Silversea Luxury Cruises À SANTORINI

Discover the excavation site of famed Akrotiri during this half-day tour.

In prehistoric times, the people who inhabited what today is known as Santorini, called the island Strongyle (round). These people enjoyed a high standard of living; they built two-story houses, tilled the earth and were skilled artists, recognising the beauty of colour.

Akrotiri Excavations

Depart the ship by a local tender to Athinios, where you join the waiting motor-coach. Enjoy your scenic drive to the southern end of the island and the archaeological site of Akrotiri. A volcanic eruption circa 1,600 BCE destroyed all life on the island, and the island itself sank beneath the waves. The excavations here, led by Professor Spyros Marintos, began in 1967 and document the existence of life on Strongyle, legendary Atlantis; although no written records have ever surfaced to support this. It is an amazing city with houses, streets, squares and workshops, all of which had been covered under a thick blanket of pumice for over 3,500 years. You are able to walk around this ancient city among well-preserved buildings, which will give you an insight into the ancient civilisation of Santorini, the center of a civilisation akin to the Minoans of Crete.

Self-Exploration

After the tour of the excavations discover the nearby village and explore one of the 5 fortified settlements on the island in medieval times. (Optional walking tour on your own along the narrow streets of the village for access to this polygonal tower-castle and admiring the stunning views towards the south and west side of the island).

At the end of tour, return through the beautiful countryside back to the port of Athinios where your tender will await to take you to the ship.

Please note: This tour involves moderate walking and is not suitable for guests in wheelchairs or with limited mobility. Guests should wear seasonal clothing, flat walking shoes and sun protection. Please note that at the conclusion of the tour you will have an option to remain in the town of Fira for self-exploration. Guests will have to make their own way to the tender boats from Fira using a cable car. Cable car ticket costs 6.00 Euros one way. Long lines for the cable cars may be encountered during the busy summer season. The tour requires a minimum amount of participants to operate.

Experience the island of Santorini and its best sites during this full-day picturesque sightseeing excursion.

Akrotiri Excavations

Depart the ship by a local tender to Athinios, where you join the waiting motor-coach. Enjoy your scenic drive to the southern end of the island and the archaeological site of Akrotiri. A volcanic eruption circa 1,600 BCE destroyed all life on the island, and the island itself sank beneath the waves. The excavations here, led by Professor Spyros Marintos, began in 1967 and document the existence of life on Strongoli, legendary Atlantis; although no written records have ever surfaced to support this. It is an amazing city with houses, streets, squares and workshops, all of which had been covered under a thick blanket of pumice for over 3,500 years. You are able to walk around this ancient city among well-preserved buildings, which will give you an insight into the ancient civilization of Santorini, the center of a civilization akin to the Minoans of Crete.

Venetsanos Winery & Wine Tasting, Panoramic Views, Local Tavern & Lunch

After your visit, continue to Venetsanos Winery where you will sample the famous Santorini wines and admire panoramic views of the Caldera of Santorini. Continue to a local tavern where your lunch awaits and taste Greek delicacies.

Village of Oia & Free Time

Depart for the scenic drive to the northern tip of the island, and a visit to Oia. This quaint little village was once the home of wealthy seafarers of the past, and features beautiful old cliff-side mansions and houses. Upon arrival, take a guided walking tour through the narrow cobbled streets of Oia. Following your walking tour, enjoy free time for additional independent exploration. See many tiny shops offering a varied and unusual collection of handmade works of ceramic art, paintings and semi-precious jewelry. Coffee shops perched on the edge of the cliffs offer spectacular views of Fira and the volcano.

At the end of tour, return through the beautiful countryside back to the port of Athinios where your tender will await to take you to the ship.

Explore the most charming village of Santorini during a memorable sightseeing and shopping excursion on this picturesque island.

Panoramic Drive, Village of Oia

After tendering ashore at Athinios Port, depart for approximately 40-minute scenic drive to the northern tip of the island to Oia. This quaint little village was once the home of wealthy seafarers of the past, and features beautiful old cliff-side mansions and houses.

