Greek Odyssey

Journey to Santorini’s northernmost peak to explore one of its prettiest towns. From our anchorage, you will tender to the island’s main port at Athinios. Meet your local guide here for a scenic drive to the cliffside village of Oia, where you will have an opportunity to stroll its narrow, cobblestone streets. Renowned for its whitewashed houses hugging the hills, azure-blue domes and triple bell towers, Oia is a remarkable sight. On a clear day, you may see spectacular views of the volcano of Palea and the islands of Nea Kameni and Thirasía. Following your tour, enjoy free time to further explore the village on your own, perhaps browsing the small shops and boutiques for the perfect memento. Later, return to Thíra and contine onward to your awaiting ship.

Discover the incredibly preserved remnants of an ancient civilization and visit a cliff-top village. From your ship, tender to the main port at Athinios to join your local guide. Then drive across the island together to the archaeological site of Akrotiri, one of the most important prehistoric settlements in all the Aegean. Minoans from the Bronze Age inhabited this site until a volcanic eruption buried them, preserving their way of life in ash. As you explore the ruins of this settlement, you will see everyday artifacts that provide hints about Minoan life. After your investigation, a modern side of Santorini awaits in Oia. Walk with your guide through the narrow cobblestone streets of this classic whitewashed village perched on a cliff, glimpsing typical village houses and churches along the way. After, you will return to the pier, then transfer to your awaiting ship.

Make the most of your time on Santorini by visiting all its highlights on one extensive excursion. From the tender pier, drive with your guide to Pyrgos, the island’s former capital. Enjoy a short walking tour here among narrow serpentine streets overseen by an old Venetian fortress. In the traditional village of Oia, explore picture-postcard streets lined with whitewashed houses and churches. Peek into artists’ workshops while enjoying sweeping views across the flooded caldera. Learn about Santorini’s viniculture at a local winery and enjoy a taste of the region’s famously full-bodied white wine. Return to Pyrgos for lunch at a local tavern, where musicians and dancers will regale you with traditional songs. Your appetite sated, return to your awaiting ship.

Travel through beautiful landscapes to visit wineries and gain an authentic view of the island’s rich wine culture. In a seductive setting, surrounded by volcanic landscapes and the glittering Sea of Crete, you will travel by local boat to the island’s port of Athinios. Your island drive offers sweeping views of stunning natural beauty and azure shores. Interspersed with your panoramic vistas will be stops to discover one of the world’s most interesting vinicultures during visits to two different island wineries. Gain insight into the types of wine produced in this volcanic soil—such as the red grape-produced varietals Mandilaria and Mavrotragano—and enjoy wine tastings at each vineyard. In Thíra, after time exploring on your own, descend to your tender’s dock by scenic cable car. You are welcome to purchase a bottle or two during the tour to enjoy back on board.

Hike to a low-lying volcanic crater, where your efforts will be rewarded with stunning views of the caldera. From our anchorage, you will transfer by tender to Santorini’s small island port. Here, you will meet your local guide and sail to the small uninhabited island of Nea Kameni, the summit of a still active underwater volcano. Walk about a half mile up to the crater with your guide, learning about the stark landscape and black lava rock fragments along the way; you may even see smoking craters along the way. Spend time enjoying the spectacular views of the caldera, Aegean Sea and neighboring islands at the rim. After your walk, take a scenic cruise to the hot springs on nearby Palea Kameni island, or “Old Burnt Island.” Upon returning to the main island, you will transfer back to your awaiting ship.

Discover the natural beauty of Santorini’s coastline during a private sailing to its caldera. The island’s crescent-shaped features are the result of a volcanic eruption sinking much of the island and creating its steep cliffs. Travel to the marina in Vlihada, where you will board your private catamaran and meet your crew. Enjoy appetizers and drinks as you head out into the Aegean Sea. Feel the sea breeze and admire the views as you sail past beautiful beaches, the rock formations of Akrotiri and the Venetian lighthouse on the island’s southern tip. Keep your camera ready as you sail through the caldera. Gaze up at the whitewashed villages of Thíra, Thírostefani, Imerovigli and Oia perched high above you, and the green and yellow waters of the natural hot springs surrounding the volcano. Afterward, descend to the harbor in a cable car and tender back to your ship.

Join a local chef and learn to cook and enjoy traditional dishes from Santorini before visiting an iconic town. Board your motor coach and drive through the town of Pyrgos to arrive at Aroma Avlis, a restaurant that boasts delicious food and regional wines. Here, meet the chef who will share the secrets of Santorini’s traditional recipes. Under careful instruction, you will craft a delectable meal using locally sourced, fresh ingredients. Once you have finished, enjoy the fruits of your labor in an atmospheric setting, accompanied by wine produced from Santorini’s volcanic terroir, followed by dessert. After savoring your meal, head for the charming town of Fira. Explore the white-washed streets, marveling at the blue accent rooftops, and take in the beauty of the Aegean Sea, before returning to your awaiting ship.

Lace up your shoes and set out on a walk to admire Santorini’s cliff top vistas and white-washed villages. From our anchorage, transfer by tender to Santorini’s small island port, and to the town of Imerovigli by motor coach. View the remarkable cliffside vistas before meeting your guide to begin your 6.5 mile hike to Oia. Traverse the terrain to take in the stunning sights as you walk the caldera of this volcanic island. The white-washed facades and blue domes are ever-present, as your destination of Oia is always in view, and the natural beauty of the island is a constant, with colorful wild flowers and rugged cliffs lining the path. At the end of your hike, enjoy a snack and free time to explore the picturesque town of Oia or find a place to rest and take in the view of the Aegean Sea below. Afterward, drive back to your ship.