Um, IT’S JULY!!!
What in the world?! How did that happen??? We have so much left to do this summer…so our July is going to be PACKED full of fun stuff! I cannot believe that June has already come and gone. Whhhhhhy does it happen so quickly?!?!
Want to know what else it is???
It’s PART THREE of our Italy & Greece Recap!
Before we get to that, I wanted to let you know that tomorrow is…my JUNE BOOK REVIEW! And friends, it’s amazing. If you’re looking for a summer read, I have one (or more!) for you, so make sure you pop back here tomorrow!
Okay, let’s dive in! In PART ONE, we left Dallas and headed to Venice where we spent two glorious days before boarding our ship for a seven night Greek Isles Cruise! Then in PART TWO, we shared our first three ports including beautiful Santorini! If you missed either post, make sure you go back and read them. Also, don’t forget that Erika is blogging her side of the trip today too, so you should check out her blog and see her pics from our trip as well! And of course, if you’re interested in how Mix and Match Travel Agency can book a trip like this for you (or any other trip!) email us today! We’d love to help! mixandmatchtravelagency@yahoo.com .
We hit up Bar, Corfu and Santorini in the first half of our cruise, so today, I’m going to share the last half of our cruise…
Good morning, Mykonos! So, like I said in PART ONE, we really tried to make this trip a mixture of exploration and relaxation. As busy parents of eight kiddos, we wanted to go, go, go and see…but we also wanted to sit back, relax and chill. We decided to make Mykonos our chill day, and when the trip was over, it was everyone’s favorite day. Every. One. Of. Us. What did we do? We got off the ship and had a private tour of sorts arranged to take us straight to…
…this gorgeous resort.
We parked ourselves here for the day…
…and savored every single minute.
Our “tour” allowed us to enjoy breakfast, lunch and their amazing pool amenities all day long. Erika and I have already decided that we’re coming back here to stay for like a week.
Okay, if you insist…I’ll sit here all day, stare at the sea and read my book. 😉
Erika and I looked down and saw the guys at the end of the pier, so we joined them. The four of us sat on the end of that pier laughing and talking for a long time. It was just so spectacular.
I mean, that view for lunch, right?!?!
Oh gosh! This day was just what all of us needed! I know we “missed” Mykonos, but we truly had a vacation day on this day…and trust me, we will all be back to stay awhile in Mykonos again.
Cleaned up for dinner back on the ship. We were sad to leave but excited because the next day…
…we were arriving in Argostoli, Greece!
We hopped off the ship and our private tour guide was waiting to take us on a personal tour of an olive grove and winery!!
This was so unexpected! We started our morning by actually visiting where her family grew the olives and the grapes for their business.
This was not only really gorgeous but so informative. We learned so much about the process of both making olive oil and wine. My top is HERE.
We headed in to see where everything goes from grape to wine. They still make many bottles the old fashioned way.
After this, we sat out in her yard and she brought us this amazing spread…
Oh friends! I could eat this EVERY DAY!!!!
After our yummy bites, our tour took us…
…to this Greek winery!
I found the whole process just fascinating! Our tour guide explained everything from when the farmers bring in which grapes to how they’re cleaned, pressed, processed, bottled, sold…all of it!
Then, we got to sit down for a wine tasting!
Before we left, we were able to purchase wine, olive oil and honey made right there. I loved this tour! Our day in Argostoli was just perfection!
The next morning, we were up and off the ship super early because we had arrived in…
…Dubrovnik, Croatia!
Awe! We have all the sentimental feelings about Dubrovnik! First, the last time we were there, I was very pregnant with Kensington and then, both my neighborhood and the Slaughter’s sit right on the edge of…
…Adriatica in McKinney. This is a shopping, dining, residential neighborhood literally within walking distance of both of our homes created to look like beautiful Croatia 🙂 .
So, we were really happy to hop off and enjoy the day!
We were off the boat by 7:00 in the morning, so our first stop was breakfast!
We sat out front right here and enjoyed the loveliest breakfast with a view. Hold tight, if you want to know the name of this place, keep reading because we come back here again. Hahaha!
Yes, yes, YES!!!
After breakfast, we hit the streets to explore!
We love a Saturday morning market!
Okay, Game of Thrones friends. See where we are?! That’s King’s Landing 🙂 .
We probably said “shame, shame, shame” approximately 4 billion times while walking down these steps.
Gorgeous at every turn.
When we exited our breakfast spot earlier that morning, we saw that their view out the back was even more gorgeous, so we went back for cappuccinos…
Table with a view!
This is where we were!
We only had until noon here, so unfortunately, we had to leave. It was just the nicest morning.
And then…we were back on the ship to sail back to Venice.
Cleaned up and ready for our last dinner on board. And psst: that’s that Amazon dress I love! It’s only $20!
Awe! We had the best week at sea!!! I truly felt like we got to do a little bit of everything!
