Ancient Akrotiri and Santorini Wineries Tour

Venture around the ancient ruins of Akrotiri on a walking tour, and then spend the afternoon sipping crisp Santorini wine during visits to three island wineries! This must-do half-day tour offers an exciting insight into the island's unsung history and winemaking heritage. From a professional guide, hear tales of Akrotiri's links to the mythical city of Atlantis, learn about ancient and modern-day winemaking on the island and taste 12 different types of Santorini wine.

Numbers are limited to eight on this small-group tour, ensuring personalized attention from a guide.
Start your day with a hotel pickup and travel to the archeological site at Akrotiri, an ancient city that was frozen in time after a volcanic eruption some 3,600 years ago. Head inside with your guide - an expert in archeology - and learn about the Minoan city before the catastrophic event occurred. Many speculate that the site is actually Atlantis, a mythical city described by the Greek philosopher Plato as being a prosperous land that disappeared without trace after the Gods were angered.

Gaze in awe at the ruins of multistoried buildings that date back to the 16th century, and admire the intricately designed drainage system that hints at a talented civilization more advanced than its time. Frescoes and fascinating ceramic artifacts are just a few of the finds that add even more intrigue to the site as you wander around.

Evidence of the island's winemaking heritage has been uncovered at Akrotiri and, after learning about the processes used in bygone days, leave the attraction and set off to discover how Santorini wine is made today.

Producing some of the most distinctive wine in the Mediterranean, the island owes its success largely to aspa, a blend of volcanic soil that gives the wine its rich minerality and light flavor. Grapes are grown in baskets close to the ground rather than on trellises, allowing much-needed moisture from the island's minimal rainfalls to be retained.

Visit three of the island's traditional wineries, and enjoy cellar tours of each one to see how the winemaking process unfolds, from harvesting the grapes to bottling and maturing the wine. Take a walk around one of the volcanic vineyards to see the grapes growing in the unforgiving island conditions and, of course, try glasses of Santorini wine galore - up to 12 samples in total!

Try popular varietals such as assyrtiko, nykteri and the rich vinsanto, and enjoy a platter of local delicacies including cheese, salami, bread and olives to complement and balance out the flavors of the wine. After learning about wine and history, finish your experience with a hotel drop-off.

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Oia Sunset and Traditional Villages Tour in Santorini

Take a break from Santorini's beaches and discover Minoan excavations, the island's ancient capital and the famous Oia sunset on a full-day tour! With a friendly local guide at your side, explore the archeological site at Akrotiri and wander along the town's old main street while hearing its history. Enjoy free time to explore Santorini's ancient capital of Pyrgos, and then watch the sun set from the Kastro of Oia, the Venetian castle ruins at the top of the idyllic Santorini village.

Leave your Santorini hotel by air-conditioned coach and travel to the archeological site at Akrotiri, an ancient city that was frozen in time after a volcanic eruption some 3,600 years ago. Step inside with your guide and learn about the Minoan city before the devastating event occurred.

Gaze in admiration at the ruins of multi-storied buildings that date back to the 16th century, and admire the intricately designed drainage system that hints at a talented civilization far more advanced than its time. As you explore the main street, lined with old stores and warehouses from the ancient commercial city, hear about the ceramic artifacts, such as pithoi (earthenware jugs), and other rare finds that add even more intrigue to the site.

The most impressive view of Akrotiri is seen from a triangular plaza near the exit, so head there next to soak up the views. Before leaving the site, your guide will also show you the burial place of the site's chief archaeologist, Professor Spyridon Marinatos of the University of Athens, an individual who sadly died working on the excavations.

From Akrotiri, continue to Pyrgos, a village that was once the ancient capital of Santorini. With more than 50 churches, a Venetian castle and incredible views, the village is the perfect place to spend your afternoon. Enjoy plenty of free time to explore independently and perhaps enjoy a late lunch (own expense), too.

Meet back up with your guide in the early evening, and travel to Oia village, the quintessential Greek village that's known for its sugar cube houses and pretty, blue-domed churches. The village is renowned as the place on the island to see the sun set, with its streets stacked into the side of the cliffs overlooking the spectacular caldera. Follow your guide up to the old ruins of an ancient Venetian castle, known as the Kastro of Oia, and gaze down from the village and caldera to the sea.

Having watched the sun set, return to your coach and finish your evening with a hotel drop-off.

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Santorini Shore Excursion: Private Tour of Oia, Fira and the Akrotiri Excavation

Spend your time in the port of Santorini discovering the wonders of the island. On this private shore excursion, you will visit the island's capital, Fira, and the dramatic town of Oia, home to dwellings nestled in volcanic rock.

At the Akrotiri excavation site, you will see the remains of one of the most important prehistoric settlements of the Aegean region.

Your private tour guide will entertain you during your tour with interesting details and stories about Santorini.

While you are in port in Santorini, see the beauty of the island on this private shore excursion. Hop in a small local boat and make your way to the Athenios harbor, where you'll jump in a private luxury car with your local guide and proceed to the archeological site of Akrotiri.

Often compared to Pompeii, Akrotiri is a site from an earlier age and preserves amazing ruins that date back to the 2nd millennium BC. Walk through the passageway in the excavated area, and marvel at the beautiful pottery, the two- and three-story houses (once decorated with wonderful wall-paintings) and the staircases.

Continue through the beautiful Santorini countryside to the village of Oia. Built on the northern part of the caldera rim, Oia is a place where many artists have found their inspiration. Enjoy the stunning views of the caldera, where many dwellings are built into niches of the volcanic rock. You'll also have panoramic views of the rest of Santorini and the Aegean Sea.

Fira, your next stop, is the attractive capital of Santorini, perched on the caldera rim where the land slopes gently in one direction and falls steeply into the sea in the other. In Fira, you can either explore the town and its little shops at your leisure or take the cable car to Santorini port, where your cruise ship waits.

Worry-free Shore Excursion:
We will ensure your timely return to the Santorini port for this activity. In the rare event your ship has departed, we will arrange for transportation to the next port-of-call. If your ship is delayed and you are unable to attend this activity, your money will be refunded. See our terms and conditions for full details.

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