Private Guided Highlights of Santorini

Private Guided Highlights of Santorini
Excursion Highlights:
  • Experience the magnificent geography and rich history of Santorini with our expertly guided tours, offering in-depth knowledge you won't find in any guidebook.
  • Witness breathtaking views from Oia's cliffside, admire traditional Cycladic architecture, and explore unique artists' studios in its winding pedestrian streets.
  • Venture through Santorini’s colorful terraced hillsides and ascend to the highest peak, Mt. Profits Ilias, for panoramic island vistas.
  • Enjoy a walking tour of the charming village of Pyrgos, featuring Venetian castle remains and stunning views of the volcanic island, caldera, and sea.
  • Conclude your tour in Fira town, where you can explore whitewashed passageways, shop for art and jewelry, or enjoy coffee with a striking view of the caldera.
From $235.00/person to $2,313.00/person (Select "Individuals" below) Price varies based on number of individuals in your group
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Summary
Shore Excursion Size ? Private
Shore Excursion Type Private Sightseeing
Shore Excursion Duration 6 Hours
Activity Level ? Moderate
Shore Excursion Leaves From ? Cruise Ship Tender Pier
Food/Beverage Provided Not Included
Recommended Dress We recommend wearing comfortable clothing and comfortable, sensible walking shoes. We also suggest sunglasses and sunscreen.
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" or nothing more than wide sidewalks of smooth stones pushed into cement which makes for a bumpy surface. There are considerable steps involved as well. To reach the town from the tender pier, guests can climb the more than 580 steps, (which are shared with the donkeys), ride one of the donkeys, (which is not recommended for the faint of heart), or ride the cable car to the town which is more than 1,100 feet above the harbor. As most guests opt for the later choice, expect long lines for the cable car.

Private Guided Highlights of Santorini

Due to its fascinating geography, more than 5,000 years of history, and its unique hospitality, all of our tours on Santorini 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. You will meet your guide on the pier of Fira after you tender ashore. They will escort you via cable car to the town of Fira where you will walk to your transportation. Departing Fira, you will drive to the village of Oia, located on the northern end of Santorini. Oia offers magnificent views of the caldera and the rest of the smaller islands. With its cobblestone streets, beautiful old sea captain's mansions and houses perched on the cliffside, you can admire the traditional Cycladic architecture for which Santorini is so well known. You will have free time for some magnificent photos and to wander the twisting pedestrian streets and their artists' studios.

Then, journey through the colorful terraced hillsides while enjoying panoramic views of the island. You will make your way up to the highest peak of Santorini, Mt. Profits Ilias at 883 feet, where the views are magnificent and on a clear day you can see from one end of the island to the other. After a stop for photos, proceed to the village of Pyrgos which is a traditional village with fine old houses and the remains of a Venetian castle sitting on the hilltop. Join your guide on a walking tour through the narrow ascending streets that encircle the village. Your walking tour will conclude with magnificent panoramic views of the volcanic island, the caldera, and the sea.

Next, we 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.

The afternoon tours will visit the winery first and then travel to Oia. Sunset time in July / August is between 8:00 pm - 9:00 pm

Please Note: The tour duration does not include the time required to tender ashore from your ship or to ascend from the tender pier to Fira Town by included cable car ride. Please be aware that the waiting time for the cable car can be extensive when there are several ships in the port. Groups of ten or more guests will be tendered from the pier at Fira to the pier at Athinios and begin their tour from there. All tours end in Fira and include a return cable car ticket to the tender pier in Fira to be used at your convenience. This tour offers customized departure times between 7:30 AM and 7:00 PM. If your preferred departure time is not listed, please contact us to place your request.