Free Time

Upon arrival, take a brief guided walking tour through the narrow cobbled streets of Oia. Following your walking tour, enjoy free time for additional independent exploration. See many tiny shops offering a varied and unusual collection of handmade works of ceramic art, paintings and semi-precious jewelry. Coffee shops perched on the edge of the cliffs offer spectacular views of Fira and the volcano.

Following your visit to Oia, re-board the coach for your transfer back to the Athinios Port where your tender boat will await to take you back to the ship.

Please note: This tour involves a moderate amount of walking, at times on cobblestone surfaces with many steps to negotiate. This tour is not suitable for guests with limited mobility or those who utilise a wheelchair. Light-weight, comfortable clothing with closed-toe walking shoes and sun protection are recommended. Please note that at the conclusion of the tour you will have an option to remain in the town of Fira for self-exploration. Guests will have to make their own way to the tender boats from Fira using a cable car. Cable car ticket costs 6.00 Euros one way. Long lines for the cable cars may be encountered during the busy summer season.

Experience the panoramic beauty, history and wine of Santorini during this picturesque sightseeing excursion.

Panoramic Drive & Village of Oia

After tendering ashore, depart for the approximate 40-minute drive north to the village of Oia. En route, take in magnificent views of the caldera and the rest of the smaller islands. Upon arrival in Oia, take a guided walking tour along its cobblestone streets, and pass by beautiful old cliff-side mansions and houses. Following your visit, some free time is also made available to explore Oia at your leisure.

Mt. Profitis Ilias

Next, re-board your coach and take in panoramic views of Santorini and the caldera. Upon reaching the top, drive through the village of Pyrgos and up to Mt. Profitis Ilias. At 883 feet (269 metres), it is the highest peak in Santorini, and home of the early-18th-century monastery of the same name. From here, take in spectacular views of the entire island before re-boarding your coach for the drive to Pyrgos.

Pyrgos, Local Winery Visit & Wine Tasting

This traditional village features fine old houses and the remains of a Venetian castle perched on the hilltop. Upon arrival, take a guided walking tour through the narrow ascending streets that encircle the village, and then stop at a local winery for wine tasting accompanied by local snacks and splendid views of the volcanic island, caldera and the sea.

At the end of tour, return through the beautiful countryside back to the port of Athinios where your tender will await to take you to the ship.

Please note: This tour involves a moderate to extensive amount of walking over uneven, cobbled and narrow pathways and is thus not suitable for guests with limited mobility or those who utilise a wheelchair. Guests should wear seasonal clothing, flat walking shoes and sun protection. Guests must be at least 18 years old to be served alcoholic beverages. Please note that at the conclusion of the tour you will have an option to remain in the town of Fira for self-exploration. Guests will have to make their own way to the tender boats from Fira using a cable car. Cable car ticket costs 6.00 Euros one way. Long lines for the cable cars may be encountered during the busy summer season. The tour sequence may vary to avoid overcrowding.

Experience the village life and spectacular scenery of Santorini during this half-day island tour.

Drive past typical Greek houses, an ancient Venetian fortress and several Byzantine churches en route to the Profitas Elias. A brief stop here, the highest point of the island, offers a spectacular panorama of the caldera below. Re-board your coach for the drive to Oia.

Village of Oia

Nestled in a fertile countryside, the village of Oia is among the most picturesque towns of the Cyclades Islands. This dramatic little village, built on a steep slope of the caldera, has many of its dwellings nestled in niches hewn into the volcanic rock. Once the home of wealthy seafarers of the past; still evident are their two story mansions painted in a spectrum of pastel colors. As you traverse its narrow cobbled streets you will come across many tiny shops which offer a varied and unusual collection of handmade works of ceramic art, paintings and semi-precious jewelry. Coffee shops perched on the edge of the cliffs offer spectacular views of Fira and the volcano.

