Fira: Traditional Villages Guided Day Trip with Oia Sunset

Take a break from Santorini’s black sand beaches on a full-day tour of its Minoan excavations, traditional villages, ancient capital and buried settlements. End the day at Oia and watch the sunset from the island’s northernmost tip. Following a pick-up from your hotel, transfer by air-conditioned coach to the archeological site of Akrotiri. Explore an ancient city that was frozen in time after a volcanic eruption 3,600 years ago. Step inside with your guide and learn about the Minoan city before the devastating event occurred. Gaze in awe at the ruins of multi-storied buildings that date back to the 16th century, and admire the intricately designed drainage system that hints at a talented civilization far more advanced than its time suggests.  Stroll along the main street, lined with old stores and warehouses from the ancient city. Learn about the traditional ceramic artifacts, such as pithoi (earthenware jugs). After that, continue towards Perissa Beach and enjoy free time to have lunch and relax at one of the longest black sandy beaches in the Cyclades and the most popular beach of Santorini.  Next stop at Emporio Village where you can explore one of the oldest and most authentic traditional villages of Santorini, built like a small labyrinth and visit its medieval fortress (15th century).  Continue toward Santorini Winery. Taste Santorini’s distinctive wines and learn about one of the oldest vineyards in Europe while admiring the spectacular view of the volcano.  Stop at Profitis Ilias Mountain next where you will finish your tour with a short stop at the highest peak of Santorini (567 meters) to admire the striking panoramic view of the entire island. Meet your guide again in the early evening for the transfer to Oia, a quintessential Greek village that’s known for its sugar cube houses and blue-domed churches.  Join the legions who flock to Oia to watch the sunset, and stroll down streets nestled into the side of the cliffs overlooking the spectacular caldera. Follow your guide to the ruins of a Venetian castle, known as the Kastro of Oia, and gaze down from the village and caldera to the sea. Return to the coach for the transfer back to your hotel.