Santorini, Greece - The Volcano Island
History and nature combine to make this one of the most unforgettable places in the world. You have the chance to climb the slopes of live volcano and swim in hot springs, or to visit the beautiful village of Oia, perched on the rim of the caldera and offering panoramic views of breathtaking beauty.

 

(SAN-01) Island Tour & Oia Village                
By boat / motor coach / cable car / foot     
Duration: 3 ½ hours, minimum 20 participants    

Sailing into the Caldera of Santorini is like floating inside a giant open-air geological museum.
Oia Village is the crowning glory of peace and tranquillity. Built on the northern tip of the Caldera rim, it is here where many artists have been inspired due to its magnificent location. As you will see for yourself, it has •out of this world" views of the Caldera, the island itself, and many of the broken off islands surrounding the Caldera and Aegean Sea.
Enjoy a short trip by boat to Athenios harbour where you will meet up with your motor coach and guide.
Drive uphill along the rocky sides of the Caldera and pass through many traditional villages in order to reach the listed settlement and unique village of Oia, with it’s typically Cycladic architecture and its houses perched on the cliffs edge like seagulls poised for flight on this dramatic cliff-side.
Accompanied by your guide, walk through the village along cobble, stoned streets marvelling at the breathtaking panoramic views and admiring the traditional architecture.
Enjoy free time on your own, where you may either wander through the many art galleries available or perhaps relax over a coffee.
At the specified place and time, meet back up with your guide and make your way to Fira, the capital town of the island, built on the centre of the Caldera rim.
 Enjoy the town at your own leisure and return to the small pier of Scala by cable car or mule, where the vessel's tendering service awaits to take you back to your Monarch Classic Cruises ship.
PLEASE NOTE!
• In unfavourable weather conditions, this tour will commence from Fira Town not from Athenios harbour.

(SAN-02) Santorini Sailing & Volcano               
By caique / motor coach        
Duration: 3 ½ hours, minimum 25 participants     
Starting from May

Enjoy a cruise around the active crater of Nea Kameni islet. Sail along the peculiar formations of its volcanic shores, where black lava rocks and white pumice are combined beautifully with the red colour of lava.
Take a walk to the top of the volcanic island where sulphur is spewed into the air by one of the craters.
Enjoy this surreal landscape as your guide narrates the creation and history of the volcano and the last eruption leading to the destruction of the island of Santorini.
The tidal wave created by the eruption was of such an immense magnitude, it destroyed the thriving city of Knossos on the island of Crete.
As your caique enters the narrows of the two lava islets, Palea and Nea Kameni, note the changing colours of the water from dark blue to sulphur green.
In the background, admire the breathtaking sight of Fira Town with its white washed houses clinging precariously on the rim of the Caldera.
Take time to swim in the warm waters heated by Hot Springs on the sea floor.
Sail to Athenios harbour, where your motor coach will take you to Fira Town, the island's capital where the tour ends and you will have free time to walk around on your own or shop.
Later, use your tour ticket to ride the mules or the cable car to descend to Skala, the pier at the bottom of the cliff where ship's tenders will be waiting to take you back to the ship.
PLEASE NOTE!
• Descending to Skala on mule back may be uncomfortable, as the animals lean forward at a considerable angle due to the very steep incline. The stepped way is littered with animal droppings resulting in a strong odour being noticeable during the entire descent.
• A strenuous uphill/downhill walk is involved to reach the crater.
• We recommend light dress, comfortable enclosed flat shoes, hat, sunglasses and bottled water.
• You may wear your swimwear under your clothes or you may wish to change on board the caique.
• Note you will be using the rest rooms for changing. Do not forget your towel and sunscreen.