So, that wraps up our cruise! We have one more post for you this week about our day in Rome!! In the meantime, I have to finish writing my June Book Review! You are NOT going to want to miss that!! See you tomorrow! xo
Charmaine Ng | Architecture & Lifestyle Blog says
Amazing photos! Really enjoying the photos and your recap of the trip. 🙂
–
Charmaine Ng | Architecture & Lifestyle Blog
http://charmainenyw.com
Mother of 3 says
I can see why you all loved your day in Mykonos.. that place looks amazing!!
Samantha says
I bought that dress from amazon and it seems so sheer! Do you wear anything under it?
Mix and Match Mama says
What print did you get? My palm print isn’t. I wear those Hanky Panky undies and strapless bra that I always talk about.
Narci says
What a fun cruise! Every single pic is just so gorgeous! Love it all! ❤️?
Erika Slaughter says
Let’s pack our bags for Mykonos TODAY!! I’m READY!!
Amanda @ Cupcake N Dreams says
Did each day get better and better?! Sign me up for that resort in Mykonos and the olive farm. I too would have sat there eating up that plate. As of GoT fan, Croatia is still high on my list! Thanks for recapping!
Amanda @ Cupcake N Dreams
Kelly M Sites says
My husband and I went to Greece and Israel several months ago and what I miss: THE OLIVES. So so so good.
Kelly M Sites says
PS I’m hitting home runs with books this month- I can’t wait for your book review. But I highly suggest Need to Know (Karen Cleveland- a new author to me) (in real life she was a CIA counter terrorist agent). The book is GREAT. I also loved Welcome to Moonlight Harbor (a fun beach read by Sheila Roberts (also a new author to me). One Summer in Paris was a great read (Sarah Morgan)
Mix and Match Mama says
I love recommendations!! Thank you so much!!
Mimi says
We spent 3 weeks in Greece last year and island hopped everywhere. Our favorite beaches were in Koroni (near Kalamata), Rhodes, Santorini, and Crete. Athens was fun to spend a few days too! Can’t wait to go back!
Sarah Shaneyfelt says
I think this was my favorite part of your vacation! I can’t decide if I loved your relaxation day in Mykonos or the olive orchard and winery tour more haha! Both days are perfect!! So glad y’all got an adult trip away to rest and recharge!
MeetTheShaneyfelts
Mary Elliott says
Thank you for sharing your travels!!! Gorgeous pictures! So happy for you all that you had an amazing trip:) I’m Definately going to have to add Greece to my bucket list!
Carrinton says
Where did you get your teal floral swim bottoms from?! So cute!
Mix and Match Mama says
Nordstrom! They’re not recent though. Boo.
Sara says
Did Andrew and Tab workout while on vacation? Y’all were so busy!
Mix and Match Mama says
They did! They worked out most mornings before we got off the ship (either right before breakfast or right after).
L. Thomas says
This trip seemed like the most perfect trip ever! I’ve never wanted to go to Greece, but now I do!!
Angela Ellingson says
Such a lovely, incredible and yummy few days! ❤️
Leiah says
So much fun!!! Where did you get your cute star and moon necklace? I love that!
Mix and Match Mama says
Accessory Concierge! I just looked though and don’t see it on their site any more.
Angela Patterson says
Oh Shay, I love these posts!!!!!! Sounds like you all had a fabulous vacation!!! Would you share what kind of shorts Andrew is wearing in the pics? I need to get my hubby some new ones for our upcoming vacation!!
Mix and Match Mama says
I’m like 99% sure they’re J. Crew!
Jeni says
What an amazing vacation! And when you return to Santorini please take me with you!!!! That day looked like perfection.
Kathy says
The pictures on this post are fantastic! They really show how much fun you all had on this part of the cruise! I can’t wait to visit Argostoli now because I’m a huge fan of olives and wine!! That resort in Mykonos looks absolutely beautiful!
Anna says
What kind of wine did you pick up?? Do you have a fav kind?
Mix and Match Mama says
We only came home with one bottle of wine and it was one of their whites. We also came home with honey and olive oil too!
Claire Rachek says
Where did you get your floppy hat?
Mix and Match Mama says
Nordstrom! An oldie but goodie!
Paula says
Your recaps have been fabulous. I really have enjoyed them. I bet the pictures does not do it justice. What a blessed time.
Kayla A Bruce says
Love this! My husband’s dream trip is a Greek island cruise, so we may have to look into this soon. I wore that Amazon dress on our little babymoon getaway this weekend– so fun!
Elspeth says
So glad you had so much fun and did a both a mix of sight seeing and relaxing. Those are the best kinds of trips!
http://www.elspethsdaybyday.com
Amy Coose says
Leaving on our very first, but I’m sure not our last, mix and match travel agency trip tomorrow and can’t wait! I’m thinking Greece is going to be my plan for our next trip, these pics are amazing!
Mix and Match Mama says
Ahhhhhhh! I’m so excited for you!!!
Andrea says
Hi Shay,
Can you tell me where you got those black shorts? You wore it with a striped tank.
Thanks!!!
Mix and Match Mama says
Right here! https://shopstyle.it/l/5gjX
Laurie says
Any chance you’d share your art purchase from this trip? I love this idea so much!
