Meteora , on the mainland of Greece, is a destination that inspires for many reasons. The geological features are just some of the details to explore. The religious significance of it brings a whole new appreciation and awareness of monastic life. It has been described as “suspended in the air or heavens”. The monasteries are built on sandstone rock pillars in an area of Central Greece. We stayed overnight in Kalambaka, the nearby town, and enjoyed a delicious meal. We reached Meteora by rental car from Athens. If you need another option, I’d suggest hiring a tour guide to take you there in an air-conditioned van or car.
Eastern Orthodoxy is a religion that dates back to Apostolic times. The sights, sounds, smells and feelings inside of an Orthodox church are powerful and engage all of the senses. Icons for visuals, hymns for sound, incense for scent, communion for taste and candlelight for feeling are all part of this process.
Meteora is both a religious and geological experience. Because it is so rich in meaning and beauty, there are so many facets to its brilliance! I wonder what our sons were thinking when they experienced Meteora and its breathtaking views. When you first arrive, you take in the altitude and the geological impressiveness of Meteora.
You take photos, you explore the hillside, and then you ascend to the monasteries. This can be challenging —Greece has many steep roads and inclines. In the picture below, my son is just a speck in the stairway. The physical breathlessness doesn’t even compare to the emotional breathlessness of the solemn and faith-filled ambience of what you find inside the monasteries.
At 1 minute, 30 seconds into the video below, there is an interesting interview from an actor who explains his conversion and what his journey into Orthodoxy means to him.
Agriturismo is the new word for a special concept in traveling—agricultural tourism. We’ve done it several times now and it is one of the ways I incorporated my sons’ interests into our travel itineraries. Being an outdoorsy family with an agricultural flair back home, we especially enjoy getting a taste of this on our trips. One of my sons in particular has always loved animals and nature more than most kids. Enjoying nature, animals and plants in foreign environments and climates is educational and adventurous because you get to learn new recipes and engage into the cultural life of that area.
Locanda Rosati
The cooking class we took at Locanda Rosati in Orvieto took 3 hours and it was as fun as it was informative. Click villa:http://www.locandarosati.it
We drank wine while we cooked and took notes and photos. There was a kitchen full of cooks and the environment was so friendly. The dinner was served later in the evening to the other villa guests and that made an impression on our sons to know that their parents were involved in the process.
Besides following a cooking demonstration, there are other ways to get involved with the agriturismo process. Depending on which organic farm you stay at, you can be part of the farm to table experience in different ways. These photos are from various agriturismo villas we’ve stayed at:
milk the goats (served later to us as milk, ice cream…)
have wild boar served for dinner
collect fresh eggs (also used for breakfast)
go fishing and have it served for dinner
felt like a kid again!–with the animals…our dinner that showcased all the meals we learned how to make at the cooking class
Pyrgaki is the name of my father’s village in Peloponesseus, Greece (the peninsula). A village, called a “horio“, is always the most magical of memories for any child visiting Greece….especially when it’s one’s ancestral homeland like it is for us. My earliest memory of the village was being lost with my brother on a donkey. That memory made such an impact on me and on my next trip, I looked for Dori, the donkey, hoping to recreate that ride through the village. After many trips to Pyrgaki as a child and a teen, the most meaningful trip was when I returned there decades later to take my three sons for their first time. The family olive grove is the centerpiece of this village experience. The hundreds of olive trees with their wavering silver tipped leaves are a source of great pride for me as they yield the extra-virgin olive oil our family gets shipped to us back home, in America.
the olive grove behind my dad’s childhood country house
When the olive oil arrives, it is so darkly hunter green before it is filtered into the olive colored oil. It’s not the pale yellow oil you get in the grocery stores–it is FIRST PRESS and peppery good! The grapes must be harvested, too, every August (I think.) I was there in August of 1985 participating in this grape harvest (which migrant farmers do now, I believe) and it was hard work! I was bitten by so many mosquitoes and suffering quite a bit! But I knew then what a valuable experience this was. In fact, as a young girl, my father and I made homemade wine by smashing grapes (with our feet) off of our own grapevine and fermenting it ! Birthday parties were held under the grapevine pergola and now I have my own homegrown grapevine pergola.
sitting under a grapevine pergola
Our bee hives were another agricultural wonder in our backyard, growing up. When Daddy was the beekeeper in his official beekeeper outfit with snuffer and mask, etc….it was excitement all over the house. Sucking the honey straight out of the beeswax was the most intensely sweet (again, peppery!) taste, that I felt like I was in a sugar coma. Nothing will ever taste like homegrown honey from our backyard.
meeting relatives for the first timethe family cemetery…a church that our family helped build
my dad’s country homemy sister and I at our dad’s country home
suggested reading:
“The Two of Them” by Aliki (childrens book) but I doubt any adult can read this without weeping.
