Every Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday | Available from June till October
Duration 12 hours approximately
History of Santorini
The human presence on the island seems to have existed since the middle of the 3rd millennium B.C. The excavation at Akrotiri has confirmed that man’s activity on the island continued until the eruption of the volcano in around 1600 B.C., which entirely buried the island beneath very thick layers of pozzolanic ash. Thera, became an important point on the communication route between the East and the West of that era and adopted the Phoenician alphabet for writing the Greek language. In Hellenistic times the island’s strategic position made Thera a precious base from which the warring campaigns of the successors of Alexander the Great were launched in the Aegean. Within the Roman Empire, it was nothing more than an insignificant small island.
However, Christianity reached the island and an organized church already existed by the 4th century A.C. The name Santorini was given by the Crusaders after the church of Agia Irini (Santa Irene) which some say was at Perissa and others say was at Riva on Thirasia.
The Famous Volcano
Visit the volcano of Thira which is still active! The present-day crescent shape of the island is a consequence of the activity of the volcano in prehistoric times feeding the myth of the lost Atlantis. Santorini is essentially what remains of an enormous volcanic explosion dating back 3,600 years and which created the current geological caldera; a giant central lagoon, more or less rectangular, and measuring about 12 by 7 km, surrounded by 300 m high steep cliffs on three sides. The mild activity of the volcano after this major eruption has built up two small islands within the caldera, Palea and Nea Kameni visited by hundreds of people every day during the tourist season. The impressive caldera dominates the west part of the island while the marvelous dry climate and the almost continuous sunshine create year-around conditions which are perfect for observation, photographs and videos under an extraordinary variety of natural lights and colors.
Trip Itinerary:
05:00 – 06:10 Pick-ups
07:00: At the port of departure, participants will present their voucher (given by the agency) at the SEAJETS kiosk in order to receive their ferry tickets, a card referring to the right bus number in Santorini and a small brochure in their own language with information about the island and the day tour. Embarkation and Departure
11:00: Arrival at Athinios port in Santorini
1st stop on Oia: You will spend some free time and enjoy the unique view (1 ½ hour)
2nd Stop on Fira: On the way to the town of Fira, the participants will receive interesting information by their escort about the history and the geography of the island, while travelling through a large part of the island by road. At your arrival in Fira, you will spend 1 hour to enjoy the Cycladic view from the Caldera, the paved little alleys and the old traditional houses accompanied by your escort. Afterwards, we shall meet up at the Cathedral of Fira and you will be informed about the last part of our tour.
After having completed the visit in Fira, you have more free time to choose between the following options:
a) Fira: More free time at the capital of the island, Fira.
b) Beach of Perissa: Visit the black sand beach of Perissa for swimming and lunch.
c) Volcano tour: The participants will enjoy the unique beauty of the volcano and have the opportunity to swim in its hot springs.
16:45: Departure from Santorini
19:30: Arrival at Rethymno
Remember to bring ‼️ Sun Cream (a lot!), Sunglasses and Hat, Long-Sleeved Shirt for Sensitive skin, Swim Suit and Beach Towel, Comfortable shoes for walking, your Passport!
Important Notes
- Mandatory use of face covering and pre-boarding health declaration questionnaire is required, filled by all adults. Please download it here (English) or here and have it filled before boarding on bus.
- The travel agency reserves the right to alter or cancel any tour due to adverse weather conditions or insufficient passengers number or force majeure 12 hours prior to departure time with a notification to the traveler.
- Please arrive on time to the given pick-up point. Unfortunately, there is no option to wait for latecomers. In case of delay, missed pick-up, missed departure time, no refunds.
