Our next port of call is Santorini, perhaps the most breathtaking of all the Greek Islands.  One of the greatest volcanic eruptions of all time occurred on this island around 1500 B.C.  We will have time to explore the town of Thera with its white-washed houses, narrow streets, and open-air cafes clinging to a steep cliff which is accessible by cable-car or mule.

Click on the small picture to see a larger one.

This map shows today's travel path.

	Santorini is an incredible site to see.  Around 1500 B.C., this round island was rocked with a volcanic explosion that left it in the shape of a crescent moon.   Some people think this event is the basis for the Atlantis legend.  Here you can see the housing that has developed on the jagged cliffs.
	Another shot of the cliffs of Santorini.
	Our cruise boat, the Stella Solaris, as seen from the landing boat.
	We explored the ancient city of Akrotiri, which was preserved much like Pompei was from the volcanic ash that accumulated after the explosion.  In some places, the ash was 30 meters deep.  About 10% of the city has been excavated so far, and they estimate another 1000 years to complete the work.
	Here you can see what the archeologist's have to work with as they unearth the city.  They find a wall, which is intact, then remove volcanic ash until they run into a space where timber used to support the wall.  The timber is no longer there, since the hot ash burned it long ago.  They fill these areas with concrete to provide support, and continue digging.  This home has three stories.

NOTES:

Here's some information about Santorini.