Four Days in Beautiful Santorini via American and Emirates First Class
May 20, 2018, 4:46 pm
#46
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Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: Denver • DEN-APA
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Indeed. That's why we spent a lot of time there just relaxing.
Thank you very much our_kid. We visited Mykonos a few years ago and IMO, Santorini is far more beautiful.
Thanks so much Parterre. LOL on the Holiday Inn. Man, did I catch grief from Mrs. SFO777 when she first heard about it.
But even she had to admit that it is surprisingly nice and we were upgraded to a suite... all for $175 AI vs. $425 that the Marriott wanted.
Thanks very much ironmanjt and for your kind wishes. Much appreciated. I don't think you'll be disappointed with Santorini... spectacular scenery and amazing food.
Thank you very much our_kid. We visited Mykonos a few years ago and IMO, Santorini is far more beautiful.
Great to see another SFO777 TR-- those of us who are penniless students always appreciate the opportunity to live vicariously through your writing! 
The hotel-theatre-dining three-fer at the Savoy definitely does seem a clever way to maximize your time. That said, condolences in advance for the EWR Holiday Inn...
The hotel-theatre-dining three-fer at the Savoy definitely does seem a clever way to maximize your time. That said, condolences in advance for the EWR Holiday Inn...But even she had to admit that it is surprisingly nice and we were upgraded to a suite... all for $175 AI vs. $425 that the Marriott wanted.
Thanks very much ironmanjt and for your kind wishes. Much appreciated. I don't think you'll be disappointed with Santorini... spectacular scenery and amazing food.
May 21, 2018, 12:37 am
#48
Join Date: Apr 2014
Location: Aberdeen, Scotland
Programs: BA Bronze, Emirates Silver, Virgin Silver, Marriott Titanium
Posts: 1,403
May 21, 2018, 11:31 pm
#49
Join Date: Oct 2010
Location: YVR - Vancouver, with most winter weekends in Whistler.
Programs: Aeroplan 35K, Alaska MVP, Marriott Titanium / Lifetime Platinum, Hertz President's Circle
Posts: 4,609
I would have to second ironmanjt's comments. I haven't really thought of Greece but it certainly looks appealing!!
My congratulations on your anniversary...
My congratulations on your anniversary...
May 22, 2018, 2:28 am
#50
Join Date: Jan 2017
Location: Paris, Geneva
Programs: Some...
Posts: 323
A few years ago, I spent a few days in each island (using the ferryboat to go from Mykonos to Santorini). I can only agree that Santorini is far more beautiful. However, once you saw the caldera, there's nothing that really deserve to be seen. Apparently, the place wasn't too crowded when you were there but during my trip, it was awful.
I think Mykonos offers a lot more things to do : walking in the city is enjoyable whereas walking in Oia or Fira is very difficult (as you said : no sign, no street...) and there are many different beaches with complete different atmosphere (from the rich and famous one with overpriced restaurant and valet parking to the very secluded beach, with a 20 minutes driving on country side track and one very small but local restaurant and the beach all for your self, and of course the "music" beach with parties starting at 3pm).
To anyone planing a visit, I'd strongly advise not to spend more than 2 nights in Santorini and go enjoy the other Cyclades islands...
May 22, 2018, 6:04 am
#51
Join Date: Apr 2009
Location: Sheffield, UK
Posts: 114
Hi SFO777, not sure if it's just me but the links to the following two installments on your website don't seem to work (I know I can go on your site (or just wait until they are on here!) but thought I'd mention it in case it isn't just me):
Relaxing in Oia
Aegean/Olympic Thira to Athens
Thanks
Lorelai
Relaxing in Oia
Aegean/Olympic Thira to Athens
Thanks
Lorelai
May 22, 2018, 6:50 am
#52
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Original Poster
Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: Denver • DEN-APA
Programs: AF Platinum, EK Gold, AA EXP, UA 1K, Hyatt Globalist
Posts: 21,601
Thanks nequine.
First of all, congrats for the anniversary.
A few years ago, I spent a few days in each island (using the ferryboat to go from Mykonos to Santorini). I can only agree that Santorini is far more beautiful. However, once you saw the caldera, there's nothing that really deserve to be seen. Apparently, the place wasn't too crowded when you were there but during my trip, it was awful.I think Mykonos offers a lot more things to do : walking in the city is enjoyable whereas walking in Oia or Fira is very difficult (as you said : no sign, no street...) and there are many different beaches with complete different atmosphere (from the rich and famous one with overpriced restaurant and valet parking to the very secluded beach, with a 20 minutes driving on country side track and one very small but local restaurant and the beach all for your self, and of course the "music" beach with parties starting at 3pm).
To anyone planing a visit, I'd strongly advise not to spend more than 2 nights in Santorini and go enjoy the other Cyclades islands...
