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Traditional Villages & Akrotiri Excavations: Private Tour

7 Reviews 5.00 out of 5 stars Based on 7 reviews collected by City Balloon Tours and TripAdvisor | Recommended by 100% of reviewers | Santorini, Greece
Don't miss out!
On average, this is booked 18 (0) days in advance.

4 hours 30 minutes (approx.)
Hotel pickup offered
Mobile ticket
Offered in: English
Instant confirmation

Overview

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.

What's Included

  • Admission to the excavation site of Akrotiri
  • Transport by luxury A/C vehicle
  • Bottled water
  • 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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Meeting and Pickup

Pickup point
Pickup details

This tour includes pick up & drop off from most hotels in Santorini, or the closest accessible point, as well as the top of the cable car for cruise ship visitors.

What To Expect

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Our secure website provides real-time availability, instant confirmation, and free, no-hassle cancellations up to 24 hours before your tour begins.
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Pyrgos

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.
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45 minutes Admission Ticket Free

Megalochori

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.
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50 minutes Admission Ticket Free

Emporio

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.
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45 minutes Admission Ticket Free

Akrotiri Archaeological Site

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
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1 hour Admission Ticket Included

Red Beach

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

Santorini

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

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Additional Info

  • Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
  • Specialized infant seats are available
  • 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

Frequently Asked Questions (7)

Q: What is the cancellation policy for the Traditional Villages & Akrotiri Excavations: Private Tour?

A: You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund. For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the tour start time.If you cancel less than 24 hours before the tour start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.Any changes made less than 24 hours before the tour start time will not be accepted.Cut-off times are based on the tour local time (EET). Read more Apr 2025

Cancellation Policy

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund.

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Activity code: C-389196P5

Traveler Photos

Reviews

5.00
7 reviews

Average 5.00 out of 5 stars based on 7 traveler reviews collected by City Balloon Tours and partner sites such as Cool Destinations and TripAdvisor

5 stars
7
4 stars
0
3 stars
0
2 stars
0
1 star
0
Don't miss out!
On average, this is booked 18 (0) days in advance.

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What's Included

Activity name

  • Admission to the excavation site of Akrotiri
  • Transport by luxury A/C vehicle
  • Bottled water
  • All taxes
  • Hotel/port/airport pickup and drop-off
  • English-speaking local tour guide
  • 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

Additional Info

Activity name

  • Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
  • Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
  • Specialized infant seats are available
  • 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

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Activity name