Greece is certainly a large country, and recently more than 90 members of the KAPI, the senior citizen association for Limani Hersonissos, Pano Hersonissos, Analipsi and Potamies, had the opportunity to experience a good portion of their homeland for themselves.

The week-long group trip started with a late ferry from Iraklion to Piraeus, and an overnight stay in a private cabin, which in itself was a new experience for many. Refreshed for the following morning, the first excursion was to Korinthos, and then on to the fabulous Rio Antirrio bridge.

The bridge, a shining example of modern technology with its length of 2252m, is supported by five cable spans and four pylons, and rests on beds of gravel to allow for possible earthquakes.

After a short break, the two coaches moved the group through groves of orange and lemon trees to the area of Mesologgi, for a visit to the Garden of Heroes, a historic area of Greece that had, at one time, been taken over by the Turks.

The next stop of the day was at Arta, and the historical small bridge, which has the following myth: there were 40 laborers, plus the foreman and technicians who worked on the bridge, but each morning on their return to the job, all the previous day’s labor was ruined. Today, anything unfinished is often referred to: "Like Arta's bridge."

Our five star hotel, the Epirus Palace at Ioannina, greeted us warmly, and the next day it was off to Frosini Island, a short ferry ride across the lake to where many of the party took advantage of the special silver prices to buy presents for family and friends.

Back at Ioannina, the group was able to view the exceptional wax models in the internationally famous Vrelli Museum, which depicted different eras of Greek history, all the work of one artist.

 The next day it was time for the short ferry ride from Igoumenitsa to Corfu and then settling into our next hotel.

Much of Corfu has a great history with the English, and the group, touring the main town with special guides, had the opportunity to have much of that history explained in detail.

Along the way, there were stops at the big church of Agios Spiridonas, as well as the famous Spianada Square, with its small coffee shops beneath superb arches.

One of the many highlights of the day had to be the palace at Elissavet mon Rep, as well as viewing Pontikonisi from high above.

The magnificent Palace, now a museum, dates back to 1889, and has a great history.

On the final day of the visit it was time to admire the Palaiokastritsa, where the Byzantine monastery of Panagia, Virgin Mary, is actually built into the rocks. Here, the group was able to see first hand the superb paintings and icons which adorn its walls.

That evening it was time for a real Ionian night, with local music, a dance group and entertainment.  Traditional lamb and meats from the spit were served, and the party began with much singing and dancing into the early hours of the morning.
Unfortunately, all good things have to end.

As the group lunched on the shores of Nafpakto, they chatted about all the recent experiences of their homeland, and then departed for Piraeus and the Knossos Palace ferry for the return trip to Iraklion.

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