Virgin Voyages' guide to Santorini
SANTORINI
The ultimate Greek Isle
Blue domes, windmills and white buildings sloping down a volcanic mountainside — yes, this is *that* postcard-worthy island whose stunning images are plastered on positive affirmation backdrops and smartphone homescreens alike, but now it’s yours to experience IRL.

The most surprising part of Thera happens to be what sets it apart from other Greek Isles – Santorian cuisine. Family-run distilleries feature bold ouzo infusions found exclusively on the Cycladic islands: wineries and vineyards that have produced incredible blends derived from 100 unique grape varietals for thousands of years paired with traditional recipes of mouthwatering multi-course dishes make Santorini a destination to save room for. (In your stomach and your dreams, obv).
In addition to the unbelievable culinary vista, it’s hard not to find romance in Thera. Sparks will fly on a sunset sail where dinner is served. Hidden enclaves surrounded by candlelight make for a fairytale day-to-night date, and a horseback or helicopter ride will make you feel like you’re experiencing something you’ve only seen on reality television. Self-care is (obviously) always at the heart of any good journey – and in Santorini there are so many ways to share your love of life with others – and most importantly – with yourself.
Aegean Seas the day
Scenic Santorini & Oia on Your Own
At the port meet your guide and begin your odyssey up into Santorini's mountain landscape. Take in the glorious views of the sparkling water and tiny villages nestled among the cliffs below before touching down in Oia. Upon arrival, you'll go on a brief guided tour, then it's time to explore at your own pace. Wander through narrow streets and marvel at the whitewashed buildings, azure domes, and vibrant colored doorways that have made Oia one of the most photographed destinations on the planet.

Secrets of Santorini’s Cuisine Revealed
A scenic journey will take you over the amazing Cycladean caldera before your kitchen adventure begins. Once in taste central, you’ll start your sojourn through Santorini’s history, learning techniques and secrets behind some of the most iconic ingredients to come from Greece. With chefs to offer expert guidance, you’ll create a meal of epic (pro)portions that will be served with local wine. When your meal has ended, get in some steps and explore Fira Town.

Two Wineries & Oia on Your Own
On a day layered in robust textures, ripe tannins, and numerous wine phrases. Today you'll unearth your curiosities and learn all about viticulture at two local wineries. After a gorgeous drive, you’ll uncork the secrets and techniques behind wine cultivation, including the ancient kouloura method in which vines are grown in the shape of woven baskets. After you will be driven to Oia where you can explore independently.

We have even more in our curated catalog.


Holy Spirits — Ouzo, Tsikoudia & Flavored Liqueurs
Santorini
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Sustainable Tours
This tour operator has received third-party certification based on the Global Sustainable Tourism Council criteria.
Start your day on a gorgeous drive to Pyrgos for a tour of the former island capital. You'll then drive to Canava Santorini, a family-run distillery that’s been operating since the 1970s. Using recipes passed down through generations, a unique process utilizing local materials results in superior ouzo, tsikoudia, and other bold spirit infusions. Using the iconic white-cube buildings, the museum has replicated Santorini’s spaces —providing guests with an authentic experience during their visit.
Energy Level
Duration
Type

Highlights
- Enjoy a guided tour around the island's former capital Pyrgos
- Head to Canava Santorini, a fine spirits distillery and museum established in 1974 using recipes passed over multiple generations
- Taste authentic ouzo, tsikoudia and other infused liquors that follow traditionally slow distillation procedures
- The museum provides replicated work spaces and rooms that have been curated to resemble the bygone era of Santorini life
- Includes roundtrip transport — Sailors who wish to stay longer are responsible for letting their guide know and arranging their way back to the ship
- Includes liqueur tasting and local Greek snacks
- Sailors should expect long periods of walking and standing
- Approximately 30-minute guided tour of Pyragos village
- Approximately 15-minute drive from the distillery back to Fira
- Alcoholic beverages of any kind purchased in any Port-of-Call will be retained at the gangway, stored on board and held until the end of the voyage
- Sailors on a Shore Thing will arrive at Athinios Port to meet their guide and will return to Fira Port by cable car at the completion of their tour
- Sailors booked on Shore Things through Virgin Voyages do not need to book a tender ride
- Tender rides can add up to 30-minutes each way to the duration of a Shore Thing — please plan accordingly
- This Shore Thing operator has received third-party certification based on the Global Sustainable Tourism Council criteria










If you make a cancellation prior to the first day of your voyage and at least 24 hours (unless otherwise stated in the tour details) prior to the start of your Shore Thing, you will be refunded to the original form of payment after midnight Eastern Standard Time (EST) on the day of cancellation.
If you make another purchase prior to midnight EST, after canceling a booking eligible for a refund, the credit from the canceled booking will be applied to your new booking. Therefore, you’ll only be charged for the price difference between the canceled and new experience. If you have remaining temporary credit left on your account after you’ve made another experience purchase, the remaining credit will be refunded to your original form of payment after midnight EST.
If you cancel a Shore Thing during your voyage and are eligible for a refund, a credit will be applied to your folio and not to your original form of payment.
Please visit this link for more information regarding Shore Things terms & conditions.