A zigzag tour of Italy is the convenient way to traverse the country. Starting in Milan and working our way back and forth through (Umbria and Tuscany) Venice, Orvieto, Todi, Spoletto, Sienna, San Gimignano, Florence, Rome, Bari (on this trip with our sons)….was our route this trip.
On other trips, I’ve done other cities that I recommend, like Sorrento. The fortress style of Orvieto, Todi, Spoletto , San Gimignano was picturesque but the grandness of Rome and Florence with all of the historical sites was significant.
Tour guides at the major cities and time built in to shop and sightsee was a perfect combination. As we walked around the important sightseeing spots, it fascinated me how my sons knew other details that I hadn’t taught them in our research units. For example, my youngest son knew many details from watching the movie Roman Holiday which I had recorded for us to watch but didn’t expect him to stay up and finish. The rest of the details they knew from their video game! –They knew specific details about the Medici family (when we arrived in Florence and toured there.) When we went to the Pantheon, they read an inscription and said, “Marcus Agrippa for the third time.” and they knew another inscription/emblem, SPQR, that was an acronym for “Senate and people of Rome”. They saw this emblem everywhere. My husband and I found this funny–-that video games can be educational, too, I guess. When I went to Rome as a 10 year old, I knew a lot of details from watching Masterpiece Theater’s I Claudius series with my big brother. Times have changed I guess.
spaghetti in squid ink
The Colosseum
The Roman Forum
the temples
the basilicas
the stadiums
Circus Maximus
The Pantheon
So much to see and research ahead of time—or to leave up to the tour guide. But I recommend preparing ahead of time–as an educator but mostly as a mother because it holds the kids’ attention better if they are engaged and looking for the right answer or something familiar in the information. If they are just listening to a tour guide ramble on about unfamiliar details, children can tune them out.
torture museums are a fun distraction for the kidsthe Vatican
Roma! ROMAHHHH!!!The city of fountains- 2,000 of them, reportedly. Why do people love Rome? The history, the architecture, the glamour and location, location, location. Italy is a great jumping point to see other European countries as it borders many fabulous countries.
When I went as a child, my trip to Rome was enhanced by watching I Claudius on Masterpiece Theatre with my brother, the historian. I enjoyed all of the landmarks from reading my guidebooks and because I recalled so many details from the “I Claudius” series. Now, going with my children was fulfilling because they had also prepared well for this destination and I was anxious to see if they’d connect with Rome the way I had as a child. We railed to Rome from Florence and stayed at the Baileys Rome Hotel.
What has always impressed me about Rome is that it’s laid out well for pedestrians. You can get around by map and the city seemed clean to us for such a major metropolitan city. As a child, I marveled at the way the streets were built around the landmarks. It felt like the antiquity and modernity of the city was merged into one. The next day we met our private tour guides who drove us around in a van.
Sightseeing itinerary:
A full day of sightseeing can take place in 7 hours, approximately. Start the morning with touring the treasures of the Vatican; Sistine Chapel and Basilica of St. Peter. After crossing the park of Villa Borghese, you’ll arrive at Vatican City, the smallest independent country in the world. Proceed to the Basilica of St. Peter to enjoy the art of the largest Roman Catholic Church in the world. The Pantheon was on our route and it is one of my favorites as it’s full of history and significance.
St. Peter’s Basilica
In the afternoon, you can explore the Roman Forum and Colosseum. Stroll by the Piazza Barberini to gaze upon the Triton Fountain and on to the Piazza Venezia. The Roman Forum, Senate House, Basilicas and Temples of the major gods are located in the Imperial City centre. Walk down the Via Sacra by the Arch of Titus where you’ll visit the Colosseum, ruins of the Arch of Constantine the Great and last stop on your tour will be the 5th century Christian Basilica of St. Peter in Chains and the world famous statue of Michaelangelo’s Moses.
Not to be missed is the chic shopping of Rome’s boutiques. The salespeople are as chic as the mannequins in the window displays. You will surely find something to buy and wear back home to remember your glamorous time in Roma.
The Spanish steps should be on your sightseeing route. My 10 year old son vividly recalled a scene in Roman Holiday with Audrey Hepburn on the famous Spanish steps. Rome leaves its imprint on every tourist. Cuisine, culture, history, shopping, etc…but for me, it’s the image of the concierge and customer service reps in their three piece suits in the middle of summer greeting me with “Prego! Signora!” Italia definitely earned the rank of #1 visited country!
