Athens - Patras - Ionian Sea Crossing - Ancona, Italy

We did a walking tour around the Acropolis and nearby ruins. What a spectacular site. The Acropolis of Athens is an ancient citadel located on a high rocky outcrop above the city of Athens and containing the remains of several ancient buildings of great architectural and historic significance, the most famous being the Parthenon. After a late lunch we travelled to Patras for embarkation on the ferry for the corssing Ancona, Italy. Another smelly boat ride.

Ancona, Italy - San Marino 9th July

We disembarked in Ancona late morning and headed towards San Marino, one of the world's most ancient states, perched on Monte Titano. The walls , buildings and streets are so pretty, especially the three towers. Also everything is so close so in 15 minutes we saw the main basilica, the parliament building, the three old towers and a magnificent view. The Three Towers of San Marino are a group of towers located on the three peaks of Monte Titano, they are depicted on both the national flag and coat of arms. San Marino also has a cake known as La Torta Di Tre Monti (Cake of the Three Mountains/Towers), as a symbol for the area, it is a layered wafer cake covered in chocolate. Tower One - The Guaita is the oldest of the three towers, and the most famous. It was constructed in the 11th century and served briefly as a prison. Tower Two - The Cesta is located on the highest of Monte Titano's summits. A museum to honor Saint Marinus, created in 1956, is located in this tower. It was constructed in the 13th century. Tower Three - The Montale is located on the smallest of Monte Titano's summits. Unlike the other towers, this one is not open to the public. It was constructed in the 14th century.

We had dinner on a balcony and saw another wonderful sunset over the mountains.