Santorini, Greece
Due to its fascinating geography, more than 5,000 years of history, and its unique hospitality, our tour will include a professionally trained licensed guide so you get an in-depth experience which you would not receive merely being driven around with a guide book. We will meet our guide on the pier of Fira, after you tender ashore. From there, to avoid the congestion at the cable cars to get to the top of the hill, we will be tendered from the pier at Fira to the pier at Athinios, and begin our tour from there.
We will drive south through the famous vineyards to the archaeological site of Akrotiri. The site is a Minoan settlement that dates back to the second millennium BC. The name of the settlement is unknown, but the excavation is named Akrotiri due to its proximity to a modern village of that name. Evidence uncovered points to the settlement having once been an important commercial center in the Aegean sea. The settlement was buried under more than 30 feet of dirt, rock, and mud during a cataclysmic eruption that resulted in a large crater (caldera) replacing more than half of the island. Under a protective cover, you will visit the ancient city's squares, cobblestone streets and peer into some of the houses and shops, some two and three stories high. No human remains have been found indicating there was some warning before the eruption.
After the guided tour of the excavation site, you will drive to one of the local wineries for an insight into the unique style of grape growing / winemaking on this island. Your visit will include a tour of the wine chambers and distilleries and finish with the tasting of three of most famous wines of Santorini, which will be accompanied with barley rusks and local cheese.
Next, you will drive to Fira town where you will end your organized tour. Your guide will lead you to the town's major pedestrian street, and after answering any questions about additional sightseeing, shopping, or eating, will set you free to explore the whitewashed maze of passageways for art, jewelry, or maybe a coffee with a view of the caldera. When you are ready to return to your ship, use your included cable car ticket to return to the tender pier in Fira.
Please note: The tour duration does not include the time required to tender ashore from your ship. Please allow ample time to get ashore.
Departure Time
10:00 AM
Duration
3 Hours 30 Minutes
Excursion Type
Cultural, Scenic
Activity Level
Moderate Physical Activity: A fair amount of walking is required, and you may need to climb up full flights of steps and or negotiate uneven terrain.
Important Notes
Recommended Dress
Comfortable clothing, and comfortable, sensible walking shoes are recommended. Sunglasses and sunscreen are also suggested.
Restrictions
Fira, as well as most of the island's villages, is a hilltop town that consists of mostly pedestrian streets. Many of these "streets" are nothing more than wide sidewalks of smooth stones pushed into cement which makes for a bumpy surface. The site of Akrotiri includes steps.
Your cruise must be booked with John Heath Travel to book and/or attend our private excursions. If you are not booked with JHT, and you book our excursions, your tickets will be canceled, and there will be no refund issued. Excursion Cancellation Policy for guests booked with JHT: Excursions are NOT refundable once purchased, except in the event of cancellation by the tour operator, or if the event is sold out, and we are able to sell your ticket to another JHT guest. By booking these excursions, you, and all guests in your party agree to the JHT Terms & Conditions and the Shore Excursions Group Terms & Conditions. Excursion start times are subject to change.
