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Royal Caribbean International Cruise Lines
Santorini, Greece with Royal Caribbean


Sample Land & Shore Excursions

Mesa Gonia Village with Wine Tasting - SO10

    Tender from the ship to Athinios Port where the coach will be waiting. Drive from Athinios port to the Church of Episkopi-Gonia, which is one of the oldest Christian Basilikan dating back to the 12th Century. During the earthquake of 1956, the church dome collapsed and was later rebuilt. It is the only Byzantine church of Santorini and a few wall paintings have been saved. From the Church of Episkopi you will walk to the authentic village of Mesa Gonia, a traditional village with beautiful architecture and many underground homes. This village was the most affected by the earthquake of 1956, virtually all the houses were destroyed forcing the locals to abandon their homes and descend to the below village of Kamari. Over the years renovation of the old demolished homes have began with people using them as holiday retreats. Next stop will be at a traditional winery where you will see the wine chambers and distilleries of how Santorinian wines are produced getting also the opportunity of tasting various wines. Return to Fira town for free time or return to the ship.

    Note: Guests must be able to walk approximately 0.51 mile over various uneven surfaces with steps and inclines. Comfortable walking shoes are recommended. Guests must be able to walk 0.5 mile in Fira on their own in order to reach the cable car. Your return cable car ticket is included.


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Village of Oia & Santorini Island - SO01

    After going ashore by local tender boat to the port of Athinios, your coach will climb 800 feet to the top of the caldera. Your guide will point out the still active volcanic islet in Santorini Bay and discuss the geological upheavals, which gave the island its overwhelming and unique form. Driving through the picturesque scenery and small villages from the southern to the northern end of the island of Santorini, you'll travel across rich, volcanic countryside.

    The beautiful village of Oia is perched atop a craggy cliff at the northern most point of the island offering panoramic views of steep plummeting cliffs and nearby small islands surrounded by the deep blue sea. The charm of this lovely traditional and somewhat removed village lies in its very narrow, twisting cobblestone alleyways and steps, pointing out the brilliant white stone buildings that create a maze of fine shops, cafes and domed churches. Walking through the village one can enjoy the panoramic views, admire the Cycladic architecture for which the town is well known, and visit many of the art galleries.

    After your visit to Oia, you'll continue to a local winery for the opportunity to taste Santorini mezes (Greek Snack) and a wine tasting while enjoying the magnificent views. You will visit the bodega where the wine is aged and have the chance to purchase some of the locally produced wines.

    The tour concludes at the hilltop village of Fira, where you'll have the option of returning directly to the ship or remaining in town to shop or explore independently. The charm of this lovely cliff-top village lies in its very narrow, twisting cobblestone paths that cater to only pedestrians. From Fira, you will join the cable car (ticket provided) and descend independently to the old port. A local tender will ferry you back to the ship, which will be anchored offshore.

    Note: Guests must be able to walk approximately 1 mile over uneven surfaces, steep inclines and 20 - 30 steps. Guests must be able to walk 0.5 mile in Fira on their own in order to reach the cable car. Due to occasional low level fog, visibility may be impacted. Please note that in October and November some stores in Fira town are closed.


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Volcano Hot Springs Tour - SO02

    Santorini is one of the most spectacular islands in the Mediterranean. It presents the awesome sight of a volcanic crater, partially submerged by the sea. The two islands in the caldera that is now Santorini's harbor, Palea Kameni and Nea Kameni - "the volcano," to the local people are the youngest volcanic lands in Greece. You will travel by boat directly from the ship to Erinia Cove, on the volcanic island of Nea Kameni. You will step out onto the Daphni lava flow, the oldest lava on the island. The path to the top of the dome is over volcanic sand, and lava fragments. You will observe large fragments of lava that were ejected in a molten state and cooled very rapidly as they traveled through the air. Upon reaching the summit of the crater, you will have some time to relax and enjoy the view of the island of Santorini and the amazing cliff of the caldera.

    Following the same route in reverse, you will return to your boat and sail to the thermal springs of Palea Kameni. The boat will stop in the deep green sulfur springs and you'll have a chance to swim in the mineral rich, warm waters (max 35 degrees C) of the Hot Springs. On the return boat trip, you will be dropped off at the small boat harbor of Fira where you can use your round trip cable car tickets that are included in this excursion.

    Note: Guests must be able to walk approximately 1 mile uphill over loose gravel paths on the volcano island. Hats, sunglasses, and comfortable walking shoes are essential. Due to the nature of the terrain it is suggested to wear comfortable, "closed-toe" walking shoes on this tour. Swimming in the thermal springs requires open-ocean swimming (depending on anchorage point) and is done at guest's discretion. Guests may be required to swim up to 50 yards to reach the hot spring area since the current and weather conditions are constantly changing. Life jackets if needed are provided on this tour. Participants should be aware that there are certain inherent risks involved in any swimming excursion. If you are planning on swimming, don't forget to wear your swimsuit and take a towel from the ship.


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Pyrgos Village with Mezes & Wine - SO05

    Disembark from the ship and transfer by local tender to Athinios port to join your tour coach. No visit to Santorini would be complete without a journey into the interior with its sleepy villages and terraced fields.

    Pyrgos, a small village 8 km south of Fira, was once the island's capital, and is where the remnants of a large Venetian fortress overlooking the village testifies to its former status. Further inland stands the historical monastery of Profitis Ilias (closed to visitors), which was formed in the beginning of the 18th century, is currently home to one solitary monk, and provides commanding views over Santorini Island. After a photo stop in the Profitis Ilias area, you will return to visit the village of Pyrgos that is a traditional village with fine old houses and the remains of a Venetian castle sitting on the hilltop. Join your guide on a walking tour through the narrow, ascending streets that encircle the village. Your walking tour will conclude at the unique circle-shaped tavern where you will enjoy some local specialties and the magnificent views over Santorini Island. Local dishes served will include tomato fritters, fava puree, cheese pies, meatballs, local cheese, tomatoes, olives and unlimited wine.

    Your tour terminates at Fira Town, where you are free to enjoy yourself with independent sightseeing, shopping or browsing. When ready to return to the ship, take the cable car (ticket provided) and descend independently to the old port. A local tender will ferry you back to the ship, which will be anchored offshore.

    Note: Guests must be able to walk approximately 1 mile over varying terrain, steep inclines and 30 - 40 steps. Guests must be able to walk 0.5 mile in Fira Town on their own in order to reach the cable car station. Please note that in October and November some stores in Pyrgos area are closed.


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