Santorini

With dramatic views of white houses clinging perilously to the side of the caldera and stunning beaches of white and red sand or black pebbles, it’s no wonder Santorini may be the most photographed scenery in the world. Between the 21st and 16th centuries BC, the Minoans lived on the island, which was later flooded and preserved under a blanket of volcanic ash. It is believed that the effects of the volcano led indirectly to the collapse of the Minoan civilization.

The following Shore Excursions are available for this port on this cruise, and may be reserved beginning 180 days before the cruise begins.

Volcano, Hot Springs and Winery Visit
Tour Code: JTR-003
Duration: 4 hours
Retail Value: $119.00
Price: Free

Disembark the vessel onto a local boat and sail to the lava islet of Nea Kameni. There you leave the boat and take an approximately 20-minute walk up an ascending unpaved path observing the lava fragments and volcanic rock formations as you approach the crater of the still-active volcano. Once you reach the top, there is the possibility of seeing steam coming out of the crater's walls. You'll have time to relax, enjoy the view and take lots of photos.

After the descent back down the crater, you will reboard the caique to leave the volcanic island and sail towards the thermal springs at Palea Kameni. For about 20 minutes the boat's anchor will dip into the green sulfuric waters and you will have the chance to swim in the warm waters of the thermal spring. From the spring you will sail to the port of Athinios, where the buses will be waiting. Upon arrival at the port, you will board the buses and ascend the colorful rocky sides of the caldera wall while enjoying panoramic views of Santorini and the caldera. At the top, you will be driven to one of the local wineries for a tour of the wine cellars and distilleries which ends with the tasting of three of the most famous wines of Santorini, accompanied by barley rusks and local cheese.

At the end of your visit to the winery, you will continue on through the beautiful countryside to Thira, the picturesque capital town of the island built on the rim of the caldera wall. Here, you'll have free time to enjoy the town at leisure or perhaps relax over a coffee on your own and enjoy the magnificent panoramic views of the volcanic island, the caldera and the sea.

Please note: This tour is not available to guests who utilize a wheelchair or those with mobility concerns. This tour is only recommended for guests in very good physical condition as the hike up the volcano is considered steep, challenging, and strenuous. Rubber-soled, closed-toe shoes are essential for this tour. This tour is weather dependent. Guests wishing to swim in the Hot Springs should wear a swimsuit under their clothes and bring a towel from the ship. Due to the high sulfur content of the thermal springs, bathing suits may become discolored. Participants taking part in any swimming activities do so at their own risk and responsibility. Cancellation due to weather conditions is at the discretion of the operator and the above itinerary is subject to change without notice due to weather conditions. Those guests making wine purchases at the winery for shipment to their homes are advised that, due to Customs regulations, delivery can take up to 3 months.

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Terms & Conditions:

Free Unlimited Shore Excursions are for full fare guests only, capacity controlled and subject to availability. Requested excursions may not be available at time of booking. Supplement will apply on Regent Choice excursions (indicated by the above) and excludes Private Arrangements and all Adventures Ashore programs. In order to ensure quality guides and sufficient transportation, we must provide the tour operator with passenger counts at least 36 hours in advance. Therefore no refunds will be given within 36 hours of tour departure for cancellations or no-shows. Please pay special attention to scheduling and tour lengths when booking your shore excursions. In many cases, it is not possible to participate in more than one tour per day in a given port. Tours operate rain or shine. Tours require minimum participation levels to operate so please sign up as early as possible. Tours may be cancelled if minimum participation levels are not met. Prices, Itineraries and General Information shore excursion prices are subject to change to meet unexpected cost increases or currency fluctuations. Please consult the Destination Services Desk onboard for information. During local or national holidays, access to certain facilities (such as museums or archaeological sites) may be limited or denied. In such instances, adjustments will be made to minimize inconvenience to guests. Some tours have limited availability. Tours are generally available for reserving 180 days prior to the beginning of a cruise. Please sign up early to avoid disappointment. Regent Seven Seas Cruises reserves the right to require guests to complete a liability waiver for select shore excursions. For more information, please visit the Destination Services Desk onboard.