Private Guided Taste of Village Life

Private Guided Taste of Village Life
Excursion Highlights:
  • Get a taste of Santorini’s local village life with expert guides for an in-depth, unparalleled experience.
  • Visit the beautiful village of Pyrgos and the ancient Venetian fortress, capturing the island's past and captivating scenery.
  • Marvel at the breathtaking views from the solitary-monk inhabited monastery of Profitis Ilias, a peak that brings you closer to heaven.
  • Enjoy a guided walking tour through Pyrgos' ascending streets and taste local specialties at a unique circle-shaped tavern.
  • Conclude with a panoramic view of the Caldera, get tips for further Fira exploration, and return conveniently with a cable car ticket.
From $140.00/person to $708.00/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 Scenic, Cultural, Historical
Shore Excursion Duration 4 Hours
Activity Level ? Moderate
Shore Excursion Leaves From ? Cruise Ship Tender Pier
Food/Beverage Provided Snack
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 Taste of Village Life

Due to its fascinating geography, thousands of 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. You will meet your guide on the pier of Fira after tendering ashore. They will escort you on the cable car which will bring you up , into the center of the town of Fira where you will walk to your transportation. The funicular cost is approximately 5 EUR per person (each way, paid directly on the day and is not included in your tour price).

You will set out from Fira and pass through the village of Pyrgos, which was once the island's capital. The remnants of a large Venetian fortress overlook the village testifying to its former status. From Pyrgos, your vehicle will begin a climb to the historical monastery of Profitis Ilias, which was built in the beginning of the 18th century. It is currently home to one solitary monk and therefore cannot be entered. However the commanding views over Santorini Island from this peak will certainly make you feel closer to heaven.

After your photo stop, you will return to Pyrgos with its fine old houses and the remains of the Venetian castle, to begin a walking tour with your guide. Wander through the narrow, ascending streets that encircle the village. Your walking tour will conclude at the unique circle-shaped tavern where you will enjoy some local specialties.

You will return to Fira Town where your guide will give you a brief overview of the town and lead you to the main pedestrian street that runs along the top of the Caldera. They will answer any questions you might have on additional sightseeing, shopping or the best place to eat lunch or sip a coffee.

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 or to ascend from the tender pier to Fira Town by included cable car ride. Please be aware that 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.