Oia, Fira, Winery & Pre Historic Museum

Description

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

Transfer from ship to shore via tender and board your motorcoach to begin your extensive tour of beautiful Santorini. Your knowledgeable guide will point out the local sights en route to the picturesque village of Oia.

Pronounced "Eee-ah," the village is perched high atop the cliffs of Santorini's northern terminus. Known for its quiet beauty and spectacular sunsets, this spot boasts breathtaking views of neighboring volcanoes. Stroll through the narrow, cobblestone lanes, view the brilliantly whitewashed buildings, shops, sun-bathed cafés and blue-domed churches. The natural beauty and tranquility of Oia's landscape has inspired artists from around the world, and numerous galleries can be found in the area.

The next stop on your itinerary is dramatic Mt. Prophet Elijah, which offers panoramic views as far as the eye can see. The highest point on the island, 2,000 feet above sea level, Mt. Prophet Elijah is located between the villages of Pyrgo and Kamari and shares its peak with a monastery of the same name.

Continue on to a traditional winery on the island for an opportunity to sample the fruit of the local vine. Learn the history of wine production on the island, which dates back as far as 1700 B.C. Assyrtiko grapes are the leading variety grown, as they thrive in the rich, volcanic soil and microclimate. White wines produced here have an appealing citrus aroma and the dessert wines are barrel-aged for a minimum of two years, and are celebrated for their smooth palate and golden honey color.

A superb restaurant is the venue for your traditional Greek lunch, a wonderful opportunity to sample the foods of the region and the fresh ingredients native to the area.

Refreshed, you'll see the awesome Santorini caldera, formed 3,500 years ago after a monumental volcanic explosion in the Aegean Sea. From your viewpoint, you'll experience unparalleled views of this geological wonder, the surrounding natural beauty and your Princess ship!

A short drive to the cosmopolitan resort area of Kamari Village introduces you to the famed black sand beaches of Santorini. You'll have a brief opportunity to put your toes in the sand (careful, it can be hot!) and to capture this stunning phenomenon in photographs.

Step inside the Prehistoric Museum and be transported back in time. Located in Fira, the island's capital, the museum's display features fine pottery, figurines, and carvings ranging from the 25th to the 1st century B.C. Many of the items on view are artifacts recovered from the archeological site of Akrotiri, Santorini's "Pompeii."

Fira is known for its striking mix of Cycladic and Venetian architecture. The main square of Fira is "Plateia Theotokopoulou," a colorful meeting place. From here, one can easily walk to shops, jewelry stores and tavernas. A steep walk to the upper portion of town leads you to the aerial cable car ride (ticket provided), your transportation to port to meet your tender.

Special Notes:

Visiting Fira, Megalochori and Oia involves walking along narrow cobblestone streets with numerous flat steps. Wear low-heeled, comfortable shoes. 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 multipleships are in port.

Some shops, tavernas and cafés close during November.