A few years ago, I spent a few days in each island (using the ferryboat to go from Mykonos to Santorini). I can only agree that Santorini is far more beautiful. However, once you saw the caldera, there's nothing that really deserve to be seen. Apparently, the place wasn't too crowded when you were there but during my trip, it was awful.I think Mykonos offers a lot more things to do : walking in the city is enjoyable whereas walking in Oia or Fira is very difficult (as you said : no sign, no street...) and there are many different beaches with complete different atmosphere (from the rich and famous one with overpriced restaurant and valet parking to the very secluded beach, with a 20 minutes driving on country side track and one very small but local restaurant and the beach all for your self, and of course the "music" beach with parties starting at 3pm).
To anyone planing a visit, I'd strongly advise not to spend more than 2 nights in Santorini and go enjoy the other Cyclades islands...
Hi SFO777, not sure if it's just me but the links to the following two installments on your website don't seem to work (I know I can go on your site (or just wait until they are on here!) but thought I'd mention it in case it isn't just me):
Relaxing in Oia
Aegean/Olympic Thira to Athens
Thanks
Lorelai
Relaxing in Oia
Aegean/Olympic Thira to Athens
Thanks
Lorelai
May 22, 2018, 6:35 pm
#54
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Original Poster
Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: Denver • DEN-APA
Programs: AF Platinum, EK Gold, AA EXP, UA 1K, Hyatt Globalist
Posts: 21,601
A Special Dinner at Canaves Oia
Olaf dropped me off at the hotel just after 4pm.
Time to relax, have a beer and a swim before dinner.
Canaves offers a special Panaroma Dinner featuring a tasting menu and a private setting overlooking the Caldera. But first to the bar.
OMG... with wine pairings.
Our wonderful server and sommelier Nikos.
And away we go. Our amuse bouche starters, just like last night.
The Sea Urchin with buckwheat, lemon confit, parsley and ouzo...
... was fabulous.
As was the Tartar with capers, handmade ketchup, San Michali cheese, pomme soufflé and lardo di Colonnato.
Oh yeah, that setting will work.
Scallops sautéed with cauliflower, bitter almond, green curry and raisins was very nice.
But the Carbonara was to die for... with home tagliatlle with guanciale, truffles and egg parmesan sauce. OMG.
At this point, it was getting a little chilly and windy in the exposed balcony. So we headed to a sheltered cave like room for the rest of the meal.
Our local Lamb on charcoal, vinsanto sauce, caramelized eggplant and Florina peppers was amazing.
Our pre Dessert palate cleanser. Amazing.
Wow.
And just in case we were still hungry, fondue to finish.
What an extraordinary meal and experience.
Olaf dropped me off at the hotel just after 4pm.
Time to relax, have a beer and a swim before dinner.
Canaves offers a special Panaroma Dinner featuring a tasting menu and a private setting overlooking the Caldera. But first to the bar.
OMG... with wine pairings.
Our wonderful server and sommelier Nikos.
And away we go. Our amuse bouche starters, just like last night.
The Sea Urchin with buckwheat, lemon confit, parsley and ouzo...
... was fabulous.
As was the Tartar with capers, handmade ketchup, San Michali cheese, pomme soufflé and lardo di Colonnato.
Oh yeah, that setting will work.
Scallops sautéed with cauliflower, bitter almond, green curry and raisins was very nice.
But the Carbonara was to die for... with home tagliatlle with guanciale, truffles and egg parmesan sauce. OMG.
At this point, it was getting a little chilly and windy in the exposed balcony. So we headed to a sheltered cave like room for the rest of the meal.
Our local Lamb on charcoal, vinsanto sauce, caramelized eggplant and Florina peppers was amazing.
Our pre Dessert palate cleanser. Amazing.
Wow.
And just in case we were still hungry, fondue to finish.
What an extraordinary meal and experience.
May 22, 2018, 6:37 pm
#55
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Original Poster
Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: Denver • DEN-APA
Programs: AF Platinum, EK Gold, AA EXP, UA 1K, Hyatt Globalist
Posts: 21,601
Some of the best vacations happen when you just do nothing... especially when you have perfect weather and a perfect location. After a full day of touring yesterday, I joined Mrs. SFO777 in simply relaxing and pretty much doing nothing for the next two days. Our morning routine... breakfast in our suite overlooking the caldera.
A little later in the morning, I walked up to main square and and around the resort for some pics.
Since we were now on a late breakfast routine, we decided to go with late lunches as our only other meal of the day. And after two nights of wonderful haute cuisine, we were interested in getting back to the basics and more traditional Greek food. Today we chose Lauda Restaurant located in the Adronis Boutique Hotel, a short walk down the pedestrian way. As with many places in Oia, Lauda is difficult, indeed impossible to find on your own. We checked in at the hotel front desk and then were escorted down winding stairs, like this... As with many hotels here, elevators are simply not practical given the terrain and the "hanging off a cliff" location.
