We need to be making our way across to Turkey so plan a bit of island hopping.

The key is in the ferries. Also the cost of island stays is extremely variable. I would loved to have stayed on Santorini but it is very expensive. So, work out a route with the ferries and check island costs and accomodation availability at the same time. We decide on doing the jump in two islands and spend some time relaxing. After Athens we need a rest! So 9 days on Paros with day visits to Antiparos, then 8 days in Rhodes.

Just up the road from us in Athens is a travel shop selling ferry tickets. As it happens they are CHEAPER than the internet! Worth remembering for the future. Also the lady gives us loads of advice about what to see and where to go. She is enthusiastic about Paros especially. Onward travel from Rhodes to Turkey can be arranged later, there are lots of ferries going to various Turkish ports and we havent yet decided which one to go to. Need to get the map out.

Its a half hour metro journey from St Nicholas to Piraeus. Then a ten minute stroll to Hotel Anita for our overnight stay. I feel like a weight has lifted from my shoulders leaving Athens. Piraeus is a very busy port and has several marinas, but there isnt the frenetic atmosphere and we both say we feel safer here already. The hotel check in very efficient, they are obviously a stop over for a lot of ferry passengers. For an additional €8 per person, we get breakfast and transfer to our ferry. Bargain. Ferry tickets are inspected and we are booked in. The room is perfectly fine, needs that man with a toolbox but its perfect for our requirements. We have not eaten since lastnight, so head out for lunch. Spoilt for choice! What a treat. I have a babyspinach salad with hazlenuts, gorganzola, palma ham and a citrus dressing. Norman has seafood rissotto with lime oil. We treat ourselves to a cocktail to celebrate the first day of our holiday. Hurrah.