Brief Walking Tour & Free Time

Following your short walking tour, some free time is made available for you to take a leisurely stroll along the narrow, winding streets, and admire the beautiful old houses and charming, tiny shops.

Canava Distillery & Ouzo Tasting

Departing Oia, your next stop is at Canava distillery & museum. Here, guests can enjoy a visit of the distillery, with its antique distilling equipment, and a stroll through the museum. Within the newly-restored home, guests can see its recreated workplaces and rooms reflective of the people in Santorini's recent past. Every room is replicated using original items tirelessly collected over the years. Afterward, enjoy a taste of the spirits produced in Santorini's first distillery. Guests wishing to purchase some products can do so (please note that credit cards are not accepted).

Please note: This tour involves a moderate to extensive amount of walking and is not suitable for guests with limited mobility or those who utilise a wheelchair. Comfortable walking shoes are recommended. Tour sequence and duration may vary based on possible crowds. Guests must be at least 18 years old to be served alcoholic beverages. Please note that at the conclusion of the tour you will have an option to remain in the town of Fira for self-exploration. Guests will have to make their own way to the tender boats from Fira using a cable car. Cable car ticket costs 6.00 Euros one way. Long lines for the cable cars may be encountered during the busy summer season.

The climate and soil of Santorini breeds a distinct style of wine not found anywhere else. Due to the eruption of Thera in 1,600 BC, the soil of Santorini is a mix of volcanic ash, pumice stone, solidified lava and sand - resulting in a low PH level and high acidity that gives Santorini wines a unique spiciness. The climate of Santorini is dry and the main source of water for vineyards comes from the salty sea mist, giving the wines an even more superb flavor.

Santorini wine traditions go back to ancient times, when the village of Akrotiri flourished. Local sommeliers still utilize the same harvesting techniques, establishing world-renowned wineries around the island. Join us on this journey to the ancient vineyards in Santorini and to taste the best wines of the island can offer.

Visit the Two Famous Santorini Wineries - Venetsanos Winery & Argyros Estate

After tendering ashore, board your coach and depart for your Santorini wine adventure. Your S.A.L.T. experience begins at the Venetsanos Winery, built in 1949 to house the first industrial winery on the island. Located on the edge of the caldera, it's most distinctive feature is its structural design, which utilized gravity to facilitate energy efficiency at a time when access to electricity and other energy sources was limited. Taste their delicious wines and learn all about Santorini wine production under the guidance of your sommelier expert.

Afterwards, continue to the Argyros Estate, founded in 1903 by Georgios Argyros. His efforts to preserve the ancient wine-making traditions of Santorini have been recognized by Wine & Spirits magazine as one of 100 best wineries in the world, circa 2005-2006.

After your wine tasting at Argyros Estate, re-board your coach for a return drive through the beautiful countryside back to the port of Athinios where your tender will await to take you to the ship.

Your Host - Georgios Ntantis or Iliana Sidiropoulou - Expert Sommeliers

Georgios Ntantis is an experienced sommelier and has a wealth of knowledge to share on the traditional techniques that make Santorini's wines so unique.

Iliana Sidiropoulou has studied enology (winemaking) in Athens and Bordeaux and began her career in 1994 at an emblematic winery of Santorini. She has an experience of twenty years in the Greek wine industry under her belt.

Embrace the spectacular natural splendour of Santorini during this captivating, half-day excursion around the island via catamaran.

Santorini Catamaran Cruise

Depart the ship for the short transfer to the Old Port of Fira. Upon arrival, embark a catamaran for a picturesque sailing excursion around Santorini. Along the way, discover the hidden marvels of this idyllic island.

Swimming, Snorkelling and Snack

Sail around the caldera, volcanic island and hot springs, where you may opt to swim and snorkel in the crystal-clear waters of the private Bay of Saint Nikolas. While enjoying the unparalleled scenery and views, treat yourself to a complimentary meal of BBQ pork or chicken souvlaki sticks. Your catamaran journey ends in the Old Port of Fira, where you will board the tender boat and transfer back to the ship.

