Day 5: June 7, 2023

I was up VERY EARLY this morning to watch the day begin.

The caldera of Santorini is SO MUCH LARGER than I imagined. Since everything happens for a reason, I’m very grateful that our original excursion was canceled (boat ride around the caldera). We booked The Essence of Santorini instead, and it was the right choice as we saw so much more.

We began with a tender ride from the Crystal to our tour bus. It was a white knuckle drive to the top of the mountain, and we continued to the end of the island to the famous town of Oia. This is where all those quintessential pictures are captured. Here are some of mine

When we arrived in Oia, we were the 4th bus. When we returned 90 minutes later, there were AT LEAST 20 buses!! I thought it was crowded with just 4 bus loads of tourists!

We returned to our bus and explored more of the island. Narrow roads and crazy drivers require a talented bus driver.

Next stop …. wine tasting at Anhydrous.

Our final leg of the tour was to Fira, where we were to return to the ship. But trust me, WE ARE NOT ALONE. I cannot even imagine what this place is like in July and August, their high season. The number of tourists was PLENTY for me.

To get off the island (we are at the top), one must either take the stairs by foot or ride a donkey (I now understand Mamma Mia! even more). Or take the cable car. H&K did the stairs while the 3 of us did the cable car. We stood in line for almost an hour to get a 3 minute ride down.

We had to wait only 35 minutes for our tender to arrive in Fira and return us to the Crystal. I returned to my cabin to this …. so sweet!

My afternoon nap was delightful today and then we dressed for Blue and White Night. Another yummy dinner ….

I was led out the secret door from the dining room to catch the sunset

I had NO PROBLEM falling asleep last night ….