Private Guided Art and Architecture

Private Guided Art and Architecture
Excursion Highlights:
  • Experience a private, professionally guided tour of Santorini’s art and architecture as you dive into 5,000 years of history.
  • Discover the traditional village of Pyrgos, the former island capital, with remnants of a grand Venetian castle overlooking the picturesque village.
  • Explore the Art Space Cultural Centre and Museum, a historical winery and exceptional art gallery set in old wine cellars and a pumice stone cave.
  • Visit Deximi Gallery to meet artist Bruce Salter and browse original art, prints, and unique souvenirs from your journey.
  • Enjoy breathtaking panoramic views of the volcanic island, the caldera and the sea, before a comfortable return via cable car.
From $100.00/person to $970.00/person (Select "Individuals" below) Price varies based on number of individuals in your group
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Summary
Shore Excursion Size ? Private
Shore Excursion Type Private Sightseeing
Shore Excursion Duration 4 Hours
Activity Level ? Moderate
Shore Excursion Leaves From ? Cruise Ship Tender Pier
Food/Beverage Provided Not Included
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" are nothing more than wide sidewalks of smooth stones pushed into cement which makes for a bumpy surface. There are considerable steps involved as well. To reach the town from the tender pier, guests can climb the more than 580 steps, (which are shared with the donkeys), ride one of the donkeys, (which is not recommended for the faint of heart), or ride the cable car to the town which is more than 1,100 feet above the harbor. As most guests opt for the later choice, expect long lines for the cable car.

Private Guided Art and Architecture

All of our tours on Santorini include a professionally-trained licensed guide to bring the more than 5,000 years of history to life. Your guide will meet you on the pier of Fira after you tender ashore. They will escort you via cable car to the town of Fira where you will walk to your transportation. Departing from Fira, you will proceed to the traditional village of Pyrgos, a small village that was once the island's capital. The remnants of a large Venetian castle overlooking the village testify to its former status. You will begin your walking tour through the village viewing the fine old houses and the remains of the Venetian castle on the hilltop.

Departing from Pyrgos, you will proceed to the village of Mesa Gonia. This village was the hardest hit area on the island in the earthquake of 1956, and as nearly all the houses were destroyed, the villagers abandoned their homes and relocated down the coast in Kamari where they rebuilt their lives. Over the years, people have bought the old abandoned houses in the village and rebuilt them as their holiday homes for the summer.

Next, you will visit the Art Space Cultural Center and Museum. Art Space is an old Santorinian winery, which was founded around 1830. The art gallery is in two "Kanavas", old wine cellars and in a cave carved in pumice stone. Art works are also displayed in the old distillery.

After your visit at Art Space, you will proceed to the Deximi Gallery. Here you will be able to meet the artist Bruce Salter who will show and talk about his distinctive artwork. Deximi Art Gallery offers a wide range of original works of art, as well as high quality prints, posters, cards, t-shirts, lamps, jewelry and candles for both serious collectors and discerning dreamers of all ages and tastes. At the completion of your visit, you can enjoy the town at leisure or perhaps relax over a coffee and enjoy the magnificent panoramic views of the volcanic island, the caldera and the sea.

When you are ready to return to the tender pier, use your included ticket for the cable car.

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.