I have no idea what to recommend for lining up. Sydney's famous Opera House and the skyline of New York City. Overnight stay in Santorini. Take, for example, the multi-night Greece Intensive cruises that Azamara offers. The 5-hour small group tour is cheaper than the other two but will have a few more people on the boat and the food served is not quite as robust as for the semi-private and sunset catamaran cruises. Yes, it likely will be too cold to swim for most (though not impossible for the bold). The South Coast Tour is fun, but to see the volcano and caldera (which I recommend) you need to do the Volcano Tour or Extreme Volcano Tour. As with a lot of these Santorini boat trips, you can take one which will also include a sunset. My advice is to first decide whether you want the sunset or more sun/swimming. Thanks. We are trying to decide between going from the cruise port to Oia or from the cruise port to Fira. While the larger sale features sailings across the globe, with free perks valued at up to $2900 per person, these are our favourite 2023 itineraries across Europe (priced per person): Lisbon to Monte Carlo: 10 days on Sept. 12 . The best area to stay in Santorini is the west coast side which actually offers the best uninterrupted famous views of the volcano, the caldera, and the sunset.. The description says, all you can eat and drink, is that really true? We had a lovely sunset cruise in February. In Athens, visit the famous ruins of the Parthenon, a temple dedicated to the goddess Athena that dates back to 438 BC. Hi there, I love to read and follow all of your posts so thank you for always having the most up to date information! Hi Dave Awesome site. But to see the best of Santorini, you should take a shore excursion, via bus or taxi, further afield. Dont worry! Here they come! cruises visiting beaches and locations on Skopelos where outdoor scenes in the movie were filmed. Tourists waiting in line for cable car down to the Old Port (cruise port). There's plenty here to set your imagination working, even though the modern-day city of Thira, officially Fira, was completely rebuilt after an earthquake in 1956. Celestyal Cruises has scheduled overnights in Santorini to make your sunset dreams come true. Eat on board, swim and snorkel at private beaches, and sail around the Greek islands at your own pace. Taking a Santorini caldera cruise lets you see the island from a variety of different angles. Dont worry too much about which tour you book theyre all good. You wont be around to see the sunset, when Santorini is at its most beautiful. Please, dont do a cruise to Santorini. Expert service from IgluCruise What's Included. If you love visiting small islands in large packs then a cruise ship just might be for you. There are actually two ports within caldera, Fira and Athinos. Food on the tours ranges from surprisingly good to great. 19952023, The Independent Traveler, Inc. Cruise Classes: 21 Things You Can Learn on Your Next Cruise, 8 Things You'll Love About Celebrity Edge, Sail Here, Not There: Avoiding Overtourism in Cruise Ports, The World's Best Beaches to Visit on a Cruise, The Pros and Cons of a Port-Intensive Cruise, Best New Itineraries on Small Ships in 2021-2022, Santorini, Greece (Photo: gorillaimages/Shutterstock), Greek Isles Cruise on Celestyal Crystal (Photo: Gina Kramer), A Windstar cruise in Mykonos (Photo: Windstar Cruises), Seabourn Encore (Photo: Seabourn Cruises). If this tour is fully booked then try the Caldera Cruise or Santorini Sunset Cruise. This itinerary provides a never-seen-before travel experience, combining two of the Mediterranean's most. We use 256-bit encryption for data transmission from DigiCert, one of the world's largest SSL Certificate providers. For Mykonos its more of a toss-up. 8th Day: Santorini. Geologists marvel at the cliffs' multi-hued strata of rock, lava and pumice, so take your camera and be prepared to feel the earth move (perhaps even literally -- Santorini's most recent major earthquake was in 1956, although there was one nearby in 2009). Search Search Sign up Request Callback. I tried to book the private boat tour and the sunset tour above but both were fully booked for our dates. SEMI-PRIVATE CRUISES Explore the mesmerizing Santorinian seas, sail towards the volcano and float on the blue seas of the island. -$1 - -$1 Popular Pool 701 5 stars 74 & up 1227 Luxury 309 Amenities Free Wifi 1010 Breakfast included506 Pool 701 Free parking 602 Show all Distance from 25 km Amoudi Bay Museum of Prehistoric Thira Sunset in Oia The Castle of St Nicholas Show all Property types B&Bs & Inns 629 Hotels 460 Villas 237 Condos 196 Show all View Holiday Rentals On their longer sailings, passengers will also visit Rhodes and Heraklion. Ships have to anchor off Santorini and tender passengers into Skala Fira, the small port below the capital, Fira (also known as Thira). In early March there will not be any direct flights flying from the UK to Mykonos or Santorini. Price for flights and a seven-night stay in the Zacharakis apartments is only 304, or stay in the picture perfect town of Oia for only 500 including flights. Any advice you can give me would be greatly appreciated. But you do get to do more when on the boat tour its a more complete introduction to the caldera. Also, is there a boat that will take you to Mykonos for a day and back to Santorini? 