Santorini, Greece - Mediterranean Cruises

Relax as you head towards the ancient site of Akrotiri during a scenic drive through the island’s quaint villages. The dramatic landscape was formed in 1650 BC when a monstrous volcanic eruption rocked Santorini, creating its dramatic caldera and 2 small islands.

Upon arrival at Akrotiri, your knowledgeable guide will escort you through this unearthed city, which is considered one of the most important prehistoric settlements in the Mediterranean and often referred to as the Minoan Pompeii.

After exploring these fascinating ruins, you’ll revel in the breathtaking views from Santorini’s highest point, The Mountain of Prophet Elijah, which is located 2,000 feet above sea level.

Fira is the island's largest town, where narrow cobblestone lanes lead uphill past whitewashed homes, outdoor cafés and marvellous little shops. Free time will be given for you to explore Fira independently before making your own way back to the ship, using the cable car ticket provided.



This excursion will be by coach and on foot. Free time in Fira involves walking through narrow cobblestone streets with numerous flat steps, so low-heeled, comfortable shoes are recommended. The tour ends in Fira with a walk of 1500 yards to reach the cable car station. Photos are not permitted at Akrotiri. Please be aware ongoing restoration work is often carried out at the sites visited in Akrotiri.

Drive south across the island to Kamari, passing picturesque small villages with dramatic views of sea, land and sky. Today the ancient port of Kamari is a fishing village famed for its dramatic black-sand beach, unique in the Greek islands.

Marvel at the surrounding beauty from the Mountain of Prophet Elijah. It is the island's highest point, and reaches an altitude of 2,000 feet from where you will be able to admire one of the most photographed places in the world.

Many visions of Greece include the post card pictures of the beautiful churches of the Greek Isles. A brief stop will be made outside the Aghios Nectarios Church on the outskirts of Kamari to photograph one of the island's finest examples.

Enjoy a truly spectacular cliff top view of the deep blue sea surrounding the island that make up the volcanic caldera of Santorini with your ship in the distance. A stop will be made along the way at one of the local wineries for a taste of the famous local wines with traditional snacks.


This excursion will operate by coach and on foot. A stop will be made on the outskirts of Fira Town before returning to the tender port. You may opt to remain in Fira for additional sightseeing and shopping; in that case your return to the ship will be via cable car (cable car ticket is provided but subject to weather conditions) to the old port and tender back to the ship. Please bear in mind that the walk to the cable car will be over a considerable distance walking uphill over narrow cobblestone streets and a number of steps. Guests under the age of 18 years are not permitted to sample the wines.

Enjoy a leisurely boat ride to the island of Nea Kameni, situated in the Bay of Santorini. The island was formed in the 16th century through a volcanic eruption. The cruise will take you along the volcanic shores, showcasing peculiar formations, black volcanic rocks and white pumice offering sharp contrasts.

Upon arrival on land, your hike will take you up to the crater where you can take some time photographing the spectacular views of the surrounding islands. Recent archaeological studies and some factual findings from Crete have led some to believe that the island may be the fabled 'Lost City of Atlantis'.

Re-board the vessel and set a course for the thermal springs of Palea Kameni, where you can view the different coloured waters from the boat.

Your tour will end back at the port of Fira, where you can either return to the ship by tender or time permitting, take the cable car up to Fira town (cable car payable locally).


ACTIVITY EXCURSIONS
You and all those in your party should be aware that, in undertaking activity excursions, you will be involved in a degree of physical exertion and/or activity such as hiking, biking, snorkelling, kayaking, diving etc. By booking the excursion you confirm that you and all those in your party are in good physical and mental condition, with no history of conditions such as seizures, dizziness, fainting, heart condition, respiratory problems or back/neck problems (by way of example only). You should also ensure that no one in your party is taking medicine that carries a warning about impairment of physical or mental abilities. If you are pregnant this type of excursion may not be appropriate for you. It is your responsibility to ensure that you are fit and well enough to take part in the activities booked and you are reminded to take care for your own safety. Because of the risks associated with activity excursions, you may be asked by the excursion provider to sign a document which may affect or limit the excursion provider’s liability. Comfortable flat walking shoes are recommended.



This excursion will operate by motor boat and on foot. This tour involves approximately one hour of hiking over uneven, uphill and rocky terrain: you are advised to wear sturdy walking shoes. There is no shade on the volcano, please ensure you bring plenty of sun protection, a hat and drinking water. This tour is weather dependent. Guests with breathing problems should consider that the smell of sulphur and heat of the volcano can be quite strong.

Perched up high on the cliffs is the small village of Oia in the most northern tip of the island. This quaint little village is famous for its houses, painted in a spectrum of pastel colours which stand out against the whitewash churches with their dazzling blue domes. Enjoy a guided walk, through the narrow streets which twist and turn to reveal many tiny shops offering a varied and unusual collection of works of ceramic art, paintings and jewellery. Cafés perched on the edge of the cliffs offer spectacular views of Fira and the volcano.

Continue through the picturesque countryside and vineyards and learn why Santorini is so popular for wine production with its rich volcanic soil, perfect for the vines. An old winery has been restored to demonstrate the traditional wine producing methods. After a tour of the winery, you are invited to sample some of the wines with local traditional snacks.

Your tour will end in Fira where you make your way back to the ship at leisure, using the cable car (ticket provided).


This excursion will operate by coach and on foot. The excursion involves one hour of walking over cobblestones and with uphill inclines in places. The tour ends in Fira with a walk of 1500 yards to reach the cable car station. Guests under the age of 18 years are not permitted to sample the wines.