[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Happy New Year to all my readers and travel friends!  I know it’s already February, but there’s no time like the present to wish you a happy 2019 with exciting travels! I hope you’re well into the planning process, and we are always here to help make your travel dreams happen!

Those of you who have read my blog know that I have resisted the idea of a bucket list. However, I’ve revised my thinking and have come to appreciate the value of identifying and prioritizing what is most important to you. Now, I have a travel bucket list! For me, I have put at the top some places that I want to visit while I can still negotiate hills and cobblestones. That’s why I’m going to Sicily this year! It’s my grandfather’s birthplace and I don’t want to miss the opportunity. This year I’m going to present a series of short blog articles highlighting locations that are truly “bucket list worthy”.  And, to begin…………………………………………………..

Introducing SANTORINI, GREECE

[/vc_column_text][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/3″][vc_single_image alignment=”center” onclick=”link_image” image=”3972″][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/3″][vc_single_image alignment=”center” onclick=”link_image” image=”3973″][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/3″][vc_single_image alignment=”center” onclick=”link_image” image=”3979″][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_column_text]You know those pictures you see in travel articles that feature spectacular white buildings with bright blue roofs overlooking the equally blue sea? Yes, that’s Santorini and being there makes you feel that you are living in a dream! These photos aren’t from a magazine – they’re from my iPhone!
Surrounded by incomparable beauty, there is the feeling of great well-being on Santorini. Whether you visit for a day or stay in one of the hillside boutique hotels for a week, you will enjoy a continuous feast for the senses. The principal towns are Fira and Oia – and I’d choose to stay in Fira to have a constant view of the blue roofs!

There are excellent dining options in both towns – don’t miss the zucchini fries or fritters with tzatziki. Shopping is also excellent in Fira.
The island was created as a result of a volcanic eruption in the 16th century BC, and the resulting terrain is volcanic ash. It is both desolate-looking and beautiful with areas of bright bougainvillea punctuating the hillsides. It’s a completely unique landscape.
Santorini is an island so how do you get there? There is an airport with regular flights from Athens and other European cities. Many visitors arrive by boat – either on cruise ships or by ferry from Athens. (Ferry trips take between 4 and 8 hours.) A word of caution – the island is very hilly so handling heavy luggage can be a challenge. It also means that walking is great exercise but it is for the sure footed! That’s why you will see donkeys walking up and down the hills. It’s best to take the funicular from the town to sea level.
A visit is an unforgettable experience. Is Santorini on YOUR bucket list?

NEXT:  Paris is always a good idea!

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