Delos Greece UNESCO World Heritage island

Onboard Royal Caribbean Brilliance of the Seas, you can explore magnificent ancient Greek culture with Doric temples, markets, an amphitheater, intricate houses, mosaics, and the renowned Terrace of the Lions.

Delos, the mythological birthplace of Apollo, has splendid ruins of temples, markets, a theater and famed Terrace of Lions.

STORY By CHRISTENE MEYERS

PHOTOS By BRUCE KELLER

The Carpe Kiem Kids

Rising from the shimmering blue waters of the Aegean Sea, Delos feels less like a destination and more like stepping into a living myth. Revered in ancient times as the birthplace of Apollo and Artemis, this small, uninhabited island just off Mykonos is now one of the most important archaeological sites in Greece. Delos Greece UNESCO World Heritage Island Site, offers a rare chance to wander through remarkably preserved ruins—grand marketplaces, intricate mosaics, and sacred temples—while imagining the vibrant civilization that once made this island the spiritual and commercial heart of the ancient Greek world.

APPROACHING DELOS, one marvels at the sophisticated people who thrived here two thousand years ago.

What happened to these wealthy merchants and scholars, no one knows. They simply disappeared,  -- but here on the lovely

Delos was declared a free port in 167 BC, it became a main trading centers on the Eastern Mediterranean. A thriving town developed.

Aegean Sea, early in winter, the light seems -- dare we say --Apollonion.

An animated, accomplished Greek guide brings Delos history to life.

No wonder, for it was here in the center of a magical archipelago where Apollo was born.

The god of music, truth and prophecy, healing, sun, light, poetry is a spiritual presence as we stroll through   ruins  dating  to 600 B.C. 

The superb location of Delos -- right in the middle of the Aegean  made it an ideal meeting place and trade center centuries ago

OUR BRILLIANT guide brings the culture back to life, describing a busy port, important religious center and home to wealthy and sophisticated merchants and scholars.  Their highly evolved hygiene, culture and architecture made the prosperous village a huge internationally touted "find" when it was discovered by the French centuries later in 1873.

Cookie about to board a ferry after a wonderful day in Delos.

As we studied glorious ruins, the morning sun reflected off the marble and stone as if to say: search always for harmony, ask questions, seek reason and balance -- all trademarks of Greek philosophy.

WHY THE ancient Greeks left their island home is unknown -- perhaps disease or crop failure, a sudden shift in tides or weather.  But we know that long abandoned Delos was once sacred throughout Greece, as the centerpiece of an artfully arranged archipelago .

Mykonos was the port for a day in Delos on Brilliance of the Seas.

We joined a group of students and tourists on Delos, to study a culture dating to the early Bronze Age. Important mythological, historical and archeological discoveries make it one of the world's most famous excavations. RCCL organizes great tours. 

We boarded a ferry in nearby Mykonos, setting off for a half-hour sail on the peaceful Aegean Sea.

It was Day 8 of our Mediterranean odyssey aboard Royal Caribbean's Brilliance of the Seas. Our destination was Delos Greece UNESCO World Heritage island, this famous mythological birthplace of Apollo, whose mother, Leto, gave birth to him and his twin, Artemis here.

The French began extensive excavations of Delos in 1873. Work continues today, with many questions unanswered.

EXCAVATIONS on Delos started in 1873 by the French School of Archaeology at Athens and by 1914 the most significant sections of the ancient site had been uncovered. Work is ongoing, and recently more ruins were discovered underwater nearby: kilns, pottery and  remnants of a major religious center and port during the 1st millennium B.C.

We admired ruins of Doric temples, markets, an amphitheater, houses with mosaics and the iconic Terrace of the Lions statues. We wished for more time in the excellent Archaeological Museum on site which displays statues excavated from the site. It was our third visit to Delos, and not long enough.

UP NEXT: Thumbs up for San Francisco Fire Engine Tours, a unique way to see the city.  Whether you're a native to the City by the Bay (as is our great-nephew James Ganner) or a tourist on a first-time or 20th visit, the delightful 90-minute tour will introduce you to new sights and little known streets, as well as familiar and iconic sights, buildings and parks.

Young James Brian Ganner gives thumbs up to his ride aboard a Mack fire truck. More on this fun family tour soon.

Remember to explore, learn and live and catch us Fridays for a novel approach to travel, the arts, nature and family.