Traditional Villages & Akrotiri Excavations: Private Tour

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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

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

• 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

• No Guided Tour in Akrotiri
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  Pickup included
• Guided Tour in Akrotiri
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  Guided Tour in Excavations: 1 h of guided tour in excavations site by a licensed tour guide add on
  Pickup 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

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• This Tour is Provided by Santorini i-Land Tours.
• Tour Timezone & Starts at Europe/Athens.
• Mobile or paper ticket accepted.
• For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
• This Tour is Rated 5 Stars based on 2 valid reviews on VIATOR.
• Minimum 1 Travelers is required to book.
• Maximum 6 Travelers is accepted for booking.