Visit of the archaeological site of Akrotiri

The prehistoric settlement of Akrotiri has for many years been a magnet for visitors, researchers and archaeologists from all over the world. It is the Pompeii of the Aegean !

It is one of the most important prehistoric settlements of the Aegean and an archaeological site of global importance. The original settlement at Akrotiri dates back to the 4th millennium BC. The settlement, which existed in the 3rd millennium BC, between the 20th and 17th century BC, evolved into an important centre of the Aegean, having links with Minoan Crete, Egypt and Syria. In the last quarter of the 17th century BC, the inhabitants left the city due to strong earthquakes.

With the eruption of the volcano that followed, the volcanic materials covered the settlement and thus it was preserved over the centuries. Thanks to the systematic excavations at Akrotiri, which began in 1967 by Professor Spyros Marinatos and the Athens Archaeological Society, the prehistoric city slowly came to light offering to its visitors an extraordinary and unique historical experience.

                                                       Visit of Ancient Thira

The most important town of Thera in historical times is located on Mesa Vouno and offers fantastic views of Kamari, Peribolos, Perissa and the Aegean sea. It was originally founded in the 9th century BC by Dorian settlers and was inhabited until the early Byzantine times. Excavations revealed the Hellenistic and Roman phase. Among the monuments are the Agora, the Royal Gallery of the 1st century BC, the temple of Dionysus of the 3rd century BC, the area of the sanctuaries, the secondary school for teenagers of the 2nd century BC, the cemeteries on the slopes of Sellada and the theatre (3rd century BC).

The site of the ancient city of Thera is the highest point on the island. Those who travel to the island by plane are the first thing they see. From up there you can enjoy a view of the whole island. You will watch the beach of Kamari, Fira and Perissa, the so-called black beach, as well as the little island of Anafi. Inside the town the visitor comes across temples in honour of Greek gods such as Hera, Aphrodite and Dionysus. The theatre, the baths and the market of the ancient city will surely leave you in awe!

13.00 - Lunch at Fira, KAPARI local traditional Taverna, followed by a visit to two museums

-          Archaeological museum

Houses findings from the excavation of ancient Thera. Includes sculptures and inscriptions from the Archaic to the Roman period, ceramics and clay figurines from the Geometric to the Hellenistic period.

-          Museum of Prehistoric Thera

A unique museum covering 600 sqm, divided into 4 sections and built in a modern design. On display are findings from the excavation at Akrotiri and other sites in Thera dating from the 4th millennium BC to the 17th century BC.

Until 31st October, the museum hosts a temporary exposition of Contemporary Ceramics (Biennale 2024). The artists, some of whom were hosted at Villa Santa Croce, were inspired from the ancient ceramics of Akrotiri to create extraordinary pieces of art!

17.30h - Return at Vila Santa Croce in Pyrgos

Historical visit of SANTA CROCE in Pyrgos Kallistis

We start our visit from the historic medieval Tower of Villa Santa Croce. Through the Venetian and Cycladic architecture of the house, as well as thanks to its antiques and decoration, visitors discover the history of the village and travel through the centuries. Then we start strolling along the cobbled streets of Pyrgos, the most enchanting, medieval village of the island for the lovers of History and Tradition. The idyllic Pyrgos Kallistis (the most beautiful) is the highest village of the whole island.

Once, this picturesque settlement, full of historic churches, beautiful alleys and luxurious traditional accommodations with breathtaking views, was the proud first capital of Santorini, but also one of the five castles of the island, from 1835 until the beginning of the First World War.

We will stop at the spot where the Kasteloporte once stood, which was the main entrance to the castle. Underneath the settlement there was an entire, well-constructed system of tunnels so that civilians could escape in the event of an invasion or emergency. Just outside this old settlement, which has not survived, the new village of Pyrgos has been built, which the inhabitants have named Xeporto.

In the central square, called High Coffee House, we will see the monument to the Greek warriors who lost their lives in the Balkan Wars, the First World War and the Asia Minor Catastrophe. Everywhere on our route we will discover beautiful, small courtyards with blue gates, as well as blue and white churches.

The inhabitants of Pyrgos used to build their houses with vaulted, high cross bow ceilings, a special technique whose main aim was to keep the houses warm in winter and cool in summer. The magnificent mansion houses of the village are essentially small palaces of Cycladic character, once built in Pyrgos by the wealthiest, maritime families.

Visit of the Cultural Village of Pyrgos ' Santorini of the Past'

In a traditional house built in 1895, we will visit one of the most interesting museums on the island which revives the everyday life of a Santorini that no longer exists. The current owner of the building, Yannis Drossos-Grysos, wanted to create a space that will enable visitors to see a unique, rare collection of personal objects, souvenirs and photographs dated from the 19^th and 20^th centuries.

Visit of the Medieval Castle of Emporio

The heart of this medieval village is a labyrinth with very narrow alleys, stairs that climb almost vertically to small balconies, vaults, overhead bridges between houses and doors that seem to lead nowhere. Everything is made of volcanic material. The irregular shapes and forms are reminiscent of a scene from a science fiction film. At the entrance to the village, we will visit the neighbourhood of tower houses. On the Exomytis hill, just outside Emporio, we will also visit the eight traditional windmills of the traditional village.

Visit of Skaros – Imerovigli

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