Santorini Kayaking Adventure
Santorini
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Sustainable Tours
This tour operator has received third-party certification based on the Global Sustainable Tourism Council criteria.
Today you’ll get active, see amazing sites, and snap epic photos by kayaking the very waters where past empires once ruled. A light snack will be served on the beach —because taking over land is so 1st century — to revel in the wonders of your aquatic adventure.
Energy Level
Duration
Type

Highlights
- Paddle below the village of Megalochori to discover the hidden beach of Kambia
- You will begin at gorgeous Mesa Pigdia and have the option to swim at Kambia Beach
- Embark on an incredible two-hour kayaking adventure off Santorini’s famous shoreline
- Up close, admire the rock formations and changing colored waters resulting from volcanic mineral deposits
- Enjoy a lovely picnic surrounded by the natural wonders of the Cycladic islands
- Please be aware this Shore Thing is not wheelchair accessible
- Includes light bites
- Includes roundtrip transport — Sailors who wish to stay longer are responsible for letting their guide know and arranging their way back to the ship
- Approximately 2.5-hours of paddling
- This Shore Thing is not suitable for pregnant Sailors
- Sailors prone to motion sickness should take precautions prior to this Shore Thing
- Meeting point will be at Mesa Pigdia — Sailors have the option to swim at Kambia Beach
- Sailors should know how to swim
- A change of clothes is recommended
- Sailors should be in good physical condition to participate
- This Shore Thing is weather-dependent
- Sailors on a Shore Thing will arrive at Athinios Port to meet their guide and will return to Fira Port by cable car at the completion of their tour
- Sailors booked on Shore Things through Virgin Voyages do not need to book a tender ride
- Tender rides can add up to 30-minutes each way to the duration of a Shore Thing — please plan accordingly
- This Shore Thing operator has received third-party certification based on the Global Sustainable Tourism Council criteria















If you make a cancellation prior to the first day of your voyage and at least 24 hours (unless otherwise stated in the tour details) prior to the start of your Shore Thing, you will be refunded to the original form of payment after midnight Eastern Standard Time (EST) on the day of cancellation.
If you make another purchase prior to midnight EST, after canceling a booking eligible for a refund, the credit from the canceled booking will be applied to your new booking. Therefore, you’ll only be charged for the price difference between the canceled and new experience. If you have remaining temporary credit left on your account after you’ve made another experience purchase, the remaining credit will be refunded to your original form of payment after midnight EST.
If you cancel a Shore Thing during your voyage and are eligible for a refund, a credit will be applied to your folio and not to your original form of payment.
Please visit this link for more information regarding Shore Things terms & conditions.


It’s Electric — Your Bike & Day Out
Santorini
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Sustainable Tours
This tour operator has received third-party certification based on the Global Sustainable Tourism Council criteria.
Save your incline energy now that you have a sweet E-bike to do all the strenuous work. Instead, harness that moxie by soaking up the incredible views around the Cycladic caldera. By zipping through narrow streets in old-timey villages, you can humbly brag that you’re burning calories and not emissions. Your tour includes local coffee or juice — elevated by the surrounding by fragrant citrus and earthy minerals in a splendid volcanic valley.
Energy Level
Duration
Type

Highlights
- Save energy (yours and emissions) and let your E-bike do all the strenuous work so you can concentrate on the scenery
- Take in fantastic views of the surrounding volcanic landscape
- Enjoy the citrus groves, fresh fragrances, plus some local coffee or juice along your route
- Please be aware this Shore Thing is not wheelchair accessible
- This Shore Thing is not suitable for pregnant Sailors
- Closed-toed shoes are required
- Sailors must wear suitable clothing and footwear for this activity (hiking, biking, trekking, rappelling, ziplining, yoga, etc.)
- Sailors should know how to ride a bike
- Sailors should be in good physical condition to participate
- This Shore Thing is weather dependent
- This route may include unpaved and/or uneven roads at different segments
- Sailors on a Shore Thing will arrive at Athinios Port to meet their guide and will return to Fira Port by cable car at the completion of their tour
- Sailors booked on Shore Things through Virgin Voyages do not need to book a tender ride
- Tender rides can add up to 30 minutes each way to the duration of a Shore Thing — please plan accordingly
- This Shore Thing operator has received third-party certification based on the Global Sustainable Tourism Council criteria












If you make a cancellation prior to the first day of your voyage and at least 24 hours (unless otherwise stated in the tour details) prior to the start of your Shore Thing, you will be refunded to the original form of payment after midnight Eastern Standard Time (EST) on the day of cancellation.
If you make another purchase prior to midnight EST, after canceling a booking eligible for a refund, the credit from the canceled booking will be applied to your new booking. Therefore, you’ll only be charged for the price difference between the canceled and new experience. If you have remaining temporary credit left on your account after you’ve made another experience purchase, the remaining credit will be refunded to your original form of payment after midnight EST.
If you cancel a Shore Thing during your voyage and are eligible for a refund, a credit will be applied to your folio and not to your original form of payment.
Please visit this link for more information regarding Shore Things terms & conditions.


