Traditional Villages & Akrotiri Excavations: Private Tour

5.0
(7 reviews)

4 hours 30 minutes (approximately)
Pickup offered
Offered in: English

Santorini proudly displays its extensive past, with medieval structures, Ottoman towns, and weathered ruins spread across the entire island. Learn about the island's history and current culture on this 4.5 hour Santorini traditional villages & Akrotiri tour without having to deal with the hassle of organizing your own transportation. Explore the towns of Pyrgos, Megalochori, and Emporio, as well as the Akrotiri excavations, before marveling at the unique natural phenomenon of Red Beach.

What's Included

English-speaking local tour guide
Admission to the excavation site of Akrotiri
Transport by luxury A/C vehicle
Bottled water
All taxes
Hotel/port/airport pickup and drop-off
Personal expenses & gratuities (optional)
Cable car tickets (6 EUR per person, per ride) for cruise ship travelers
Optional Guided Tour at Akrotiri by a licensed guide

Meeting and pickup

Pickup points
You can choose a pickup location at checkout (multiple pickup locations are available).
Pickup details:

This tour includes pick up & drop off from most hotels in Santorini, or the closest accessible point, as well as the top of the cable car for cruise ship visitors.

Itinerary

Duration: 4 hours 30 minutes (approximately)
  • 1

    Begin your cultural journey in the village of Pyrgos. This hilltop town is home to a Venetian castle from the 16th century. Explore this beautiful region, which the natives built to fortify the area with narrow alleys and circular roadways. The settlement is surrounded by vineyards, blue-domed churches, tiny cave homes with lovely balconies, and pebbled walks.

    45 minutes Admission ticket free
  • 2

    Continue to Megalochori, one of the most charming and beautiful towns on the island, where traditional Cycladic buildings are carved out of volcanic rock. Blue-domed churches, underground caves, and white-washed tower bells dot the landscape. Explore the winding streets of this non-touristy community, sip Greek coffee in the pebble-stone square, and engage with the residents' way of life and culture.

    50 minutes Admission ticket free
  • 3

    Then, visit Emporio, the gateway to another era and the island's commercial center during the Middle Ages. During the Middle Ages, the villagers of this town used to build their homes next to one another in narrow, picturesque alleyways to protect themselves from pirates. You'll feel good as you walk around the paths of the well-kept castle, which was built in the middle of the 15th century.

    45 minutes Admission ticket free
  • 4

    Explore the Akrotiri Archaeological Site and travel back in time to discover the secrets and wonders of this long-lost ancient city. This 4,000-year-old Bronze Age town thrived for millennia. It was eventually buried beneath volcanic ash, which paradoxically worked to protect them from destruction. Wander around the old walls to see the 3-story buildings, well-preserved paintings, intricate drainage system, and other Minoan features. * Please keep in mind that our local tour guide/driver is not allowed enter and tour you inside the archeological

    1 hour Admission ticket included
  • 5

    Lastly, travel for a few minutes toward Red beach. Take in the serene beauty and magnificent views of this unique natural phenomenon.

    20 minutes Admission ticket free
  • 6
    Santorini

    Traveling (driving) time between attractions, pickup & drop off are included in the total duration of the tour

    50 minutes Admission ticket free

Additional info

  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Specialized infant seats are available
  • Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
  • Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
  • The tour requires an amount of walking on some hills and inclines. Participants should have at least moderate physical fitness level
  • Travel time between places and transportation is included in the total tour duration
Supplied by Santorini i-Land Tours

Tags

Half-day Tours
Bus Tours
Private Sightseeing Tours
Cultural Tours
Historical Tours
Ports of Call Tours
Archaeology Tours
Car Tours
Shore Excursions
Port Pickup
Short term availability

Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Show more

Rating

5.0 Based on 7 7 reviews
5 stars
7
4 stars
0
3 stars
0
2 stars
0
1 star
0
from per person
Was {{currencySymbol}}{{ summaryFromPriceBeforeDiscount }}