Alanya, Türkiye & Rhodes, Greece: Greek Cruise Part Five

Wednesday, August 14: Alanya, Türkiye

After a piping hot day in Cyprus, it was time to dart off for another Turkish port in Alanya, Türkiye! Alayna is a small beach resort area along the southern end of Türkiye's Mediterranean coast, and was another ideal spot for a beach day and swimming in those crystal clear waters!

During our research of the town, we realized there weren't many excursions in Alanya, so Bryan and I opted for a day of "figuring it out as we go." While not our normal way of traveling (have you met me? I have a plan for everything) we thought a simple beach day would be easiest here.

Then we found out the main beach was a 20-minute taxi ride from the cruise port... not ideal.

We did, however, learn during our Q&A session yesterday that Alanya has tons of "pirate ships" in the harbor that will take you swimming in various bays around the coast. Sounds good to us!

So we walked along the pier and found the least decorated boat to take us swimming! For €15 a person, we got a meal, unlimited sodas, a foam party (which we skipped out on), and swimming in three different areas. I think that's the best-bargained excursion we have ever found!

Tersane Beach Bay

Our first swim stop was Tersane Beach, where we swam with a perfect view of our cruise ship!

Kleopatra Beach

Our next stop was at Kleopatra Beach, famously named after the Egyptian queen who visited and swam here! This area was a long stretch of beach that would have taken 20 minutes by taxi to reach. It was packed full of beach chairs, umbrellas, and water sporting rental options.

Alanya Belediyesi Bay

Our next stop was Belediyesi Bay, where we enjoyed 45 minutes of swimming before being served lunch.

On our ride back to the pier, Captain Baba's boat hosted a foam party. Bryan and I were happy to move down to the lower deck and avoid this part of the trip; we both have lived through enough foam parties from our time at University Towers at NC State!

Upon our return to the port, we spent a few minutes wandering the streets of Alanya but didn't feel like this area was suited for much international tourism. Instead, we both felt Alanya was better suited as a Turkish vacation spot. We were the only two Americans on the pirate ship, and we noticed a lot of our fellow cruise passengers were back on board well before us.

After showering, we hit up Billboard Bar for our Happy Hour and enjoyed a little trivia before heading down to the main dining room for a killer dinner! Holland America may have chosen a less ideal port call for the day, but the food on board has been stellar all cruise!

Thursday, August 15: Rhodes, Greece

Another day, another place to visit! Thursday we woke up to announcements that we had arrived in Rhodes, Greece for another overnight port call! We also learned that today, August 15, is a big holiday for the Greek Orthodox Religion. This day was celebrated as the "Assumption of the Virgin Mary" and her death and return to Jesus' side in heaven.

While the streets were packed with extra locals for today's holiday celebrations, we lucked out by booking a water excursion and avoiding all those extra crowds!

Rhodes Cruises Pier: Σταθμός Κρουαζιέρας Ρόδου

We met our guide outside the cruise terminal and were led to a private yacht for the day! Alongside four other Americans and two Canadians from our cruise ship, we enjoyed a day of luxury sailing around Rhodes and swimming in private waters all over! It was a DREAM!

Traganou Beach: Παραλία Τραγανού

Our first swim spot of the day was at Traganou Beach, where we were one of three boats anchored down! Donning a snorkeling mask, Bryan and I jumped in, and immediately swam to shore so we could walk along Rhodes' pebbled beach!

I honestly don't feel like pictures do this place justice! The Mediterranean Sea is stunningly clear! It's crazy to see perfectly clear 15 feet deep down!

Anthony Quinn Bay

Our next swim spot of the day was at Anthony Quinn Bay. This area was much more populated and we had to be on the lookout for incoming boats as we swam around the cliffside!

Kallithea Beach: Παραλία Καλλιθέας

Our final swim spot was at Kallithea Beach, where Bryan and I immediately spotted diver buoys- telling us that a dive company was out! We were a little envious not to have our own tanks, but this was the first swim spot where we spotted some fish, so we weren't complaining!

As we headed back to the pier, I soaked in some extra sun on the front of our yacht and pretended I owned the thing, as I read my book! Life is good! Bryan, on the other hand, was under the shaded canopy and wrapped in a towel...this man got sunburned BAD.... Nothing a little aloe can't fix, right?!

Tonight's dinner on the ship was a Greek-inspired buffet! Between all the feta, olives, and the amazing gyros we ate, I forgot to get a true picture of the full meal! I think I was Greek in another life- their food is some of the best!

Friday, August 16: Rhodes, Greece Sightseeing

After a lovely first day in Rhodes, it was time to fit in some cultural sightseeing.

But first, breakfast! On our way off the ship, I spotted a Romero Britto statue in the ship's art shop. You know I had to snap a picture for my mom!