Please note: This tour involves a minimal amount of walking, with a few steps to negotiate to embark/disembark the ship's tender and catamaran. This tour is not suitable for guests prone to seasickness, guests with limited mobility and guests who utilise a wheelchair. Guests are advised to wear a swimsuit under a cover-up with water shoes, and bring sun protection and a towel from the ship. Operation of this tour is subject to weather conditions. Snorkel equipment is provided. Space on this tour is limited; we suggest you book in advance to avoid disappointment.

Experience the beauty of Santorini's breath-taking coast on this kayaking excursion that should not be missed. Paddle for two hours along the spectacular Caldera, stopping at a remote and lovely beach as you enjoy refreshments and rest, looking out at the exquisite turquoise waters before you.

Drive to Akrotiri Bay, Safety Briefing, Kayaking

After a short tender ride, board your van for approximately 30-minute transfer to the Akrotiri Bay. After a safety briefing, start your kayaking adventure. This region's stunningly clear, bright blue waters are known for their dramatic rock outcroppings that rise up from seemingly out of nowhere. Glide amidst this striking beauty in an oceangoing kayak.

Christos Beach, Snorkelling, Swimming, Snack

Take a break from all of the paddling with a visit to a sheltered, black-sand beach called Christos nestled below craggy cliffs with the caldera village Megalochori just above. Explore a little chapel, or snorkel in the pristine waters before enjoying refreshing local snack at your own private beach.

Please note: This tour involves extensive activity and participants must be in good physical condition and able to swim in water too deep to stand. Guests should wear a swimsuit under a cover-up, water shoes, plenty of sun protection and bring a towel from the ship. Kayaks used on this tour are 2 person kayaks and contain a waterproof compartment for storing your belongings. Snorkel equipment is provided. Minimum age to participate is 14 and a maximum weight of 209 pounds (95 kilograms) applies to all participants. Guest must sign a waiver to participate. Operation of this tour is subject to weather conditions. Space on this tour is extremely limited; we suggest you book well in advance to avoid disappointment. Please note that at the conclusion of the tour you will have an option to remain in the town of Fira for self-exploration. Guests will have to make their own way to the tender boats from Fira using a cable car. Cable car ticket costs 6.00 Euros one way. Long lines for the cable cars may be encountered during the busy summer season.

Indulge your senses with the beauty and flavours of Santorini during this scenic and memorable sightseeing excursion.

Mt. Profitis Ilias

Disembark the ship onto your awaiting tender boat and set sail for Athinios Port. Upon arrival, board a coach and take in panoramic views of Santorini and the caldera as you ascend the colourful rocky sides of the caldera wall. Upon reaching the top, drive through the village of Pyrgos and up to Mt. Profitis Ilias. At 883 feet (269 metres), it is the highest peak in Santorini, and home of the early-18th-century monastery of the same name.

Village of Oia & Free Time

After taking in the spectacular views of the island, guests will re-board the coach for the drive to Oia, located on the northern end of the island. En route, see the different layers of lava the volcano has produced during in every phase of its activity. Upon arrival, take a brief guided walking tour through the narrow cobbled streets of Oia. Following your walking tour, enjoy free time for additional independent exploration. See many tiny shops offering a varied and unusual collection of handmade works of ceramic art, paintings and semi-precious jewelry. Coffee shops perched on the edge of the cliffs offer spectacular views of Fira and the volcano.

Local Winery & Wine Tasting, Perivolos Beach

Next, re-board your coach and continue to a local winery for a wine tasting accompanied by barley rusks and local cheeses. Afterwards, proceed towards the volcanic, black-pebbled beach of Perivolos. Here, you will have a chance to enjoy approximately two hours at your leisure: lounge on a sunbed, stroll the long stretch of black sand, swim in the azure Aegean, or have a traditional Greek lunch on your own at one of the seaside taverns.