But once we arrived, it was well worth the effort.
Amazing menu, but we didn't need to go past the first page and the set Greek Lunch menu.
Our Greek Meze starters. OMG.
And the Greek Salad to die for.
Simply spectacular.
After an incredible two hour food and wine orgy with wonderful service, now we had to find our way back up to street level.
Back at street level, we explored more of Oia and then headed back to our hotel.
The next morning, more of the same as our perfect weather continued.
Around 2pm or so, we decided to actually use our rental car and explore a little more of the island eventually winding up in Imerovigli, where we thought to have lunch. OMG, if we thought Oia was difficult to navigate. At least Oia has a street. Most of Imerovigli hangs on the side of a cliff with only steep pedestrian walkways. With our iPhone map function completely useless here, we threw caution to the wind and proceeded, mostly letting the force guide us.
Someone wants to get out of here. "Do you know where you're going?" Uh, not really but I can't tell her that. LOL.
The problem was that it was hard to tell which pathways went anywhere or were just dead-end cul de sacs. After 20 minutes or so of winding up, down, up, down... finally a promising sign.
By this time, we'd given trying to find any of the restos on our list and were happy just to have escaped. Mrs. SFO777 wisely suggested, let's go back to Oia. Twenty minutes later, we parked our car in the Canaves lot (which really isn't near Canaves) and walked back. Lo and behold, we found one of the restos on our Oia list, Laokasti. By now it was 4pm and we had no problem getting a table.
More great wine, food and service.
OMG, the food was simply amazing starting with the best Greek Salad I've ever had.
Wonderful local mushroom and pork dish dish.
And our mains. BBQ chicken for Mrs. SFO777...
And my amazing lamb dish.
Wow, another simply fabulous meal... with wonderful genuine, friendly service. Amazingly, the total tab for this meal was only 97 euros. Meanwhile back at our hotel, as the sun sets, may as well open our complimentary cheap champagne.
A little later in the morning, I walked up to main square and and around the resort for some pics.
Since we were now on a late breakfast routine, we decided to go with late lunches as our only other meal of the day. And after two nights of wonderful haute cuisine, we were interested in getting back to the basics and more traditional Greek food. Today we chose Lauda Restaurant located in the Adronis Boutique Hotel, a short walk down the pedestrian way. As with many places in Oia, Lauda is difficult, indeed impossible to find on your own. We checked in at the hotel front desk and then were escorted down winding stairs, like this... As with many hotels here, elevators are simply not practical given the terrain and the "hanging off a cliff" location.
But once we arrived, it was well worth the effort.
Amazing menu, but we didn't need to go past the first page and the set Greek Lunch menu.
Our Greek Meze starters. OMG.
And the Greek Salad to die for.
Simply spectacular.
After an incredible two hour food and wine orgy with wonderful service, now we had to find our way back up to street level.
Back at street level, we explored more of Oia and then headed back to our hotel.
The next morning, more of the same as our perfect weather continued.
Around 2pm or so, we decided to actually use our rental car and explore a little more of the island eventually winding up in Imerovigli, where we thought to have lunch. OMG, if we thought Oia was difficult to navigate. At least Oia has a street. Most of Imerovigli hangs on the side of a cliff with only steep pedestrian walkways. With our iPhone map function completely useless here, we threw caution to the wind and proceeded, mostly letting the force guide us.
Someone wants to get out of here. "Do you know where you're going?" Uh, not really but I can't tell her that. LOL.
The problem was that it was hard to tell which pathways went anywhere or were just dead-end cul de sacs. After 20 minutes or so of winding up, down, up, down... finally a promising sign.
By this time, we'd given trying to find any of the restos on our list and were happy just to have escaped. Mrs. SFO777 wisely suggested, let's go back to Oia. Twenty minutes later, we parked our car in the Canaves lot (which really isn't near Canaves) and walked back. Lo and behold, we found one of the restos on our Oia list, Laokasti. By now it was 4pm and we had no problem getting a table.
More great wine, food and service.
OMG, the food was simply amazing starting with the best Greek Salad I've ever had.
Wonderful local mushroom and pork dish dish.
And our mains. BBQ chicken for Mrs. SFO777...
And my amazing lamb dish.
Wow, another simply fabulous meal... with wonderful genuine, friendly service. Amazingly, the total tab for this meal was only 97 euros. Meanwhile back at our hotel, as the sun sets, may as well open our complimentary cheap champagne.
Last edited by SFO777; May 25, 2018 at 9:26 am
May 23, 2018, 5:27 am
#58
Join Date: Jun 2009
Location: Geneva, Dubai, Paris
Programs: Disillusioned Cent
Posts: 1,880
Congratulations on your 20th anniversary SFO777 and thanks for sharing another wonderful report. I've never been to Santorini but this might well change rather sooner than later...