Arrival to Santorini - group dinner - introduction

Today will be a whole-day walk at relaxed pace, following remote trails on the scenic southern peninsula. We observe the oldest exposed volcanic rocks, a typical cross-section of a small volcano (cinder cone, crater with dike and lava-lake), marine fossils, dramatic faults and other geologic highlights illustrating how this island was formed.
There will be an excellent lunch in a small tavern on the way, and possibilities for swim breaks on beautiful beaches.

Half-day hike along the spectacular southern caldera, visit of an abandoned quarry with prehistoric settlement remains, descend into a beautiful remote bay, lunch & swim break, boat ride back along the dramatic cliffs of the caldera.

Whole-day boat trip (private small boat from the beach below the hotel) to visit the historic volcanic islands of Palea and Nea Kameni (explosion craters, lava flows and bizarre lava domes, fumaroles, sulphur deposits, bath in warm, iron-bearing springs). Short hike to the summit craters of the volcano. Extensive lunch and swimming break.

Short walk to and visit of the nearby Minoan excavations (if reopened by the time of the tour), coffee/ swim break on the beach of Akrotiri. Local bus transfer to the capital Fira, visit of the outstanding archeological museum, extended lunch break at free disposal (opportunity to buy souvenirs, send postcards etc.).
After lunch, we visit an excellent exposition of replica of the world-famous wall paintings of Akrotiri in the conference centre of Fira. We continue in afternoon to hike along the spectacular cliffs of the northern part of the caldera to the picturesque town of Oia. Visit of the remnants of a Venetian castle, eroded stratovolcanoes, tuff rings, ancient graves and observation of fossil stromatolites. Dinner in Oia, famous for its brilliant sunsets. Taxi or bus transfer back to Akrotiri.

Whole-day walk to the Profitis Ilias Mountain, the highest peak of the island group (556m). From there we hike along an ancient trail to the impressive ruins of the ancient Greek town of Thera, excavated around 1900. On our way coffee break in the medieval town of Pirgos with its Venetian castle, lunch snack under the shadow of trees next to the ancient Greek theater. The excursion ends in Perissa with its famous black-sand beach on the early afternoon. The rest of day can be spent on the beach (with bus or taxi transfer back to the hotel arranged, or facultative hike back along the coast and through impressive pumice canyons).

Departure or extension program.

Same as in 8-days itinerary

Half-day boat trip (private small boat) inside the caldera, likely to become an unforgettable highlight of the tour. After a lunch- and swimming stop on Thirasia island we sail slowly along Santorini's spectacular inner caldera cliffs and return to our hotel for a free afternoon (see photos taken during these trips). In the evening group dinner in a nearby beach tavern.

Departure or extension program.