Our eighth day of the journey was filled with exploration deep into the plains of Greece followed by a wonderful evening onboard the ship.

A Journey Through Myth and Monasteries

The day began early with a scenic two-hour bus ride from Volos to Kalambaka, the town nearest to the Hanging Monasteries of Meteora. As we traveled deeper into mainland Greece, the landscape transformed from the coastal beauty of Volos, to the plains of Greece’s “bread basket” Thessaly, to the rugged, mountainous terrain that this area is known for.

Along the way, we passed Mount Pelion, a place rich in Greek mythology. Ancient legends tell of Mount Pelion as the home of the centaurs, the half-man, half-horse creatures known for their wisdom and connection to nature. The most famous of these centaurs, Chiron, was said to be a tutor to many Greek heroes, including Achilles.

On our way to Meteora, we took a brief break at a roadside cafe/gas station – think Greece’s version of Buc-ee’s but much less obnoxious. Chris grabbed some Tzatziki flavored Pringles for a quick snack, which gave us a little boost before our climb. If you have followed our journeys in the past you will know there are two things Chris will always try in a foreign locale, a local chip flavor and a meat pie. One of the most memorable being the Prawn Chips experience of 2018 in Singapore 😂. However, in this case, we both declared the Pringles tzatziki flavor as the best chip flavor man has ever created. The cafe was a peaceful spot to stretch our legs and prepare for the exploration ahead. Chris also picked up some bottled water, a welcome change from the ship’s filtered water, which has been less than satisfying during this trip.

Further along, we caught glimpses of Mount Olympus in the distance—the legendary home of the Greek gods. As Greece’s highest peak, Mount Olympus was believed to be the dwelling place of Zeus and the other Olympian gods, who ruled over the world from their lofty heights. The sight of this majestic mountain added a sense of awe to our journey, reminding us of the deep connections between the land, its myths, and its history.

Arriving at Meteora felt like stepping into another world. Towering rock formations dominate the landscape, with ancient monasteries perched precariously atop them. These monasteries, some dating back to the 14th century, were built by monks and nuns seeking solitude and spiritual refuge. The sight of these structures, seemingly suspended in the air, is nothing short of breathtaking.

Our tour included visits to one of the iconic monasteries and one nunnery. (There are 6 active monasteries in Meteora.) The journey to reach them involved navigating uneven terrain and climbing numerous steps, but the effort was well worth it. The monastery we visited offered panoramic views of the surrounding valleys and showcased centuries-old architecture and artwork that left us in awe. The nunnery, on the other hand, provided a quieter, more intimate glimpse into the spiritual life that continues in Meteora to this day.

As the afternoon came to a close, we began our journey back to Volos, reflecting on the day’s experiences. The Hanging Monasteries of Meteora had exceeded our expectations, offering a glimpse into a world that felt both ancient and otherworldly.

Evening Delights: Art, Steak, and Song

After returning to the ship and freshening up, we set out for dinner at Marble and Co., the ship’s signature steakhouse. The journey to the restaurant was an experience in itself. We walked through a hallway adorned with 8 out of 10 of Andy Warhol Campbell’s Soup I adding a modern pop art twist to the ship’s elegant interior. And yes, those are real Warhol’s from someone’s “private collection in Milan.”

Dinner at Marble and Co., was a solid choice. While steaks on cruise ships often struggle to match the quality of those at top steakhouses in North America, the ones we had were very good—probably the best we’ve had at sea. The ambiance of the restaurant, with its modern yet classic steakhouse charm, made for an enjoyable dining experience.

The evening didn’t end there. We headed to one of the ship’s entertainment venues, where the house band was performing. They delivered a lively set that spanned several genres. The stage, illuminated with a backdrop of twinkling lights, adds stunning visuals for each of the venue’s many performances.

As we returned to our cabin, we reflected on the day’s adventures. From the mythical landscapes and ancient monasteries to the contemporary art and lively music, Day 8 was a memorable blend of history, culture, and the joys of life at sea. We’re eager to see what tomorrow will bring as our journey continues to Skopolos.