1 00:00:01,433 --> 00:00:02,633 -"Dream of Europe" is made possible by... 2 00:00:05,200 --> 00:00:07,633 -At Regent Seven Seas Cruises, 3 00:00:07,733 --> 00:00:11,400 we believe that personal space is essential 4 00:00:11,500 --> 00:00:14,133 to the luxury travel experience. 5 00:00:16,333 --> 00:00:19,900 With no more than 732 guests, 6 00:00:20,000 --> 00:00:23,300 our ships allow you to explore the world 7 00:00:23,400 --> 00:00:28,100 and discover the freedom of having space at sea. 8 00:00:33,166 --> 00:00:42,100 ♪♪ 9 00:00:42,200 --> 00:00:50,466 ♪♪ 10 00:00:50,566 --> 00:00:56,966 ♪♪ 11 00:00:57,066 --> 00:00:59,733 -Custom, privately-guided travel. 12 00:00:59,833 --> 00:01:02,166 Kensington -- See the world, differently. 13 00:01:04,000 --> 00:01:12,133 ♪♪ 14 00:01:12,233 --> 00:01:14,100 -I'm Kathy McCabe. 15 00:01:14,200 --> 00:01:17,733 In this series, we'll explore the stunning landscapes, 16 00:01:17,833 --> 00:01:20,100 unearth the centuries of history, 17 00:01:20,200 --> 00:01:22,766 and discover what makes Europe 18 00:01:22,866 --> 00:01:26,166 one of the most captivating continents on Earth. 19 00:01:26,266 --> 00:01:28,933 Join me as we Dream of Europe. 20 00:01:29,033 --> 00:01:35,233 ♪♪ 21 00:01:39,933 --> 00:01:43,600 ♪♪ 22 00:01:43,700 --> 00:01:45,566 -Welcome to Athens. 23 00:01:45,666 --> 00:01:47,633 ♪♪ 24 00:01:47,733 --> 00:01:51,866 One of the oldest and most captivating cities on Earth. 25 00:01:51,966 --> 00:01:54,600 Once the capital of ancient Greece, 26 00:01:54,700 --> 00:01:57,766 Athens is a place that touches all of us -- 27 00:01:57,866 --> 00:01:59,766 all of humanity -- 28 00:01:59,866 --> 00:02:03,733 because it was the birthplace of democracy, arts, 29 00:02:03,833 --> 00:02:08,966 science, philosophy, and of Western civilization itself. 30 00:02:09,066 --> 00:02:12,666 Inhabited since the 11th millennium BCE, 31 00:02:12,766 --> 00:02:16,100 today, under the shadow of the Acropolis, 32 00:02:16,200 --> 00:02:19,233 Athens is an urban treasure trove for travelers 33 00:02:19,333 --> 00:02:23,600 in search of rich history, simple and flavorful cuisine, 34 00:02:23,700 --> 00:02:27,500 profound beauty, and a little bit of adventure. 35 00:02:27,600 --> 00:02:32,166 ♪♪ 36 00:02:32,266 --> 00:02:36,866 My first stop today is the awe-inspiring Acropolis, 37 00:02:36,966 --> 00:02:41,033 where I'm meeting tour guide Demetrius Tsiligiannis. 38 00:02:41,133 --> 00:02:43,366 -You're walking in the center of the cradle 39 00:02:43,466 --> 00:02:45,133 of Western civilization. 40 00:02:45,233 --> 00:02:46,566 -That's incredible. 41 00:02:47,433 --> 00:02:51,200 The Acropolis is an ancient citadel perched atop 42 00:02:51,300 --> 00:02:56,066 the city of Athens, home to the ever impressive Parthenon. 43 00:02:56,166 --> 00:02:59,233 This archaeological site is the cornerstone 44 00:02:59,333 --> 00:03:02,100 of ancient Greek civilization. 45 00:03:02,200 --> 00:03:04,200 Built in the fifth century B.C., 46 00:03:04,300 --> 00:03:07,466 it was the primary political and religious center 47 00:03:07,566 --> 00:03:09,766 in ancient Greece. 48 00:03:09,866 --> 00:03:14,766 Democracy, philosophy, theater, and freedom of expression 49 00:03:14,866 --> 00:03:16,566 were born right here. 50 00:03:16,666 --> 00:03:19,933 To this day, all that emerged from this hill 51 00:03:20,033 --> 00:03:24,166 provide the intellectual and spiritual foundation 52 00:03:24,266 --> 00:03:26,166 for the contemporary world. 53 00:03:26,266 --> 00:03:29,533 ♪♪ 54 00:03:29,633 --> 00:03:32,833 I think it's one of the most iconic places in the world. 55 00:03:32,933 --> 00:03:37,500 You see photos of the Parthenon everywhere, all the time, 56 00:03:37,600 --> 00:03:39,833 and it is incredible to be up here. 57 00:03:39,933 --> 00:03:42,766 -It definitely is, but it's also the most important temple 58 00:03:42,866 --> 00:03:46,033 that we have from this glorious period -- the Classical Age. 59 00:03:46,133 --> 00:03:48,700 Almost 20,000 people per day visit this site. 60 00:03:48,800 --> 00:03:51,300 It derives from the word "parthenos", 61 00:03:51,400 --> 00:03:52,400 that means "virgin". 62 00:03:52,500 --> 00:03:54,433 As goddess, Athena was a virgin goddess. 63 00:03:54,533 --> 00:03:56,066 The only people who had access to 64 00:03:56,166 --> 00:03:58,000 the inside of the temple, the interior 65 00:03:58,100 --> 00:04:00,733 would be the high priest and high officials of the city. 66 00:04:00,833 --> 00:04:03,833 Imagine that all of these columns were pure white. 67 00:04:03,933 --> 00:04:06,100 The original color of this marble. 68 00:04:06,200 --> 00:04:07,700 -I can just imagine it. 69 00:04:07,800 --> 00:04:09,300 -There would be an altar where they would 70 00:04:09,400 --> 00:04:13,166 sacrifice ceremoniously animals like cattle and goats as well. 71 00:04:13,266 --> 00:04:17,233 There was a huge statue of Athena made of ivory and gold. 72 00:04:17,333 --> 00:04:19,300 -I'm so curious about this statue of Athena. 