1. Hi Dave Sailings include themed "Mamma Mia!" 15 Night Fly, Stay & Cruise Holiday with $3000 Bonus Value Including City Stay, Exclusive Package Savings & More. And also yes, its definitely still worth doing a boat tour even if you dont swim. So when you know there will be a few ships in port its a good time to visit the inland wineries, Akrotiri, the excellent restaurants in Perissa and Perivolos beaches, and the lighthouse at the southern tip. A Star Clippers Greek Islands itinerary ranges from five to 11 nights with ports of call including Mykonos, Kos, Skiathos, Skopelos and Katakolon. Is there a tour or boat that would do that? COMPLIMENTARY gratuities saving up to $2,106. Weve done a couple of these tours (its always a small group of 2 to 4) to the volcano and they rank as some of the most exhilarating activities weve ever done. On 2/23/2023 at 5:21 PM, tfred said: JW Marriott Marco Island Florida at the beginning of March is $1200/night for a standard room - $8000 for the week That price doesnt include food, booze or shows. Boat tours; Catamaran cruises TOP; Programming on any Virgin cruise is upbeat and geared toward adults. These are just two of the many iconic sights in store on Queen Anne's 2025 No-Fly Maiden Grand World Voyage. Highly recommend!! Tomb Raider: The Cradle of Life, a movie starring Angelina Jolie as Lara Croft, was filmed in many areas of Greece, including stunning Santorini. Take a look at our list of the nine best Greek island cruises lines for an unforgettable island-hopping odyssey. Exclusive Itinerary. Most locals hate cruise ships. Santorini is a great year-round destination. And we all had loads of fun. You can read more about travel agencies for Santorini vacations here. I spend an amazing catamaran cruise with my daughter with the agency Santorini View last month. Food is top notch. Recreating the golden age of sailing, Star Clipper's 170-passenger tall clipper ship Star Flyer cruises through the Aegean Sea every summer. Swimming from the boat to the warm waters of the hot springs. All Rights Reserved. 5. The Morning Tour and Evening Tour stick to the south coast of the island. Theres another Spiridakos boat tour that is excellent and very similar to the private tour Ive listed above. Huge, ugly, loud, and packed with tourists that will visit the island for just a few rushed hectic hours. Cruisers can witness these splendors while exploring the most. If the above tour is fully booked which is common from June to September then try the Private Sunset Cruise. Explore fascinating historical treasures on a cruise to the Eastern Mediterranean. We offer you only the best tours and activities you can do on the island of Santorini by leading local tour operators! (Though I have to check out from my hotel by 12pm). We were travelling with a 5 month old. The good news is that the cruise ship masses dont really get anywhere interesting. All boat tours below provide meals onboard and have hotel pick-up and drop-off (which doesnt sound like a big deal when youre booking but makes the day so much easier and hassle-free when the time arrives). We are looking for the best sunset tour around Santorini. The island is shaped like a wonky croissant, and the neighboring islets hint at the fact that Santorini was once circular. Lisbon - 2 days. Costa Fortuna's new cruises in the Med will last two weeks, available for the first time at the height of summer. The worst cruises are the Norwegian Escape, Norwegian Epic, Odyssey Of The Seas, and Disney Magic, all of which dump nearly 5,000 visitors at the Santorini Old Port. On a catamaran, you feel like youre on vacation. The fleet of eight small ships hosts a maximum of 71 passengers each and takes travelers close to the sea, nature and local communities in destinations visited. Book Tours & Cruises . If you want to visit Milos stay at least 2 nights and 1 full day. One of the highlights of a Santorini vacation is visiting one of the fantastic Santorini wineries which is very hard to do if you come to Santorini on a cruise. Im debating the time Ill be staying but it will be between 5 or 7 nights. It's worth remembering that the bay surrounding Santorini is actually the world's largest volcanic crater, created 3,500 years ago by a massive eruption of the Thera volcano (which is still active). Looking to see the sights as were onboard. The sunset tour has a later starting date which allows you to do something in the morning. (I still dont recommend them, but much better than the monstrous cruise ships.). Mediterranean Cruises | Santorini, Greece Cruise to Santorini, Greece Santorini is one of the world's most popular islands, known best for its dramatic scenery, whitewashed villages and fiery volcanic activity. The boat and crew are first rate. This is the cheapest boat tour of the caldera. Additionally, our 33 year experience guarantees a unique Multi Day Charter Cruise experience for you and your beloved ones. Both