Santorini, the iconic Greek island, beckons visitors to explore its ancient wonders and stunning natural beauty. The "Akrotiri Excavation, Megalochori, & Beaches Tour" promises a captivating journey through the island’s rich history and picturesque landscapes. From the charming village of Megalochori to the archaeological marvels of Akrotiri, this tour offers a glimpse into the island’s past. But the real surprise lies in the breathtaking beaches, where travelers can enjoy the island’s serene beauty. What secrets and surprises await those who embark on this Santorini adventure?
Key Points
- This 7-hour tour explores the highlights of Santorini, including the Akrotiri Excavations, Megalochori Village, and free time at the Red and Perivolos beaches.
- The tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off, transportation in an air-conditioned bus with WiFi, and the services of an experienced guide.
- Visitors can enjoy Santorini’s rich history and culture, with stops at the Prophet Elias Monastery and the traditional village of Megalochori.
- Participants can enjoy panoramic views, explore archaeological sites, and relax at the island’s stunning beaches, with opportunities to savor local seafood.
- The tour is available in English and German, with a cancellation policy allowing full refunds for cancellations up to 24 hours in advance.
Tour Overview and Pricing
The Santorini: Akrotiri Excavation, Megalochori, & Beaches Tour takes visitors on a 7-hour exploration of the island’s historical and natural wonders.
Priced from $58.76 per person, the tour is available in English and German. Guests can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, and they can reserve their spot without paying immediately.
The tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off, as well as transportation by air-conditioned bus with onboard WiFi.
Highlights include the Prophet Elias Monastery, the traditional village of Megalochori, the Akrotiri excavations, and free time at Red Beach and Perivolos.
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Itinerary Highlights
First, the tour takes visitors to the Prophet Elias Monastery, situated at the island’s highest point, offering breathtaking views. Next, the group will explore the traditional village of Megalochori, known for its picturesque streets and whitewashed buildings. The highlight of the tour is the Akrotiri excavations, a significant archaeological site that provides a glimpse into Santorini’s ancient past.
| Activity | Location | Duration |
| — | — | — |
| Visit Prophet Elias Monastery | Island’s highest point | 30 minutes |
| Explore Megalochori Village | Traditional village | 1 hour |
| Discover Akrotiri Excavations | Archaeological site | 1.5 hours |
Finally, the tour includes free time at the Red Beach and Perivolos black sand beach, allowing visitors to swim, explore, and possibly enjoy a local seafood lunch.
Transportation and Comfort
To ensure a comfortable and convenient experience, the tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off from select locations.
Travelers will travel in an air-conditioned bus equipped with onboard WiFi, allowing them to stay connected throughout the journey.
This transportation arrangement eliminates the hassle of navigating unfamiliar roads and public transit, providing a seamless and relaxing way to explore the highlights of Santorini.
With the added convenience of pickup and drop-off, participants can focus on seeing the tour’s activities and experiences without worrying about logistics.
Activities and Experiences
Breathtaking views from the Prophet Elias Monastery greet visitors at the island’s highest point, offering a panoramic perspective of Santorini’s stunning landscapes.
Travelers can explore the traditional village of Megalochori, seeing the local culture.
The highlight of the tour is the Akrotiri excavation site, a significant archaeological discovery that provides a glimpse into Santorini’s ancient past.
Guests can also enjoy free time at the Red Beach and Perivolos black sand beach, where they can swim, relax, and potentially visit Akrotiri Bay for coffee or lunch.
Local taverns in Perivolos offer the opportunity to savor fresh fish dishes.
More Great Tours NearbyExploring Megalochori Village
The traditional village of Megalochori offers visitors a glimpse into Santorini’s rich cultural heritage. Strolling through its narrow streets, guests admire the whitewashed buildings, blue-domed churches, and charming local eateries. The village square is a hub of activity, with residents gathering to chat and enjoy the Mediterranean sunshine. Visitors can browse the artisanal shops, showcasing the island’s renowned craftsmanship in pottery, textiles, and jewelry.
| Characteristic | Description |
| — | — |
| Architecture | Whitewashed buildings, blue-domed churches |
| Atmosphere | Quaint, lively town square, friendly locals |
| Experiences | Browse local shops, savor traditional cuisine |
| History | Reflects Santorini’s cultural heritage |
| Highlights | Narrow streets, artisanal crafts |
Immersing oneself in the authentic atmosphere of Megalochori offers a memorable introduction to the charm and traditions of Santorini.
Discovering the Akrotiri Excavations
One of the most significant archaeological sites on the island of Santorini, the Akrotiri excavations offer visitors a unique window into the Minoan civilization that once thrived here.
Buried under layers of volcanic ash from the historic eruption in the 16th century BC, the remarkably well-preserved ruins reveal intricate wall paintings, sophisticated drainage systems, and evidence of advanced urban planning.
Exploring the excavations, travelers can visualize the vibrant city that stood here before the catastrophic event.
With an entrance fee of 12 Euros per person, the Akrotiri site is a must-see for anyone interested in Santorini’s rich history and cultural heritage.
Relaxing at Red Beach and Perivolos
After exploring the captivating Akrotiri excavations, visitors can look forward to unwinding at the island’s picturesque beaches.
The tour includes free time at the iconic Red Beach, known for its striking red volcanic sand and clear turquoise waters. Guests can swim, sunbathe, or simply soak in the serene atmosphere.
The itinerary also features a stop at Perivolos, a stunning black sand beach. Here, visitors can stroll along the shoreline, sample fresh seafood at local taverns, and enjoy the relaxed island lifestyle.
These beach experiences provide a perfect contrast to the archaeological wonders discovered earlier.
Additional Information
This tour includes a guided experience with hotel pickup and drop-off from select locations.
The price of the tour covers the services of an experienced guide who’ll lead you through the day’s activities. An additional fee of 12 Euro per person is required to enter the Akrotiri archaeological site.
With a customer rating of 4.4 out of 5, this tour is highly regarded for the professionalism of the guide and the overall organization of the trip.
Guests can enjoy the convenience of transportation in an air-conditioned bus with onboard WiFi during the 7-hour excursion.
Since You Asked
Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks on the Tour?
While the tour doesn’t provide any meals or drinks, guests are welcome to bring their own food and beverages on the trip. However, it’s best to check with the tour operator for any specific guidelines or restrictions.
What Is the Maximum Group Size for This Tour?
The tour’s maximum group size is not explicitly stated. However, based on the details provided, it seems the tour accommodates groups in an air-conditioned bus, suggesting a small to medium-sized group size for an optimal experience.
Is There a Dress Code or Any Special Requirements?
There isn’t a strict dress code, but comfortable walking shoes and sun protection are recommended. Visitors should also bring their own water and snacks if needed during the tour.
Are There Any Discounts Available for Children or Seniors?
The tour doesn’t offer any specific discounts for children or seniors. However, the standard tour price of $58.76 per person applies to all participants regardless of age. Additional fees, like the Akrotiri entrance fee, may also apply.
Can I Extend the Tour Duration or Add Additional Stops?
Yes, you can likely extend the tour duration or add additional stops, though this would incur an extra cost. The tour operator may offer customization options, so it’s best to inquire about modifying the itinerary to suit your needs.
Final Words
This comprehensive tour provides an exceptional opportunity to take in Santorini’s captivating history and natural beauty. From the ancient Akrotiri excavations to the charming village of Megalochori and the stunning beaches, this experience offers a well-rounded exploration of the island’s highlights. With convenient transportation, knowledgeable guidance, and ample free time, travelers can make the most of their visit to Santorini.
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