Ancient Akrotiri & Santorini Island

Description

Be sure to read the Special Notes further down this page for important requirements and restriction.

The excitement begins when you transfer from the ship to shore via tender. Then, board your motorcoach and relax during a scenic drive through the island's quaint villages set against a backdrop of azure sea and sky.

The dramatic landscape was formed in 1650 B.C. when a monstrous volcanic eruption rocked Santorini, creating its dramatic caldera and two small islands. It is estimated that the explosion produced waves as high as 650 feet, destroying the Minoan civilization that had developed on Crete over 70 miles away.

Remnants of a Bronze Age civilization decimated by this catastrophic eruption can be found at your first stop, the ancient site of Akrotiri. Unearthed in 1967 after being shrouded for over 3,000 years, Akrotiri is remarkably preserved and offers great insight into the island's ancient history.

Your knowledgeable guide will escort you through this unveiled city, considered one of the most important prehistoric settlements in the Mediterranean and often referred to as the Minoan Pompeii. Archaeologists have discovered sophisticated multi-level buildings with elaborate plumbing systems and an array of pottery, clay vessels, furniture, and home furnishings from this once prosperous seaside village.

After exploring these fascinating ruins, it's time to take in the extraordinary views from atop Mt. Prophet Elijah, 2,000 feet above sea level. You'll enjoy breathtaking panoramic views from here, Santorini's highest point, which is located between the villages of Pyrgos and Kamari and shares its peak with a monastery of the same name.

Your narrated island drive concludes with a stop in Fira, the island's largest town. Here, dazzlingly whitewashed houses cling to steep volcanic cliffs. Accessible only by foot, Fira's narrow cobblestone lanes lead uphill past homes and cafés and marvelous little shops that just beg to be explored. The main square of Fira is Plateia Theotokopoulou, a colorful meeting place. You will have free time to explore Fira before you return to the ship.

A steep walk to the upper portion of town leads you to the aerial cable car ride, your transportation (ticket provided) to port to meet your tender if you choose to remain in town to explore independently.

Special Notes:

Free time in Fira involves walking through narrow cobblestone streets with numerous flat steps, so low-heeled, comfortable shoes are recommended. Passengers with physical limitations should take this into consideration.

The return to the ship will be by using the cable car in Fira Town to reach the port and then a tender. The cable car is reached by a long walk across Fira upper town along narrow cobble-stoned streets with an incline and steps. Low heeled shoes are recommended and passengers with physical limitations are requested to take this into consideration. Passengers should also expect lines at the cable car; the wait can be in excess of 60 minutes if multiple ships are in port.

Flash photos are not permitted at Akrotiri. Please be aware ongoing restoration work is often carried out at the sites visited.

Some shops, tavernas and cafés in Fira close during the winter month of November.
Use of an audio headset (included) will enhance your tour experience.