Off the ship, we met up with our guide and boarded a bus for some sightseeing.

Acropolis of Rhodes: Ακρόπολη της Ρόδου

We started off by driving to one of the highest points of the island, where we saw the Acropolis of Rhodes. While nothing holds in comparison to the OG we visited in Athens, this Acropolis was good for our understanding of Ancient Greek culture. Every major town in Ancient Greece placed its temples on the city's highest ground. This kept it elevated from commoners and reminded all people of the gods' power over mankind.

Ancient Stadium of Rhodes: Αρχαίο Στάδιο Ρόδου

Our next stop was the Ancient Stadium of Rhodes. This stadium was built during the 3rd century and was one of the earliest locations of the Olympic games.

This area also has a bit of modern history as well: During WWII, Mousoulini conquered the island and renovated a lot of the area we see today. The stadium was even used to promote the Italian's involvement in the war!

While most of the Western World tends to lean towards a negative perspective of Mousoulini, the people of Rhodes do hold a little respect for him and his politics. Because of Italy's renovations to the island during his height of power, the Italians also brought money and vacationers to Rhodes. This helped revitalize the island and bring them into the 20th century.

Gate d'Amboise

The majority of our tour was a walking tour of the Old Town, and this began at the Gate d'Amboise. Like a lot of medieval towns, Rhodes was surrounded by walls, and this was the main city gate. Unlike other medieval towns, Rhodes is one of Europe's best-preserved medieval towns!

Medieval Clock Tower: Ενετικός Πύργος Ρολογιού

At the city's center is the Medieval Clock Tower. Just like during medieval times, this clock tower is the highest point of the Old Town and can be seen everywhere within its walls.

Βιβλιοθήκη του Χαφίζ Αχμέτ Αγά: Μουσουλμανική Βιβλιοθήκη του Χαφίζ Αχμέτ Αγά

We also made a quick stop by the main library of Old Town Rhodes. This library was first opened by the Ottomans and continues to function as a library to this day. I will admit, it was a little disappointing...its a tiny library and could have easily been mistaken for a wealthy merchant's office. On the other hand, the garden area surrounding the Ottoman Library was beautiful!

Suleymaniye Mosque: Σουλεϊμανιγιέ Τζαμί

Across the street from the Ottoman Library was the first church in Rhodes. It was later converted into a mosque during the Ottoman's control.

You may have noticed that Greece and Turkey have tons of similarities. One being the pattern of Greek Orthodox churches being converted into mosques at some point in their country's history!

Kozas Gallery

I have to admit, this was not our favorite walking tour guide. She walked so slow. While listening to her drone on in our headset, Bryan and I had time to go into an art store, find a watercolor, and check out before she even made it down the street. Lucky for us, I guess!

Street of the Knights of Rhodes: Οδός των Ιπποτών της Ρόδου

We also visited the Street of Knights, a stone-paved street that connected the town to the Acropolis of Rhodes during Medieval times. The street gets its name from the Knights of Saint John, who occupied Rhodes during the Middle Ages. The street starts at the Hospital of the Knights and ends at the Palace of the Grand Master.

Please pause here. Maybe go make a coffee or grab a drink because you are probably bored. We don't blame you, truthfully the tour itself was kind of boring. Just imagine doing the tour and having to put on a fake "this is great" face!

Ok, deep breath. We are almost done with this walking tour of Rhodes.

Palace of the Grand Master of the Knights of Rhodes: Παλάτι του Μεγάλου Μαγίστρου των Ιπποτών της Ρόδου

The Grand Master of the Knights of Rhodes Palace was the final major stop of our tour. (What a long name for a place, am I right?!) From the outside, this Palace looks like a storybook castle. It's impressive from the exterior. Then you go inside, and there's a courtyard filled with Greek statues, which was also impressive.

Then you go upstairs, and the palace becomes incredibly disappointing. The rooms had old, peeling wallpaper, lacked furniture or any decorations and, overall, were just plain sad. I whispered to Bryan at one point in our tour that I bet this Palace was left to the least favorite child. It was sorely disappointing!

I did snap a few photos of more mosaic floors and some pretty tilework, but those were the rare spots of beauty in this dismal place.

Hippocrates Square: Πλατεία Ιπποκράτους

To end our tour, we had a few minutes to explore the shops of Old Town Rhodes. This time took us through Hippocrates Square, which was packed full of restaurants, bars, and souvenir shops.

Then it was time to get back on the ship! We met our tour guide and waited for her to slowly lead our tour group back to the bus. Realizing we could just walk there quicker than this woman could lead us to the coach bus, we chose to stretch our legs and get there sooner!

Back on board, we headed back to sea for our final destination of the cruise!

Last stop: Kusadasi & Ephesus, Türkiye!

--Katie