Anyone care to share their thoughts on day tours of Santorini, Rhodes , Mykonos etc ? We are being bombarded with info from the cruise line we are using but have always liked to do things our own way. Any suggestions for independent tour operators that you have used rather than the 100 people on the bus from the cruise line?
Posted by
Camarillo, California
3123 posts
First determine if you have enough time ashore to take an independent tour. In the case of Santorini and Mykonos you'll be tendered ashore in small boats and you won't be let off the ship until those passengers who have signed up for the ship's tour have been taken ashore first. They always get first priority. You can count on losing at least one hour going ashore and one hour returning to the ship. So, if your cruise line's brochure or website says that you arrive at 9am and depart at 4pm, that 7 hours really means less than 5 hours ashore, and perhaps even less depending on how many other ships are trying to get their passengers ashore at the same time.
Posted by
OP
Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
6 posts
Thanx for your feedback
Posted by
Palm Beach, Florida, United States
536 posts
Hi Peggy - You definitely do not need tours in either Santorini or Mykonos. I live in Santorini about 3 months a year and it simply isn't necessary!
If you want to do a bit of extended touring outside of Fira rent a 4 wheeler - why spend the money on an expensive tour and be herded around like cattle by a guy like me that did the tours for years!
Lee is actually a bit off on his post - Mykonos now has a new port - no tender - ships dock! Same story in Mykonos town - walk it - If you want to go out to Paradise Beach or around the island 10 euros rents a 4 wheeler - FUN!!
Enjoy the Islands , Greg