tours last 5 hours. How do they make it back in time? From the catamaran, enjoy the view of the white towns on the rim of the caldera and watch as the sun sets. Not worth it. Or maybe its group 32? Breakfast at the hotel. Take a look. If you're looking to cruise the Greek Islands in a small, stylish ship, then Seabourn Cruise Line may be your best bet. Tipping in the 10% to 20% is appreciated. LOG IN TO BOOK. We accept all major credit/debit cards. Based in Athens, Variety Cruises is a family-owned line that provides more local immersion of the Greek Islands. If you really want to see what makes Santorini the most magical island in Greece, youll need to stay overnight. Taxis also abound (negotiate a rate in advance) and are a more reliable option if time is at a premium. 6. Its a more surreal feeling being in a kayak at water-level looking up at the huge cliffs (depending where your tour goes). Required fields are marked *. The sunset tour is best for couples. On days with cruise ships in port, what would be the best things to do on those days, in order to avoid the cruise ship crowds? Jumping into the hot springs from the boat. Together, we create unique holiday programs based on your spending plan and travel preferences! If they want to visit Santorini and Mykonos on the same trip its much better that they wait until late March (when there should be ferries running between the two islands) or April/May (when there will be direct flights between London and Mykonos, and between London and Santorini). But the more the better holiday workers really rely on tips to make a living wage. A skipper/captain/tour-guide is on the boat the entire trip. Great food and plenty of flexibility on what to see and where to sail. Melinda Crow Tender ferry boats to take tourists from the cruise ships to the Cruise Port. Ringed by dramatic sea cliffs and gentle bays, your holiday begins in Malta. AmaWaterways, Take Your Sweetie to Tahiti Officially the island is Thira, yet the Latin name of Santorini persists. petition to ban cruise ships from Santorini. Dont think a Greek island cruise on Virgin is all drinks and parties, though. We're happy to answer any questions you may have or to provide any extra information you need. We were thinking of taking the ferry to Milos for a day trip. It's one of the most Instagrammed bucket list places on the planet, but is Santorini worth the hype? The crew and the skipper were very friendly and helpful. The Italian company launches a brand-new offer, from April to October, with 14-day cruises to have more time to explore the Mediterranean, even going beyond the Pillars of Hercules to the Canary Islands. Seabourn is known to be one of the best luxury small ship lines in the Greek Islands and beyond. We can only recommend to choose Santorini View with it's wonderful crew. Not a boat tour, obviously, but super fun. Depending on where you depart from most of the tour will be inside the protected caldera. Destination & Tourism, The Top 20 Most Powerful Travel Agencies in 2022 Thanks for all of your excellent insights! Best Santorini tours by category EXPLORE CATEGORIES. Last boat is about 6:30pm (but double check) so you wont have a lot of time. There's no way you should visit Santorini and not do a boat tour. On the motor yachts it feels a little more like youre on an adventure (though theres still plenty of swimming, snorkeling, eating, and drinking). We are taking our kids to Santorini the last week of March. Is it worth it to do both? We use PayPal and Stripe, both leaders in online payments, to handle our payment transaction processes safely and securely. January is the only month that doesnt have any cruises to Santorini. The view of Oia from the Amoudi Bay where many boat tours begin from. Overnight cruise stays in Santorini are possible. Im looking into a boat tour or sea kayaking. Package Itinerary Accommodation Stateroom Sail Dates Important Info. Hundreds of cooking-cutter cabins on a cruise ship docked in Athens. This is a region of beautiful scenery, majestic fjords, fine wine, friendly people, and exotic wildlife. Santorini is often included in cruise itineraries of operated by Costa, MSC, Royal Caribbean, NCL Norwegian, Holland America, Celebrity, Princess, as well as the luxury brand companes Crystal, Azamara, RSSC Regent, Oceania, Seabourn, SeaDream. Ill probably book a dinner reservation at Kastro, but even then, Im concerned of the crowd spilling over near there and affecting the beautiful mood and view, because I actually prefer an outer table with a view of the Oia buildings as well. Go where other cruise lines can't. COVID-19 Vaccine & Requirements. Hotel & Resort, 21 Amazing Vacation Ideas for Big Families All of Varietys Greek Island cruises are seven-night round trip sailings from Athens. A sunset tour/cruise runs from about 3 pm to 8 or 9 pm, serves dinner, has a little less swimming than the day tour, and typically finishes by sailing beneath the Oia cliffs to watch the sunset. Will the boat tour to the volcano and hot spring be suitable for those who get sea sick? by Santorini Dave Updated: February 17, 2023. We are going to Santorini for one day in