Sofia, Bulgaria to Athens, Greece

Wild red poppy flowers were in full bloom in the fields from Sofia to Athens

Our adventure by rail from Berlin to Athens is almost complete.

The only part on our journey that we could not do by train was from Sofia, Bulgaria to Thessaloniki, Greece.

So, we boarded a bus, rode a few hours to reach Greece, then spent two days in Thessaloniki.

We have visited Thessaloniki before; but, this time, we enjoyed visiting with one of my husband’s college friends who now lives there.

We also went to the archaeological museum which we had not previously seen.

Thessaloniki was founded in 315 BC by Cassander who named the city after his wife who was Alexander the Great’s half-sister.

Here are a few Thessaloniki highlights we enjoyed.

Thessaloniki is famous for its deserts. Famous Greek American chef Diane Kochilas has this to say about Thessaloniki sweets:

“Cosmopolitan Thessaloniki is also known admirably by its locals as “the sweet mother”, thanks to its longstanding pastry tradition. Almost everywhere you turn, there is a shop selling desserts in every shape & size. Some of Greece’s leading pastry dynasties hail from Thessaloniki. “

Trigono Panoramatos- The Elenidis Bakery located in Thessaloniki’s Panorama district invented this sweet. It is crisp filo dough shaped in a triangle (Trigono in Greek) with a pocket which is filled with a rich custard or cream.

White Tower- Built by the Byzantines in the 12th Century; Used by the Ottomans as a prison

Great to be back in Greece with its delicious food. 😋

Then, it was back on the train headed for Athens. Traveling by train throughout most of Europe is very easy & not too expensive. The trains in the former East Bloc countries are a big step down in comfort; but, they get you there & are close to their schedule, when they are running.

The pluses to train travel vs. air travel is more leg room, no security checks, ability to board only a few minutes before departure, no bag weight or size restrictions, or extra fees. What’s not to like about all that! 😊

This is our 10th trip to Greece; but, the first time in May. It is nice to have cooler temperatures in the 70s with beautiful green hills. Plus, the added bonuses are smaller crowds & no fires that often accompany Greece’s summers.

Athens has over 60 museums & many historical locations to explore. We are never at a loss to find things to do as well enjoy revisiting favorite spots around town

One favorite spot is the Changing of the Guard ceremony at Greece’s Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at the Greek Parliament building at Syntagma Square. Guard changes occur several times a day; but the main ceremony occurs Sundays at 11:00 AM with the evzones in their formal dress uniforms accompanied by a band.

We toured the Panatheniac Stadium for the first time.

It was originally built in 330 BC. The Romans expanded it to seat 50,000 & refurbished it entirely out of marble. It was used until the 4th Century, then was basically abandoned. It was excavated & renewed in the late 19th Century & hosted the first modern Olympics in 1896. After the Olympic flame is relayed from Olympia, it is transferred to the host country in this stadium.

It is still the only stadium in the world built entirely from marble.