Santorini, Greece - Mediterranean Cruises

A great way to gain an insight into aspects of Greek life on this panoramic tour of the island, which includes wine tasting.

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.

Note: 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.

Take a hike up a volcano and enjoy stunning scenery and views over the caldera of Santorini.

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).

Note: 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.

Visit a stunning local village on the edge of the caldera, sample some local wines and enjoy a traditional Greek luncheon.

The village of Oia is perched on top of Santorini’s caldera. Walk up the narrow, cobblestone lanes, passing the brilliantly whitewashed buildings and domed churches. There will be some free time to explore on your own. Coffee shops perched on the edge of the cliffs offer spectacular views of Fira and the volcano.

The rich volcanic soil in Santorini is particularly favourable to viniculture, and you will have a chance to enjoy a tour of one of the local wineries. The vineyards of Santorini reflect a centuries-old tradition of local wine making. The Assyritico grape, a rare white variety, is grown here and, after the tour, you are invited to sample several of the local wines and snacks.

Panagia Episkopi Church is the oldest remaining Byzantine church on the island. Dating from the 11th century, it has withstood raids by pirates, earthquakes, volcano eruptions and a fire in 1915. It was believed that the Virgin Mary herself protected the Holy Icons from the fire.

Marvel at the surrounding beauty from the Mountain of Prophet Elijah, the island's highest point, before travelling to a local tavern for a traditional Greek luncheon.

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

Note: The excursion involves one hour of walking over cobblestones with uphill inclines in places. The tour ends in Fira with a walk of 1500 yards to reach the cable car station. In the event of inclement weather the cable car operation may be closed and guests will be required to walk down the steep road. Guests under the age of 18 years are not permitted to sample the wines.

Experience the stunning scenery Santorini has to offer and sample some fine local wines.

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).

Note: 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.