Tour Details
Private Guided Taste of Village Life
Due to its fascinating geography, thousands of years of history and its unique hospitality, all of our tours on Santorini include a professionally trained, licensed guide so you get an in-depth experience, which you would not receive merely being driven around. You will meet your guide on the pier of Fira after tendering ashore. They will escort you on the cable car which will bring you up , into the center of the town of Fira where you will walk to your transportation. The funicular cost is approximately 5 EUR per person (each way, paid directly on the day and is not included in your tour price).
You will set out from Fira and pass through the village of Pyrgos, which was once the island's capital. The remnants of a large Venetian fortress overlook the village testifying to its former status. From Pyrgos, your vehicle will begin a climb to the historical monastery of Profitis Ilias, which was built in the beginning of the 18th century. It is currently home to one solitary monk and therefore cannot be entered. However the commanding views over Santorini Island from this peak will certainly make you feel closer to heaven.
After your photo stop, you will return to Pyrgos with its fine old houses and the remains of the Venetian castle, to begin a walking tour with your guide. Wander through the narrow, ascending streets that encircle the village. Your walking tour will conclude at the unique circle-shaped tavern where you will enjoy some local specialties.
You will return to Fira Town where your guide will give you a brief overview of the town and lead you to the main pedestrian street that runs along the top of the Caldera. They will answer any questions you might have on additional sightseeing, shopping or the best place to eat lunch or sip a coffee.
When you are ready to return to your ship, use your included cable car ticket to return to the tender pier in Fira.
Please Note: The tour duration does not include the time required to tender ashore from your ship or to ascend from the tender pier to Fira Town by included cable car ride. Please be aware that waiting time for the cable car can be extensive when there are several ships in the port. Groups of ten or more guests will be tendered from the pier at Fira to the pier at Athinios and begin their tour from there. All tours end in Fira and include a return cable car ticket to the tender pier in Fira to be used at your convenience. This tour offers customized departure times between 7:30 AM and 7:00 PM. If your preferred departure time is not listed, please contact us to place your request.
Duration: 4 hours
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How to Book Shore Excursions
You can book these tours Online or Call. To buy online, visit our iCruise Shore Excursions website.
or Call 1-800-545-4988
Speak to a Shore Excursions expert for more information about this tour and other tours.
Reference: MSC Cruises, MSC Divina, Departing Tue, May 19, 2026
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More about this tour
Shore Excursion Size: Private
Shore Excursion Type: Scenic, Cultural, Historical
Shore Excursion Duration: 4
Shore Excursion Departs From: Cruise Ship Tender Pier
Activity Level: Moderate
Food/Beverage Provided: Snack
Recommended Dress: We recommend wearing comfortable clothing and comfortable, sensible walking shoes. We also suggest sunglasses and sunscreen.
Restrictions: Fira, as well as most of the island's villages, is a hilltop town that consists of mostly pedestrian streets. Many of these "streets" or nothing more than wide sidewalks of smooth stones pushed into cement which makes for a bumpy surface. There are consid