73 00:04:19,400 --> 00:04:21,966 How tall do you think it was, or do people think it was? 74 00:04:22,066 --> 00:04:24,100 -Around 38, 40-feet high. 75 00:04:24,200 --> 00:04:25,500 -Oh, my God, that's big. 76 00:04:25,600 --> 00:04:26,733 -It was very large. 77 00:04:26,833 --> 00:04:28,533 -The Parthenon evolved with the times. 78 00:04:28,633 --> 00:04:31,766 -Definitely. We know that in the late fourth century A.D., 79 00:04:31,866 --> 00:04:34,500 Christianity became the official religion of the Roman Empire 80 00:04:34,600 --> 00:04:36,000 and the only religion accepted. 81 00:04:36,100 --> 00:04:38,200 So this was a temple that was modified 82 00:04:38,300 --> 00:04:40,366 into a church dedicated to Virgin Mary. 83 00:04:40,466 --> 00:04:43,700 Afterwards, with the coming of the Ottomans in the 15th century, 84 00:04:43,800 --> 00:04:46,766 the church was modified into a mosque. 85 00:04:46,866 --> 00:04:48,466 -I would love to see more. 86 00:04:48,566 --> 00:04:51,033 -The next monument I want to show you is the Erechtheion, 87 00:04:51,133 --> 00:04:54,000 this temple dedicated to Poseidon and Athena. 88 00:04:54,100 --> 00:04:56,600 ♪♪ 89 00:04:56,700 --> 00:04:59,000 Here to the right is the Erechtheion, 90 00:04:59,100 --> 00:05:01,833 a temple dedicated both to Poseidon and Athena, 91 00:05:01,933 --> 00:05:05,166 and it's a unique temple because it's asymmetrical. 92 00:05:05,266 --> 00:05:08,233 The highlight is definitely the Porch of Maidens. 93 00:05:08,333 --> 00:05:09,566 -They're gorgeous. 94 00:05:09,666 --> 00:05:11,833 -These were priestesses of the Temple of Artemis. 95 00:05:11,933 --> 00:05:13,633 They were considered the most beautiful women 96 00:05:13,733 --> 00:05:15,233 in ancient Greece, and the ones giving birth 97 00:05:15,333 --> 00:05:16,633 to the greatest warriors. 98 00:05:16,733 --> 00:05:18,933 Yeah, I think it's the second most important monument 99 00:05:19,033 --> 00:05:20,733 of the Acropolis. 100 00:05:20,833 --> 00:05:22,400 -What I love about the Porch of Maidens 101 00:05:22,500 --> 00:05:25,200 is these beautiful women are holding up the roof. 102 00:05:25,300 --> 00:05:27,600 Kind of like women hold up the world. 103 00:05:27,700 --> 00:05:28,933 -They definitely do. -[ Laughs ] 104 00:05:29,033 --> 00:05:35,733 ♪♪ 105 00:05:35,833 --> 00:05:38,833 -Here is the Odeon of Herodes Atticus. 106 00:05:38,933 --> 00:05:41,466 He was governor of the region of Attica 107 00:05:41,566 --> 00:05:44,300 during the Roman times in the second century A.D. 108 00:05:44,400 --> 00:05:46,066 -Amazing amphitheater. 109 00:05:46,166 --> 00:05:47,966 -Whenever we have these series of arches 110 00:05:48,066 --> 00:05:49,533 stacked one on top of the other, 111 00:05:49,633 --> 00:05:51,633 we know that it's a building from Roman times. 112 00:05:51,733 --> 00:05:53,333 Think about the aqueducts, the Colosseum... 113 00:05:53,433 --> 00:05:56,533 -I recognize them from my time in Italy. [ Chuckles ] 114 00:05:56,633 --> 00:05:58,700 -And we know that this was built as a concert hall 115 00:05:58,800 --> 00:06:00,600 back in the day and is still being used as one. 116 00:06:00,700 --> 00:06:02,800 One of the very few monuments that are still being used 117 00:06:02,900 --> 00:06:04,166 for their original purpose. 118 00:06:04,266 --> 00:06:07,033 This could accommodate up to 5,000 spectators. 119 00:06:07,133 --> 00:06:08,733 -So if you come to Athens, do they have 120 00:06:08,833 --> 00:06:09,933 concerts like in the summer? 121 00:06:10,033 --> 00:06:11,533 -Exactly. We have great artists 122 00:06:11,633 --> 00:06:15,466 who have performed here like Elton John, Sting, Yanni, 123 00:06:15,566 --> 00:06:18,133 Frank Sinatra and even the Foo Fighters performed here. 124 00:06:18,233 --> 00:06:22,000 -Oh, really? I would love to come back and see a performance. 125 00:06:22,100 --> 00:06:24,700 -I know. -This is the home of Plato and Socrates, 126 00:06:24,800 --> 00:06:27,100 and I feel a little bit smarter after our tour. 127 00:06:27,200 --> 00:06:28,400 -That's the goal. 128 00:06:28,500 --> 00:06:30,900 ♪♪ 129 00:06:31,000 --> 00:06:32,800 -Directly below the Acropolis 130 00:06:32,900 --> 00:06:36,733 lies the oldest neighborhood in Athens -- the Plaka. 131 00:06:36,833 --> 00:06:40,000 This area's winding streets are filled with charming shops, 132 00:06:40,100 --> 00:06:43,900 cafes, and everyday Greek life. 133 00:06:44,000 --> 00:06:47,800 I'm shopping for Greece's well-known evil eye, 134 00:06:47,900 --> 00:06:51,066 said to protect the wearer from bad luck. 135 00:06:51,166 --> 00:06:53,033 I'm one to believe in these things, 136 00:06:53,133 --> 00:06:56,633 so I'm not leaving Athens without buying one. 137 00:06:56,733 --> 00:07:01,766 ♪♪ 138 00:07:01,866 --> 00:07:03,533 I see these everywhere. 