Explore Village Life
Modern day Santorini has been shaped quite literally by one event in ancient history.
In 1650 BC the huge volcano Thira erupted, sinking the centre of the island then known at Strongyle and leaving behind an incredible caldera.
And it is on that small, circular, remnant that Santorini now sits, about 200 miles from the Greek mainland.
The municipality includes the inhabited islands of Santorini and Therasia and the uninhabited ones of Nea Kameni, Palea Kameni, Aspronisi and Christiana.
The soaring landscapes that give Santorini its unique look were formed by the eruption and you will almost certainly gaze in awe as you journey on a tender boat to the port of Athina to head for Santorini’s most important archaeological site, the village of Akrotiri. On the way we make a brief stop at the ruins of the island’s famous windmill and take in the wonderful view.
The settlement of Akrotiri was destroyed in the eruption and buried in volcanic ash which preserved many of its buildings, structures and fine frescoes. The site has been excavated since the 1960s.
You will find a place held in time and it is an incredible experience.
It has been suggested Akrotiri could have been the inspiration for Plato’s story of Atlantis, but there are numerous other places vying for that honour.
After Akrotiri we head for the capital Fira, the island’s largest town, to visit the Orthodox Metropolitan Cathedral, also known as the Church of Ypapantis. It is famed for its elegance and beautiful frescos painted by Santorini artist Christoforus Assimis.
We have time to linger in Fira for shopping, a stroll or a relaxing coffee before making our way back to the tender boats by way of the teleferik, the Santorini Cable Car. It’s an impressive descent of more than 200 metres to the blue waters of the caldera at the harbour side.
Tour may not be available at certain times of the year.



Available on these itineraries
- Filter cruises by nights
- All
- 3 Nights
- 7 Nights
Related Amazing excursions
Jerusalem & Betlehem
Learn MoreClassic Cairo
Learn MoreAncient Ephesus and the Terrace Houses
Learn MoreHouse of Virgin Mary & Ancient Ephesus
Learn MoreClassical Athens and its Monuments
Learn MoreThe Acropolis & The New Acropolis Museum
Learn MoreAthens monuments and the Acropolis
Learn MoreAthens tour and the New Acropolis Museum
Learn MoreAncient Ephesus
Learn MoreHaifa City Tour
Learn MoreMasada/Dead Sea
Learn MoreNazareth & Galilee
Learn MoreHighlights of Alexandria
Learn MoreLandmarks of Alexandria
Learn MorePerge and Aspendos
Learn MoreAntalya City Tour
Learn MoreThe crystal clear waters of Elounda and Spinalonga
Learn MoreCretan Jeep Safari
Learn MoreRiver Trekking Tour
Learn MoreA Delectable Day in Crete
Learn MoreAncient Temple of Poseidon and Cape Sounion
Learn MoreIzmir City Tour
Learn MoreOff the beaten track – 4×4 Adventure
Learn MoreClassical Athens and its Monuments
Learn MoreThe Essence of Santorini
Learn MoreTransfer to Sahara Beach
Learn MoreTransfer to Perissa Beach
Learn MoreTransfer to Ammoudara Beach
Learn MoreTransfer to Paradise Beach
Learn MoreTransfer to Kalafatis Beach
Learn More
Mykonos Magic
Learn MoreTransfer to Tsambika beach
Learn MoreBeauty of butterflies and Ancient Kameiros
Learn MoreCapturing the true spirit of Chora
Learn MoreTransfer to Agriolivadi beach
Learn MoreSacred Delos & Rhenia Island
Learn MoreAdventure, spills and thrills at Adaland Water Park
Learn MoreGreek wine and holy water: Philippi and beyond
Learn MoreKavala up close: walk through the ages
Learn MoreNestos River and the colours of Xanthi
Learn MoreKnossos Palace & Cretan Landscapes
Learn More
Thessaloniki Food on foot
Learn More
Rich history of a famous Greek winery
Learn More
A taste of wine and tradition
Learn More
Music, myths and history
Learn More
Pelion Spoon Sweets
Learn More
Making pottery fit for the Gods
Learn More
A delicious taste of ‘liquid gold’
Learn More
Home cooking and hospitality in Mykonos
Learn More
The secrets of Pelion cuisine
Learn More
Hiking to the ultimate beauty of Oia
Learn More
A kayak adventure discovering pirate coves
Learn More
The beautiful art of mosaic making
Learn More
Trek to the heart and soul of Milos
Learn More
Milos food on foot
Learn More
Sea Kayaking and the mesmerising Milos coastline
Learn More
A Geological wonder 4×4 adventure
Learn More
Limassol Omodos – Oenoyi Winery
Learn More
Ancient Civilisations with an expert archaeologist
Learn More
Thrill of the ride Buggy Safari
Learn More
Whirling Dervishes & dinner
Learn More
Turkish Baklava Making
Learn More
Gents Anatolian well-being (Berber and Hammam)
Learn More
Painting on Water: Turkish Ebru Art
Learn More
Heraklion Food on foot
Learn More