Santorini Island Tour for cruise travelers - Small Group

Santorini , Greece

Santorini Island Tour for cruise travelers - Small Group

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(11 reviews)

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

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About this experience

Discover Santorini’s most iconic villages—Oia, Imerovigli, and Pyrgos—on a relaxed, small-group tour designed especially for cruise ship travelers. Led by a knowledgeable local guide and limited to just 20 participants, this tour ensures a more personal and engaging experience.

Travel in a comfortable, air-conditioned minibus and enjoy the flexibility of morning or afternoon departures, making it easy to tailor your sightseeing to your cruise schedule or preferred pace of the day. Capture stunning caldera views, stroll through charming alleys, and snap unforgettable photos in Santorini’s most picturesque spots. Explore hidden gems and quiet corners away from the crowds, experience panoramic views of the Aegean, and immerse yourself in the island’s authentic charm.

Perfect for first-time visitors or those seeking a serene, memorable shore excursion, this tour turns limited time on the island into a truly unforgettable experience.

Available options

Santorini Island Tour for cruise travelers - Small Group

What's included

English/Spanish speaking Guide

Air-conditioned vehicle

Detailed itinerary

Meet your guide outside the cable car station. Begin with a short scenic walk through Fira town, offering stunning views of the volcano and the caldera before boarding the minibus.

Enjoy a panoramic drive to the charming village of Pyrgos, one of Santorini’s most traditional settlements. Wander through its charming alleys, explore the remains of the medieval Kasteli Castle, and take in sweeping island views from its hilltop location.

Travel north to the iconic village of Oia. Along the way, your guide will share fascinating insights into Santorini’s history and point out scenic photo stops. In Oia, enjoy free time to stroll through postcard-perfect streets, admire the blue domes, and browse local shops.

Next, travel to and visit Imerovigli, often called the “balcony to the Aegean,” thanks to its elevated location and dramatic volcanic views. From here, enjoy a scenic 15-minute caldera-edge walk to the next village, Firostefani.

Continue your caldera-edge walk from Imerovigli back to Fira, passing by the peaceful village of Firostefani, perfect for capturing postcard-worthy panoramas without the crowds.

Tour ends in Fira, where you can explore more, shop, dine, or take the cable car back to the old port and your tender back to the ship.

What's not included

Gratuities

Anything not mentioned in Inclusions

Cable car tickets

Available languages

Guide guide

EN ES

Reviews breakdown

Viator 4.9

11 reviews

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Important information

Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap

Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries

Not recommended for pregnant travelers

Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health

Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness

This excursion involves total walking for more than two hours on cobbled streets and uneven ground. We recommend you wear comfortable non-slip walking shoes and protect yourself from the sun. In addition to the extensive amount of walking on this tour, there is a 10-minute walk from/to the bus parking area in Oia.

At the end of the tour in Fira, guests must be able to walk 0.5 mile in town to reach the cable car station. Long waiting and queuing time are expected to enter the cable car station during peak season.

After booking, our team will reach out to you to provide further details to coordinate your arrival.

What to Bring: passport or ID card, sunscreen, cash or credit card

What to Wear: hat, sunglasses and comfortable walking shoes

Tour sequence may vary

Cable car tickets are not included.

Santorini is a tender port. There are 2 ports in Santorini, Fira Old Port (where the cable car is, which takes you to Fira town) and Athinios (ferry and commercial pier). Please make sure to take the right tender and disembark to Fira Old port and not Athinios, as you'll will need to take the cable car to join the tour (cable car ride is couple of minutes).

Give yourself enough waiting time as you might encounter long lines to enter the cable car.

For morning departure: After embarking on your cruise ship, we suggest asking the cruise ship Guest Relation Officers for more details on how to have a priority disembarkation to be able to join the tour at 10:00.

Afternoon departure is ideal for guests whose cruise arrives in the morning or early afternoon and departs at 21:00 or later — perfect for those who prefer a relaxed morning before exploring Santorini.

This intimate small-group tour offers a relaxed and scenic introduction to Santorini. With a max of 20 participants, you’ll enjoy a more personal experience than large bus tours.

