In Santorini you can take the tram, donkeys or walk up. For the walk you need to beware of the "deposits" the donkeys have left and have very good shoes.

The tram was very easy - even for my husband who is not great with heights (We also did the donkeys just for fun). We were there for two weeks and saw many tourists choose to walk down when the trams were backed up after sunset.

Akrotiri is a great tour if you are into ruins - something not to be missed - liked it better than Delos on Mykonos.

We never learned the Greek alphabet and had no problems in Athens, Mykonos or Santorini.

Just a word on the donkeys in Santorini. They were exposed as not being looked after properly and they are forced to walk up the cliffside path with weights far over what they should be carrying.

Give them a miss as your donation to eliminating this cruel bahaviour.

Lifeman, please define "not being looked after properly"

Also, who determines what's the proper weight for them?

And if I skip the ride, will a family with small children suffer financially?

I wasn't aware of the donkeys not being cared for properly but it doesn't surprise me. I also remember being told if we opted for donkeys years ago to only use them going uphill, because the ride downhill was awful!

If we have another GTG before your cruise Dayenu, I will haul along my albums from our Greece trip. There are pix of the tram that will give you some idea what to expect.

One thing to consider about the donkeys is if you plan on riding them - and it is a very hot day (as it was when we were there) it can be very uncomfortable as you are in full sun for the ride. They call the "tram" a tram but it is more like a gondola ride. You are never really that far off the ground as it goes up but the views are so spectacular you won't even notice!!!

Giovanna, at the last GTG we talked about doing something cultural together, like a museum exhibit with lunch, so I'll be writing to you soon.

Traveller, we will not ride donkeys. Unless there is a carriage, we cannot sit on horses, donkeys, mules.

I will search to see those things in Santorini, or maybe decide what to do when we arrive.

The donkeys in Santorini have been the subject of much scrutiny and criticism in recent years for the way that they are treated. The British press has had much comment and the easyjet founder Stelios, has pledged his support and has given money to aid in their welfare.

Please see this link:

http://www.thedonkeysanctuary.org.uk/campaign/santorini