139 00:07:06,366 --> 00:07:08,433 -I'm going to find an evil eye to buy. 140 00:07:19,466 --> 00:07:20,366 -Do you like? 141 00:07:20,466 --> 00:07:21,900 -I'm going to try this one. 142 00:07:22,000 --> 00:07:23,700 -That's a Greek color. That's it -- blue. 143 00:07:23,800 --> 00:07:25,333 -These are the Greek colors. They're beautiful. 144 00:07:25,433 --> 00:07:26,733 My favorite color is blue. 145 00:07:26,833 --> 00:07:28,100 -Yes, blue. 146 00:07:28,200 --> 00:07:30,166 -So, it's perfect. Look at that. 147 00:07:30,266 --> 00:07:32,166 It's very delicate. 148 00:07:32,266 --> 00:07:33,700 This is the one I'm getting. 149 00:07:33,800 --> 00:07:35,900 So now I'm protected, right? 150 00:07:36,000 --> 00:07:37,766 -Yeah. -Do you promise? 151 00:07:37,866 --> 00:07:39,466 -Yes. -Yes. Okay. 152 00:07:39,566 --> 00:07:40,633 I feel much better. 153 00:07:41,733 --> 00:07:44,566 Now that I have an evil eye for protection, 154 00:07:44,666 --> 00:07:48,433 it is time to try another famous Greek product -- 155 00:07:48,533 --> 00:07:52,000 ouzo, an anise-flavored liqueur. 156 00:07:52,100 --> 00:07:55,233 And I found the perfect spot for a drink -- 157 00:07:55,333 --> 00:07:58,200 a rooftop bar with a view of the Acropolis. 158 00:07:59,033 --> 00:08:01,000 You have a 360 view up here? 159 00:08:01,100 --> 00:08:02,566 -Yes. Every day 160 00:08:02,666 --> 00:08:04,766 -Of beautiful Athens. 161 00:08:04,866 --> 00:08:05,833 -Yes. 162 00:08:07,233 --> 00:08:12,200 Vasilis Kardaras is the head bartender at 360 Cocktail Bar. 163 00:08:13,166 --> 00:08:15,166 Does everyone in Greece drink ouzo? 164 00:08:15,266 --> 00:08:19,366 Yes, yes. Ouzo means company and seafood for us. 165 00:08:19,466 --> 00:08:21,733 That's why it is so important for us. 166 00:08:21,833 --> 00:08:23,866 -So it's not after dinner, it's with the dinner? 167 00:08:23,966 --> 00:08:24,866 -Every time. 168 00:08:24,966 --> 00:08:26,366 -With the seafood? -Yes. 169 00:08:26,466 --> 00:08:28,233 -That's why it is our national drink. 170 00:08:28,333 --> 00:08:29,933 -I can actually smell it from here. 171 00:08:30,033 --> 00:08:31,233 -Yes. 172 00:08:31,333 --> 00:08:33,533 -It smells like black licorice. 173 00:08:33,633 --> 00:08:35,466 And I love black licorice. 174 00:08:35,566 --> 00:08:38,933 -Ouzo is a very sweet spirit. Um... 175 00:08:39,033 --> 00:08:40,100 It is strong. 176 00:08:40,200 --> 00:08:41,833 -It's 40--40%. 177 00:08:41,933 --> 00:08:43,000 -Oof! -The alcohol. 178 00:08:43,100 --> 00:08:44,400 -40% alcohol. 179 00:08:44,500 --> 00:08:45,633 So you have to be careful. 180 00:08:45,733 --> 00:08:47,066 So show me how I should drink it. 181 00:08:47,166 --> 00:08:51,166 -We suggest it with some ice and cucumber inside. 182 00:08:51,266 --> 00:08:53,066 Now it becomes white, 183 00:08:53,166 --> 00:08:55,133 because of the water and the ice inside. 184 00:08:55,233 --> 00:08:56,500 -Yamas? -Yamas. 185 00:08:57,800 --> 00:08:58,933 -And then we taste. 186 00:09:03,000 --> 00:09:05,166 -I love it because I love licorice. 187 00:09:05,266 --> 00:09:08,333 It tastes exactly like you're biting into some black licorice. 188 00:09:08,433 --> 00:09:10,266 -Yes. -I'm going to try a little bit more. 189 00:09:11,766 --> 00:09:14,266 -But you need to take it slow. -[ Laughs ] 190 00:09:14,366 --> 00:09:16,066 Well, here's to Greece... 191 00:09:16,166 --> 00:09:18,100 Here's to beautiful Athens. 192 00:09:18,933 --> 00:09:20,133 Yamas. -Yamas! 193 00:09:20,233 --> 00:09:24,866 ♪♪ 194 00:09:24,966 --> 00:09:28,033 The poet-sandal maker, Pantelis Melissinos, 195 00:09:28,133 --> 00:09:30,200 is a must-stop for shopping. 196 00:09:30,300 --> 00:09:34,333 His store in the Plaka was opened by his dad, Stavros. 197 00:09:34,433 --> 00:09:37,966 Pantelis has followed in his father's footsteps. 198 00:09:38,066 --> 00:09:41,933 Jackie Kennedy, Sarah Jessica Parker... 199 00:09:42,033 --> 00:09:44,733 have all had custom sandals made here, 200 00:09:45,733 --> 00:09:48,700 choosing from nearly 30 different styles. 201 00:09:49,500 --> 00:09:53,266 There's only one thing I love more than shopping for shoes, 202 00:09:53,366 --> 00:09:56,000 and that's shoe shopping with a dog. 203 00:09:58,033 --> 00:10:00,800 -This is Poi Poi. He's so happy to see you. 204 00:10:00,900 --> 00:10:03,500 -I have to greet the dog first. 205 00:10:03,600 --> 00:10:05,433 Oh, my God. I came for a pair of sandals 206 00:10:05,533 --> 00:10:06,633 and a dog. 207 00:10:06,733 --> 00:10:08,533 -No, the dog you cannot have. 208 00:10:08,633 --> 00:10:11,233 He is like the greeting committee. 209 00:10:11,333 --> 00:10:13,500 -Oh, Poi Poi, I've got to go talk to your dad 210 00:10:13,600 --> 00:10:14,800 about some sandals. 211 00:10:14,900 --> 00:10:16,800 -[ Dog growls ] -I know! 212 00:10:16,900 --> 00:10:19,400 So you're known as the poet sandal maker. 213 00:10:19,500 --> 00:10:23,466 Why is that? -Because I also write poetry. 214 00:10:23,566 --> 00:10:25,333 -Oh, I love a man who writes a good poem. 215 00:10:25,433 --> 00:10:27,000 -Yeah, because I'm an artist. 