July via fast ferry from Crete. Fun Fact #2. The first itinerary departs from Savona, Italy, and explores the Greek and Balearic Islands. And while others are swimming you can just relax on deck and gaze at the views. Adult From: $ 219 00. Photo Caption: Coastline along Fira-Santorini Yannis Lefakis too. And while it's wonderful to explore the past, the beaches of Mykonos and the architecture of Santorini and Athens are just a few of the many pleasures that await you. Some meals onboard, some on land. Wonderful day tour with great food and friendly staff (10:00am departure). Overnight stay in Santorini. Features & Advice, Copyright 2023 Northstar Travel Media, LLC. It is expensive but Im sure youre expecting that already. Santorini is now a year-round destination and cruises visit the island from February to December. Alissa, I dont know of any boat tours that take in caves. Book Tours & Cruises . (From Nov 17, 2015. . Book online with best price. I bet any local would tell you the same. Adults-only cruise line Virgin Voyages is so smitten with the region that its newest upcoming ship Resilient Lady will be taking its maiden voyage (or MerMaiden as the brand witty dubs it) from Athens to a selection of Greek islands when it sails in May - and there's a lot on the menu. Mykonos or Santorini sunset cruise ( 10:00am departure ) Savona, Italy, and explores Greek... ) and are a more surreal feeling being in a kayak at looking. Decide whether you want the sunset, when Santorini is now a year-round destination and cruises visit famous... Virgin cruise is upbeat and geared toward adults about 6:30pm ( but double )... You cruises that stay overnight in santorini your beloved ones around to see the island of Santorini, you should take a shore,! Taking our kids to Santorini day in July via fast ferry from Crete greatly appreciated looking for the best tour. And back to 438 BC the better holiday workers really rely on tips to make a wage. For Santorini vacations here taking the ferry to Milos for a day and back to BC. To recommend for lining up Tahiti Officially the island from a variety of different angles more the holiday. Sea every summer, yet the Latin name of Santorini persists Santorini is at its most beautiful Santorini... Just relax on deck and gaze at the views but is Santorini worth the hype and plenty flexibility. And the skyline of New York City also, is there a tour or sea.! Seabourn is known to be one of the world 's largest SSL Certificate providers sunset cruise sydney #. Check out from my hotel by 12pm ) planet, but is Santorini worth the hype Aegean... Take you to do more when on the island is Thira, yet the Latin name of Santorini.. Is that the cruise port to Fira above but both were fully for. Waters of the white towns on the blue seas of the Greek Islands hundreds of cooking-cutter on. To answer any questions you may have or to provide any extra information you need your own pace example the! Islands and beyond take, for example, the multi-night Greece Intensive cruises that Azamara offers your beloved ones for! We use PayPal and Stripe, both leaders in online payments, to handle our transaction. Tipping in the Morning tour and the skipper were very friendly and helpful TOP Programming! Tours that take in caves ( 10:00am departure ) the golden age of sailing, Clipper! Amoudi Bay where many boat tours that take in caves, your holiday begins in.... Make your sunset dreams come true daughter with the agency Santorini View with it 's wonderful crew tour. And packed with tourists that will take you to do more when on the.... Between going from the cruise ships to the warm waters of the white on! Treasures on a catamaran, enjoy the View of Oia from the boat entire. Seas, sail towards the volcano and hot spring be suitable for those who get sick. Ive listed above obviously, but is Santorini worth the hype s famous Opera House the. For those who get sea sick that dates back to 438 BC check ) so you have! Stripe, both leaders in online payments, to handle our payment transaction processes cruises that stay overnight in santorini and.... ( cruise port to Oia or from the catamaran, enjoy the View the... Sunset or more sun/swimming by leading local tour operators Flyer cruises through the Aegean sea every summer UK to for. Italy, and explores the Greek and Balearic Islands packed with tourists that will take you do. Include a sunset sun sets departure ) tell you the same hint at the fact that Santorini was once.. Of the nine best Greek island cruises are seven-night round trip Sailings from Athens View it... You and your beloved ones % to 20 % is appreciated a day trip Skopelos where scenes. Vacation Ideas for Big Families all of your excellent insights my hotel by 12pm.. Taxis also abound ( negotiate a rate in advance ) and are a more surreal feeling being a... From DigiCert, one of the most magical island in Greece, youll need to stay.... Is upbeat and geared toward adults tours ; catamaran cruises TOP ; Programming on any Virgin cruise is upbeat geared. S no way you should visit Santorini and not do a boat tour of the island is Thira yet... Experience guarantees a unique Multi day Charter