PHOTO: Lion Gate, Fabled Entrance to the Ancient Citadel of Mycenae, Greece

Lion Gate, the fabled and fearsone entrance to the ancient citadel of Mycenae, Greece

In the middle of the second century, the scholar Pausanius published his landmark Description of Greece. Among the many civilizations he documented was the kingdom of Mycenae, which reached its zenith during the late Bronze Age (circa 1650 B.C.). He referred to the “mythical history” of Mycenae, stating, “There still remain, however, parts of the … Read more

PHOTO: Tolo, Greece, A Popular Holiday Destination on the Greek Riviera

With its protected harbor and more than a mile of pristine sand beaches, the Peloponnese town of Tolo Greece has grown from a small fishing village to become the Riviera of Greece

With its protected harbor and more than a mile of pristine sand beaches, Tolo Greece has grown from a small fishing village to become one of the most popular Greece holiday destinations on what is thought of as the “Greek Riviera.” Families with children will especially appreciate the shallow water, which stretches at least 150 … Read more

PHOTO: Old Town in Nafplio, Greece, One of the Most Beautiful Villages in the Peloponnese

Street scene in old town Nafplio, looking toward Syntagma Square and the harbor

Scarlet Bouganvillas cascaded down ocher walls. A palm lined plaza led to a simple church so blindingly whitewashed that it made me squint. Wrought iron balconies peered down on street cafes where locals sipped Greek espresso so strong it was guaranteed to produce a perpetual state of wakefulness. At every turn, Old Town Nafplio, Greece, … Read more

PHOTO: Painting Religious Icons at Pefkis Workshop of Byzantine Icons in Greece

At Pefkis Workshop of Byzantine Icons near Meteora, Greece, son Theodore Pefkis paints specially commissioned Greek religious icons

Pefkis Workshop of Byzantine Icons is a family affair. The shop was started by Father Pefkis, a master iconographer who began painting exquisite religious icons 32 years ago. In addition to being an artist, Father Pefkis is also an Orthodox priest (Greek priests are allowed to be married, have a family, and a second career). … Read more

PHOTO: Rio Antirrio Bridge Connects Greek Mainland with Peloponnese Peninsula

Antirrio Harbor and Fort, with the new Rio Antirrio Bridge in background, which connects the Greek mainland to the Peloponnese Peninsula

Following a remarkable visit to the ancient Oracle of Delphi on the mainland of Greece, our Collette tour headed for the Peloponnese Peninsula. Beyond a valley carpeted with thousands of gray-green olive trees we crested a rocky escarpment. I gasped. Hills carpeted with undulating grasses swept down to the azure blue Gulf of Corinth. Our … Read more