Shana says
I know everyone is different, but your day in Mykonos is exactly what every day looks like for us on any cruise! I only want a day pass at an upscale resort to relax and enjoy the views. Sight seeing/tours does not seem fun for me, however I LOVE reading about your tours and enjoy your pictures. (I feel like I go on tours through all of your destinations lol)
Paly Seabrook says
Hi Shay – may I know where you got that beautiful handbag from? The one you’re wearing in Dubrovnik. Thank you!
Mix and Match Mama says
It’s from Nordstrom! I think it’s out of stock now though.
Jamie says
Is it weird that my favorite pictures of your vacation posts are always the food?! Haha. I am always so fascinated with how/what people eat around the world. Looks like another great trip and lots of amazing food!
Laura says
Hey!! So I have traveled to Italy multiple times but I have never been to Greece and would love to go. A Mediterranean cruise is one of those things I’ve gone back and forth on. On one hand, I love the idea of getting multiple stops into one trip. On the other hand, I can’t help but worry that it might feel like kind of a letdown to only see a small sample of this amazing new place and then have to get back on a ship with a bunch of other tourists. Also, local cuisine is one of my favorite parts of travel so I feel like a ship dining room could also feel kind of blah when I could be having pasta in Italy haha. Do you experience this feeling at all when you do cruises? Or does the excitement of a new destination the next day make up for it? I’ve never been a big cruiser but this trip is starting to sell me on them 🙂
Mix and Match Mama says
I love, love, love cruising, but land vacations are always my favorite. That being said, I have grown to really appreciate having my “central” home while I move around and see other things. Plus, I get a taste for so many different places and then get to go back again later and stay longer if I like. The excitement on board is most definitely part of the charm as well. I think both land and sea vacations have their pros and their cons, but they are very different.
Liz Thorson says
I loved each of your 3 part entries of writings and pictures, Shay! What a glorious trip to enjoy with your besties! Croatia and Greece are on my bucket list! I already love Rome and Venice!
Laura Fuller says
Next year is our 20th and we’ve NEVER done anything to celebrate our anniversary besides dinner out. I’m thinking this cruise will fit the bill for what I have in mind. I’ll be in touch.
Mix and Match Mama says
Oh how fun! We’d love to help you celebrate, Laura!
Danielle says
Hi Shay! Were the private tours you took booked as shore excursions through Norwegian, or booked on your own? Also, did you take advantage of the nightly entertainment on the ship? I just returned from my honeymoon about 6 weeks ago aboard Norwegian Epic in the Mediterranean, and that was one area that I felt was lacking; other than that, I was so impressed with NCL!
Mix and Match Mama says
We booked these on our own, and YES! The nightly entertainment was so much fun! We thought they did a great job with the shows and the other entertainment (we did a lot of their game nights, trivia nights, dance parties, etc).
Mallory Clay says
When you cruise on Norwegian, do you stay in The Haven? We went on the Epic for spring break and felt disappointed with the ship outside of The Haven.
Mix and Match Mama says
I’ve sailed on the Epic! I liked it!! We did not stay in the haven.
Taylor says
Mykonos looks so dreamy!!! Shay, I’m sure I’ll be mentioning this in more comments this month but today is July 1st which means I am 23 days away from my first trip to Nantucket!!
Mix and Match Mama says
Awe!!!!!!!! you’re going to have the best time!!!!
Jeanie says
Your trip looks absolutely fascinating, to say nothing of beautiful!
Alexis Jalovick says
I love that I can tell the books you’re reading from your Kindle screens because I’ve read the same ones! Ha!
And also, Andrew is seriously one of the tannest people I’ve ever seen! ?
Mix and Match Mama says
Hahahaha! I read some GREAT ones!!! And I KNOW!! Although, Madeley still trumps him 😉 .
Karen says
Shay, I know you’ve said before that you plan these trips about a year or so in advance. Could you give us an idea of how (much) to save to plan a trip like this? I’d love to plan something like like but would definitely want to make sure we’ve got enough set aside to have the full experience like this!
Mix and Match Mama says
You need to email me Karen! I can ask you a few questions and give you a ballpark! I’d love to 🙂 .
Erica says
How do you wash/dry your Skechers?!
Mix and Match Mama says
In the washing machine with like towels and stuff. I’ve air dried them and thrown them in the dryer. Either way works!
Lori says
Obviously you do lots of reading on board so it must not make you sick. Are you able to read in a car too? I cannot at all, so wondering if a ship is different?
Mix and Match Mama says
No way! I wish I could, but I can’t even look at my phone when andrew is driving. Ugh.
Shawna says
Beautiful pics!! Would love to know where your romper/cover-up is from in the top pics? Looks to be a Lily Pulitzer. Love the print!
Mix and Match Mama says
It is Lily! It’s an oldie but goodie.
Tiff says
Thanks so much for your trip recaps! I looked forward to reading them.
Just a quick question, did you walk from the cruise port to Old Town Dubrovnik or take one of the shuttle buses?
Mix and Match Mama says
We took a cab! The cruise had shuttle buses, but the cab line was much shorter.