Duration
4:00 Hours
Activity Level
Moderate
Experience Details*
Your journey begins with a transfer from your ship to shore via tender, followed by a picturesque drive through Santorini’s charming villages. The island's dramatic landscape, shaped by a massive volcanic eruption in 1650 B.C., created the caldera and nearby islands, and even impacted the Minoan civilization on Crete, over 70 miles away.
Your first stop is the ancient site of Akrotiri, where the remains of a Bronze Age city, buried for over 3,000 years, have been unearthed. Known as the "Minoan Pompeii," these well-preserved ruins offer a fascinating glimpse into the island's history, showcasing sophisticated buildings, plumbing systems, pottery, and household items.
Next, ascend to the Mountain of Prophet Elijah, Santorini's highest point at 2,000 feet above sea level. Here, you can enjoy panoramic views of the island and visit the monastery that crowns the peak, offering some of the best vistas on the island.
On your return journey to Athinios port, you'll have the option to stop at Fira town to explore independently and make your own arrangements back to the ship (cost not included). Those wishing to return back to the ship will continue to Athinios port for your awaiting tender.
At a glance*
Duration: Half day guided
Activity: Moderate
Transport: By coach and by foot
Why Book? Take in the marvels of Santorini on a day of discovery which begins at the ancient site of Akrotiri.
Itinerary*
Tender transfer from ship to Anthinios port > Transfer by coach to Akrotiri Archaeological Site > Guided visit of Akrotiri > Photo stop Mount Profitis Elias > Optional drop off at Fira for guests to return independently at their own cost > Return to Anthinos port by coach > Return to ship by tender transfer
What's included*
Local Guide
Photo Opportunities
Entrance to Akrotiri
Essential information
Photos are not permitted at Akrotiri. Please be aware ongoing restoration work is often carried out at the sites visited in Akrotiri. Walking at Akrotiri will be over gravel surfaces. On the way back to Athinios port a stop will take place at Fira town for those guests who want to explore Fira independently and make their own arrangements back to the ship. Cable car tickets to the old port for the return journey to the ship are not included in the excursion cost and can be purchased locally by guests. Please note there are usually large lines and prolonged wait times to use the cable car. Bottled water, sun hat, and comfortable walking shoes are recommended.
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.
BEACH/WATER RELATED EXCURSIONS, For any excursion involving water, passengers are reminded to exercise particular care. Alcohol and eating a full meal should be avoided before swimming. If buoyancy aids are provided for an activity they must be worn at all times. You should bear in mind that the sea is unpredictable. Lifeguards are unlikely to be present and there may not be a flag system to indicate whether or not it is safe to go in the water. In addition, beach activities may not be supervised or accompanied and so you should take care to satisfy yourself as to the safety of the beach and/or the sea at the time of your excursion. Please exercise caution when entering the sea as the seabed and aquatic environment is capable of springing surprises and we have not inspected the beach or seabed for its safety. Children must be supervised by you at all times near water. All activities on the beach, water and in the sea are undertaken at your own risk. You’ll need to take swimwear, a towel, sunscreen and flat shoes that can be worn in the water.
SCUBA DIVING, All passengers wishing to participate in a certified dive tour must hold a PADI open water scuba certification or BSAC Ocean Diver certification. Unfortunately, we are unable to accommodate divers with either a PADI Junior Open Water or a PADI Scuba Dive rating due to the depth limitations imposed by these qualifications. In line with the recommendations by the sports-diving industry, we strongly recommend that divers undertake a refresher course if they have not been diving within the last six months. You must be aged 15 or over, carry your dive certification card with you and we recommend that you carry your diving log or proof that you’ve recently completed a refresher course. If you are a certified diver, but are unable to meet our requirements we recommend taking the Discover Scuba excursion as an alternative. For Discover Scuba courses you don’t need any scuba experience but you must be 15 or over and be able to swim. You’ll also need to complete a medical/liability consent form before you go - but if you suffer from asthma, diabetes, heart problems or other medical conditions you won’t be able to take part. Please visit www.padi.com/padi/en/sd/whatsrequired.aspx for more information.