From Athens to Venice – Experiencing the Flavors of the Mediterranean and Adriatic

By Pegah Aarabi

      Never will you find a bigger departure from the everyday than along the shores of the Adriatic and Mediterranean Seas. Full of life, with stunning views, and offering all the tastes and sounds to overwhelm your senses, few people think of the shoreline connection between Athens and Venice. But just up the Mediterranean and into the Adriatic and you'll find yourself easily accessing two of the biggest destinations in the world.

Traveling to these tourist hot-spots, I found myself seeking more than the made-for-tourist areas. Starting in Athens, the thriving metropolis offers ancient history, archeological wonders, coastline beaches and an Opa! spirit that makes the city what it is.

It's easy to be overwhelmed by the numerous buildings, cars – erratic driving is part of the charm – and tourists, but there are ways to get back to the Athenian basics. Customize your trip based on what you prefer, and the best way to do this is to avoid one-size-fits-all tours.

For example, one of the most beautiful views in Athens is the Acropolis – the famous ancient ruins – at night. There are "Athens by night" tours but I found a way to enjoy the best view of the Acropolis and the Parliament at night, without the crowds and amidst luxury.

Atop the Hotel Grande Bretagne, situated in the heart of the city and at the foot of the historical sights, is the GB Roof Garden restaurant. From there you can enjoy a relaxing and sumptuous open-air dinner, while watching the sun set over the Acropolis, which then is lit up when night falls. Enjoy contemporary Mediterranean dishes that stand up to the view, and don't leave without ordering the "sleep" tea, which is made from local herbs designed to soothe you while you take in the sights. If the tea works very well, and you want to prolong the luxury experience, you can always book a room for the night and have breakfast there!

Another hidden gem, just south of Athens is the coastline of Vouliagmeni. There you will find far less tourists and more locals on holiday. Swim in any of the deep blue beaches, which consistently receive the EU Blue Flag award, an exclusive eco-label award. Try a seaside restaurant where just-caught fresh fish is readily available. Vouliagmeni also offers dramatic scenery where you can take in the full scope of the Mediterranean with a mountainous backdrop, and the "second most beautiful sunset in the world" as suggested by locals – the first apparently is not far away, on the Greek island of Santorini.

Having taken in the dramatic sights and exotic tastes of the Mediterranean, I wasn't convinced that there was anything that could parallel the experience, until I arrived on the shores of Venice. The Adriatic island is unlike anywhere else in the world. Nowhere else do boats replace cars, and 12th century buildings line the canals to meet in a grand square.

Possibly the most romantic city in the world, what better way to feel the romance than with a classic Gondola ride! Through the quieter canals, you will see the medieval buildings up close, touching the calm waters, for a one-of-a-kind experience that will relax even the most hardened traveler. To prolong the feeling, walk the cobble-stoned streets to shop for everything from Murono glass plates – made on the island of Murono just off the Venetian coast – to trendy Italian clothes.

Venice also has a resort island called Lido, where few tourists know that a beach vacation is quite possible on pristine blue waters. The island is only a short public boat ride away, and it's a great way to enjoy the coastline away from the swarm of sightseers.

If you're lucky, as I was, you'll coordinate your Venetian visit with one of the biggest nights of the year, the festival of the Redeemer. The festival calls for everyone to gather on their boat (each filled with family and intricately decorated) and meet in front of St. Marco's Square – the main attraction in Venice. And if you don't have a boat, you can gather in the square to watch the spectacular fireworks display. The festival is a great way to experience a unique gathering where an entire town, literally, gathers in one place to celebrate the big night.

If you want to celebrate the festival in style, away from the crowds, Hotel Danieli, the most prestigious Venetian hotel (and celebrity favorite!) can make for an unforgettable evening. Composed of three seamlessly connected buildings, one a 14th century castle, the hotel is every bit as opulent as you would expect from its prime St. Marco's Square location.

To complete the Venetian experience you must dine at the Restaurant Terrazza Danieli, overlooking the Grand Canal lagoon. And on the night of the festival there's really no better view, or gourmet meal for that matter, to make you fall deeply in love with the city on water – what a way to end my Adriatic experience!