We left the ship via tender around 9:00 am. There was no line for the cable car and within minutes we were at the top and heading for the Hertz office. We set out in a cute six speed auto for Santo Winery. We discovered this spot the last time we were on Santorini and love it because it offers amazing views of the Caldera and the cruise ships anchored therein. Serenity is in the middle with Celebrity Edge to the far right and Crystal Esprit is the tiny one in front of Serenity.
We arrived before the tour busses and had enjoyed cappuccino and a bite. I took a ton of photos and the we headed to Pyrgos.
This is a cool little picturesque, out of the way town up a super steep mountain. The route involved hair pin switchbacks that Tim handled expertly. After finding a lucky parking spot, we set out on foot. We climbed and climbed, Timmy is a trooper… I ignored him muttering “she’s killing me”… because that’s what I do and hey, this guy spent 3 days climbing Machu Pichu last fall. These were steep straight up pathways, but the altitude was a piece of cake.
This is a typical home.
We were rewarded with amazing vistas and met a very nice chap from Colorado who took this photo of us.
Shortly after I reiterated to Timmy that I had no desire to shop because we are no longer acquiring things we came upon a cool gallery and we bought a piece of art for the Sarasota condo. The gallery owner meticulously rolled and wrapped the canvas.
Around every corner, we found something wonderful, like these two musicians.
Some more photos
Leaving Pyrgos we drove along the coast. The drive reminds me of Big Sur in the sense that you have stunning views along steep, winding roads.
We were charmed by these donkeys, pulled over and spent some time watching them.
We returned the rental car and joined the never ending line to take the cable car down to the tenders. We passed the 1 hour and 11 minute wait chatting with a lovely couple from Syosset, LI.
Returning to the ship we headed for the Cove, joining an intrepid couple, Pam and Larry, who walked the entire 632 steps down the mountain. Several drinks and a few hours later we parted ways, agreeing to meet up for dinner.
Life is wonderful.
