Highlights
HD – Traditional Villages

Arrival at Santorini (or Thira as it was called in ancient times). Disembarkation by tender–boats. Our local assistant will await you down at the port and ascend with you by the cable-car to the capital of Fira. You will have an approximate 10 minutes walk to the parking-lot to board the waiting coach to start the tour.

Imerovigli
We can find Imerovigli by taking the road going towards Oia. The name of this village belongs to the days of the pirates: “vigla” (Latin) = “vigilare” = to guard or to act as a lookout, “imera” (Greek) = day. Imerovigli has been declared a Traditional Settlement, and special rules and regulations have been enforced regarding building development. Its position at the highest, most central part of the caldera gave it visual command of the whole area. It also derived importance from its proximity to Skaros Fortress. The Church of the Panagia Malteza has a marvelous carved wooden screen with icons depicting scenes from the Old Testament. Imerovigli has views of the volcano, breathtaking sunsets and tranquility. There is a main square which leads up to the Caldera and the traditional hillside cave settlements. The largest part of Imerovigli was destroyed in the 1956 volcano eruption. Some of the population perished, while others moved away to the mainland. Imerovigli has since then been restored and is home to some of the most beautiful hotels and traditional cave house settlements on the island.

Oia
Oia is a traditional settlement in the North of Santorini. The village is approximately 150 meters above sea level. Oia was severely damaged in the 1956 earthquake and much work has been involved to implement its restoration.The beauty of Oia is unsurpassed. In fact, it is almost impossible to describe in words. Small white houses tier the hillside, interspersed by splashes of rich okra, deep fuchsia, cobalt blue, oyster pink and earthy red. Oia is one of the most photographed places in Greece. It has inspired artists, poets and every visitor who visits Santorini. Oia is best known for breathtaking sunsets; if truth be told, sunrise in Oia is also magical. In Oia there are two types of dwellings, the cave houses dug into the volcanic rock on the Caldera cliffs, and the Captains houses. The cave houses used to be the homes of ship crews, whereas the Captains houses belonged to the affluent class of ship owners. Many of the churches in Oia were dedicated to sailors.
The tour ends in Fira where free time will be left for shopping and enjoying the marvelous view for which the island is world-famous. Descend to the Old Port by cable-car for re-embarkation.

INCLUDING

Transportation in comfortable A/C vehicles;
Experienced English-speaking tour-escort (NOT official guide);
Round-trip ticket for the cable-car Old Port – Fira – Old Port.

EXCLUDING

Tickets/fare for tender-boats from/to the ship;
Assistance during the free time in Fira after the tour;
Any gratuities for Escort & Driver;
Any meals and/or drinks (unless specifically mentioned);
Any kind of other personal expenses.