We are a group of eight, docking in Santorini for one day on a smaller cruise ship this summer. Does anyone have an idea how to book our own van and guide to take us around the island a bit? Or to book a boat of some sort to another less crowded part of the island? We are a group of three generations and would appreciate any and all ideas and suggestions. I've looked at past posts for ideas but feel our request is more specific due to the number in our group. We also dock in Mykonos so suggestions there also. Thanks.
Posted by
Camarillo, California
3148 posts
There are two docks for Santorini. One (Port of Athinios) is normally just for ferries and tendered bus tours off the big cruise ships. A road goes up the cliff from Athinios. The other (called Skala or Old Port) is the one where independent cruisers come ashore by tender boat. From Skala you must take the steps or cable car up the cliff because there's no road. PLEASE DON'T RIDE THE POOR ABUSED DONKEYS UP THE STEPS!
Determine if your "smaller cruise ship" gives you access to Athinios or if you will be taken ashore at Skala. If you can get access to Athinios you can meet a guide there with a van large enough for all of you. If you are taken to Skala you'll need to make sure your guide will be outside the cable car building to meet you with a sign with your name on it.
Private Tours: http://tinyurl.com/h6b7as6
You can do a google search for private boat charters, but expect them to be expensive. As far as Santorini is concerned, there haven't been any sort of 'public' water taxis from the ports to another part of the island for a couple of years. This is a private one: http://www.santonet.gr/sailing/anemos-boat
Posted by
OP
Littleton, Colorado, USA
41 posts
Thanks so much Lee as this information will be very helpful with our larger group. We will check out the websites.
Patricia
Posted by
Rick Steves' Europe
123 posts
There is a great travel agent in Santorini, Sun Marine Travel Service, who can help you arrange a driver and tour for the day. Their website is http://www.sunmarine.gr/
Posted by
2 posts
What is the name of the smaller cruise ship line you are taking? We are also looking into taking a smaller cruise ship for the Greek Islands. Thank you.
Posted by
Philadelphia, PA, USA
3397 posts
Elaine -- a lot of people, once they have gotten the answer they need, do not come back to their own thread again. Therefore Patricia may very well never see your question. I suggest you click on her NAME (at the bottom of her original message), and up wil pop her personal page with a line saying 'send prviate message" You can then send your inquiry about the small-cruise line directly to her ... a better chance of getting your answer.
Posted by
2 posts
Thanks, Janet.