Suggested reading: Mission Rome: A Scavenger Hunt Adventure (Travel Book for Kids) by Catherine Aragon
The Vatican, located in Rome, is also referred to as The Holy See. Located within this enclave of Rome are the following religious and cultural structures:
St. Peter’s Basilica
the Sistine Chapel
the Vatican Museum
Our sons were fascinated that there are Popes laid to rest in the Vatican. When I went there as a 10-11 year old, I remember being fascinated by the sculpture of the Pieta. There is so much emotion shown in the body language of the Virgin Mary cradling Jesus in her arms.
A big surprise for us as a family (when I went there as a child in 1979) was that the Pope was visiting the Vatican that day!! We had no idea this was going to happen. It was the newly elected Pope John Paul II. A crowd was gathering and I remember the excitement in my mother’s voice when she told us what was about to transpire. My tall 20 year old brother put me on top of his shoulders so that I could see the entrance of the cardinals and Pope. Our 1979 photo is very blurry and our waving hand was in the way!Since I was the highest of all the spectators, the Pope saw me and I waved to him! It is an unforgettable memory for me.
newly elected Pope John Paul IIfrom internet
My sister found this newspaper clipping my mother saved for us re: Pope John Paul II around that time we saw him. He agreed to officiate at the wedding of a janitor’s daughter! Read this poignant article to learn about his kindness and generosity. Click on the picture to enlarge. The two most important famous people I’ve seen in person are Pope John Paul II who I waved to and Queen Elizabeth (who waved to a massive crowd that we happened to be in.) Both events happened on trips to Europe and will always be thrilling moments for me.
from internet
Swiss Guards at the Vatican.
For Rome highlights and itineraries, click on blog link below:
Milan, (Milano!) was an anticipated destination for me!The fashion, the frenzy, the food, the glamour……the very feminine trip highlight for me in my all-boy family. Right after Zurich, we railed down to Milan for a day of shopping. The guys all went to the Duomo which they found impressive because of the fascinating architecture and also because it housed “preserved hierarchs” as my son said.
the Duomo
The hotel we stayed at could not have been more glamorous!–The Milan Sheraton Diana. We had two hotel rooms b/c there were 5 of us. We pampered ourselves right away in all the fun luxury items; bathrobes and rose petals on the bed! The hotel breakfast dining hall was even glamorous!
It seemed that most of the crowds were in the courtyard by the Duomo, enjoying the sunshine and view. I strolled up and down the avenues of shops enjoying truly spectacular window displays and the way the shops were arranged inside. Milano was an easy overnight stay with an evening dinner of decadent pizza.
We shopped even more at night. I spent time alone walking through the many streets of stores. I jokingly call the high-end boutiques “clothing museums”.The boys were a part of the action, too, for a while because they had heard so much about Milan from me ahead of time so, naturally, they were curious….even if they didn’t buy anything! 🙂 After dinner, we shopped some more to make sure we didn’t miss anything! I don’t have any daughters to share this experience with but I do love my sons for trying to join in my fun and excitement! They are troopers and my husband is amazing for teaching them patience while a woman shops. This is a life skill if you ask me! haha…..
The organic farm we stayed at in Orvieto offered a cooking class. I signed up for this while our sons enjoyed the pool and grounds. My husband “audited” the cooking class and took notes so I could be more hands-on with the dishes. We made a variety of Italian dishes and the chefs served us all later in a large dining room where the guests of the organic farm hotel guests all sat together at a long dining table. We conversed with people from all over while enjoying the meal that I helped make! Very satisfying event! The class lasted for a few hours as we made several courses….
Agritourismo is the new buzz word for agricultural tourism and organic farms/villas. http://www.locandarosati.
my little son got into this process toothe pool at Locanda Rosati
The dining hall within this villa estate was everything you could hope for in an Italian experience—stone walls and big archways. Nearby was an underground wine cellar and a gourmet kitchen where our class was held. Walking through the farm and gardens to find fresh herbs for the meal was authentic and pleasant. Far into the country, we were away from everything. It was peaceful, quiet, rustic and totally natural. What a haven to come home to after our daily jaunts into towns, cities and fortresses nearby.
from internet
Chicken cacciatore and other Italian dishes never tasted as good as they did in Orvieto. The freshness of native Italian cooking is supreme to the Italian cooking we have back home in the states. Italian food in America is rich in heavy sauces which seem to mask the real flavors of the food but in Italy, you taste each ingredient and you don’t get overly full.
