Santorini’s rich history and stunning natural beauty come together in the Guided Tour to Akrotiri Excavations and Red Beach. This full-day adventure takes visitors on a journey through the ancient Minoan settlement of Akrotiri and the captivating Red Beach, known for its unique crimson sands. Along the way, the tour also includes visits to the iconic Prophet Elias Monastery and the charming Megalochori village, providing a well-rounded cultural experience. With hassle-free transportation and entrance fees covered, this tour offers an opportunity to take in the island’s captivating heritage and breathtaking landscapes. What secrets and surprises await those who embark on this guided exploration?

This experience made our list of the 3 Best Guided Tours In Megalochori.

Key Points

Guided Tour To Akrotiri Excavations & Red Beach - Key Points

  • The guided tour offers an 8-hour experience that includes pickup, drop-off, and entrance to the Akrotiri excavation site.
  • Highlights of the tour include a visit to the Prophet Elias Monastery, exploration of Megalochori village, and relaxation at Red Beach and Perivolos Beach.
  • The tour price of $63.17 per person covers transportation and site admission, but excludes meals and drinks.
  • Participants can take advantage of a live English and German-speaking guide, as well as a skip-the-line option for faster access to the Akrotiri excavation site.
  • The tour is not suitable for wheelchair users due to the nature of the sites, and participants should come prepared with recommended items such as sunglasses, sun hat, and beachwear.
You can check if your dates are available here:

Tour Overview and Pricing

Guided Tour To Akrotiri Excavations & Red Beach - Tour Overview and Pricing

This guided tour offers visitors a comprehensive exploration of the Akrotiri Excavations and the nearby Red Beach, providing an immersive experience for a starting price of $63.17 per person. The tour lasts 8 hours and includes pickup and drop-off services.

Guests can enjoy the flexibility of free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, as well as the option to reserve now and pay later.

The tour covers key highlights such as the Prophet Elias Monastery, the traditional Megalochori village, and free time at the scenic Red Beach.

Entrance to the Akrotiri excavation site is included in the price, making this an excellent value for travelers seeking to discover the rich history and natural beauty of the area.

Itinerary and Highlights

Guided Tour To Akrotiri Excavations & Red Beach - Itinerary and Highlights

The guided tour begins with a visit to the Prophet Elias Monastery, situated at the highest point on the island at 565 meters above sea level, offering breathtaking views.

Next, the tour explores the charming and historic Megalochori village, where visitors can enjoy the local culture.

The highlight of the day is the tour of the Akrotiri excavations, a significant archaeological site that was once home to around 200 families.

After exploring the ancient ruins, visitors will have free time at the scenic Red Beach to relax and soak up the sun.

The final stop is Perivolos Beach, where swimmers can enjoy the azure waters and local dining options.

Inclusions and Exclusions

Guided Tour To Akrotiri Excavations & Red Beach - Inclusions and Exclusions

The guided tour includes pickup and drop-off, as well as entrance fees to the Akrotiri excavation site (12 euros).

However, it excludes meals and drinks, such as coffee, lunch, and ouzo. Participants will need to cover the cost of any food and beverages they wish to consume during the tour.

The inclusion of transportation and admission fees makes this a convenient option for those looking to visit the archaeological site without the hassle of arranging these details themselves.

Tour Features

A live tour guide is available in both English and German to accompany participants on the Akrotiri excavations tour.

Visitors can also skip the ticket line for quicker access to the archaeological site. Plus, pickup details are provided via email one day prior to the scheduled tour. This allows guests to easily plan their transportation and arrive on time for the start of the excursion.

The tour features a comprehensive itinerary that showcases the highlights of Santorini, including the scenic Prophet Elias Monastery, the charming Megalochori village, and the picturesque Red Beach.

With free cancellation available up to 24 hours in advance, guests can book with confidence and flexibility.

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Preparation and Recommendations

Travelers should keep in mind that this tour isn’t suitable for wheelchair users due to the nature of the archaeological site.

