Your destination is Oia Village, the crowning glory of peace and tranquility. Built on the northern part of the caldera rim, it is here where many artists have been inspired due to its magnificent location, as you will see for yourself, with its most superb views of the caldera, the rest of the island itself and Aegean Sea. Drive uphill along the rocky sides of the Caldera and pass through many traditional villages in order to reach the unique village of Oia, with its architecture typically Cycladic and its houses resembling “bird nests” tucked away into the dramatic cliff-side. Accompanied by your guide, walk through the village along cobble-stoned streets marveling at the wonderful 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 picturesque capital town of the island, built on the caldera rim. Enjoy the town at your own leisure and return to the small pier of Scala by cable car, where the vessel’s tenders will take you back to the ship.

Driving through picturesque villages, you will reach the southern end of the island and the archaeological site of Akrotiri.  In about 1500 BC, a volcanic eruption destroyed all life on the island and much of the island collapsed beneath the waves.   The remains of Akrotiri remained undiscovered until the excavations, led by Professor Spyros Marintos, began in 1967.  What he uncovered was evidence of an amazing city with houses, streets, squares and workshops, all of which had been covered under a thick blanket of pumice for almost 3,500 years. You will be able to walk around this ancient city among well-preserved buildings, giving you insight into the ancient civilization of Santorini.  A short journey brings you to the old Antoniou winery. The structure has been preserved in order to show the old way wine was once produced using the best of the islands’ fundamental elements. Carved into the natural volcanic rock are the cave-like vats. Also view antique presses that have been restored.  After a guided tour of the winery you are invited to sample some of the wines with local cheese and traditional snacks. Continue on to Fira where you will have time to browse for local handicrafts. Then, enjoy a short cable car ride down to the pier.