216 00:10:27,100 --> 00:10:29,366 All the paintings you see around here are mine. 217 00:10:29,466 --> 00:10:31,433 I studied at Parsons School of Design in New York. 218 00:10:31,533 --> 00:10:33,466 -Oh, wow. -Yeah. 219 00:10:33,566 --> 00:10:36,466 -And what does it mean to you when you make a pair of sandals? 220 00:10:36,566 --> 00:10:38,300 -Oh, I like it a lot 221 00:10:38,400 --> 00:10:41,466 because it's like making a poem to somebody's feet. 222 00:10:41,566 --> 00:10:43,966 I'm very happy when I see people after 20 years 223 00:10:44,066 --> 00:10:47,666 wearing the sandals I made 20 years ago earlier. 224 00:10:47,766 --> 00:10:49,400 -You have a lasting legacy. 225 00:10:49,500 --> 00:10:51,366 -And most people hate their feet, 226 00:10:51,466 --> 00:10:53,333 but I say you should love your feet because they take you. 227 00:10:53,433 --> 00:10:55,100 -They do. They take you around the world. 228 00:10:55,200 --> 00:10:56,700 -They took you to Greece and you came to Greece. 229 00:10:56,800 --> 00:10:58,100 -They did! -Yeah. 230 00:10:58,200 --> 00:10:59,966 -It feels like you put everything you have 231 00:11:00,066 --> 00:11:02,500 into your art and your poetry and your sandals. 232 00:11:02,600 --> 00:11:04,333 -It's not just a profession. 233 00:11:04,433 --> 00:11:05,866 It's a passion. 234 00:11:05,966 --> 00:11:08,400 -That's profound. -Yeah. 235 00:11:08,500 --> 00:11:11,400 -Okay, so I'm ready for my first pair. 236 00:11:11,500 --> 00:11:14,066 How long does it take you to make a pair of sandals? 237 00:11:14,166 --> 00:11:16,000 -We can make them in about an hour. 238 00:11:16,100 --> 00:11:17,666 -Can you make me a pair today? 239 00:11:17,766 --> 00:11:20,500 -Of course. Come to the workbench. 240 00:11:20,933 --> 00:11:22,133 [ Chuckles ] 241 00:11:23,900 --> 00:11:25,433 I think the Theta is going to look 242 00:11:25,533 --> 00:11:27,066 really fantastic on your foot. 243 00:11:27,166 --> 00:11:28,833 -I could wear those all summer. -Yeah. 244 00:11:28,933 --> 00:11:31,200 -You can wear them with almost anything. 245 00:11:31,300 --> 00:11:32,966 So this is the base, 246 00:11:33,066 --> 00:11:34,966 and then you're going to customize it for me. 247 00:11:35,066 --> 00:11:37,266 -Yeah. -I love these sandals. 248 00:11:37,366 --> 00:11:39,433 -You see, it looks really great. 249 00:11:39,533 --> 00:11:42,033 -So you watch how I walk to see what to do. 250 00:11:42,133 --> 00:11:44,633 Right? -Yeah. 251 00:11:44,733 --> 00:11:45,866 Good. 252 00:11:45,966 --> 00:11:48,433 I see your heel is standing in a little bit. 253 00:11:48,533 --> 00:11:50,566 -Yeah. This one does. -But we can correct that. 254 00:11:50,666 --> 00:11:52,833 -Oh, really? So how do you fix that? 255 00:11:52,933 --> 00:11:54,733 -We have to punch a hole. -Okay. 256 00:11:54,833 --> 00:11:57,100 -Then this strap is going to go through here 257 00:11:57,200 --> 00:11:59,066 and hold your foot in place. 258 00:11:59,166 --> 00:12:00,866 -So these are really customized. 259 00:12:00,966 --> 00:12:02,900 -Yeah, so I'm going back there to punch the holes 260 00:12:03,000 --> 00:12:05,800 and I'm coming back like a new hero. 261 00:12:05,900 --> 00:12:07,066 -Good luck. -Okay. 262 00:12:07,166 --> 00:12:12,700 ♪♪ 263 00:12:12,800 --> 00:12:14,633 Okeydokey. 264 00:12:14,733 --> 00:12:16,000 -So you made the hole. 265 00:12:16,100 --> 00:12:17,800 -So I punched the hole. 266 00:12:17,900 --> 00:12:20,133 And then I'm going to put some glue here, too. 267 00:12:20,233 --> 00:12:21,933 We're gonna make a sandal sandwich. 268 00:12:22,033 --> 00:12:24,533 We're gonna hammer it down a little bit. 269 00:12:24,633 --> 00:12:30,033 There's shoemaker's hammers. -Yeah. 270 00:12:30,133 --> 00:12:31,066 -So let's see. Put your foot here. 271 00:12:31,166 --> 00:12:33,700 -Okay. Need my foot? -Yeah. 272 00:12:33,800 --> 00:12:35,233 -Oh, wow. Nice. 273 00:12:35,333 --> 00:12:36,300 -Let me see. 274 00:12:36,400 --> 00:12:37,700 So walk around a little bit. 275 00:12:37,800 --> 00:12:39,933 Yeah, now definitely your feet are going straight. 276 00:12:40,033 --> 00:12:41,766 -I like it. -You don't have that problem. 277 00:12:41,866 --> 00:12:43,466 -I bet my back will feel better. -Yeah. 278 00:12:43,566 --> 00:12:45,866 -We need to put the soles on, right? 279 00:12:45,966 --> 00:12:47,366 -The soles. Yeah. 280 00:12:47,500 --> 00:12:49,333 -Your assistant is sleeping. 281 00:12:49,433 --> 00:12:50,666 -Oh, yeah, it's... -Poi Poi. 282 00:12:50,766 --> 00:12:52,300 -Poi Poi's asleep, ah? 283 00:12:52,400 --> 00:12:54,500 -I see he doesn't do much work. [ Both laugh ] 284 00:12:54,600 --> 00:12:58,366 -So now we're gonna let this dry for a while 285 00:12:58,466 --> 00:13:00,200 and put them together. 286 00:13:00,300 --> 00:13:03,966 I'm gonna read some poem to you. -Well, that's why I came. 287 00:13:04,066 --> 00:13:06,066 -Yeah, this is from my "Athenian Quatrains." 288 00:13:06,166 --> 00:13:07,666 So it goes like this. 289 00:13:07,766 --> 00:13:10,300 "Apollo's steeds once more ascending. 290 00:13:10,400 --> 00:13:13,566 Here comes the god whose glorious light and warmth 291 00:13:13,666 --> 00:13:16,233 can put bad dreams to flight." 292 00:13:16,333 --> 00:13:18,466 -So I will have good dreams in those sandals. 293 00:13:18,566 --> 00:13:20,633 -Exactly. 294 00:13:20,733 --> 00:13:23,500 -All of this shopping has me tired out. 295 00:13:23,600 --> 00:13:25,733 So it's time for a pick-me-up. 296 00:13:25,833 --> 00:13:27,800 And there's nothing better 297 00:13:27,900 --> 00:13:31,133 than notoriously strong Greek coffee. 298 00:13:31,233 --> 00:13:34,133 Traditional Greek coffee is a dark roast, 299 00:13:34,233 --> 00:13:36,600 finely ground, unfiltered, 300 00:13:36,700 --> 00:13:39,200 and prepared in a long-handled pot 301 00:13:39,300 --> 00:13:40,700 called a briki. 302 00:13:40,800 --> 00:13:44,700 The sugar ratio can vary widely, from none at all 303 00:13:44,800 --> 00:13:49,833 to so thick with sweetness that you could stand a spoon in it. 304 00:13:49,933 --> 00:13:53,966 Oraia Ellas is one of the oldest coffee shops in Athens. 305 00:13:54,066 --> 00:13:56,633 Just off Monastiraki Square, 306 00:13:56,733 --> 00:14:01,366 this cafe is like stepping back into a different era. 307 00:14:01,466 --> 00:14:04,933 Opened in 1839, this was the place 308 00:14:05,033 --> 00:14:08,366 where 19th-century Athenians would come to debate 309 00:14:08,466 --> 00:14:10,100 and exchange news. 310 00:14:10,200 --> 00:14:13,333 Hans Christian Andersen even penned some 311 00:14:13,433 --> 00:14:18,433 of his famous fairy tales within these hallowed walls. 312 00:14:18,533 --> 00:14:20,633 One of my favorite things is coffee, 313 00:14:20,733 --> 00:14:22,933 and Greece has some of the best. 314 00:14:23,033 --> 00:14:25,400 How do you make Greek coffee? 315 00:14:25,500 --> 00:14:29,800 -The Greek coffee loves to take their time. 316 00:14:29,900 --> 00:14:31,966 -They're slow. -Yeah, slow. 317 00:14:32,066 --> 00:14:34,333 And for that reason, 318 00:14:34,433 --> 00:14:39,266 we prefer to make the Greek coffee on the sand. 319 00:14:39,366 --> 00:14:41,966 -On the sand? I had no idea. 320 00:14:42,066 --> 00:14:45,566 -Because the sand heat more the Greek coffee. 321 00:14:45,666 --> 00:14:47,566 -And it gives it more heat? -Yes. 322 00:14:47,666 --> 00:14:50,066 -A really cool way to make coffee. 323 00:14:50,166 --> 00:14:52,333 I might need one of those at home. 324 00:14:52,433 --> 00:14:53,933 [ Both laugh ] 325 00:14:55,500 --> 00:14:58,866 Beautiful color. Mmm! Should I try some? 326 00:14:58,966 --> 00:15:01,400 -Yes. -Mmm. 327 00:15:01,500 --> 00:15:03,300 It's very sweet. -Yes. 328 00:15:03,400 --> 00:15:06,333 [ Laughs ] There's a lot of sugar in there, Giannis. 329 00:15:06,433 --> 00:15:07,500 -Yes, yes, yes. 330 00:15:07,600 --> 00:15:10,700 -Mmm. It's good. It's the sugar. 331 00:15:10,800 --> 00:15:13,600 [ Both laugh ] 332 00:15:13,700 --> 00:15:17,333 Today I'm on an adventure that is a first for me -- 333 00:15:17,433 --> 00:15:19,533 railbiking. 334 00:15:19,633 --> 00:15:21,566 Wow, this is really cool. 335 00:15:21,666 --> 00:15:25,400 Railway draisines were invented in the mid-19th century 336 00:15:25,500 --> 00:15:28,266 as a way for railway workers to inspect 337 00:15:28,366 --> 00:15:30,133 and maintain the tracks. 338 00:15:30,233 --> 00:15:32,533 Today they're all the rage, 339 00:15:32,633 --> 00:15:35,766 allowing people to explore abandoned railways 340 00:15:35,866 --> 00:15:40,766 with scenic views you can only access on a railbike. 341 00:15:40,866 --> 00:15:43,600 Just 45 minutes outside of Athens, 342 00:15:43,700 --> 00:15:45,866 in a little town called Megara, 343 00:15:45,966 --> 00:15:50,433 two Greek entrepreneurs have spent the last 15 years 344 00:15:50,533 --> 00:15:52,766 making their dream of railbiking 345 00:15:52,866 --> 00:15:56,333 in the Peloponnese a reality. 346 00:15:56,433 --> 00:15:57,766 -This is the first railway 347 00:15:57,866 --> 00:16:00,433 that was basically built in Greece. 348 00:16:00,533 --> 00:16:03,400 It's 135 years old. 349 00:16:03,500 --> 00:16:07,366 -Art Filatov and Yuria Sakis work tirelessly 350 00:16:07,466 --> 00:16:11,700 with Greek railway officials to save these historic tracks 351 00:16:11,800 --> 00:16:14,500 and create something outside the ordinary 352 00:16:14,600 --> 00:16:16,700 for visitors to Athens. 353 00:16:18,400 --> 00:16:21,100 This is a really unique experience. 354 00:16:21,200 --> 00:16:23,400 -We are the first who's doing it in Greece. 355 00:16:23,500 --> 00:16:25,400 -What gave you the idea? 356 00:16:25,500 --> 00:16:29,133 -I was just interested in creating a vehicle, 357 00:16:29,233 --> 00:16:32,666 pedal-powered, to enjoy the scenery. 358 00:16:32,766 --> 00:16:34,900 I like the industrial heritage. 359 00:16:35,000 --> 00:16:37,700 -Can they do it other places in the world? 360 00:16:37,800 --> 00:16:40,566 -Oh, of course, it's getting quite popular across the world. 361 00:16:40,666 --> 00:16:44,300 It's new in the U.S. as well, but it gets very popular. 362 00:16:44,400 --> 00:16:45,933 -Sustainable tourism. 363 00:16:46,033 --> 00:16:48,333 You're reusing these train tracks. 364 00:16:48,433 --> 00:16:49,466 -Exactly. 365 00:16:49,566 --> 00:16:50,900 In this way, 366 00:16:51,000 --> 00:16:52,166 we're preserving those historical facilities 367 00:16:52,266 --> 00:16:54,266 for further generations. -Yeah. 368 00:16:54,366 --> 00:16:56,933 So, you make these. You produce these railbikes. 369 00:16:57,033 --> 00:16:59,200 -Yeah. We call it railbike [indistinct]. 370 00:16:59,300 --> 00:17:02,066 The most challenging part in constructing railbike 371 00:17:02,166 --> 00:17:07,100 is how do you go on those rusty railways without derailing. 372 00:17:07,200 --> 00:17:09,666 -That's a good -- that's a good thing to be cautious of. 373 00:17:09,766 --> 00:17:11,533 -So I've got plastic wheels, 374 00:17:11,633 --> 00:17:15,233 which they are imitating the actual railway wheel. 375 00:17:15,333 --> 00:17:17,300 So it's just smaller diameter. 376 00:17:17,400 --> 00:17:19,300 And I've got double wheels. 377 00:17:19,400 --> 00:17:22,166 -I see, there's two. -Yeah. 378 00:17:22,266 --> 00:17:28,066 Because it's hard for one tiny wheel to keep the friction. 379 00:17:28,166 --> 00:17:30,066 -And you know, it's not scary. 380 00:17:30,166 --> 00:17:33,666 We're right on the cliff side, but it feels very secure. 381 00:17:33,766 --> 00:17:36,333 So even people who might be afraid of heights, 382 00:17:36,433 --> 00:17:39,033 it's really quite pleasant, yeah. 383 00:17:39,133 --> 00:17:40,766 -It's probably the safest extreme sport. 384 00:17:40,866 --> 00:17:42,633 -It is. It is. 385 00:17:42,733 --> 00:17:46,266 -It's actually safer than the real biking on the road. 386 00:17:46,366 --> 00:17:48,033 -Well, this is actually very easy. 387 00:17:48,133 --> 00:17:51,000 Any age, most physical abilities, 388 00:17:51,100 --> 00:17:52,266 you can be able to do this. 389 00:17:52,366 --> 00:17:53,666 -It takes minimal effort. 390 00:17:53,766 --> 00:17:56,900 You still need to pedal, but I think everyone can do it, 391 00:17:57,000 --> 00:17:59,866 and you have to go slow to enjoy the scenery. 392 00:17:59,966 --> 00:18:03,500 -Look at these views. They're to die for. 393 00:18:03,600 --> 00:18:06,400 -There's an island right there called Agistri. 394 00:18:06,500 --> 00:18:09,133 It used to be like a capital for all pirates. 395 00:18:09,233 --> 00:18:10,966 Full of pirates, this place was. 396 00:18:11,066 --> 00:18:13,000 -It's a beautiful spot for a pirate ship. 397 00:18:13,100 --> 00:18:16,300 -You know what, the most famous pirate in Greece was Varvakis. 398 00:18:16,400 --> 00:18:20,333 And this historical figure actually was inspiration 399 00:18:20,433 --> 00:18:24,066 for "Pirates of the Caribbean." -Wow. 400 00:18:24,166 --> 00:18:28,266 So I keep seeing telephone poles along the rail line here. 401 00:18:28,366 --> 00:18:30,766 -Yeah. I just want to show you something. 402 00:18:30,866 --> 00:18:33,233 It's from the World War II, 403 00:18:33,333 --> 00:18:35,266 and this is like, -probably the first... 404 00:18:35,366 --> 00:18:37,766 -Let's see. -...uh, mobile phone. 405 00:18:37,866 --> 00:18:39,766 So, a railway worker... -Hello? 406 00:18:39,866 --> 00:18:41,066 -Used to -- Yeah. In case of incidents... 407 00:18:41,166 --> 00:18:42,566 -How do you say, yassas? 408 00:18:42,666 --> 00:18:47,266 -We say [ speaking Greek ]. 409 00:18:47,366 --> 00:18:49,066 [ Laughs ] Yeah. -Okay. 410 00:18:49,166 --> 00:18:52,433 -There's a just plug here. You plug in and you report in. 411 00:18:52,533 --> 00:18:53,800 Hello, honey! 412 00:18:53,900 --> 00:18:56,533 Can you take those potatoes out of oven? 413 00:18:56,633 --> 00:18:58,433 It's a disaster! -[ Laughs ] 414 00:18:59,233 --> 00:19:01,400 Wow. The things you see along the way. 415 00:19:01,500 --> 00:19:04,300 -Yes. You can discover a lot of things in those railways. 416 00:19:06,300 --> 00:19:08,033 -What's that over there? 417 00:19:08,133 --> 00:19:11,166 -It's a fish farm for sea bass and sea bream. 418 00:19:11,266 --> 00:19:12,800 Mediterranean fish, quite lovely. 419 00:19:12,900 --> 00:19:13,866 I love it. 420 00:19:13,966 --> 00:19:15,400 -Wow, this is really cool. 421 00:19:15,500 --> 00:19:17,766 -Down there, there is a road 422 00:19:17,866 --> 00:19:20,533 which has been used for more than 3,000 years. 423 00:19:20,633 --> 00:19:24,333 -That's a long time. -Yes. Spartans used to use it. 424 00:19:24,433 --> 00:19:26,600 And for the first time in your life, Kathy... 425 00:19:26,700 --> 00:19:29,133 -Yes. -You're not a passenger -- 426 00:19:29,233 --> 00:19:31,100 You're actually driving your railway. 427 00:19:31,200 --> 00:19:32,800 -I'm driving the train. 428 00:19:32,900 --> 00:19:34,066 My grandfather was a railway engineer. 429 00:19:34,166 --> 00:19:35,266 -Well, there you go. 430 00:19:35,366 --> 00:19:36,866 -So he's probably very proud of me. 431 00:19:36,966 --> 00:19:39,266 Can you toot the horn? 432 00:19:39,366 --> 00:19:42,033 [ Whistle blows ] [ Laughs ] 433 00:19:42,133 --> 00:19:45,200 This is the most unique train experience I've ever had. 434 00:19:45,300 --> 00:19:46,566 I love it. 435 00:19:49,333 --> 00:19:52,700 The Greek pirate Ioannis Varvakis is also 436 00:19:52,800 --> 00:19:56,633 the benefactor of the largest food market in Athens. 437 00:19:56,733 --> 00:19:59,466 Seeing a need for a central shopping area, 438 00:19:59,566 --> 00:20:03,533 he donated a building to the city to be used by Athenians 439 00:20:03,633 --> 00:20:06,733 from all walks of life to come together. 440 00:20:06,833 --> 00:20:10,466 Celebrity chefs to the yaya, or grandmothers, 441 00:20:10,566 --> 00:20:12,100 from down the street -- 442 00:20:12,200 --> 00:20:14,100 they all get their goods in the market 443 00:20:14,200 --> 00:20:16,566 or the many shops that surround it. 444 00:20:16,666 --> 00:20:20,133 Today I'm meeting my friend Ariadne Loukakou 445 00:20:20,233 --> 00:20:25,433 to sample some of the Greek tastes here. 446 00:20:25,533 --> 00:20:28,333 Ariadne, I'm having the best time in Athens. 447 00:20:28,433 --> 00:20:31,166 There's a surprise around every corner. 448 00:20:31,266 --> 00:20:34,033 -Isn't this, like, the most lively place in the city? 449 00:20:34,133 --> 00:20:36,333 -Oh, it is. There's all kinds of energy. 450 00:20:36,433 --> 00:20:37,866 What's inside? 451 00:20:37,966 --> 00:20:39,866 -You have the fish market, the meat market, 452 00:20:39,966 --> 00:20:42,966 the vegetable market, spice market from the other side. 453 00:20:43,066 --> 00:20:44,966 -Everything you need. 454 00:20:45,066 --> 00:20:47,200 -You can find everything here directly from the producers. 455 00:20:47,300 --> 00:20:49,100 So you know exactly where they come from. 456 00:20:49,200 --> 00:20:51,500 -I love that, and it's so rare in today's world. 457 00:20:51,600 --> 00:20:55,066 -Yes, I really want to show you an herb store. 458 00:20:55,166 --> 00:20:58,033 It looks like Harry Potter's store. 459 00:20:58,133 --> 00:20:59,566 -Sounds good to me. 460 00:21:01,600 --> 00:21:04,100 What a store you have! -Yes. Welcome. 461 00:21:04,200 --> 00:21:06,666 This is the temple. The temple of spices. 462 00:21:08,433 --> 00:21:11,133 It's almost one century old. From my grandfather. 463 00:21:11,233 --> 00:21:12,966 -He started it. -Yes. 464 00:21:13,066 --> 00:21:16,200 I am the third generation and we're preparing the fourth now. 465 00:21:16,300 --> 00:21:18,533 -It makes me want to cook. -It does. 466 00:21:21,166 --> 00:21:23,700 -Is there anything special that's produced in Greece? 467 00:21:23,800 --> 00:21:27,500 -We have sea salt. We collect it from rocks. 468 00:21:27,600 --> 00:21:29,200 Oh, my gosh! -From Tenaro. 469 00:21:29,300 --> 00:21:32,133 -Tenaro. Have you been there? -Yes. It's incredible. 470 00:21:32,233 --> 00:21:33,500 -Can I try some? 471 00:21:33,600 --> 00:21:35,000 -Yes, of course. -It's like crystallized. 472 00:21:35,100 --> 00:21:36,633 -Yeah. 473 00:21:36,733 --> 00:21:39,066 Oh, it's beautiful. -Mm. 474 00:21:39,166 --> 00:21:40,766 -Do you make some mixes of spices? 475 00:21:40,866 --> 00:21:42,833 -Yes. This is one of my best. 476 00:21:42,933 --> 00:21:46,766 -What's it called? -It's called the Aegean. 477 00:21:46,866 --> 00:21:49,400 -Mmm! I just want to dive in there. 478 00:21:49,500 --> 00:21:52,433 -Smells great. -It is for soups and for fish. 479 00:21:52,533 --> 00:21:54,633 -I think I'll take a little bit of that home. 480 00:21:54,733 --> 00:21:56,500 -Okay. 481 00:21:56,600 --> 00:21:58,266 -So I can remember the smells of this incredible store 482 00:21:58,366 --> 00:21:59,966 and our shopping trip. 483 00:22:01,566 --> 00:22:05,433 I have never seen anything like this. 484 00:22:05,533 --> 00:22:08,933 Sausages, garlic, peppers, everywhere. 485 00:22:09,033 --> 00:22:10,966 -This is an Armenian delicatessen, 486 00:22:11,066 --> 00:22:12,100 and these are sausages. 487 00:22:12,200 --> 00:22:14,566 In Greek, they call them pastirma. 488 00:22:14,700 --> 00:22:17,133 And it's made of different kinds of meats. 489 00:22:17,233 --> 00:22:18,600 -And this is popular in Athens? 490 00:22:18,700 --> 00:22:20,300 -This is very popular. 491 00:22:20,400 --> 00:22:22,400 And this was a neighborhood, actually, 492 00:22:22,500 --> 00:22:25,433 where different ethnicities would have different stores. 493 00:22:25,533 --> 00:22:27,900 -But this is like a crossroads, this neighborhood -- 494 00:22:28,000 --> 00:22:29,433 -Exactly. -...of every culture, 495 00:22:29,533 --> 00:22:31,600 just like Greece is a bit of a crossroads. 496 00:22:35,333 --> 00:22:37,066 -Here you have the best souvlaki in town. 497 00:22:37,166 --> 00:22:38,466 -Really? -Meet Tasos. 498 00:22:38,566 --> 00:22:40,133 -Tasos. It's a pleasure. -He's the man. 499 00:22:40,233 --> 00:22:42,133 -Nice to meet you. -What is souvlaki? 500 00:22:42,233 --> 00:22:44,733 -Souvlaki is basically a bamboo skewer... 501 00:22:44,833 --> 00:22:47,133 -Uh-huh. -...with small pieces of meat. 502 00:22:47,233 --> 00:22:49,066 -So, how is your souvlaki different? 503 00:22:49,166 --> 00:22:51,633 What's special? -What about the charcoal? 504 00:22:51,733 --> 00:22:54,533 -It comes from Mount Athos, you know? 505 00:22:54,633 --> 00:22:56,433 -Mount Athos. Yes. -Yeah. 506 00:22:56,533 --> 00:22:58,066 I have a friend there who, 507 00:22:58,166 --> 00:23:00,766 they make it with a traditional way 508 00:23:00,866 --> 00:23:02,200 to make the wooden charcoal. 509 00:23:02,300 --> 00:23:04,900 How you build the [indistinct], how you burn them 510 00:23:05,000 --> 00:23:07,200 without fire, without flame. 511 00:23:07,300 --> 00:23:08,866 -So it gives it a special flavor. 512 00:23:08,966 --> 00:23:11,200 -Yes. It rises much better temperature. 513 00:23:11,300 --> 00:23:13,033 It keeps it steady for a much longer time 514 00:23:13,133 --> 00:23:15,033 than other kinds of wood. 515 00:23:15,133 --> 00:23:16,633 -Alright. I'd like to try some. 516 00:23:16,733 --> 00:23:18,533 -Yes. 517 00:23:18,633 --> 00:23:20,700 -Whoa. -This is the souvlaki. 518 00:23:20,800 --> 00:23:24,633 -So I take the bread, and this is the meat. 519 00:23:24,733 --> 00:23:26,233 Tomato, 520 00:23:26,333 --> 00:23:27,800 and then I need to get the onion. 521 00:23:27,900 --> 00:23:29,533 It's not... It's going to be messy. 522 00:23:29,633 --> 00:23:31,166 -Yeah. Ready? -It is. 523 00:23:31,266 --> 00:23:33,366 -It's supposed to be, though, right? 524 00:23:34,933 --> 00:23:36,166 -Mmm! 525 00:23:36,266 --> 00:23:38,933 -I prefer them separated. Grab a... 526 00:23:39,033 --> 00:23:41,500 -Oh! This is delicious. 527 00:23:41,600 --> 00:23:44,300 So, I've heard that Greeks have been eating souvlaki 528 00:23:44,400 --> 00:23:46,000 since ancient times. 529 00:23:46,100 --> 00:23:47,966 -From the really old times. 530 00:23:48,066 --> 00:23:50,066 This is the Greek street food. 531 00:23:50,166 --> 00:23:52,400 -And the spices are incredible. -It's light. 532 00:23:52,500 --> 00:23:56,200 Basic spice with the beef meat is the black pepper. 533 00:23:56,300 --> 00:23:57,466 -Mm-hm. 534 00:23:57,566 --> 00:23:58,466 -Cumin. -Cumin. Yeah. 535 00:23:58,566 --> 00:23:59,466 -Yeah. -Mm-hmm. 536 00:23:59,566 --> 00:24:01,200 -Garlic. -Mmm. 537 00:24:01,300 --> 00:24:03,500 -And a bit of ouzo. -Ouzo? 538 00:24:03,600 --> 00:24:06,000 -Yeah. Because it gives the aniseed. 539 00:24:06,100 --> 00:24:08,766 -Your throat feels very warm. -Yes. 540 00:24:08,866 --> 00:24:10,833 -Just like ouzo. -Yes. 541 00:24:10,933 --> 00:24:13,000 -Oh, my God. That's incredible. 542 00:24:13,100 --> 00:24:15,600 Thank you for this incredible Athens experience. 543 00:24:15,700 --> 00:24:16,966 I'm going to have a little more. 544 00:24:17,066 --> 00:24:18,200 Is that okay? -Of course. 545 00:24:20,300 --> 00:24:23,066 -The last thing on my Athens bucket list 546 00:24:23,166 --> 00:24:27,700 is listening to some vibrant Greek music. 547 00:24:27,800 --> 00:24:29,733 What is going on here? 548 00:24:29,833 --> 00:24:31,666 [ Lively music playing ] 549 00:24:31,766 --> 00:24:36,633 ♪♪ 550 00:24:36,733 --> 00:24:37,833 -Hey! 551 00:24:37,933 --> 00:24:45,833 ♪♪ 552 00:24:45,933 --> 00:24:48,566 ♪♪ 553 00:24:48,666 --> 00:24:51,366 [ Cheers and applause ] 554 00:24:51,466 --> 00:24:53,333 -[ Shouting in Greek ] 555 00:24:56,800 --> 00:24:59,333 -As I wrap up my visit to Athens, 556 00:24:59,433 --> 00:25:03,166 I'm in awe of this city's timeless allure. 557 00:25:03,266 --> 00:25:06,833 Walking in the footsteps of ancient philosophers, 558 00:25:06,933 --> 00:25:09,833 marveling at the Parthenon's grandeur, 559 00:25:09,933 --> 00:25:13,100 and adventuring along the seaside, 560 00:25:13,200 --> 00:25:18,566 I have fallen in love with this city of the gods and goddesses. 561 00:25:20,966 --> 00:25:23,833 -"Dream of Europe" is made possible by... 562 00:25:26,133 --> 00:25:28,500 -At Regent Seven Seas Cruises, 563 00:25:28,600 --> 00:25:32,333 we believe that personal space is essential 564 00:25:32,433 --> 00:25:35,166 to the luxury travel experience. 565 00:25:37,266 --> 00:25:40,800 With no more than 732 guests, 566 00:25:40,900 --> 00:25:44,233 our ships allow you to explore the world 567 00:25:44,333 --> 00:25:49,133 and discover the freedom of having space at sea. 568 00:25:49,233 --> 00:25:58,400 ♪♪ 569 00:25:58,500 --> 00:26:08,000 ♪♪ 570 00:26:08,100 --> 00:26:17,866 ♪♪ 571 00:26:17,966 --> 00:26:20,533 -Custom, privately guided travel. 572 00:26:20,633 --> 00:26:24,100 Kensington -- See the world, differently. 573 00:26:24,200 --> 00:26:26,333 -For more about visiting Europe, 574 00:26:26,433 --> 00:26:29,900 additional videos, and a companion travel guide, 575 00:26:30,000 --> 00:26:33,400 visit dreamofeurope.com/tv. 576 00:26:33,500 --> 00:26:38,833 Follow "Dream of Europe" on Instagram, YouTube, and TikTok. 577 00:26:38,933 --> 00:26:45,633 ♪♪