Hi Dina,
We arrived home last night and can’t believe our wonderful two weeks in Greece is now just all those extraordinary memories. It was so good to actually meet you—glad we stopped by and that you were in the office. Aside from the Athens half-day tour, the trip was just about flawless. We probably didn’t need the transfers in Paros and Naxos as it was just as easy to walk to and from the dock as go on the bus, but we didn’t know that…and you didn’t know that we travel lightly—one small rolling suitcase and one tote/backpack a piece. Compared to the enormous suitcases we saw everyone else with, it’s amazing they have enough time to wear all those clothes.

The transfers in Athens were perfect and on time. No problems. The ferries worked well and I’m so glad we had reservations and good seats.

The Hotel Pandrossos was lovely with a nice balcony and great view of the harbor. The services were good and we loved how close we were to the port activities. We rented a scooter for 1 1/2 days (I hated it) so we got a car for the last full day and I loved it. We explored every inch of the island…Naoussa and Lefkes are beautiful and we thoroughly enjoyed exploring the beaches.

Chateau Zevgoli was more than I ever dreamed. Desima is a hoot and we had some wonderful conversations. Because of a booking for most of the rooms for a group of women on a walking tour/writing workshop, we got honeymoon suite. We had a bedroom, sitting room, and private large balcony at the top of the hotel with a view of the Portara and the castle behind us. We rented a car for two full days and traveled the entire island. The views were extraordinary…and the small villages were just what we hoped for. We had two of our best meals in Moni and in Apollon. I absolutely loved Naxos…it was my favorite. I really like the island wine and we took quite a liking to Citron.

Santorini is a bit touristy (no surprise) and we were amazed that the cruise boats come in, ferry the folks over to the pier to take a donkey or cable car up, and then repeat the process in reverse 3 hours later—the boats are only there for a few hours. Seems ridiculous. Oia and Fira both are gorgeous…but so many shops. We again rented a car and explored the island. There are some spectacular views of sunset and the caldera that weren’t among the crowds. The black beaches are dramatic, but we live on those perfect Mayan Riviera white sand beaches, so we’re spoiled. The Hotel Kelti was lovely and, yes, the walk up from the hotel to Fira was a real workout. I imagine if we go back, we’d stay out of town on one of those cliffs that provide views in both directions and not so many steps.

Although the hotel at the airport was very nice and convenient (we got upgraded there too, for some reason), I wish we could have stayed an extra night on an island and then flown to the airport and made our connection home. I realize there’s a risk of missing the connection by not being in Athens. We also talked about the wisdom of doing the islands first and ending our trip with 3 days/nights in Athens so we could be in the Plaka for our last night. Since our flight wasn’t until 12:30 p.m., we wouldn’t have had to leave for the airport until 8ish…hindsight always makes you smarter. ?

Regardless of different ideas now that we’ve been and returned, I want to thank you so much for all your help and for the excellent service. I would recommend you and Fantasy Travel to anyone…and I suspect we might just be back and use you again. We’re talking about Corfu and Crete…and are open to other suggestions. I imagine we need to visit some other countries before returning to Greece, but I know it will be soon.

Thank you so much and our very best regards,
Harriet and Richard