Greece to England
This past year, I had the chance to return to my favorite place in Europe—the Greek Islands! For me, no trip to the continent feels complete without dipping my toe in the Aegean Sea. During my visit, I had the pleasure of showing some good friends around Athens. We explored the Acropolis and museums with a local guide, and dined at some authentic, off-the-beaten-path restaurants. Of course, we were always on the lookout for the best rooftop bars with stunning views.
From Athens, we took a ferry to the beautiful island of Naxos, which I believe is one of the best. Naxos stands out not only for its picturesque beauty but also because it serves as the "breadbasket" of Greece, offering some of the most delicious local cuisine. The island is a joy to explore, with hidden beaches to discover, and so far, it hasn't been overrun by cruise ships, making it all the more special.
Next, I took a ferry to Santorini. Although this was my third visit, I never tire of the breathtaking sunsets that light up the sky each evening. I hired a local guide and van to show us around the island, visiting archaeological sites, a charming village, and enjoying lunch at a seaside taverna. We ended the day with a visit to a beautiful winery, where the views were as incredible as the wine. The following day, I set off on my favorite hike from Fira to Oia—one of my most memorable outings on the island.
My final stop on my three-week island adventure was Crete. Although I've visited this island three times, its vastness means there's always more to explore. I arrived in the town of Rethymno, where I spent my days swimming and sunbathing on the beautiful beaches just steps from my doorstep. One day, I took an excursion across the island to explore Preveli Beach, where a freshwater river runs through a palm tree-lined gorge. We followed the visit with a delicious late lunch in a nearby village.
To wrap up my time in Greece, I spent the last few days in the charming town of Chania, with its Venetian-inspired architecture. The town feels like stepping back in time, with winding streets, lively music, shopping, beaches, sunsets, and of course, incredible Cretan cuisine.
For the next three weeks of my 6 ½ week journey, I flew to England to explore areas I hadn’t yet visited. My first stop was a charming village by the sea in Kent, where I spent three nights. From the upstairs window, I had a stunning view of the English Channel, and on clear days, I could even see France in the distance!
Next, I traveled to Bath, where I explored the famous Roman Baths and then ventured into the picturesque countryside. Highlights included visits to Stonehenge, Avebury, and the beautiful Cotswolds.
I had always wanted to visit Wales, and with limited time, I decided to focus on North Wales, saving the southern part for another trip. I found a charming bed and breakfast in the town of Conwy and spent five nights there. My hosts were a bit surprised by my extended stay, especially without a car! However, with some creative travel planning, I was able to visit all the places on my list while also enjoying the peaceful surroundings of this beautiful part of the UK.
After my time in Wales, I made my way to the Lake District, where I based myself in the picturesque town of Keswick. Once again, I relied on the local bus system to explore nearby towns. Keswick provided the perfect setting for hiking around the lake and through the hills, with afternoons spent boating on the water.
From there, I hopped back on the train, which was incredibly efficient, and headed to the medieval city of York. What a delightful surprise this city turned out to be—it far exceeded all my expectations and is a must-see for anyone traveling through England. I joined a guided tour with the local tourist information center, explored the National Railway Museum, wandered through the charming Shambles, and had a fascinating Viking encounter at the Jorvik Viking Museum.
Next, I headed to Cambridge for a couple of nights, spending my time strolling through the town, exploring the colleges, and enjoying the beautiful parks. I even tried my hand at punting on the river!
The final stop on my England tour was, of course, London. With so much to see and do, it’s no surprise this city is a favorite. As a slow traveler who enjoys lingering in places, I chose a few spots off the beaten path. I booked a time slot to visit the Churchill War Rooms, went on a fun food tour in SoHo, sailed down the Thames to Greenwich to visit the Royal Observatory, explored Camden Market, and made sure to research a number of pubs along the way!
