Santorini Archaeology Half-Day Tour with Akrotiri Ruins

This Akrotiri tour, a popular half-day tour when visiting Santorini, provides an in-depth way to visit the well-preserved frescoes and historical excavations that have made it famous as the "Pompeii of Greece." With a licensed expert in archaeology leading the way, you’ll learn about evidence that can be traced back as early as the fifth millennium BC, when it was a small fishing and farming village, to how it became a key part of the copper trade.

You’ll begin your tour by being picked up in a private car with your expert as you embark on your journey to the past. Along the way, our guide will discuss the regional geography of the area, Akrotiri's role as Santorini's copper trading port, and the historic background leading up to the 16th century BC with the volcanic eruption of Thera.  You'll learn how it's the best-designed archaeological site in Greece, with a bioclimatic roof maintaining a comfortable temperature even in peak summer through natural ventilation, while providing natural light and protecting the artifacts from the elements. 

Some speculate that this may be the origin of “Atlantis”, a mythical city described in the scripts of the Greek philosopher “Plato,” and has been lost in time since. You'll spend time exploring the Prehistoric Museum of Ther, where you'll discover more recovered artifacts, some Byzantine works of art, and an impressive collection of geometric vases from the 5th Century BC. At the end of your archaeology tour, you'll be returned to your Santorini accommodation, full of wonder about the intriguing history of the prehistoric settlement of Akrotiri. 

What is a private tour?
Our private tours are limited exclusively to travelers in your party. Private tours give you more flexibility with scheduling (how long you’d like to spend at each stop) and more personalized time with your guide.

Where do we meet? Where does it end?
You will start and end at your Santorini accommodation, where you will be picked up by your private driver.

Are tickets included?
Yes. The cost of this tour does include a ticket to the site.

What if it’s raining?
Tours operate rain or shine, but in the case of inclement weather, your expert will modify the tour so more time is spent indoors. It never hurts to be prepared; we encourage keeping an eye on the weather and bringing along an umbrella, sunscreen, water, or a hat as needed.

Is this tour mobility-friendly?
Akrotiri is easily visited with a wheelchair, as the site can be viewed from above on a series of flat wooden pathways. All guests should wear comfortable walking shoes.