Slept well and woke to a bright sunny day high above the blue Aegean.

Maria set out a delicious breakfast of yogurt, honey, melon, hard-boiled eggs, grapes, toast and coffee on the terrace that overlooks the cruise ships several hundred feet below.

It is sunny and warm but there are wonderful breezes. The island, at least where we are, is quiet, peaceful and charming beyond description.

Our hotel, Lithies Traditional Homes, is simply fantastic. We come back from our walks to find our suite of rooms (called "Eros") totally immaculate, all of our clothes straightened out – even Carol’s night clothes were perfectly laid out on the bed. Lithes is one of the few places we stayed that gets the Lehrman five-star rating. Our hostess, Maria, could not possibly be any more friendly, cheerful or accommodating. We will truly be sad to leave this place.

We spent the afternoon hiking, shopping, eating, drinking, walking, taking photos, shopping and more hiking. By 5 pm we were hot, sweaty and our feet needed a rest. Found our way back to the hotel and jumped in the pool. The cool water was fantastically refreshing.

After a warm, revitalizing shower, we walked to Remvi, where we sat outside high above the Aegean sea, and enjoyed a delicious dinner of aubergine dip, mushrooms in garlic, grilled octopus, white wine, baklava and ouzo as we watched yet another spectacular Santorini sunset over Thirassia. A perfect ending to a perfect day. Fell into bed at 11 pm and slept like babies.

Next Day