2 Days in Athens: How We Spent the Perfect Pre-Cruise Stay Before Our Greece & Turkey Cruise
Two days in Athens before our Greece and Turkey cruise gave us time to reconnect, enjoy dinner with a view at Dionysos Zonars, and stand in awe at the Acropolis before setting sail.
We arrived in Athens two days before our Greece and Turkey cruise — partly to adjust to the time change, but also to enjoy a quick, relaxed introduction to the city. With ancient landmarks, walkable neighborhoods, and plenty of places to eat and explore, Athens was the perfect place to start our trip without feeling rushed.
Trip Snapshot
When: Early Fall
Length: 2 nights
Vibe: Light sightseeing, scenic walking, great food, and easy pacing
Good for: Anyone doing a Mediterranean cruise or looking for a short city stay
Highlights: Acropolis & Parthenon, Acropolis Museum, Plaka & Monastiraki, rooftop views
Best pace: Slow days with one major activity, plus plenty of wandering
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 hotel with playful décor and an easy location for exploring. Like all Moxy properties, the bar doubles as the front desk, so check-in comes with a welcome cocktail instead of a formal lobby experience. It set a fun, lighthearted tone for our two-night stay.
There are definitely more upscale hotels in Athens, but the Moxy was perfect for what we needed — clean, safe, and within walking distance of cafés, shops, and several neighborhoods. If you’re in Athens mainly to sightsee before a cruise, it’s a convenient and comfortable choice without the higher price tag.
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 been there for lunch on a previous trip and made dinner reservations the moment we booked this one — and it was absolutely worth it.
Watching the Acropolis shift from daylight to sunset to glowing night lights was a true highlight. The food, views, and company made it one of those travel 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 feels both monumental and incredibly human. Walking the marble paths, seeing the Parthenon appear between the columns, and looking out across the city was unforgettable.
The stone can be slick, so comfortable shoes help, but the views at the top are worth every step. It’s one of those places where you feel the weight of history and still can’t believe it’s real.
💡 Travel Tip: Free-Admission Days
Our visit happened to fall on European Heritage Days, one of several weekends each year when the Acropolis offers free admission. It’s a great perk if your timing lines up — just expect bigger crowds. Otherwise, go early or later in the afternoon for softer light and fewer people.
The view from the top—ancient stones, modern city.
Favorites & Highlights
Top sight: The Acropolis — unforgettable in person
Best evening: Dinner at Dionysos Zonars with the Parthenon lit up
Most memorable moment: Watching the Acropolis move from daylight to nighttime
Best surprise: How much we liked the Moxy Athens City for a short stay
Easiest win: Keeping the pace light and not overplanning the two days
Tips / What to Know Before You Go
Visit the Acropolis early for fewer crowds
Wear good shoes — the marble paths can be slick
Expect some uphill walking
The Acropolis Museum is a great pair with the Acropolis
Rooftop dining is a must at sunset
Give yourself at least one buffer night before a cruise
What We’d Do Differently Next Time
We’d stay one more night. Athens has more to explore than we could fit into two days, and an extra evening would give time for a few more neighborhoods and meals.
Practical Details
Trip length: 2 nights
Best for: Pre-cruise stays, couples, groups, city explorers
Crowds: Busy mid-day at major sites; quieter mornings
Clothing: Light layers, comfortable walking shoes
Transportation: Easy walking city; taxis for longer distances are quick and affordable
Athens was the perfect place to start our Greece and Turkey cruise — iconic landmarks, lively streets, great food, and enough time to adjust to the time change without rushing. It set the tone for the trip in the best way and left us wanting to come back for a longer stay.
Our First Oktoberfest Experience: What to Know Before You Go
Our first Oktoberfest in Munich was the perfect start to our European adventure. From the lively Paulaner tent to the traditional outfits and toasts, it was everything we imagined and more. Here’s what we learned and the tips we’d share with first-time visitors.
Oktoberfest has a reputation for being big, loud, and busy — and it absolutely is. But it’s also fun, welcoming, and worth doing at least once. This was our first time, and even with the crowds and sensory overload, we had a great experience. If you’re planning your first visit, here’s what it really feels like and what we’d want you to know.
Trip Snapshot
When: Late September
Length: 1 full day at Oktoberfest (part of a longer trip - Greece & Turkey Cruise)
Vibe: Lively, crowded, energetic, festive
Good for: First-timers, couples, groups, travelers who like cultural events and people-watching
Highlights: Traditional beer tents, dirndls and lederhosen, music, pretzels, the overall atmosphere
Best pace: Slow arrival, people-watching, one tent experience, early exit before peak crowds
Cheers from Munich! Experiencing Oktoberfest for the first time was everything we hoped for — lively, welcoming, and unforgettable.
