Excursion Villages of santorini tour at Santorini

Experience the stunning colourful panorama of breath-taking Santorini during this picturesque, half-day sightseeing excursion to its charming villages.

Mountain of Prophet Elijah, Clifftop Views, Pyrgos Village, Castle and Churches

After transferring to Athinios via ship's tender, board a coach for the scenic, approximately 30-minute drive along the rocky sides of the caldera on your way to the island's highest point, the Mountain of Prophet Elijah. Upon arrival, marvel at the clifftop view of the deep blue sea surrounding island and volcanic caldera of Santorini, and your ship in the distance. Continue on to Pyrgos, a hilltop village that served as the capital of the island until the early-1800s. It is comprised of traditional houses built around the Venetian castle, and its small streets follow the shape of the hill. Some free time is made available to climb from the square up to Pyrgos Castle, view the stone houses densely packed together, visit any of the village's 33 churches, stroll through the labyrinth of narrow, vaulted lanes, or simply relax and enjoy a coffee at a local café.

Megalochori Village, Mansions, Traditional House, Narrow Alleyways, Wine Canavas

Next, re-board your coach and head to Megalochori. This beautiful village is home to historical mansions, restored old traditional houses built into the rock and narrow alleyways, pirate hideaways and wine canavas. It also has a history of merchants and wealthy land barons exporting Vinsanto wine, which is still produced on the island. A great effort is been made by local residents and businessmen to preserve the characteristics and beauty of this traditional settlement, and many of the original houses that had fallen into disrepair have been restored to their former glory. Upon arrival, some free time is made available to explore the village with your guide.

Fira Town, Alleyways, Blue-Domed, White Houses, Self-Exploration

Leaving Megalochori, re-board your coach and head to Fira, the island's capital, where your tour concludes with a self-exploration. You will have a chance to explore its maze of alleyways, where the blue domes of the white houses blend in with the sky, and the friendliness and hospitality of its inhabitants extends into its streets and shops. During your visit, you can browse the shops for souvenirs or savour delicious local gourmet specialities. Please note that you will have to make your own way to the tender boats from Fira using a cable car. Guests not wishing to explore Fira town may remain on the bus and continue to the port of Athinios where local tender will await.

Points of interests

Points of interest seen on this excursion include: Santorini, Prophet Elijah Mountain, Clifftop Views, Pyrgos Village & Castle, Churches, Megalochori Village, Mansions, Fira Town, Blue-Domed, White Houses

Note

Please note: This tour involves a moderate amount of walking for approximately one mile (about 1.6 kilometres), at times over uneven and cobblestone surfaces and inclines, with a few steps to negotiate to get on/off the coach, embark/disembark the ship's tenders and at the sites visited. Walking in Pyrgos Village, Megalochori Village and Fira Town is at the discretion of each guest. This tour is not suitable for guests with limited mobility and guests who utilise a wheelchair. Guests are advised to wear lightweight, comfortable clothing with flat, closed-toe walking shoes, and bring sun protection and local currency for purchases from the ship. The tour sequence and timings may vary to avoid overcrowding at the sites visited. Guests who decide to remain in the town of Fira will have to make their own way to the tender boats from Fira using a cable car. Cable car ticket costs 10.00 Euros one way. Long lines for the cable cars may be encountered during the busy summer season. Tour order may vary.