The Cradle of Western Civilization

August 2025 · Europe & Beyond 2025

Athens was our first city with a non-Latin alphabet, which made translator apps interesting to use… thankfully, once we were out of the taxi, most people we interacted with spoke English. The drive from the airport to our downtown hotel was lined with small independent shops - restaurants, auto repair shops, and corner supermarkets that gave the city a distinct local feel.

We had only one full day in Athens but made the most of it. We started with a guided walking tour of the Acropolis and Parthenon, and our amazing guide helped bring the history to life. Along the way, we learned that Athens’ population has quadrupled in the past 100 years. Afterward, I set out on my own walking adventure through the city. Later we reunited to explore the National Garden and wrap up at the Panathenaic Stadium - the site of the very first modern Olympic Games.