Private Guided Tour of Akrotiri Excavations in Santorini
Description
A guided tour to Akrotiri is a unique opportunity to learn about the most important archaeological site in Santorini. Akrotiri is sometimes called Greek Pompeii. This remarkably well-preserved ancient Minoan city was buried by a volcanic eruption 3,600 years ago. It was discovered in 1967 near the modern village of Akrotiri. Archaeologists discovered at the site pottery, furniture, advanced drainage systems, and three-story buildings. Many believe the disaster and the site itself were the inspiration behind Plato’s story of Atlantis. During the guided visit you will walk through the ruins of the city and learn about its history and destruction. The guide will also explain habits and lives of the past civilisations underlined with displayed material on hand. Note, only official licensed tour guides are allowed to guide inside archaeological sites in Greece.
Tour Options
Itinerary
Meeting point at the entrance of the Akrotiri archaeological site, after ticket purchase. Brief orientation, introduction to the site, and overview of the visit before entering the excavations.
A professionally guided visit through the prehistoric settlement of Akrotiri, one of the most important archaeological sites in the Aegean. The tour focuses on: Urban planning and architecture of a Bronze Age city Daily life, trade, and social organization Fresco art and its themes Religious practices and symbolism The volcanic eruption and preservation of the site The visit is adapted to the interests and pace of the guests, allowing time for interpretation and discussion.
Highlights
What's included
Traveller Ratings
Important Information
- Wheelchair accessible
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Reviews(16)
Kostas was AMAZING! By the end of the tour we considered him a friend. His knowledge of Santorini and every where we toured was over the top. He is a story teller who brought history to life. Perfectly wonderful day!
Kostas is an archaeologist turned storyteller that magically weaves facts, myth and human experience to help emphasize the power and beauty that Akrotiri possesses. I went on a solo trip to Santorini as I love all things history, archaeology, myth and culture; therefore, booking this tour was a given. It was the most rewarding and nourishing activities for me personally. Kostas also recommended some activities for me based on where I was staying and by my interests shown during the tour. Not to mention, he knew the perfect pictures to take of me for memories' sake. If you enjoy any of the interests I mentioned, you will be sure to be blown away by Kostas and his tour!
Viviana, Thank you so much for this incredibly kind review! It was a genuine pleasure guiding you through Akrotiri, and your curiosity and passion for history made the experience just as rewarding for me. Wishing you many more adventures filled with history, myth, and discovery. Safe travels!
We went to Akrotiri with Kostas. He was absolutely incredible. He is an archaeologist by trade, and he was familiar with all the details of Akrotiri. Being with Kostas really made the ruins come to life; without his guidance, we would have walked around and never had a clue what we were seeing. We enjoyed Kostas so much that we wished we had booked more excursions with him. He's personable and highly knowledgeable about the island. Next time! :)
Our family had the absolute pleasure of having Kostas give us the most incredible tour of Akrotiri in Santorini and WOW, did we learn a lot. Aside from his vast knowledge of this amazing site, he's super personable, funny and just has a great personality. We were so happy we did the tour with him versus just doing a self-guided one. There was so much incredible history to learn that would have been missed otherwise. Don't think twice about using him! Thank you so much Kostas, you are wonderful.
Mr Kostas is incredibly knowledgeable about Akrotiri and Santorini as a whole. His passion for the history of the pre historic city echoes in his storytelling, me and my wife were left speechless the whole time. We learned so much!
We have taken a tour twice with Kostas in Santorini, both times were great fun. Kostas brought the history of the island to life. We had history lovers and people not as interested in history in the group and we all enjoyed the tour. If you have not been to Akrotiri, do not miss going while in Santorini.
Couldn’t have been more enjoyable. Very knowledgeable guide and very passionate about history. Would definitely recommend!
Kostas provided a thorough exploration of this ancient volcanic ruin. Without the knowledge of a tour guide, it would be difficult to have a true understanding of what existed. Kostas shared visual aids and identified architectural details that painted a picture of what this once was. We would recommend this tour.
We are happy to add to the many superlative reviews Kostas has received. We’ve traveled a good deal and never had a better tour guide. He is highly knowledgeable and personable; his explanations are very informative and concise and peppered with information that addresses both ancient and modern Santorini. Seeing the ancient sites with his imaginative guidance makes a huge difference.
Kostas was brilliant. In the run up to the tour we had emails and texts to tell us where to meet, and the contact was really good. He met us where he said, in a clean, comfortable vehicle which he drove very safely. Kostas was a great guide, really good at making the history and culture of the island interesting and very engaging with the kids. He made Akrotiri come to life for us, and the tour wasn’t rushed at all. On the way back he gave us good advice for spending the rest of the day, and on top of all that he’s a really nice guy, and good company. I can’t recommend Kostas highly enough. Book a tour with him.
