Saguaro National Park is named for the Saguaro cactus, which grows only in the Sonoran Desert. This is an easy park to visit, with scenic drives and short walks among the towering cacti. A half day is all you need to see the highlights, but with more time you can tour the entire park, go […]
Petrified Forest National Park beat all of my expectations. I imagined a barren desert with a few colorful hills, some ancient, petrified stumps, and soaring temperatures in the early summer. Instead, we were treated to the colorful, uniquely beautiful hills of the Painted Desert, giant, petrified trees that puzzle the mind, and the chance to […]
Bear Mountain is one of the tallest peaks in Sedona. From the top, you are rewarded with panoramic views of the red rocks of Sedona as well as the San Francisco Peaks near Flagstaff. Getting here is a challenge. This is a short hike, just 5 miles round trip, but the elevation gain is huge. […]
Hiking the Grand Canyon rim-to-rim is a bucket list adventure. Over the course of nearly 24 miles, hikers descend below the level of the rim, cross the mighty Colorado River, and climb back up the other side. It’s challenging, it’s exhilarating, and it is truly an unforgettable experience. However, this is a massive hike and […]
Awe-inspiring, challenging, exhausting, unforgettable…these are all words to describe the trek across the Grand Canyon. If you are up for a big adventure, hiking the Grand Canyon rim-to-rim is one for the bucket list. This is the land of extremes. In the summer months, the temperature can fluctuate along the trail as much as 80 […]
On this 10-day Greece itinerary, visit three beautiful Greek islands and the city of Athens. Start in Santorini, a volcanic island that is dotted with picture-perfect villages and is famous for its legendary sunsets. Next, travel to Naxos, a quieter, greener island that is easier on the wallet and an unexpected surprise for many travelers. […]
Santorini is a popular destination on many traveler’s wish lists, for good reason. The beaches, the photogenic villages, and the breathtaking sunsets in Oia attract a lot of visitors to this tiny island. If you are planning your Santorini itinerary, we have some suggestions for you. Whether you have 1, 2, or 3 days in […]
With this 2 day Athens itinerary, explore ancient Greek and Roman ruins, enjoy the view from a rooftop restaurant, go shopping, get a history lesson at one of several world-class museums, and of course, visit the amazing Acropolis. Sites such as the Acropolis, Acropolis Museum, Ancient Agora, and the Temple of Olympian Zeus draw big […]
Planning a trip to Greece can be very exciting. This country offers a wonderful mix of ancient, historical sites, breathtaking scenery, and of course, those amazing Greek islands. While you are in the planning phase, there are some things you should know before you go. Here are our Greece travel tips, tips to help you […]
Athens is one of the world’s oldest cities and it is filled with archaeological treasures. The Acropolis and Parthenon are the big draw for first-time visitors, but the city is littered with ancient Greek and Roman ruins. Visiting Athens is like taking a step back in time, a wonderful history lesson that is great for […]
Walking from Fira to Oia is one of Santorini’s top experiences. Hike along the rim of a caldera, explore the towns of Oia, Imerovigli, Firostefani, and Fira, and enjoy some of the most beautiful views of the islands. If you go the entire distance, you will walk just over 10 km (about 6 miles). The […]
Hiking to Apano Kastro was our favorite “unexpected” surprise in Naxos. This is a wonderful short hike to the ruins of ancient Venetian citadel. Explore the ancient ruins and get one of the best views over the island of Naxos. When researching things to do on Naxos, photos of Apano Kastro caught my eye. However, […]
Naxos is the largest and greenest island in the Cyclades. Lounge on the white, sandy beaches, visit ancient temples, hike to the summit of Mount Zas, go windsurfing, and explore the charming villages…these all make the list of the best things to do in Naxos. On our recent trip to Greece, we hopped from Mykonos […]
If you are making a decision about where to stay in Athens, you have a lot of options. Whether you want a luxury experience, a room with a view of the Acropolis, or a budget hotel with an awesome location, we have some suggestions for you. Where to Stay in Athens The main places to […]
The center of Naxos is mountainous and dotted with small, picturesque villages. It is a beautiful area and it looks remotely different from the landscapes we saw on Mykonos and Santorini. Naxos is green, forested, idyllic, and much quieter than the other islands. If you are looking for a very nice, easy walk that takes […]
The Acropolis is the centerpiece of Athens. Rising up from the city center is a rocky, fortified, limestone plateau, topped with the Parthenon and several other ancient monuments. For most visitors to Athens, a visit to the Acropolis tops the list of things to do, making this a very popular place to visit. If you […]
Santorini is a windswept, volcanic island in the Cyclades. Magical sunsets in Oia, photogenic blue dome churches, and a myriad of colorful beaches attract thousands of visitors every year, making this one of Greece’s most popular destinations. If you are planning a trip to this wonderful island, here are the best things to do in […]
Oia is world famous for its spectacular sunsets. The cascade of whitewashed buildings, dotted with windmills and blue dome churches, form a stunning backdrop for photographers. As the sun goes down, these buildings glow in pinks and oranges and yellows. The moment the sun disappears below the horizon, the crowds literally applaud and cheer. It […]