Discover Santorini - 4 Days

Day 1: Arrive in Santorini - Sightseeing Tour & Wine Tasting

Welcome to Santorini! There's nothing like catching your first glimpse of the island's iconic cliffside architecture. Watch for your first views of Santorini's central caldera—the site of one of the largest volcanic eruptions in history—rising up in a crescent. After you've settled in to your hotel, spend some time wandering the streets of Fira, or head to the beach.

In the afternoon, take a guided tour to some spots in Santorini that most travelers don't see. You'll start with a stroll through famous Oia, where your guide will point out hidden treasures, followed by a trip up to the highest peak on the island, with 360-degree views at the top. Then head on to the medieval villages at Megalochori and Pyrgos, which feel a world away from the touristy towns along the caldera rim. Finally, stop for some wine tasting at the caldera's edge to sample varietals dating back centuries, as you watch the sun sink into the Aegean Sea.

In the evening, head back to Oia, passing the Blue Dome of Firostefani on the way. The furthest town along the rim of the caldera, Oia's arty streets are the most famous spot for sunset views, but the evening after the crowds have left is one of the best times to wander the alleys and linger in the town's tavernas. When searching for your dinner, seek out tomato keftedes, deep-fried tomato balls, and Santorini specialty, spelt pie.

Day 2: Catamaran Cruise

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast before taking some time to stroll around and scope out small shops and boutiques. Explore Fira, the capital of the island, with many attractions. 

In the late afternoon, head to Vlychada Port to board your semi-private catamaran, for a cruise around the island. Your first stop will be at Red Beach to swim and enjoy the sun, followed by a second stop at White Beach.

Enjoy a barbecue dinner on board as you sail past landmarks at Aspronisi, the Ancient Lighthouse, Indian Rock, and the prehistoric city at Akrotiri (which you'll explore further tomorrow), hidden away at the southern tip of Santorini.

End your day with a jump into the hot springs at Nea Kameni, where the mineral-rich volcanic waters are believed to have therapeutic properties.

Day 3: Discover Prehistoric Akrotiri

Take a guided tour of one of the Aegean's most significant prehistoric settlements, Akrotiri. The excavated city of Akrotiri is hidden away at the southern tip of Santorini, on the slopes of the caldera. These ruins were once the site of one of the Bronze Age’s most advanced settlements, which prospered for centuries before being buried by a volcanic eruption in the mid-second millennium B.C.E. You'll have the morning to explore its well-preserved streets with a local guide who will share its stories.

The Museum of Prehistoric Thera and Archaeological Museum of Thera complement your visit. Here you can find murals preserved from Akrotiri and the settlement of ancient Thera, once found on the eastern part of the island. 

On your way back, stop to see the three bells of Fira. The trio of bells atop this blue-domed church is pictured on many of the postcards you'll find on the island.

Unwind on the beach for the rest of the afternoon. The black sands of Perissa and Kamari are always popular, but the colorful Red or White Beaches are also well worth seeing. Alternatively, seek out some solitude within the cliffs at Koloumbos, on the island's northern tip.

Day 4: Santorini to Athens - Depart Athens

It's time to say farewell to Greece! Savor one more breakfast in Santorini before your transfer to the airport or ferry to Athens, to begin your journey home or onwards.