Skip Cable Car® Santorini Shore Excursion for First-Time Visitors
Overview
Available languages
5 hours
Mobile ticket
Step off your cruise ship and explore Santorini on a small-group shore excursion designed specifically for cruise passengers. Visit top sights like Oia and Firostefani’s famous blue-domed churches while enjoying panoramic island views and local insights from an expert guide. Travel in a comfortable, air-conditioned vehicle with a maximum of 19 guests for a personalized experience. The tour departs conveniently from the Fira cable car exit and is carefully timed to match cruise schedules, ensuring a smooth, stress-free adventure.
Additional Info
Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
In the event of exceptionally rough sea conditions preventing boat transfers, we reserve the right to operate the regular tour route instead. In such cases, a refund of €10 per person will be provided for each cable car ride required in place of the boat transfer.
The tour start time will be adjusted to your ship’s docking schedule to minimize waiting and accommodate possible disembarkation delays. You’ll receive the final meeting time in the Meeting Instructions about one week before the tour.
Please note that wheelchairs, walkers, rollators, electric scooters, and other mobility devices cannot be accommodated on shared tours. Tours on Santorini involve uneven surfaces, cobblestone pathways, and some sections with stairs. We kindly request that all participants carefully assess their physical ability to complete the tour prior to making a reservation. Refunds cannot be issued to guests who are unable to complete the tour due to accessibility limitations.
What To Expect
Athinios Port Santorini
Our Skip Cable Car Santorini Tour is created for cruise ship guests who want to make the most of their time on the island. Skip the long waits and summer heat at the cable car, and start your Santorini adventure the easy way. After stepping off your cruise ship’s tender, you’ll meet our friendly Vexperio team at the Old Port, where everyone will board the boat transfer together for a smooth and relaxing journey ashore. Enjoy breathtaking views of the Aegean Sea and Caldera during your transfer, making even the journey part of the experience.
Firostefani
Once the boat arrives at your designated pick-up point, you’ll continue your journey in a comfortable, air-conditioned bus. Your first stop is Santorini’s famous blue dome in the charming area of Firostefani - a peaceful setting perfect for capturing those iconic island photos away from the busy crowds of Oia. It’s a relaxing and beautiful introduction to Santorini’s unique Cycladic charm.
Options
Shared Skip Cable Car Tour
Skip the cable car: For select cruise ships only: on the busiest docking dates in Santorini we offer a special tour, skipping the cable car. Shared Tour: This is a ticket for a shared tour. It allows to skip the cable car which on some dates can take many hours. Pick-up by Boat: Upon arrival by your ship’s tender to the Santorini harbor, we will pick you up by our boat, skipping the cable car. Return by Boat: At the end of the tour, we will return you to your tender pick-up point by boat, once again avoiding cable car lines. Included in tour price: This option already includes the boat transfers in the price. There are no additional costs with this option. Book an early tender: Please book an early tender directly with your cruise ship's staff to ensure timely arrival.
Shared Boat/Transfer Only
No guided tour included: This option does not include a tour or a guide, only boat transfers. Only transfer to Athinios Port: Please note this option does not include a guided tour and only a shared transfer from the Old to the Athinios Port by boat. Drop off location: Please note your drop-off location is at the Athinios port where you will need to take a taxi to transfer to Fira Town.
Private with Shared Boat Rides
Skip the cable car: Private guided tour and shared boat transfers from the Old Port to the Athinios Port and back, bypass the cable car. Private tour&shared boat rides: The boat transfers are shared with other guests. The private tour starts at Athinios Port where you meet your guide & driver.
Shared ShorEx
Meeting Point for Tour: Upon debarking from the tender, please remain in the Old Port at the exact spot where your ship’s tender drops you off.
Ticket for Skip Cable Car Tour
Skip the cable car: For select cruise ships only: on the busiest docking dates in Santorini we offer a special tour, skipping the cable car. Shared Tour: This is a ticket for a shared tour. It allows to skip the cable car which on some dates can take many hours. Pick-up by Boat: Upon arrival by your ship’s tender to the Santorini harbor, we will pick you up by our boat, skipping the cable car. Return by Boat: At the end of the tour, we will return you to your tender pick-up point by boat, once again avoiding cable car lines. Included in tour price: This option already includes the private boat transfer in the price. There are no additional costs with this option. Book an early tender: Please book an early tender directly with your cruise ship's staff to ensure timely arrival.
What‘s Included
Modern, comfortable, air-conditioned minibus
Small group limited to 18 participants
Full refund if your ship cannot dock
Guaranteed return to ship on time
Professional local English-speaking tour guide
Port pickup and drop-off
Transfers by boat to bypass the Cable Car
1 complimentary bottle of water per person
Food and Beverages
Gratuities (Optional: Recommend 10% for guides, and 5% for bus drivers)
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Reviews
349 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Great day in Santorini
Anja B,Jun 9, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00It was a wonderful experience 😀 We were warmly welcomed at the old harbor where the tender boats arrive, and we were assigned a bus number for later. After everyone arrived, we boarded another boat as described, which took us over water to a place where the buses were waiting for us. Then we were off :) 😀 our guide and driver were fantastic. We learned a lot about the land and its people!! We were back at the tender harbor on time!!
Excellent Tour with an Outstanding Guide
N1883RYkarenc,Jun 7, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Excellent tour. It was an adventure to “skip cable car” and have a second short ride by boat to the tour bus. Scenery was beautiful. Gina, our tour guide, was outstanding. She was articulate, interesting with some humor. Really enjoyed the last stop at the “Black Beach” with a beach chair and umbrella and an opportunity for a drink and wonderful food. The length of the tour was ideal.
Full experience of Santorini
Imelda H,May 27, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Jorge was our tour guide. I came with my family and had a wonderful experience. He went beyond to get us the best pictures without any hassle. Ended the trip with a delicious meal by the volcanic beach. Excellent experience and exceptional tour guide.
Great Day
sheilahunt,May 26, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00This tour was great! The guide was informative and took into consideration the age of the group traveling. The communication leading up to the tour was good. I will definitely do this tour again.
Great Tour!
PAMELA H,Dec 14, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Elena and Spiro were absolutely wonderful guides. The tour was incredible. Would recommend this to anyone.
Excellent Tour of Santorini
SueBeeTXHoney,Oct 31, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00This tour was excellent, and the favorite of our whole 10-day cruise. Our tour guide, Viktor was great. He provided great information about the island and was entertaining and fun. He also was so patient taking pictures of everyone in the best spots. We especially enjoyed the walk through a traditional village and the visit to the beach where we enjoyed good Greek food and wine. Our driver, Agularis (sp) was excellent and safely got us to each destination. We had a great day on Santorini.
Very bad experience
Roch M,Oct 31, 2025
- Review from Viator
1.00Attention for excursion booking in Santorini by Viator. Very bad experience. Access was very limited, 4 ships were to disembark people. We have tried to cancel , without success , or refund.
Great tour for cruise passengers.
Jane D,Oct 30, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Wonderful tour. George, our guide and Cristos, our driver were fantastic. We especially liked our walk through the village of Megalochori.
Highly recommend!!!
Rebecca S,Oct 25, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Victor and Argulus were OUTSTANDING!! The tour was fabulous. Such a great way to see Santorini. Every stop was well planned. Victor offered photos of us at every spot. Can’t say enough wonderful things about this excursion!! Highly recommmend!!
Alex was a wonderful...
Alla I,Oct 24, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Alex was a wonderful guide! He loves this island, and he tried to share his favorite places with us.
Related Experiences
Operated by Vexperio