Walking Tour of Oia & Pyrgos Villages

Description

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

The best way to enjoy Santorini is to spend the day like a local. Stroll through its narrow streets on a guide walking tour, then sit down to an authentic lunch with local wine and immerse yourself in the lifestyle of the islands of the Cyclades.

Tender ashore then meet your motorcoach for a scenic drive to the town of Oia. Pronounced "Eee-ah," it offers magnificent views of the sea and the volcanoes of Palia and Nea Kameni around every corner. Renowned for its magical sunsets, Oia has inspired artists from around the world, and numerous galleries can be found as you stroll. Your guided tour will take you down cobbled lanes lined with brilliantly whitewashed buildings, shops, sun-bathed cafés and blue-domed churches. You'll also note the two different types of homes in Oia. The cave dwellings carved into the rock belonged to the ship crews, while the grander homes, called the captain houses, belonged to the affluent ship owners. Be sure to have your camera ready for the showpiece of the village, the white Church of Panagia Platsani, which was moved to the village center after the earthquake of 1956 and is noted for its graceful arched windows and cobalt crown.

From here, your next stop is Pyrgos Village - the highest enclave on the island, an ancient refuge used in troubled times. A tower is hidden in the labyrinth of streets, and views from this vantage point are simply unforgettable. Your guided walk explores all the hidden gems.

After working up an appetite, enjoy a local lunch with wine in a local, traditional taverna. Santorini's age-old cuisine is distinguished by the use of its fresh, locally sourced ingredients. The Santorini cherry tomatoes burst with sweetness, the rich fava beans grow in abundance, as do the unusual white eggplants, considered an aphrodisiac and known as the Santorini "apple of love."

Refreshed, your last stop on the tour is Fira. Nestled into a cliff over 800-feet high, the capital of Santorini is known for its striking mix of Cycladic and Venetian architecture. The lively main square of Fira is "Plateia Theotokopoulou," a colorful meeting place. From here, one can easily walk to shops, jewelry stores and galleries. Be sure to stop in the Prehistoric Museum, which displays artifacts from the 25th to the 1st century B.C. For your return to port, a steep walk to the upper portion of town leads you to the aerial cable car ride (ticket provided). Enjoy the superlative views as you use this fun mode of transportation to return to port to meet your tender.

Medical Restriction:

Not advisable for guests using a wheelchair, those with mobility limitations, those with vision impairments