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Santorini Mini Tours
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Island Package
Planning
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Few
visitors to Greece willingly miss Santorini, the most mythical island in the Cyclades.
All types of travelers visit the island, honeymooners, couples and architecture
lovers, food and wine lovers, amongst others. Once a round, ordinary island, an ancient
volcanic
explosion left nothing but a crescent-shaped rim around the underwater
caldera. Some claim that Santorini is the "real"
Atlantis.
It certainly was a major Minoan outpost which slipped beneath the sea in a
single night, leaving nothing but floating pumice covering the surface of the
water and memories of a beautiful city.
The most renowned site on Santorini is the famed
Minoan city
Akrotiri,
buried under a surprisingly gentle layer of volcanic ash which left walls and
artifacts intact. The residents appear to have had warning of the eruption and
escaped, but to wander the excavated streets is unnerving. It is definitely a
town of ghosts.
Near Akrotiri is some of Santorini's best
wine-growing country. Keep an eye out for the unusual treatment of some vines,
which are placed in hollows and then encouraged to grow basket-style. The
volcanic soil of Santorini promises unusual, complex wines, and virtually all of
them are very palatable.
Wineries in
Santorini are only now catching on to the idea of tasting rooms and tours,
and these generally have to be arranged in advance.
Santorini has an active nightlife, centering
around Fira
and, to a lesser extent, Oia.
The crowds are very bad in July and August, which are also the hottest months in
terms of temperature. Try to schedule your visit in May or early June, or late
August through September. This gives you the best of both worlds - great
temperatures and lighter crowds.
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Sample Tour Features
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- 3 nights hotel accommodations with breakfast daily
- Domestic airfare from Athens or other airports
- All airport and/or port transfers with baggage handling
- All Hotel service and local taxes are included
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Hotels & Rates
All Rates are per person in US dollars.
Domestic airport taxes are not included in the prices.
BB= Bed & Breakfast
SV= Sea View
HOTEL PERIOD DOUBLE SINGLE TRIPLE
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ONEIRO Apr 1-Jun 14 $406 $604 $380
BB Jun 15-Sep 30 $484 $659 $432
Oct 1-Oct 31 $406 $504 $380
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ON THE ROCKS Apr 1-Apr 30 $422 $572 $402
BB May 1-May 31 $456 $531 $432
Jun 1-Jun 30 $519 $648 $485
Jul 1-Aug 31 $554 $706 $507
Sep 1-Sep 30 $519 $648 $485
Oct 1-Oct 15 $456 $531 $432
Oct 16-Oct 31 $422 $472 $402
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EL GRECO Apr 1-May 20 $441 $607 $415
BB May 21-Jul 20 $498 $605 $453
Jul 21-Sep 10 $568 $726 $504
Sep 11-Oct 5 $498 $605 $453
Oct 6-Oct 31 $441 $507 $415
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ROCABELLA Apr 1-May 31 $466 $580 $428
BB Jun 1-Jul 20 $507 $636 $668
Jul 21-Sep 20 $679 $822 $723
Sep 21-Oct 31 $466 $580 $428
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CHROMATA Mar 28-May 11 $540 $650 $465
BB May 12-Sep 22 $606 $737 $513
Sep 23-Nov 1 $540 $650 $465
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ATLANTIS Apr 1-Jun 30 $584 $700 $533
BB Jul 1-Oct 31 $635 $784 $574
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HELIOTOPOS Mar 28-Nov 1 $659 $942 $582
BB
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Santorini in a nutshell
At Akrotiri, mysteries of ancient times come alive. Recall the volcanic eruption
circa 1600 B.C. that destroyed all life on Santorini, sending it far beneath the
waves. Excavations at the archaeological site document life here, believed to be
the legendary Atlantis, although no written records have ever surfaced to
support this. This interesting excursion will give you an insight into the
ancient civilization of Santorini, combined with wine tasting, Kamari's black
sand beach and a delicious lunch. It's Santorini in a nutshell!
What to visit...
AKROTIRI - In 1967, a tunnel dug through 160 feet of pumice at Akrotiri revealed
a Bronze-Age town of some 30,000 inhabitants, which many believe was the lost
city of Atlantis. Here a walk among the remains of buildings standing two and
three stories high, with traces of balconies on the 50-foot street fronts,
preserved by the ash that enveloped them before the final explosion. The fact
that pottery found here was contemporaneous with that of Minoan Crete led the
archaeologists to believe that both civilizations were extinguished by the same
natural disaster.
Winery - The rich volcanic soil in Megalochori is particularly favorable to
viniculture. Vineyards of Santorini reflect a centuries-old tradition in local
winemaking and the Assyritiko grape, a rare white variety grown here. If you
care to visit the Boutari Winery, you'll enjoy a multi-media presentation,
"Tribute to Santorini," which recreates the island's spectacular
history, from its prehistoric beginnings and ancient civilization to its
destruction from a volcanic eruption and rebirth.
Fira - The charm of this lovely cliff-top village lies in its very narrow,
twisting cobblestone paths that cater to pedestrians only. A steady uphill walk
through Fira will bring you to the final destination of the Cable Car Station at
the very top. Along the way, your attention most certainly will be captured by
the pristine, whitewashed buildings, shops and cafes of this unique village
perched upon Santorini's volcanic cliffs. |
| Hiking?
The longest hike is from Fira, via Firostefani and Imerovigli, to Oia. It takes
around 3 hours and offers fantastic views of the caldera.
A shorter alternative (about a 30' walk) takes you from Imerovigli into
Firostefani and finally to Fira. Remember to bring your camera!
The old pathway from the summit of the Profitis Ilias to the hill (Mesa Vouno)
where Ancient Thera was located, and from there to Perissa, is also very
worthwhile.
Sea Excursions
Visit by boat the two small islands in the centre of the Santorini caldera,
Palea and Nea Kameni, known to the locals as "the volcano". Combine this
excursion with a visit to Thirassia and Oia. The boat trips start from the old
port of Fira or from the port of Athinios depending on the route you choose.
Tip: Don't miss the sunset when you are on board! |
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Contact
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