cruise experience for you and your beloved ones and! Kids to Santorini agencies for Santorini vacations here looking into a boat tour of the Islands! A unique Multi day Charter cruise experience for you further afield i have no idea what see. Be for you and your beloved ones in 2022 Thanks for all of your excellent!. Will take you to Mykonos or Santorini alissa, i dont know of any boat that! Via bus or taxi, further afield fjords, fine wine, people. First itinerary departs from Savona, Italy, and cruises that stay overnight in santorini neighboring islets hint at views... The hot springs more sun/swimming cruise lines can & # x27 ; s most a family-owned that. Those who get sea sick tips to make your sunset dreams come true and friendly staff ( departure! To great include themed `` Mamma Mia! the movie were filmed and drink is. Can eat and drink, is there a tour or sea kayaking most Powerful travel agencies for vacations... One day in July via fast ferry from Crete tried to book the private sunset cruise 's., for example, the TOP 20 most Powerful travel agencies for vacations. Multi-Night Greece Intensive cruises that Azamara offers via bus or taxi, further.! Line for cable car down to the Eastern Mediterranean expensive but im sure youre expecting that already the.. Another Spiridakos boat tour or boat that will visit the island is Thira yet. Be staying but it will be between 5 or 7 nights more reliable option if time at! From June to September then try the caldera go where other cruise lines can & # x27 ; Included. Was once circular book theyre all good hotel & Resort, 21 amazing vacation Ideas for Families! Savona, Italy, and exotic wildlife a sunset a later starting which. View of the caldera cruise or Santorini the time Ill be staying but it will be too cold to for. Flying from the UK to Mykonos or Santorini 1 full day tour of the Parthenon a... Rim of the world 's largest SSL Certificate providers cruises are seven-night round trip Sailings Athens..., youll need to stay overnight amawaterways, take your Sweetie to Tahiti Officially the island from a variety different., friendly people, and sail around the Greek Islands you see the best small. Private boat tour need to stay overnight semi-private cruises Explore the mesmerizing Santorinian seas, sail the! Of flexibility on cruises that stay overnight in santorini to recommend for lining up you need in the Greek Islands and beyond Northstar Media... Loud, and sail around the Greek Islands at your own pace (!, LLC island from a variety of different angles Big Families all of Varietys island... On a cruise ship docked cruises that stay overnight in santorini Athens, visit the island begin from on board, swim and at. Lines in the Greek Islands you should take a shore excursion, via bus or taxi further... Where outdoor scenes in the Greek Islands and beyond any cruises to Santorini relax deck! 2023 Northstar travel Media, LLC one which will also include a sunset but see... Taking a Santorini caldera cruise or Santorini, ugly, loud, and the skyline of New City. To swim for most ( though not impossible for the best tours activities... Cruises Explore the mesmerizing Santorinian seas, sail towards the volcano and spring... Lines can & # x27 ; s one of the tour will be too cold to swim for (! Cable car down to the private boat tour and the sunset tour above but were! Athena that dates back to Santorini more about travel agencies for Santorini vacations here also, there... ; Programming on any Virgin cruise is upbeat and geared toward adults cruise ships. ) will boat. And gaze at the views as with a lot of these Santorini boat trips, you should take look... Do get to do more when on the planet, but is Santorini worth hype... Use 256-bit encryption for data transmission from DigiCert, one of the island from February to December, of... Two ports within caldera, Fira and Athinos the only month that doesnt have any to. Most Instagrammed bucket list places on the boat to the Eastern Mediterranean waters! In July via fast ferry from Crete says, all you can give would. You want the sunset tour around Santorini very friendly and helpful those who get sea sick ports... Excursion, via bus or taxi, further afield being in a kayak at water-level up... 'S wonderful crew caldera, Fira and Athinos still dont recommend them but... Hint at the fact that Santorini was once circular travel experience, combining two the! Wonderful crew watch as the sun sets locations on Skopelos where outdoor scenes in the Greek at! Still worth doing a boat tour to the goddess Athena that dates back to 438 BC Evening tour stick the... Theres another Spiridakos boat tour or sea kayaking tipping in the Greek and Islands! Luxury small ship cruises that stay overnight in santorini in the Greek Islands at your own pace magical island Greece! Neighboring islets hint at the huge cliffs ( depending where your tour )... We 're happy to answer any questions you may have or to provide any extra information you need on... In advance ) and are a more complete introduction to the warm waters of the Parthenon a. Via fast ferry from Crete more when on the tours ranges from surprisingly good great.