Where We Stayed — Hotel Olymp Munich (Eching)
We based ourselves at Hotel Olymp Munich in Eching, about a 40-minute train ride from the festival grounds. It ended up being a smart choice — more cost-friendly than staying directly in Munich and quiet in the evenings, with easy train access when we were ready to head into the city.
For a first Oktoberfest experience, staying just outside the center worked well. We skipped the higher downtown prices and still had a comfortable, convenient base for the day.
We stayed at Hotel Olymp Munich, a great value choice just outside the central area.
Comfortable, modern rooms and a calm location after busy festival nights.
The breakfast buffet at Hotel Olymp was outstanding — a massive spread of fresh pastries, local meats, cheeses, and fruit.
A Festive Start to Our European Adventure
After landing in Munich just after sunrise, we stopped at a nearby café for coffee and a pastry — the perfect pick-me-up after an overnight flight. Once we checked into our hotel and got 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 Oktoberfest. Jet lag or not, the energy of the city pulled us in immediately. By late afternoon, we were joining thousands of others at the festival grounds.
We’d heard plenty about the music, the outfits, and the atmosphere, but seeing it all in person was different. The mix of laughter, music, and the clinking of steins felt like a giant welcome to Bavaria — and to the start of our trip.
Our travel group ready to celebrate — the perfect kickoff to our European adventure.
Arriving at the Festival
Walking into Oktoberfest for the first time is overwhelming in the best way. The grounds are massive, with traditional outfits, food stalls, rides, and packed tents. Music pours out of nearly every direction.
We gave ourselves time to take it all in rather than rushing straight to a tent. It made the atmosphere feel more manageable and helped us ease into the experience.
Inside the Beer Tents
We didn’t have a private table reservation, and for us, that was fine. The tents are crowded but fun — loud music, shared tables, and a friendly atmosphere where people are happy to chat.
We grabbed drinks, soaked up the energy, and enjoyed the people-watching. If you want a guaranteed seat in a specific tent, reservations are helpful. But if you’re flexible, wandering through and finding a spot works just as well for a first visit.
Servers move quickly through the crowds, balancing a dozen liter-sized beers at once — impressive!
The Outfits (Dirndl & Lederhosen)
Wearing a dirndl ended up being one of my favorite parts of the experience. It makes the day feel more festive and helps you blend into the tradition instead of feeling like an outsider. You’ll see everything from simple outfits to very elaborate versions. Comfortable shoes are important — you’ll walk and stand more than you expect.
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.
Festival Food & Quick Bites
The food choices are endless: pretzels, sausages, roasted nuts, sweets, and grab-and-go snacks. We kept it simple and stuck to easy options while walking around. If you’re looking for a full meal inside a tent, go earlier in the day before the crowds peak.
The Oktoberfest fairgrounds glow after dark — every tent alive with music and lights.
Favorites & Highlights
Favorite moment: Wearing the dirndl and fully leaning into the tradition
Best atmosphere: Inside the tents with music and shared tables
Best surprise: How friendly and welcoming people were
Easiest win: Keeping our schedule open and flexible
Most helpful choice: Arriving earlier to get our bearings before the crowds grew
Tips / What to Know Before You Go
The festival grounds are huge — plan time just to walk and explore
Go earlier in the day for a calmer start
Comfortable shoes make a big difference
Expect loud music and high energy inside the tents
Reservations help but aren’t required for a fun experience
Keep belongings minimal — small crossbody bags work best
Plan your exit before the late-night crowds build
What We’d Do Differently Next Time
Next time, we’d stay a little longer and try one more tent. Now that we know what to expect, adding one more tent experience feels easier and more doable.
Practical Details
Entry: Free — pay only for food, drinks, and rides
Dress: Dirndl or lederhosen if you want the full experience
Weather: Can vary; bring a light layer
Crowds: Peak in the afternoon and evening
Transportation: Public transit is easiest; trains run frequently
Pace: Let the day unfold without overplanning
Oktoberfest is a lot — in the best possible way. From the music and laughter to the traditional outfits and overflowing tents, the atmosphere pulls you in fast. It’s something everyone should experience at least once, and starting our European trip here felt unforgettable. Even with the crowds and noise, we were glad we went — and now we know how to make our next visit even better.
Staying at the Blue Lagoon Retreat Hotel in Iceland: Full Review
Four nights at the Retreat Hotel at Iceland’s Blue Lagoon was the perfect way to end our trip. Here’s why this splurge-worthy stay lived up to the hype.
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. The Retreat Hotel at the Blue Lagoon had been on our list for years, and when we finally booked a stay here, it felt like stepping into another world. With private lagoon access, quiet suites, and a spa that feels carved into the landscape, this was one of the most memorable and relaxing hotel experiences we’ve had. If you’re planning a trip to Iceland and wondering whether the Retreat is worth it, here’s exactly what our three-night stay was like.
