The Best Santorini Small-Group Shore Excursion for Cruise Ships

Overview

Available languages

English

Spanish

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

Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries

Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness

Full refund if ship is unable to dock

Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

What‘s Included

Professional Local English-speaking tour guide

Small Group Shore Excursion (limited at 19 guests)

One complimentary bottle per person

Guaranteed return to ship on time

Air-conditioned vehicle

Meals

Gratuities (Optional: Recommend 10% for guides, and 5% for bus drivers)

Cable car ticket (one way)

What To Expect

Athinios Port Santorini

If your cruise ship docks at Athinios Port, you'll first take a short transfer to Fira via local transportation or cable car before beginning your guided tour. The excursion is timed to fit your ship’s schedule, with pickup arranged near the Fira cable car exit for easy access.

Admission Not Applicable

Firostefani

Embark on a half-day tour showcasing Santorini’s most iconic sights, including the stunning village of Firostefani. Enjoy panoramic views of the Aegean Sea and Caldera, and don’t miss the chance to photograph the island’s famous blue-domed church nestled in this peaceful cliffside neighborhood.

1 hour • Admission Not Applicable

Options

Ticket for a shared tour

Meeting Point for Tour: Upon debarkation from the tender, please take the cable car to the top. The tour commences at the exit in Fira Town.
Starting point:
Santorini Cable Car - Upper Station, Ipapantis 10, Thira 847 00, Greece

Shared Tour of Santorini

Meeting Point: Upon debarkation from the tender, please take the cable car to the top. The tour commences at the exit in Fira Town.
Starting point:
Santorini Cable Car - Upper Station, Ipapantis 10, Thira 847 00, Greece

Shared Tour from Athinios Port

Meeting Point for Tour: Once you disembark from your cruise ship at Athinios Port, look for your guide holding a sign that reads 'VEXPERIO.'
Starting point:
Thira Santorini Port, Órmos Athiniós 847 00, Greece

Ticket for Skip Cable Car Tour

SKIP CABLE CAR TOUR!: 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.
Starting point:
Santorini Old Harbor, Fira 847 00, Greece

Private Skip Cable Car Tour

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.
Starting point:
Santorini Old Harbor, Fira 847 00, Greece

Shared Skip Cable Car Tour

Private Tour with a Driver

Private Car + Driver: Includes an English-speaking driver and a personal vehicle for a duration of 4-5 hours
Duration: 5 hours: The tour is 4-5 hours long depending on the traffic at the port. Our goal is to make sure we get you back to the port on time
No tour guide: The driver can provide general overview, but please note drivers are not certified tour guides.
Starting point:
Santorini Cable Car - Upper Station, Ipapantis 10, Thira 847 00, Greece

Private Tour - Driver + Guide

Private Guide + Vehicle: This private tour provides a personal guide and vehicle, with a flexible itinerary tailored to your wishes.
Duration: 5 hours: The tour is 4-5 hours long depending on the traffic at the port. Our goal is to make sure we get you back to the port on time
Designed to your wishes: A private tour has a fully customizable itinerary - you can spend your time as and where you wish!
Starting point:
Santorini Cable Car - Upper Station, Ipapantis 10, Thira 847 00, Greece

Reviews

4.59

332 reviews

Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor

262

See the beautiful sites of Santorini .
Carmelita J,
Sep 25, 2025
- Viator
5.00
Our guide did a good job of showing us all of the must see places in Santorini . He was knowledgeable and help us take pictures at beautiful landmarks. Overall he did a great job..
Very nice tour, good...
Antonella D,
Sep 21, 2025
- Viator
5.00
Very nice tour, good pace, great driver. Spiros made the experience very enjoyable with his guidance and explanations. Great stop at the black beach.
A Beautiful Island to Explore
Lucy Q,
Sep 12, 2025
- Viator
5.00
The tour was well organised with lots to see and well explained by our tour guides. An amazing day spent in Santorini.
Excellent tour
Laura E,
Aug 10, 2025
- Viator
5.00
Driver and guide were very knowledgeable and accommodating. Best day tour of Santorini, grandparents, parents and 8yr olds enjoyed immensely
Santorini Tour
Martin M,
Aug 9, 2025
- Viator
5.00
Great tour with excellent driver and guide. They even contacted us by phone as we were delayed getting off the ship. they waited about 10 minutes and we got on the tour. Super service and a truly great tour.

From €65.00