OVERVIEW: Santorini is the southernmost island of the Cyclades. Its most characteristic features are the sheer cliffs, formed following a tremendous volcanic eruption occurring around 1450 BC. Visit the excavations started in 1930 by Professor Marinatos, who in 1967 unearthed a complete Bronze Age town buried within the pumice of the volcanic eruption of 1450 BC.
HIGHLIGHTS: Walk through Akrotiri's Bronze Age excavations site and medieval settlement. Explore the charming hilltop village of Fira on your own before taking the cable car down to your tender.
NOTES: Guests must be able to walk approximately 1 mile over varying terrain, inclines and 20-30 steps.
Overview:
Explore the amazing excavations of Akrotiri on a guided walking tour through the Bronze Age town which was buried within the pumice of the volcanic eruption of 1450 BC.
Highlights:
-Akrotiri: Enjoy a guided tour of the Bronze Age excavations site and medieval village.
-Fira: Tour concludes in this cliff top village where you can explore and shop at your own pace
Full Description:
Santorini is the southernmost island of the Cyclades. Its most characteristic features are the sheer cliffs, formed following a tremendous volcanic eruption occurring around 1450 BC. Legend has it that it was this explosion which caused Atlantis to vanish.
Begin your half day adventure with a short tender ride from the ship to the archaeological site at Akrotiri, on the southernmost tip of the island. Begin your guided visit of the excavations started in 1930 by Professor Marinatos, who in 1967 unearthed a complete Bronze Age town buried within the pumice of the volcanic eruption of 1450 BC. Walk the cobblestone streets of this Minoan Era town and peer into some of the houses and shops, two or three stories high. At the conclusion of your tour of the excavations, discover the nearby village of Akrotiri where you’ll explore one of the 5 fortified settlements on the island from medieval times.
Your guided tour concludes at the hilltop village of Fira, where you will 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 only cater to pedestrians. From Fira, you will receive a ticket and can 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 varying terrain, inclines and 20-30 steps.
-Participants will be required to walk approximately 0.5 mile in Fira town on their own to reach the cable car station.
-At the end of the tour, there is a distance of uphill walking of approximately 150 yards to the Mitropolis church.
-Waiting and queuing time are expected at the entrance to the cable car station.
-Tour order may vary but all listed sights will be covered.
-Please note that in October and November some stores in Fira town are closed.