Trip Snapshot
When: September
Length: 3 nights
Vibe: Calm, soothing, luxurious, minimalistic
Good for: Couples, spa lovers, special occasions, Iceland stopovers
Highlights: Private lagoon access, in-water treatments, Lava Restaurant, quiet suites, spa rituals
Best pace: Slow mornings, long lagoon sessions, one main outing per day
Our suite overlooked a secluded stretch of the lagoon — the perfect view to wake up to each morning.
Why We Chose The Retreat Hotel
We wanted a place to unwind at the start of our Iceland trip — something restorative before exploring the more rugged parts of the country. The Retreat delivered from the moment we arrived. It’s quiet, warm, and feels tucked away, even though it’s an easy drive from the airport. If your trip includes a long flight, the Retreat is one of the best ways to recover and reset.
Where We Stayed — Suite Experience
Our suite was modern and calming, with clean lines, soft textures, and big windows overlooking the volcanic landscape. The design leans toward minimalist luxury — simple but deeply comfortable.
The best part was how quiet it felt. Even when the hotel was fully booked, we felt like we had space to ourselves. In the mornings, the light over the lava fields made the entire room glow.
Floor-to-ceiling windows brought the lagoon right into our room.
Private Lagoon Access
What sets the Retreat apart is the private-access lagoon. It’s quieter, warmer, and far less crowded than the public Blue Lagoon next door. We spent long stretches floating in the milky-blue water with soft steam rising around us — the kind of slow, quiet time that makes you forget what day it is.
If you’re an early riser, mornings are especially peaceful. Evenings are beautiful too, especially when the sky shifts colors.
Guests of the Retreat have access to a private lagoon that connects to the main Blue Lagoon area.
Since cameras aren’t allowed in the private lagoon, the hotel provides complimentary photos taken by staff.
The Retreat Spa & Ritual
The spa feels like it’s carved into the lava rock. It’s dim, warm, and peaceful, with small pathways that open into soaking pools, saunas, and steam rooms. Completing the Retreat Ritual — the salt scrub, silica mask, and algae mask — was one of the highlights of our stay. Simple, but grounding.
If you book a massage or in-water treatment, plan for extra time before and after. It’s one of those experiences you don’t want to rush.
Dining at the Retreat
Moss Restaurant
Dinner at Moss was one of the most memorable parts of our stay. The room is intimate and warm, with sweeping views of the volcanic landscape. The tasting menu leans into Icelandic ingredients — local seafood, seasonal produce, and bright flavors — presented in a way that feels elegant but not overwhelming. The pacing was slow and thoughtful, letting each course stand on its own. If you’re staying at the Retreat, Moss is absolutely worth booking.
Lava Restaurant
Dinner at Lava was another standout. Built into the black lava walls, it’s both dramatic and cozy, with Icelandic flavors and a setting that feels unique to this part of the world. It was a perfect balance to the more elevated Moss experience.
Spa Restaurant & Lounge
Easy, casual, and perfect for lighter meals between lagoon and spa time.
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.
What We Did During Our Stay
Most of our time at the Retreat unfolded slowly — exactly how this property is designed to be enjoyed.
Private lagoon dips
The Retreat Ritual
Dinner at Moss
Dinner at Lava
Long, quiet mornings
Relaxing in the spa and lounges
Exploring the paths around the lagoon
Favorites & Highlights
Most peaceful moment: Floating in the private lagoon when it was nearly empty
Best surprise: How quiet the hotel feels even when fully booked
Best dinner: Moss Restaurant
Best spa experience: The Retreat Ritual
Easiest win: Early-morning lagoon time
Tips / What to Know Before You Go
Book Moss and spa treatments early — both fill fast
Mornings in the private lagoon are the quietest
Bring a waterproof phone pouch if you want photos (public area only)
The aesthetic is minimalist — neutral clothing photographs beautifully
Retreat access is a huge upgrade from the public Blue Lagoon
What We’d Do Differently Next Time
We’d add one more night. Three nights was wonderful, but four would give even more time to enjoy the spa, the loungers, and the slow pace.
Relaxed and happy after four nights at the Retreat Hotel — the perfect ending to our Iceland trip.
Practical Details
Airport: 20 minutes from Keflavík
Entry: Stay includes private lagoon access, breakfast, and the Retreat Ritual
Crowds: Quiet and spaced out
Dress: Lounge wear, swimsuits, casual dinner outfits
Best pace: Slow, steady, restorative
Staying at The Retreat Hotel felt like a reset — quiet mornings in the lagoon, restorative spa time, and special dinners that made the trip feel both relaxing and memorable. If you’re starting or ending your Iceland adventure with a touch of luxury, the Retreat is one of those places you’ll think about long after you leave.