OVERVIEW: This half day guided tour provides highlights of some of Santorini's volcanic landscapes and most characteristic villages. Visit a winery and bodega for a wine tasting. Photo stops will provide panoramic views of the caldera and villages.
HIGHLIGHTS: Enjoy this opportunity to stroll through the beautiful village of Oia with its brilliant white stone buildings, panoramic vistas and charming stores and art galleries. You'll also have a chance to taste Greek mezes and locally produced wine.
NOTES: Guests must be able to walk approximately 1 mile over uneven surfaces, steep inclines and 20 - 30 steps.
Overview:
Enjoy this opportunity to stroll through the beautiful village of Oia with its brilliant white stone buildings, panoramic vistas and charming stores and art galleries. You’ll also have a chance to taste Greek mezes and locally produced wine.
Highlights:
-Oia: Stroll through this beautiful village with its white stone buildings that create a maze of ships, cafes and churches
-Winery visit: Taste locally produced wine and Greek mezes, see the bodega where wine is aged
Full Description:
Begin your half day adventure with a short tender ride from the ship to the port of Athinios, where your coach will begin its ascent 800 feet to the top of the caldera. Your guide will provide commentary on the active volcanic islet in Santorini Bay and discuss the geological upheavals which gave the island its overwhelming and unique form. Ride past picturesque scenery and small villages from the southern to the northern ends of the island of Santorini, travelling across rich, volcanic countryside to the village of Oia.
The beautiful village of Oia is perched atop a craggy cliff at the northernmost point of the island offering panoramic views of steep plummeting cliffs and small islands surrounded by the deep blue sea. While walking through the village, enjoy the panoramic views, admire the Cycladic architecture for which the town is well known, and visit many of the art galleries. Experience the charm of this traditional and remote village on its narrow, twisting cobblestone alleyways and steps, along with the brilliant white stone buildings that create a maze of fine shops, cafes and domed churches.
After visiting Oia, continue to a local winery to taste Greek mezes and wine while enjoying the magnificent views. Visit the bodega where the wine is aged and purchase some of the locally produced wines if you wish.
Following your wine tasting, your tour proceeds to the hilltop village of Fira, where your escort will lead you past Mitropolis church to the pedestrian zone where you'll have the option to return directly to the ship or remain in town for shopping or independent exploration. The charm of this lovely cliff-top village lies in its narrow, twisting cobblestone paths that cater to pedestrians only. From Fira, receive a ticket and join the cable car independently for descent to the tender port below. Return by tender to the ship which will be anchored offshore.
What to Bring:
-You should always take your SeaPass card (provided onboard the ship) and photo identification when in port
-Camera
- You will need Euros and/or credit cards for purchases (foreign currencies are not accepted).
What to Wear:
-Comfortable walking shoes
-Hat and plenty of sunscreen are recommended.
Important Notes:
- Guests must be able to walk approximately 1 mile over uneven surfaces, steep inclines and 20 - 30 steps. - Guests must be able to walk 0.5 mile in Fira on their own in order to reach the cable car.
-At the end of the tour, there is a distance of uphill walking of approximately 150 yards to Mitropolis church.
- A one way cable car ticket to transfer from Fira to the tender loading station is included in the return portion of your trip. Waiting and queuing time are expected to enter the cable car station.
- Due to occasional low level fog, visibility may be impacted.
- Please note that in October and November some stores in Fira are closed.
