It was dawn at Athens International Airport when we piled into Leonidas‘ gleaming Mercedes taxi and drove towards the Acropolis. Our AirBnB apartment was worthy of a James Bond movie, with gorgeous lighting, linens and amenities. Floor to ceiling glass doors opened onto a private balcony with dead on views of the Parthenon. That first night, we went for a stroll around the Acropolis and found a gem of a wine bar called Lotte Cafe Bistro. The grumpy but fabulous bartender was less that enthused when I took a candid photo of him in front of his gorgeous bar. Next was a stunning rooftop restaurant called Acropolis Point in the Herodion Hotel overlooking the Acropolis Museum and the Parthenon, where we enjoyed craft cocktails an a delicious meal under the stars. In the morning, we met up with the Athens Free Walking Tour and set out with our delightfully overqualified tour guide. We learned volumes about all things Greek, Egyptian, and Roman, and how they all influenced one another as Athens evolved throughout history. Our final stop in Athens was the Acropolis Museum and all of the fascinating artifacts and archaeological excavations contained within its architecturally stunning walls. It was finally time to board Le Lyrial and set sail for our Greek Isles adventure! Our suite aboard the ship was lavish and grand. The foyer dressing room opened into a living room graced by floor to ceiling glass and a private balcony with bistro table and chairs. The bedroom featured an identical balcony and an enormous bathroom with full soaking tub, private commode and a spacious shower. The kind and attentive staff, French cuisine, and Hermès amenities were decadent and delightful. The Broadway stars headlining the cruise went to port with us by day and gave us first class performances each night. One night, I even danced on stage with Charlotte D’Amboise in a number from Chicago! Patmos was our first port. We explored the picturesque walking streets around the main square, then set off to find a restaurant on the beach to soak our toes as we grazed on local grilled octopus, calamari, Greek salad, and fresh bread dipped in Melitzanosalata. A man named Vasili was diving for urchins and bringing them to shore for curious children. He walked over and showed one to us, but explained that the black urchins are inedible. So he dove again and brought back a purple sea urchin, sliced it open right at our table, and encouraged us to enjoy the bright orange flesh inside. It was absolutely delicious and the whole experience was surreal. He wouldn’t let us buy him a drink or lunch, but invited us to stop by his little cafe on our way out of town. On our way back to the port we stopped to visit Vasili’s “little” cafe, and realized that he’s the proprietor of the main restaurant in the center of the town square. Such a generous soul, we realized that he only wanted to share the beauty of his town with us without any expectations in return. Then came Santorini, stunning and magical, soaring high above the volcanic crater that created its dramatic topography. Up top, the side streets meandered away from the busy shops to reveal quiet paths and hidden gems serving fresh seafood and cool drinks overlooking the iconic caldera. Next was Syros, the Rodeo Drive of Greece, with mega yachts, immaculate storefronts selling handmade goods to well heeled travelers, and locals sampling tables full of fresh local seafood. Mykonos thrilled us with a lavish afternoon at Super Paradise beach, and wandering the cobblestone labyrinth of shiny jewelry stores and restaurants with glittering tourists perched on chairs along the edge of the sea walk. Waves crashed into the sea wall, shooting water straight up into the air alongside the candle-lit tables. Poros was our final stop. We spent our final afternoon in Love Bay, basking on loungers and bobbing around in the warm aquamarine waters of a picturesque cove. I reflected on the art, history, and unparalleled beauty we found in those magical isles. Greece left us renewed and motivated to follow our dreams and plan for our next adventure!