relaxing, luxurious, and unforgettable.

Our suite overlooked a secluded stretch of the lagoon — the perfect view to wake up to each morning.

Arrival Experience

The customer service here was truly unmatched. We were greeted immediately, offered a glass of champagne, and our luggage was whisked away while we settled into the inviting lobby. Even though a few other guests were checking in, it never felt rushed or impersonal — more like a warm welcome than just another reservation.

Rooms & Amenities

Our suite overlooked a secluded section of the lagoon (a scenic view, not the day-pass swimming area). Someone personally came to our room to walk us through all the amenities, including the in-room technology, which made everything feel effortless. The space was modern yet cozy — with floor-to-ceiling windows, a private soaking tub, and calming décor that blended perfectly with the surrounding lava fields.

Floor-to-ceiling windows brought the lagoon right into our room.

Pools & Spa

One of the biggest perks of staying at the Retreat Hotel is access to the private Retreat Lagoon — a serene area reserved exclusively for overnight guests. The atmosphere here feels worlds away from the busier public lagoon, with calm waters and far fewer people.

Guests of the Retreat have access to a private lagoon that connects to the main Blue Lagoon area.

It’s important to note that personal cameras and phones are not allowed in the private guest area — and this rule is strictly enforced by staff. At first, it felt unusual to put our phones away, but it ended up making the experience more peaceful.

The hotel does provide a solution: at designated spots, staff photographers will take your picture (upon request) and email it to you afterward. This way, you can still have a couple of keepsake photos without disturbing the tranquil environment.

Since cameras aren’t allowed in the private lagoon, the hotel provides complimentary photos taken by staff.

Dining

The Retreat Hotel has multiple dining options, and we were able to try them all:

• Moss Restaurant – Fine dining with panoramic views, Michelin-recommended. The atmosphere felt elevated but not stuffy, and the dishes were as beautiful as they were delicious.

• Spa Restaurant – Light meals served in your robe between lagoon sessions, perfect for recharging without breaking the spa rhythm.

• Lava Restaurant – Built right into the lava rock and open to day visitors. While it had more of a buzz, the setting was still unique and worth a stop.

A unique highlight was our private wine tasting in the subterranean wine cellar, a volcanic cave filled with bottles stacked floor to ceiling. Pairing wines with Icelandic seafood and specialties made for one of the most memorable evenings of the trip.

Afternoon tea with pastries and coffee between spa sessions.

Fresh seafood paired with wine, with the lagoon right outside our window.

Every dish was artful — this dessert came beautifully arranged on Icelandic lava rock.

A private wine tasting in the Retreat’s underground lava rock cellar — one of the most memorable parts of our stay.

Tips for Booking & Making the Most of Your Stay

• Stay at least 2 nights if you can — it takes time to truly unwind.

• Book the Blue Lagoon at the end of your Iceland trip — it’s the perfect way to relax after days of exploring.

• Make dinner and spa reservations in advance — spots fill quickly.

• Don’t feel pressure to “do it all.” The beauty of the Retreat is slowing down and soaking it all in.

Staying at the Retreat Hotel at the Blue Lagoon was easily one of the highlights of our Iceland adventure. From the tranquil private lagoon to the world-class spa and dining, it delivered on every level. If you’re looking for a splurge-worthy way to end your trip, this is it.

Relaxed and happy after four nights at the Retreat Hotel — the perfect ending to our Iceland trip.