Santorini for Cruise Ships: Avoid Cable Car Lines and Crowds!
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Santorini for Cruise Ships: Avoid Cable Car Lines and Crowds!

Active
(33 reviews)
4h
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
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Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

Designed for cruise passengers, this tour lets you explore Santorini without wasting time in long lines. Instead of waiting in the heat for the cable car, step onto our boat from your cruise ship’s tender and enjoy a scenic ride across the Aegean Sea with stunning views of the Caldera. Upon arrival, an air-conditioned bus will take you on a journey across the island.

Your first stop is Finikia, where you can admire the blue-domed church and enjoy the peaceful surroundings. Next, visit Oia, Santorini’s most famous village, known for its whitewashed houses, boutique shops, and breathtaking caldera views. Then, if time permits, head to Prophet Ilias, the highest point on the island.

You’ll also visit Perivolos Black Beach, where you can relax by the water or enjoy a drink on the beach. At the end of your tour, skip the cable car lines once again as our boat takes you back to your cruise ship’s tender for a smooth and stress-free return.

Available options

Private Tour/Shared Boat Rides

Skip the cable car!: Private guided tour and shared boat transfers from the Old Port to the Athinios Port and back - bypass the cable car!<br/>Private tour&shared boat rides: The boat transfers are shared with other guests. The private tour starts at Athinios Port where you meet your guide & driver.<br/>Duration: 4 hours

Ticket for Shared Tour

Shared Tour: This is a ticket for a tour shared with other passengers.<br/>Boat Transfers: This tour uses boat transfers to and from Athinios Port, after you disembark from your ship's tender.

What's included

Modern, comfortable, air-conditioned minibus
Transfers by our Private Boat to bypass the Cable Car
Full refund if your ship cannot dock
Free time for fast meal & souvenir shopping (duration is subject to traffic and ship docking times)
Professional local English-speaking tour guide
Guaranteed return to ship on time
Port pickup and dropoff
One complimentary bottle of water per person

Detailed itinerary

1
Stop 1

Skip the long cable car lines and make the most of your time in Santorini with our hassle-free tour, designed specifically for cruise passengers. Instead of waiting in the heat, step off your ship’s tender and onto our private boat for a direct transfer. Take in stunning views of the Aegean Sea and Santorini’s famous Caldera along the way. This efficient and scenic route allows you to start exploring the island immediately, saving you time and helping you avoid the crowds.

2

Upon arrival at our designated pick-up spot, you’ll board a comfortable, air-conditioned bus. Your first stop is Finikia, a serene neighborhood known for its iconic blue dome. This is your chance to take in Santorini’s beauty away from the crowds at the port.

3

Next, you’ll head to Oia, the most famous village in Santorini. Walk through its charming streets filled with small shops, cozy cafés, and traditional white houses with blue-domed churches. Oia is known for its stunning views of the caldera, where cliffs drop into the deep blue sea, creating one of the most photographed spots in the world. Take your time exploring, shopping for local goods, or simply enjoying the beautiful scenery. Whether you're admiring the unique buildings, snapping the perfect photo, or soaking in the relaxed atmosphere, your visit to Oia will be a highlight of your Santorini trip.

4
Stop 4

If time permits, you’ll visit Prophet Ilias, the highest point in Santorini. From here, you can enjoy amazing views of the entire island, from the coastline to the caldera. At the top, you'll explore the historic Prophet Ilias Monastery, a quiet and peaceful place that has stood for centuries. This relaxing stop lets you take in the scenery and experience Santorini from a different angle. Whether you’re interested in history, taking photos, or just enjoying the view, this visit will be a special part of your Santorini trip.

5

Visit the traditional village of Megalochori, where you can experience Santorini’s history and culture. This charming village feels like stepping back in time, with its narrow streets, whitewashed houses, and beautiful bell towers. Megalochori is known for its well-preserved buildings and peaceful atmosphere, offering a quiet escape from the busy tourist areas. As you walk through its scenic alleys, you’ll see classic Cycladic homes, hidden courtyards, and historic churches that showcase Santorini’s rich heritage.

For those interested in local culture, you’ll also have the chance to learn about Santorini’s unique winemaking traditions. The island’s vineyards use a special growing method suited to the volcanic soil and dry climate.

6
Stop 6

We’ll visit Santorini’s famous Black Beach, known for its volcanic sand. Here, you’ll have free time to relax, enjoy the view, or even take a swim—so don’t forget your swimsuit if you’d like to go in the water.

7

At the end of your Santorini adventure, you’ll board our private boat again for a smooth, hassle-free ride back to the port. No long waits in crowded cable car lines—just a comfortable trip with beautiful views of the Aegean Sea. As you cruise along the coast, enjoy the scenery one last time and reflect on the amazing places you’ve explored. This relaxing ride is the perfect way to end your time on the island before rejoining your cruise ship’s tender.

What's not included

Gratuities are welcome if you enjoy your tour. We recommend 10% for guides, and 5% for bus drivers
Food and drinks

Available languages

Guide guide
EN

Reviews breakdown

Viator 5.0
26 reviews
5★
25
4★
1
3★
0
2★
0
1★
0
Tripadvisor 5.0
7 reviews
5★
7
4★
0
3★
0
2★
0
1★
0

Important information

Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
The tour start time will be adjusted to your ship’s docking schedule to minimize waiting and accommodate possible disembarkation delays. You’ll receive the final meeting time in the Meeting Instructions about one week before the tour.
In the event of exceptionally rough sea conditions preventing boat transfers, we reserve the right to operate the regular tour route instead. In such cases, a refund of €10 per person will be provided for each cable car ride required in place of the boat transfer.

Meeting point

Pick-up is at the port where the cruise ship's tender will drop you off. Look for our staff holding 'Vexperio' signs, and do not take the cable car. The boat transfer leaves at the scheduled time—if you are late, the boat cannot wait. After the tour, we will bring you back to the port by boat.

Important notes

IMPORTANT INFORMATION FOR YOUR TOUR OF SANTORINI - PLEASE READ

Welcome to Santorini!
At Vexperio, we have years of experience organizing shore excursions for cruise ship passengers visiting our beautiful island and we’re here to help you make the most of your time in Santorini.

IMPORTANT: Reconfirming Your Tour: Final instructions will be sent a few days before the tour. Please check your email to confirm the starting time, or contact us via WhatsApp at +49 176 636 40755 or email at info@vexperio.com with any questions.

Our company offers tours for cruise ship passengers in many ports along your route. Contact us to create a custom discounted tour package tailored to your cruise itinerary, including stops like Mykonos, Heraklion, Corfu, and Athens. Explore some of our popular options here:

Mykonos: https://www.viator.com/tours/x/y/d0-63772P125
Heraklion: https://www.viator.com/tours/x/y/d0-63772P208
Corfu: https://www.viator.com/tours/x/y/d0-63772P124
Athens: https://www.viator.com/tours/x/y/d0-63772P215

Essential Details for Your Santorini Trip

*** Starting Location: Your pick-up location is at the bottom of the port in Santorini, where your cruise ship’s tenders will drop you off. Do NOT enter the cable car! We will meet you there and take you on boat transfer around the island to where our bus is parked.

*** How to Find Us: Look for your guide holding a “VEXPERIO” sign. The boat departs exactly at the scheduled time. Take an early tender from your ship, as we cannot wait for late arrivals.

*** Ending Location: After the tour, we’ll return you to your cruise ship’s tender by boat for a smooth return.

*** Contact Information: For delays or issues on the day of the tour, call +30 695 197 3943 or +30 228 630 4858 (available on WhatsApp).

Please view the promotional video for your tour here: https://youtu.be/pIGYjBEwtQg?si=4RHryYVZg5_9p6Os

We look forward to welcoming you to Santorini!

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
From $25 per person

Price varies by option

Adults
Age 3-99
1
Booking requirements:
  • Min travelers: 1
  • Max travelers: 15
Secure booking
Free cancellation available

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