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Heroine In Heels is a top 10 London lifestyle blog aimed at the modern day woman. Covering things to do in London, restaurant reviews, hotels as well as where to go in the world when you want to escape London

Greek Island Hopping- The Start

Monday 19 October 2015
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Summer may well and truly be over, but a few weeks ago I made a sure to get in some final sun before the tights and gloves come out. 

Way back in May I was asked would I like to come aboard the Mediterranean Delights Fitness Voyage, and it took till now to get the timings right. There was no way I was missing this though.

The Mediterranean Delights Fitness Voyage is an all inclusive voyage around the Greek Islands for a week on a traditional Turkish boat. There is a fitness instructor onboard for morning yoga, runs, and other workout classes under the sun and there is also a chef onboard preparing all sorts of feasts. The aim is to relax, unwind, explore and indulge. 

I think I just heard about heaven.

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Arriving on Wednesday morning, Helen and I were soon ready to board our home for the next 7 days.

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I was looking forward to trying yoga out.

But first we decided to explore the first island- the one we flew into- Rhodes. 

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The city of Rhodes, was built by the Hospitalliers around 1307 and is one of the best-preserved medieval towns in Europe. Rhodes is actually home to one of the 7 wonders of the world, the Colossus of Rhodes. Although this does not remain anymore, as it was destroyed in an earthquake.
  
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I don't think I've seen something so ancient, preserved so well. It really is incredible. I often imagine that I'm back in that era, and try to visualize what would have been going on in the very spot hundreds of years ago. 

Although from the canon ball shaped holes in some of the walls, I'm rather glad I wasn't actually there.

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After exploring the ancient city, we were keen to shake of our tiredness (if you follow me on Snapchat @heroineinheels  you would have heard about your flight mishaps)  so we ran for the water.

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No swimwear needed here.

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Later on, as daylight started to fade away, we piled back onto the boat, and prepared for our first magical sail across the sea.

For tomorrow would bring a new adventure.

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I don't think I've ever woken up to such colours. 

The sun was dazzling when I woke up in Symi. Honestly the colors were exquisite. I had never seen sea so blue before. I think I must have just stood in awe for around 10 minutes, just constantly rubbing my eyes in disbelief. 

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Having breakfast to that backdrop is probably the best breakfast experience I've ever had. 

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Onboard the boat, it's very much a family style experience. Everyone (all 12) eat around the table together, making it such a fun but intimate adventure. 

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I find it so strange how over one side of the boat the water can be so turquoise and the other, a deeper, greener colour. I'm sure the colour difference is due to depth and content, but it still amazes me. 

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Fueled up after breakfast, a few of the others started to dive in.

Well not one to want to be left behind, it was time to jump in too.

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(My photo's here are with my GoPro- I'm still learning how to use it, so excuse the lower quality)

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After a few hours of swimming and snorkeling, I decided to head out on the canoe and do some sightseeing.

It's actually incredibly peaceful, just getting away from people and sounds for a short while and simply drifting off.

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I'm still stunned at this glorious part of the world. So far away from the madness of London I usually knock around. 

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That afternood the crew were catching fish for dinner later. Of course I wanted a go. 

Never having held a fishing rod before, I was briefly told "When a fish nibbled, pull the rod up"

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I wish I could show you what happened! I basically yanked the rod up so hard it smacked the roof of the boat and made such a noise, everyone jumped back. 

I think my face says it all! My eyes!

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Moving on from my fishing incident. We left the little cove, and headed to the mainland. 

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It is not hard to see why Conde Naste called Symi the most beautiful harbour in Greece. On either side of the harbour is steep-sided fjord, clustered with cute multi coloured houses. It really is a picture perfect place.

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As the sun was going down, it was the perfect time to start climbing those steep hills. What better way to see the harbour dazzle under the setting sun than from up high.

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At the very top is the Monastery of the Archangel Michael Panormitis, which is still inhabited by monks.

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For me though, I was here to see this. 

Just breathtakingly beautiful. 

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There aren't many rules when your are off the beaten track, so a late night dip in the ocean is almost encouraged. I don't think I've felt such peace and serenity for such a longtime.

Tomorrow will bring even more adventures.
Also check out Mediterranean Delights Fitness Voyage for more information on the trips.

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5 comments:

  1. I'm having serious travel envy! I've always wanted to go to Greece, it's top of my Europe list but unfortunately Ibiza keeps squeezing itself into my diary every year! I'm determined to make it there next year, it looks so beautiful!!

    Lauren - Blonde Vision

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  2. Wow this sounds like an amazing trip!! I've always wanted to travel to Greece so I'm super jealous of your pictures!

    http://thecourtneydiaries.com

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  3. So jealous of this trip - it sounds like a dream! The colour of the sea in Symi is truly something else, and your pics are amazing - could you please tell me what camera you use? Lots of love, Andrea xxx

    Andrea's Passions

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  4. The place is Beautiful!!!!!!!!!
    Love the pictures you took!
    Jade xo

    ReplyDelete