Price: 45€ per person
Day tour: 11:30 am – After sunset
Itinerary:
• Excavations of Akrotiri with guide
• Perivolos Black Beach, free time for lunch and swim
• Megalochori, 30 min stop
• Prophet Elias Monastery, 20 min for photos
• Pyrgos village, drive through
• Santo wines, including the entrance and tasting of three local wines
• Oia village, free time to walk around and enjoy the world-famous sunset
The Bronze Age settlement of Akrotiri was one of the most important Minoan urban centres and ports in the Aegean Sea, until it was covered by volcanic ash in the 17th century BC. In prehistorical times Akrotiri was a well-connected Minoan port town, a necessary stop along the routes linking mainland Greece with places as far afield as Egypt and Syria. Since the town was covered in volcanic ash until quite recently, the preservation of the settlement is exceptional. This is one of Greece’s most significant archaeological sites, a true jewel of human civilization.
Megalochori is one of the most picturesque villages on the island. Its existence is recorded back to the 17th century. Home to historical mansions, old traditional houses and pirate hideaways. Historically, Megalochori’s notables have been the merchants and wealthy estate owners that exported the Vinsanto wine that the island still produces to this day.
Prophet Elias, one of the island’s oldest monasteries, is located on a hill that carries the same name. Mount Prophet Elias lies on the southeast edge of Santorini, 3 kilometers away from the remarkable village of Pyrgos. The monastery, whose exterior stone walls resemble a fortress, was built by two monks in 1711. It soon became an important cultural and educational center that also offered relief to the poor.
Pyrgos village is the highest point on the island of Santorini. Its jaw-dropping panoramic views include the whole island, all the way to the village of Oia. This hillside village was declared a protected settlement in 1995. Pyrgos is a typical fortress-type settlement on the Cycladic Islands. On the hilltop you can find ruins of Kasteli Castle, one of the five ‘kastelia’ on the island. Although there are many reports that Pyrgos was the capital of Santorini in the mid-18th century, in fact that has never been the case. To be fair, we can’t blame anyone for believing that, considering the beauty and strategic position of the village.
Visit Santo wines and taste three types of volcanic wines. Walk in a vineyard and learn all about the island’s unique viticulture.
Oia is a traditional settlement in the northern part of Santorini. It is also known as ‘Apano Meria’ or ‘Anomeria,’ and its inhabitants are called ‘Apanomerites’. The village is approximately 150 meters above sea level. Oia was severely damaged in the 1956 earthquake, and much work has been carried out to restore it in a way that brings together functionality, beauty and local taste. Oia is one of the most photographed places in Greece, if not the world. It is best known for breathtaking sunsets.
Price includes:
• Tour
• Transfers from/to meeting points
• English-speaking guide
Price does not include:
• Travel insurance
• Entrance fee
• Meals