Akrotiri, Village of Oia & Thira At Your Leisure
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Port
Santorini, Greece
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Activity Level
Moderate Activity
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Excursion Type
All
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Wheelchair Accessible
No
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Starting At (prices in USD)
$150
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Minimum Age
Information Not Currently Available
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Duration
Approximately 6 Hours
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Meals Included
Meals not included
Combine two of Santorini's most important sites on a relaxing, leisurely day out in one of the most beautiful locations in the world. The dramatic landscape was formed in 1650 BC when a monstrous volcanic eruption rocked Santorini, creating its dramatic caldera and two small islands and destroying the Minoan civilization on Crete, more than 70 miles away.
Remnants of a Bronze Age civilization can be found at your first stop -- the ancient site of Akrotiri. Unearthed in 1967, Akrotiri is remarkably preserved and offers great insight into the island's ancient history. Your knowledgeable guide will reveal that archaeologists have discovered sophisticated multi-level buildings with elaborate plumbing systems and an array of pottery, clay vessels, furniture, and home furnishings from this once-prosperous seaside village.
After you re-board your coach, your knowledgeable guide will point out the local sights en route to the picturesque village of Oia. Pronounced "Eee-ah," the village is perched high atop the cliffs of Santorini's northern terminus. Known for its quiet beauty and spectacular sunsets, this spot boasts superlative views of neighboring volcanoes. Stroll through the narrow, cobblestone lanes, view the brilliantly whitewashed buildings, shops, sun-bathed cafés, and blue-domed churches. The natural beauty and tranquility of Oia's landscape has inspired artists from around the world, and numerous galleries can be found in the area. You will be given free time to explore this stunning clifftop village, which is one of the most photographed locations in the world. There you will have time to enjoy a meal at a place of your choosing (under your own expense), to shop, or just gaze away at the perfection nature created out of a catastrophe.
Next, a panoramic drive leads back to Thíra -- the capital of Santorini -- known for its striking mix of Cycladic and Venetian architecture. The main square -- Plateia Theotokopoulou -- is a colorful meeting place. From here, it's an easy walk to shops, jewelry stores, and tavernas.
A steep walk to the upper part of town leads you to the funicular -- your transportation back to the tender pier (ticket provided).
Please note: Due to local port logistics and port authority regulations, your tour will conclude in Thira Port rather than at the original tour departure point. From Thira, guests may return to the ship by cable car, which descends to the Old Port of Thira, where the ship's tenders will operate continuously throughout our stay in port. Your return cable car ticket is included in your tour and will be handed to you by your tour guide before the end of the tour. Please retain your ticket, as it will be required to access the cable car and cannot be reissued if lost. The cable car is a public service shared by all visitors to Santorini. As this is a very popular destination with multiple cruise ships and independent visitors, long waiting times should be expected at both the upper and lower cable car stations. Guests may wish to take some additional time to explore Thira’s picturesque streets, shops, and viewpoints before returning to the cable car, as waiting times may be shorter outside of peak periods. The walking time from the parking lot to the cable car is approximately 20 to 30 minutes, depending on your pace.