Please note: This tour involves a moderate to extensive amount of walking over uneven, cobbled and narrow pathways and is not suitable for guests with limited mobility or those who utilise a wheelchair. Wear light-weight, comfortable clothing with closed-toe walking shoes and bring protection from the sun. Guests wishing to swim should wear a swimsuit under a cover-up, and bring a towel from the ship. Beach umbrellas and sunbeds are not included and are available for rent on first-come, first-serve basis. Swimming is at guest's own risk. Beach amenities include refreshment/snack bars. Only Euro currency is accepted. The operation of this programme is weather dependent. Guests must be at least 18 years old to be served alcoholic beverages. Please note that at the conclusion of the tour you will have an option to remain in the town of Fira for self-exploration. Guests will have to make their own way to the tender boats from Fira using a cable car. Cable car ticket costs 6.00 Euros one way. Long lines for the cable cars may be encountered during the busy summer season.

Explore Santorini at your leisure during your full-day (8-hour) sightseeing tour via private car. Customise your own itinerary or choose to see an overview of the area's highlights.

Depart the pier with your English-speaking guide in an air-conditioned car and discover the city and surrounding areas at your own pace. Your exclusive tour concludes back at the pier.

Please note: This tour is non-refundable if cancelled within 48 hours prior to arrival in the port. Actual vehicle type varies depending on availability. Guides are English-speaking. Participation is limited to 2 guests per car. The price, exclusive of meals, entrance fees and gratuities, is per vehicle. Therefore, when making your reservation, please indicate the number of vehicles, not the number of guests. Only one person in the party needs to reserve this program. Please see the Shore Concierge Office on board the ship to arrange your individual itinerary.

Explore Santorini at your leisure during your half-day (4-hour) sightseeing tour via private car. Customise your own itinerary or choose to see an overview of the area's highlights.

Depart the pier with your English-speaking guide in an air-conditioned car and discover the city and surrounding areas at your own pace. Your exclusive tour concludes back at the pier.

Please note: This tour is non-refundable if cancelled within 48 hours prior to arrival in the port. Actual vehicle type varies depending on availability. Guides are English-speaking. Participation is limited to 2 guests per car. The price, exclusive of meals, entrance fees and gratuities, is per vehicle. Therefore, when making your reservation, please indicate the number of vehicles, not the number of guests. Only one person in the party needs to reserve this program. Please see the Shore Concierge Office on board the ship to arrange your individual itinerary.

Explore Santorini at your leisure during your full-day (8-hour) sightseeing tour via private mini bus. Customise your own itinerary or choose to see an overview of the area's highlights.

Depart the pier with your English-speaking guide in an air-conditioned mini bus and discover the city and surrounding areas at your own pace. Your exclusive tour concludes back at the pier.

Please note: This tour is non-refundable if cancelled within 48 hours prior to arrival in the port. Actual vehicle type varies depending on availability. Guides are English-speaking. Participation is limited to up to 10 guests per mini bus. The price, exclusive of meals, entrance fees and gratuities, is per vehicle. Therefore, when making your reservation, please indicate the number of vehicles, not the number of guests. Only one person in the party needs to reserve this program. Please see the Shore Concierge Office on board the ship to arrange your individual itinerary.

Explore Santorini at your leisure during your half-day (4-hour) sightseeing tour via private mini bus. Customise your own itinerary or choose to see an overview of the area's highlights.

Depart the pier with your English-speaking guide in an air-conditioned mini bus and discover the city and surrounding areas at your own pace. Your exclusive tour concludes back at the pier.

Please note: This tour is non-refundable if cancelled within 48 hours prior to arrival in the port. Actual vehicle type varies depending on availability. Guides are English-speaking. Participation is limited to up to 10 guests per van. The price, exclusive of meals, entrance fees and gratuities, is per vehicle. Therefore, when making your reservation, please indicate the number of vehicles, not the number of guests. Only one person in the party needs to reserve this program. Please see the Shore Concierge Office on board the ship to arrange your individual itinerary.

