March 27, 2018
Today we had to be up by 7 to get ready to get on the tour bus at 8am.
We went to the Radisson for the breakfast buffet since the Jazz Hotel restaurant did not open until later in the morning.
Our breakfast was great. Just as good as the buffet we had at the Sydney Radisson except this dining room has views of the city.
At 8am we boarded the bus which picked up some other passengers and then drove to the central tour bus terminal where we transferred to another bus that would take us on the 1/2 day city tour.
https://www.grayline.com.au/australia-sightseeing/melbourne-day-tours/melbourne-city-day-tours/melbourne-city-tour
The bus took us around the downtown city center where we saw the Princess Theater, Parliament House, Little Italy, Melbourne University and other landmarks.
The bus stopped downtown where guides met us to take us on a downtown walking tour to see the local laneways and arcades. We stopped for 15 mins so we could take a break, get coffee or tea or use the restroom.
We then proceeded for a tour of another arcade before we met the tour bus, got on and went to the Fitzroy Gardens for a 30 break to walk the gardens and go into the conservatory.
Back on the bus and then we went to the Queen Victoria Market. We had the option to get off and go back to our hotel on our own or stay on the bus which would drop us off at the hotel.
We opted to get off and we went into the market which consisted of individual stalls that sold clothes, souvenirs and food.
This was the best place so far for souvenir shopping during our vacation so far. We were able to buy gifts for our family and ourselves.
We then walked the 15 mins it took to reach our hotel and had lunch there.
(We moved from the Jazz Hotel to the Radisson before lunch). I had called our tour co. rep and asked if we could move and she said yes, we would pay the bill and the tour co. would issue us a refund when we got home.
After lunch we unpacked, rested and then decided to walk to the Greek District to go to the Greek Gift store.
The owners (forgot their names unfortunately) were very friendly and we had a nice visit talking about their life in Australia and our life in US. At the end I asked if they could recommend a Greek restaurant and they said to go to Jimmys Taverna, a 10 min uber ride from their store.
We summoned an Uber and the driver took us through different parts of Melbourne to the restaurant.
When we went it it was like being in a taverna in Athens. Tables filled with families with children and the sounds of the waiters calling out the orders to the cooks.
The food, meats and fish displayed in cases just like in Greece.
When we asked for a menu the waiter said just order what you want and we will serve it to you, no menu needed.
Do not remember what we ordered but it probably was an appetizer, Greek salad and grilled meat, ie souvlaki or lamb chops. Food was delicious and when we got the bill it was reasonable.
Best restaurant so far on this trip.....
Took the Uber back to the Radisson and got our things together for tomorrow's full day tour.
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