You will be transferred from the ship by colorful local kaiki (tenders) to Fira port, where you will meet your guide. Together you will go up the cliff to Fira by cable car where you will be lead to meet your awaiting motor coach.  Your private guide will explain the history of the island as your drive across the island to Oia.

Oia (pronounced EE ah) is a unique village on the northern most tip of the island.  This dramatic village, built on a steep crest of the caldera, has many of its dwellings nestled into niches hewn from the volcanic rock.  The village was once the home of wealthy seafarers, a fact still evident in their two story mansions painted pastel colors.  Your local guide will walk with you among the narrow cobbled streets where you'll come across many tiny shops of local ceramic art, paintings and semi precious jewelry.  Coffee shops perched on the edge of the cliffs offer spectacular views of Fira and the volcano below.

Next, you'll drive to the capital city of Fira.  Your guide will lead you through the Prehistoric Museum.  This museum opened in the year 2000 and is already considered one of the best museums in Greece and the top attraction in the town of Fira.  You'll see the treasures that have been discovered at the excavation site of Akrotiri. 

Akrotiri is the main town which was buried in the volcano that erupted around 1450 BC.  The excavation site is not open to the public, but this museum shows its amazing discoveries. 

Highlights include an oven, bath tub, the beautiful House of Ladies frescos (photo) and the Gold Ibex Figurine.  This tiny figurine is small and in some ways may seem unimportant, but when you realize that the town of Akrotiri dates to the 16th century BC, making this object about 3,500 years old, you will be able to appreciate its beauty.

After your tour you may choose to remain in town at your leisure, or return to the ship by taking the cable car to the pier far below the cliff's edge.

Tour Breakdown:
1- Tender to Fira Port- 15 Minutes
2- Drive to Oia- 30 Minutes
3- Visit Oia village- 60 Minutes
4- Drive to Fira- 30 Minutes
5- Visit Prehistoric Museum- 40 Minutes
6- Cable Car to port- 20 Minutes

Please note that the total tour time is between 3,5 hours.  This itinerary requires uphill walking and includes uneven surfaces.  It is not wheelchair accessible. The tour prices listed below are for your entire private group.  They are NOT per person prices!