Volcano Hiking & Springs
Santorini
-
Sustainable Tours
This tour operator has received third-party certification based on the Global Sustainable Tourism Council criteria.
Start your volcanic venture on a traditional caique boat headed to Nea Kameni, an active volcanic island for a once-in-a-lifetime hike in the center of Santorini’s Cycladic caldera. With a guide, you will incline over thick layers of ash and lava fragments to a spectacular rim around the island’s crater. After working up a sweat, sail to nearby Palea Kameni for a revitalizing swim in geothermal springs for a restorative dip in the cool-water pools.
Energy Level
Duration
Type

Highlights
- Board a traditional caique boat for a quick cruise to Nea Kameni, a volcanic island in the center of Santorini's caldera
- Over layers of ash and lava fragments, a guide will take you on a hike where you’ll reach the spectacular rim of the island's crater
- Sail to Palea Kameni, a nearby island, to swim in cool thermal springs and soak up volcanic minerals
- Sailors should be in good physical condition to participate
- Sailors with back/neck, cardiac conditions, or respiratory conditions should not select this Shore Thing
- This Shore Thing is not suitable for pregnant Sailors
- Please be aware this Shore Thing is not wheelchair accessible
- Sailors must wear suitable clothing and footwear for this activity (hiking, biking, trekking, rappelling, ziplining, yoga, etc.)
- Shaded areas are very limited — it is strongly encouraged to wear hats, sunglasses, and reef-safe sunscreen
- Sailors should know how to swim
- Sailors must swim several minutes in open water in order to reach the volcanic hot springs
- Use of ladder to get in/out of vessel is required
- The smell of sulfur and heat can be strong while on the volcano and swimwear may change color due to the orange-colored water
- Approximately 40-minute walk to the crater over uneven ground, loose volcanic rocks, and an incline
- During the summer months, the temperature is high and Sailors are advised to be cautious during the hike
- Bring a refillable water bottle — there will be stops during your excursion for refills
- The order of sites visited may vary
- This Shore Thing is weather dependent
- Includes roundtrip transport — Sailors who wish to stay longer are responsible for letting their guide know and arranging their way back to the ship
- Sailors on a Shore Thing will arrive at Athinios Port to meet their guide and will return to Fira Port by cable car at the completion of their tour
- Sailors booked on Shore Things through Virgin Voyages do not need to book a tender ride
- Tender rides can add up to 30 minutes each way to the duration of a Shore Thing — please plan accordingly
- The natural springs feature cooler water temperatures — they are not hot springs
- This Shore Thing operator has received third-party certification based on the Global Sustainable Tourism Council criteria





















If you make a cancellation prior to the first day of your voyage and at least 24 hours (unless otherwise stated in the tour details) prior to the start of your Shore Thing, you will be refunded to the original form of payment after midnight Eastern Standard Time (EST) on the day of cancellation.
If you make another purchase prior to midnight EST, after canceling a booking eligible for a refund, the credit from the canceled booking will be applied to your new booking. Therefore, you’ll only be charged for the price difference between the canceled and new experience. If you have remaining temporary credit left on your account after you’ve made another experience purchase, the remaining credit will be refunded to your original form of payment after midnight EST.
If you cancel a Shore Thing during your voyage and are eligible for a refund, a credit will be applied to your folio and not to your original form of payment.
Please visit this link for more information regarding Shore Things terms & conditions.
Not a real island
Santorini is a volcanic rock — one of the few on earth that is inhabited.
Santorini is the quintessential travel destination that is on every “List of Places to Visit” for good reason. Every corner in Oia can transform even the cloudiest of days into one of magnificent color – better than the Paris filter on instagram. Every meal will leave you reminding yourself to look up how to cook Santorinian food when you arrive home and every detail of the natural world surrounding you will provide you with a sense of gratitude to yourself for traveling there.
While it is one of the top visited islands of the world, there are still plenty of hidden hideaways tucked away waiting to surprise you. Private wineries a short distance from the crowds offer their own unique history, a history you can enjoy while tasting the very thing that’s made them iconic for so long. You’ll feel like you’ve entered another dimension as you pass through ancient shrines and burial sites first before taking an E-bike through Cycladean villages that will acquaint you with the local surroundings and tucked away corners.
Sure – the island is the perfect romantic getaway (who doesn’t want a couple’s pic with *that* background) but the idea of falling in love can mean anything – fall in love with a friend, fall in love with yourself, fall in love with the food. Santorini is the ultimate self-care experience – so celebrate yourself with a private beach club cabana, or by uncovering ruins and grabbing coffee in a cliffside cafe. No matter your reason for the excursion – Santorini will give you the opportunity to recognize how fabulous you are — while providing a backdrop to match.
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