Meeting point

Pickup: Outside Cable Car Station, Fira.
Meeting: 15 minutes before tour. Details sent 48 hours prior via email/WhatsApp/Viber.
Look for a sign with your name and Greek Travel Advisors logo.
Take the tender to Fira Old Port (not Athinios) for the cable car. Expect long lines at the cable car.

About Santorini

Santorini is a breathtaking island in the Cyclades known for its stunning sunsets, whitewashed buildings, and dramatic cliffs. This volcanic island offers a unique blend of natural beauty, rich history, and luxurious experiences, making it one of the most sought-after destinations in Greece.

Top Attractions

Oia

A picturesque village known for its whitewashed buildings, blue domes, and stunning sunsets. Oia is a must-visit for its charm and breathtaking views.

Historical/Scenic 2-3 hours Free to explore

Fira

The capital of Santorini, Fira offers a mix of history, shopping, and stunning views of the caldera. It's a vibrant town with a rich cultural heritage.

Historical/Shopping Half-day Free to explore

Akrotiri

A well-preserved ancient settlement that offers a glimpse into the Minoan civilization. The site is often referred to as the 'Minoan Pompeii'.

Historical/Archaeological 1-2 hours €12

Red Beach

A unique beach known for its striking red cliffs and volcanic sand. The beach is a popular spot for swimming and snorkeling.

Beach/Nature Half-day Free

Santorini Caldera Boat Tour

A boat tour around the caldera offers stunning views of the volcanic landscape and the opportunity to swim in hot springs.

Adventure/Tour 4-5 hours €40-€80

Must-Try Local Dishes

Fava

A creamy dip made from yellow split peas, often served with olive oil and onions.

Appetizer Vegetarian, Vegan

Tomato Keftedes

Fried tomato fritters made with Santorini's famous cherry tomatoes.

Appetizer Vegetarian

Grilled Octopus

Tender octopus grilled to perfection, often served with a drizzle of olive oil and lemon.

Main Course Contains seafood

White Eggplant

A local delicacy made from the island's unique white eggplants, often grilled or fried.

Main Course Vegetarian

Popular Activities

Hiking Scuba diving Boat tours ATV rentals Sunbathing Spa treatments Wine tasting Yoga

Best Time to Visit

June to August

This is the busiest time with the best weather for beach activities and sightseeing. The island is vibrant with festivals and events.

25°C to 35°C 77°F to 95°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: Greek
Widely spoken: English, German, French, Italian
English: Widely spoken in tourist areas

Currency

Euro (EUR)

Time Zone

GMT+2 (EET - Eastern European Time)

Electricity

230VV, 50HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe

Santorini is generally safe for tourists, with low crime rates. However, petty theft and scams can occur in crowded areas.

Important Precautions:

• Use reputable tour operators
• Keep valuables secure
• Be cautious of strangers offering services or assistance

Getting there

By air

Santorini National Airport • 6 km from Fira

By bus

Fira Bus Station, Athinios Port

Getting around

Public transport

Buses are affordable and reliable, but schedules can be infrequent in off-peak seasons.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Taxibeat

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Fira Oia Pyrgos Kamari Imerovigli

Day trips

Nea Kameni

12 km from Fira • Half-day

A volcanic island in the heart of the caldera, offering a unique hiking experience and the chance to see active volcanic craters.

Thirassia

15 km from Fira • Full-day

A small, traditional island offering a glimpse into authentic Greek island life. Known for its charming villages and scenic views.

Anafi

20 km from Fira • Full-day

A small, tranquil island known for its beautiful beaches and relaxed atmosphere. Ideal for a peaceful day trip.

Festivals

Santorini International Music Festival • July Santorini Wine Festival • August Easter Celebrations • March or April (dates vary)

Pro tips

Visit Oia for the best sunset views, but arrive early to secure a good spot
Explore the island's lesser-known villages for an authentic experience
Try local wines, especially Assyrtiko, at one of the island's many wineries
Rent a car or ATV to explore the island at your own pace
Visit the Akrotiri Archaeological Site to learn about the island's ancient history