This excursion is a truly Grecian adventure, with the opportunity to sail on a traditional kaiki boat to an active volcano, Nea Kameni, on the Aegean Sea, and take swim in a volcanic hot spring at Palea Kameni.

Traditional Kaiki Boat, Sailing the Caldera, Nea Kameni Volcano Hike, Panoramic Views

Travel aboard a traditional Greek sailboat called a kaiki (or caïque), a charming wooden boat and traditional fishing vessel that has a long, pointed bow and is often painted in bright colors. Sail first to Nea Kameni, a small volcanic island within the Santorini caldera. Hike to the edge of the active volcano crater past unique, almost alien lava formations. Both Nea Kameni and its neighbour, Palea Kameni, were formed over the past two thousand years by repeated eruptions. Your reward will be an awe-inspiring panorama of the island and sea.

Palea Kameni Hot Springs, Swimming

Afterwards, continue to sail to Palea Kameni, a home of hot springs known for their healing properties. Here, you will have a chance to spend approximately half an hour swimming and relaxing in this magical place. At the conclusion of your excursion, take the relaxation with you and enjoy approximately half an hour sail back to the Old Port of Fira.

Please note: This tour is an adventure tour with extensive activity and is recommended only for guests in good physical health, with the ability to undertake considerable amounts of physical activity, including hiking over uneven ground, loose volcanic rocks and an incline. It is not recommended for guests in wheelchairs or with limited mobility. Guests are suggested to wear hiking shoes, casual and light weight clothes, and bring swimsuit, sunscreen, sunglasses and towel from the ship. Please note that your swimsuit could change color due to the sulphur water. Guests with breathing problems should take this into consideration before booking the tour, as the smell of sulphur and the heat can be strong at the volcano. Operation of this tour is subject to weather conditions.

Experience the stunning colourful panorama of breath-taking Santorini during this picturesque, half-day sightseeing excursion to its charming villages.

Mountain of Prophet Elijah, Clifftop Views, Pyrgos Village, Castle and Churches

After transferring to Athinios via ship's tender, board a coach for the scenic, approximately 30-minute drive along the rocky sides of the caldera on your way to the island's highest point, the Mountain of Prophet Elijah. Upon arrival, marvel at the clifftop view of the deep blue sea surrounding island and volcanic caldera of Santorini, and your ship in the distance. Continue on to Pyrgos, a hilltop village that served as the capital of the island until the early-1800s. It is comprised of traditional houses built around the Venetian castle, and its small streets follow the shape of the hill. Some free time is made available to climb from the square up to Pyrgos Castle, view the stone houses densely packed together, visit any of the village's 33 churches, stroll through the labyrinth of narrow, vaulted lanes, or simply relax and enjoy a coffee at a local café.

Megalochori Village, Mansions, Traditional House, Narrow Alleyways, Wine Canavas

Next, re-board your coach and head to Megalochori. This beautiful village is home to historical mansions, restored old traditional houses built into the rock and narrow alleyways, pirate hideaways and wine canavas. It also has a history of merchants and wealthy land barons exporting Vinsanto wine, which is still produced on the island. A great effort is been made by local residents and businessmen to preserve the characteristics and beauty of this traditional settlement, and many of the original houses that had fallen into disrepair have been restored to their former glory. Upon arrival, some free time is made available to explore the village at your leisure.

Fira Town, Alleyways, Blue-Domed, White Houses, Free Time

Leaving Megalochori, re-board your coach and head to the island's capital, Fira. Upon arrival, some free time is made available to explore its maze of alleyways, where the blue domes of the white houses blend in with the sky, and the friendliness and hospitality of its inhabitants extends into its streets and shops. During your visit, you can browse the shops for souvenirs or savour delicious local gourmet specialities at your own expense.

At the conclusion of your visit, re-board your coach and commence the short drive to the port of Athinios where your tender will await to take you to the ship.