Recommended items to bring include sunglasses, a sun hat, a camera, sunscreen, and beachwear for the beach stops.

Visitors are advised to check availability for starting times and participant selection before booking the tour to ensure it aligns with their schedule and preferences.

The tour features a live guide available in English and German, and the option to skip the ticket line for quicker access to the Akrotiri excavations.

With careful preparation and the right equipment, travelers can fully enjoy the rich history and natural beauty of this guided excursion.

Pickup and Drop-off Details

One day before the tour, travelers receive pickup details via email to ensure a smooth start and end to their guided experience.

The tour includes convenient pickup and drop-off service from centrally located hotels or meeting points. Pickup times are scheduled based on the tour’s start time, allowing participants to arrive at the first stop on time.

After exploring the highlights, the tour concludes with drop-off at the original pickup location, making it easy for travelers to continue their day.

This hassle-free transportation arrangement allows guests to fully enjoy the tour without worrying about navigating to the starting point or getting back to their accommodations.

Akrotiri Excavations and Red Beach

Among the highlights of the guided tour is a visit to the renowned Akrotiri excavations, an archaeological site that once thrived as a Bronze Age settlement home to over 200 families.

Nestled on the southern coast of the island, these well-preserved ruins offer a captivating glimpse into the advanced Minoan civilization that flourished centuries ago.

After exploring the excavations, the tour then takes visitors to the nearby Red Beach, known for its striking crimson-hued sands and crystal-clear waters, providing an opportunity to relax and soak in the stunning natural scenery.

This combination of ancient history and natural beauty makes for an unforgettable experience on the island of Santorini.

Booking and Cancellation Policy

The tour offers flexible booking and cancellation options, allowing visitors to reserve their spot and secure a full refund if they need to cancel up to 24 hours in advance.

Guests can take advantage of the following:

  1. Reserve Now, Pay Later: Visitors can reserve their spot without paying upfront, providing more flexibility in planning.

  2. Free Cancellation: Bookings can be canceled for a full refund up to 24 hours before the scheduled tour.

  3. Convenient Pickup: Tour you will receive pickup details via email one day prior to the tour, ensuring a seamless start to the day.

  4. Availability Check: Travelers are advised to check availability for desired start times and participant capacity before booking.

Frequently Asked Questions

Guided Tour To Akrotiri Excavations & Red Beach - Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks on the Tour?

Yes, participants can bring their own food and drinks on the tour. The tour details indicate that the inclusions only cover entrance fees and transportation, while meals and beverages are excluded and at the discretion of the traveler.

Is the Tour Suitable for Children?

The tour may not be suitable for young children. The itinerary includes some challenging terrain and doesn’t specifically cater to families with kids. However, it could work for older, well-behaved children who can handle the pace and activities.

How Much Time Is Spent at Each Location?

The tour spends around 2 hours at the Akrotiri excavations, 1 hour at the traditional Megalochori village, and 1-2 hours at Red Beach for relaxation. The remaining time is allocated for the monastery visit and transportation between locations.

Is There an Option to Extend the Tour Duration?

There’s no information provided about the option to extend the tour duration. The standard tour is 8 hours long, but it’s unclear if additional time can be added for an extra cost or upon request.

Can I Customize the Tour to Visit Additional Sites?

Yes, many tour providers offer the ability to customize tours and visit additional sites. Travelers can often work with the tour company to create a personalized itinerary that meets their specific interests and needs.

Recap

The Guided Tour to Akrotiri Excavations and Red Beach offers a captivating blend of history, natural beauty, and cultural exploration.

Visitors can explore the ancient ruins of Akrotiri, marvel at the stunning Red Beach, and discover the charming Megalochori village.

With hassle-free transportation and entrance fees included, this full-day adventure is an ideal way to take in the rich heritage and scenic wonders of Santorini.

You can check if your dates are available here: