Highlights
- Enjoy views from Santorini's highest peak on a guided tour
- Take a catamaran cruise to red and white sand beaches
- Get your history fix in Fira's many excellent museums
- Taste native wine varietals in Megalochori and Pyrgos
Brief Itinerary
| Day | Highlights | Overnight |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Arrive in Santorini, Highlights & Hidden Gems Tour with Wine Tasting | Santorini |
| Day 2 | Santorini Catamaran Cruise | Santorini |
| Day 3 | Depart Santorini |
Detailed overview
Day 1: Arrive in Santorini, Highlights & Hidden Gems Tour with Wine Tasting
Welcome to Santorini!
As you approach the island with the iconic cubic architecture, you will marvel at the famous Caldera—the site of one of the largest volcanic eruptions in history—rising above you.
Spend some time in Fira walking the narrow streets and admiring the Cycladic houses, browsing boutiques and enjoying the occasional Caldera views. Don't wear yourself out too soon, though, as in the afternoon you'll take a guided tour up to the highest peak on the island. Bring your camera for the 360 views at the top, as well as the many stops on your way down.
You'll see medieval villages at Megalochori and Pyrgos and stop for a wine tasting to sample varietals dating back centuries. Stop at the Blue Dome in Firostefani before your walk ends in Oia. The furthest town along the rim of the caldera, Oia's arty streets are the perfect spot for sunset views. Stake out your viewing platform over the panorama, then stick around to wander the alleys and linger in the town's tavernas into the evening.
When searching for your dinner, seek out tomato keftedes, deep-fried tomato balls that encapsulate the essence of local diet, and the Santorini specialty, spelt pie.
Chat with a local specialist who can help organize your trip.
Day 2: Santorini Catamaran Cruise
Enjoy a leisurely morning breakfast with time to stroll through town and scope out the small shops and boutiques. Head over to Fira, the capital of the island, which offers plenty to explore. History buffs will be delighted by proximity to the Archaeological Museum of Santorini, the Museum of Prehistoric Thera, the Folklore Museum of Emmanuel Lignos, and the church of Hypapante.
As the late afternoon unfolds, you'll head toward Vlychada Port to board your semi-private catamaran cruise around the island. Your first stop will be at the Red Beach to swim and sun, followed by a second stop at the White Beach to take in all the distinctive-colored sands of Santorini.
Barbecue will be served on board while you sail past landmarks at Aspronisi, the Ancient Lighthouse, Indian Rock, and the prehistoric city at Akrotiri, hidden away at the southern tip of Santorini. These ruins are the site of some of the Bronze Age’s most advanced settlements, which prospered for centuries before being destroyed by a great volcanic eruption in the mid-second millennium BC. Top it off with a jump into the hot springs at Nea Kameni, where the mineral-rich volcanic waters are believed to have therapeutic properties.
Day 3: Depart Santorini
It's time to say farewell to Greece! Savor one more breakfast in Santorini before your transfer to the airport or your ferry to begin your journey home.