Karen, my condolences upon your loss. Thank you for this wonderful trip report - brings back very fond memories of our trip in 2014, and reminds me a return visit is overdue (perhaps Crete). Our itinerary was quite similar to yours (Mykonos-Naxos-Santorini-Athens). Touristy or not, I believe Santorini is one of the most soul-stirringly beautiful places on the planet (we stayed in Imerovigli, and enjoyed the caldera views and glorious sunsets from our own balcony!).

Adelaidean, PegS, and ANUJ, thank you for your condolences. I have always worried about my mom or my FIL (who is still alive at 98) passing away while we are traveling. But we are older, too, in our 70's, so we can't wait until they are gone to travel. Then we might be too old! So you just have to take your chances and hope for the best.

Karen, this is a worry all of us with aged parents have. My mil passed away in May 2020, when we should have been in Portugal. Only Covid happened, borders were closed and we were home, but DH wasn’t able to travel to India for the funeral.

My mom passed away in July 2019 less than 72 hours after a big 3 weeks family vacation to Alaska. She had a fabulous time with her kids and grandkids, the end came swiftly and it was all over in less than 15 minutes.

I have learned we need to let go, hard as it may be, and remember the happy times en famille. My brother, sister and I have decided we need to continue the tradition of a summer vacation in mom’s memory, travel was one of her biggest joys. We spend a week in Paris early August, followed by a week long cruise to the Norwegian fjords, in later years our mom loved cruises, as against a land vacation.

First of all, condolences about your mom. Your report and the photos are marvelous. Somehow we have to get Greece in our plans for our future. Plus I want some of that homemade orange cake. Thanks for sharing all those enticing photos.

Thank you for your condolences, Tom!
Greece is such a wonderful country, and so much to see. We could keep returning year after year and see new places. I would like to return some day, but also want to visit countries we haven't been to yet.

Geetika, the week in Paris and the Norwegian cruise sounds wonderful! So exciting!

KarenWoo,
I finally caught up and finished your wonderful trip report! Your photos are fantastic! It brought back so many memories of our 2011 trip and is reminder how much I do want to return. So many beautiful places to see! I was in the Peloponnesian peninsula when I was in my early 20s - you know, centuries ago! After looking at your photos, I know we have to get there, sooner or later.

I was shocked by how crowded the Acropolis was, though. Travel has certainly come roaring back and it seems every popular tourist destination is super busy. We found that true in Portugal this year, too.

Karen,
I am just now reading your beautiful trip report. I am sending my condolences on your loss of your mother, what heartbreaking news for you. I think it is all of our biggest fear in traveling with elderly parents back home. I hope she was happy knowing you were living a full life and enjoying precious time with your husband and bringing joy to others.

Your report is so wonderful! Your pictures are gorgeous, and your descriptions capture the journey so well. You continue to give great advice and have helped so many people in their trip planning. Thank you! I look forward to your next adventure!

Coral22, thank you for you kind words and your condolences. I hope you have a wonderful trip planned, whether it’s to Greece or somewhere else. I am currently planning a trip to Scotland for May or June of 2023.

This is obviously a couple of years later, but I just wanted to say how very much I enjoyed your trip report.

My condolences on the loss of your mother, you are quite right, it is a risk we all take when we travel far from home with elderly parents.

My husband and I are visiting Greece in October for the first time, visiting Athens, Naxos and Santorini, as well as Rhodes and later Istanbul. Your trip report was a complete joy to read and your photos were lovely.

Thanks once again.

DebJH, thank you so much for your compliments. I am happy to know that my trip report helps others. You have an awesome trip planned. I would love to visit Rhodes some day, too.