Spain is a very big European country. People tend to pick cardinal point regions to visit so they can concentrate on the area. We chose mostly Southern Spain but also went to Barcelona. Seville, Granada, Ronda, Malaga, Marbella, Tariffa, Estepona (and Gibraltar; it’s own “country” within a country) were the cities we went to and from what I’ve heard Northern Spain has its own beauty worth exploring. The history of Spain is so rich and having tour guides or tour buses in Barcelona and Seville was very important in order to fully appreciate all of the details. The tour bus in Barcelona was an extensive way to see such a busy, fast-paced city. Barcelona is known for its modernity; and Seville for its antiquity.
My youngest son was most excited about the boqueria in Barcelona. A boqueria is a farmers market so extensive it was like walking through a food museum! Fresh smoothies were a favorite of his daily walk out onto Las Ramblas. Las Ramblas is the most famous street in Barcelona because of the mass humanity that walks there daily. Jamon, the Spanish word for ham, would hang in the boquerias, with its raw and pungent aroma.
boqueriaJamon
You could buy slices of it. Items in the Sevilla Cathedral were so inspiring and this altar of pure gold brought in from the Incas. It is said to be the most valuable altar in the world.
Sevilla Cathedral is the largest Gothic cathedral and the third largest cathedral in the world. Christopher Columbus’s tomb is in this cathedral. Although it is also said that his tomb is elsewhere. We saw the port in Seville where his fleet embarked from for the famous voyage to the New Word. It’s the farthest inland port which means it’s not on the ocean, but a river.
from internet. (Columbus)
Suggested reading:
Princess Prissypants Goes to Spain by Guerrier and Merka
Nigel the Navigator Goes to Spain by Evans and Ferguson
Never Say a Mean Word Again: A Tale of Medieval Spain by Jules and Bernhard
Follow this lesson plan to build trip itineraries with your family:
Exciting Barcelona evokes the memory of hustle-bustle, mass humanity, incredible art, tapas –a chic, modern metropolis!
la Sagrada Familia by Gaudi
A little bit of everything is found there; art, cuisine, fashion, religion, history….
La Sagrada Familia by Gaudi
Pablo Picasso Museum
Boqueria market
Flamenco shows
tapas
incredible shopping–Desigual!
Las Ramblas street
Barceloneta beach
the Zoo
Catalunya Square
Being the big city that it is, you will see unusual things. People with odd behaviors on full display is not uncommon. On two separate days, we saw unusual things that made us laugh and made us nervous but they are funny memories. They definitely made us realize that we were in a foreign place! Las Ramblas—the busiest street in Barcelona. Activity, nightlife, entertainment….
Las Ramblas (photo from internet)
The museums were very satisfying and introduced us to Gaudi and Picasso.
The Barceloneta beach was inviting after several days of sightseeing:
from internet
The Flamenco show performed after a dinner buffet was very entertaining and educational for us because we had NEVER seen one before and the interpretation of it was revealing.We stayed in an apartment near Las Ramblas street. We walked out onto Las Ramblas each day and night. It was the Barcelona BCN apartment.
Spain was one of the top choices for our sons because of their familiarity with the country and the language from their Spanish class at school. Being a large country, we had to choose which regions we could visit. We had 9 days to see Spain and we chose the southern side. Malaga, Marbella, Tariffa, Barcelona, Seville, Granada, Ronda, etc.. Barcelona had the modern experiences and Seville had the antiquity and history. If you had a Flamenco dancer doll like I did as a child, you will know what it felt like to see this image come to life as the real thing! My Flamenco dancer doll had a red dress, black hair, lace and the fan. Supposedly, our uncle bought it for us during a trip to Spain. It was part of my bedroom decorations for years. When I found out decades later that we’d be seeing a Flamenco show in Spain, it delighted me! There was so much emotion, music and “storytelling” in the show and it was interesting to watch my husband and sons focus on the details while trying to interpret the performance.This electrifying evening happened at the Tablao Flamenco El Cordobes located in the Las Ramblas area in the city center. Reportedly, the best Granada artists have made it become one of the most important Flamenco spots in Spain. It was exciting for us to attend a performance that has gained international prestige.
The geological features are just some of the details to explore. The religious significance of it brings a whole new appreciation and awareness of monastic life. It has been described as “suspended in the air or heavens”. The monasteries are built on sandstone rock pillars in an area of Central Greece. We stayed overnight in Kalambaka, the nearby town, and enjoyed a delicious meal. We reached Meteora by rental car from Athens. If you need another option, I’d suggest hiring a tour guide to take you there in an air-conditioned van or car. 
The physical breathlessness doesn’t even compare to the emotional breathlessness of the solemn and faith-filled ambience of what you find inside the monasteries.
Outside, I was touched to see a Greek flag standing proudly in the rocky ground. Rooted. Like us.
© Gina Michalopulos Kingsley
