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Tours/Santorini/Small-Group Skip Cable Car Santorini Tour for First-Time Cruisers

Small-Group Skip Cable Car Santorini Tour for First-Time Cruisers

4.9(80)Santorini5 hours
VIATOR4.8(29)TRIPADVISOR5.0(51)
Small-Group Skip Cable Car Santorini Tour for First-Time Cruisers
Small-Group Skip Cable Car Santorini Tour for First-Time Cruisers
Small-Group Skip Cable Car Santorini Tour for First-Time Cruisers
Small-Group Skip Cable Car Santorini Tour for First-Time Cruisers
Small-Group Skip Cable Car Santorini Tour for First-Time Cruisers
+5 photos
Small-Group Skip Cable Car Santorini Tour for First-Time Cruisers
Small-Group Skip Cable Car Santorini Tour for First-Time Cruisers
Small-Group Skip Cable Car Santorini Tour for First-Time Cruisers
Small-Group Skip Cable Car Santorini Tour for First-Time Cruisers
Small-Group Skip Cable Car Santorini Tour for First-Time Cruisers
Small-Group Skip Cable Car Santorini Tour for First-Time Cruisers
Small-Group Skip Cable Car Santorini Tour for First-Time Cruisers
Small-Group Skip Cable Car Santorini Tour for First-Time Cruisers
Small-Group Skip Cable Car Santorini Tour for First-Time Cruisers

At a glance

Duration
5 hours
Price from
$56 / person
Location
Santorini, Greece
Rating
4.9 / 5 · 80 reviews
Languages
EN
Group
Small group, up to 18
Cancellation
Free cancellation up to 24 hours before
Confirmation
Instant
Ticket
Mobile or paper ticket accepted
Operator
Vexperio
Meeting point
After disembarking from the tender, please wait at the tender drop-off point and do not enter the cable car. Look for our team holding ‘VEXPERIO’ signs. If you are late, please contact us.After the tour, we'll bring you back to the port by boat.

Description

Avoid the long lines, crowded donkeys, and cable car confusion. Begin your Santorini experience with a convenient boat transfer directly from your cruise port — no waiting, no stairs, just a smooth start to the day. Enjoy a relaxed small-group tour to highlights like Oia, the black sand beach, and the charming village of Megalochori. Created especially for cruise passengers, this tour guarantees an on-time return and a comfortable pace, even during busy season. Travel by air-conditioned minibus with a knowledgeable local guide who brings Santorini’s history and beauty to life. Take in panoramic views, explore picturesque villages, and enjoy free time at each stop. The itinerary is carefully planned around cruise schedules, with a seamless boat transfer back to port. A smart, stress-free way to see Santorini in one day.

Schedule & prices

Runs
Every day
Start times
9 times a day, 7:00 AM–3:30 PM
Next available
Fri, Oct 16
Adult (ages 3+)
$56

Prices change with the date; the lowest is shown.

Prices are per person when two book together; a solo traveller pays $1,184.

Larger groups pay less per person.

In demand: 73 of the next 212 departures are already sold out.

From the operator’s live schedule on Viator, checked Oct 15.

Tour Options

Shared Skip Cable Car Tour

SKIP CABLE CAR TOUR! Shared Tour: This is a ticket for a shared tour. It allows to skip the cable car which on some dates can take many hours. Pick-up by Boat: Upon arrival by your ship’s tender to the Santorini harbor we will pick you up by our boat, skipping cable car. Return by Boat: Get back to your cruise ship after a perfect day in Santorini without worrying about the cable car line at all! Included in tour price: This option already includes the boat transfers in the price. There are no additional costs with this option. Book an early tender!: Please book an early tender directly with your cruise ship's staff to ensure timely arrival.

Ticket for Skip Cable Car Tour

SKIP CABLE CAR TOUR!: For select cruise ships only: on the busiest docking dates in Santorini we offer a special tour, skipping the cable car Shared Tour: This is a ticket for a shared tour. It allows to skip the cable car which on some dates can take many hours. Pick-up by Boat: Upon arrival by your ship’s tender to the Santorini harbor we will pick you up by our boat, skipping cable car. Return by Boat: Get back to your cruise ship after a perfect day in Santorini without worrying about the cable car line at all! Included in tour price: This option already includes the boat transfers in the price. There are no additional costs with this option. Book an early tender!: Please book an early tender directly with your cruise ship's staff to ensure timely arrival.

Shared ShorEx

Meeting Point for Tour: Upon debarkation from the tender, please take the cable car to the top. The tour commences at the exit in Fira Town.

Shared Boat/Transfer Only

No guided tour included: This option does not include a tour or a guide, only boat transfers. Only transfer to Athinios Port: Please note this option does not include a guided tour and only a shared transfer from the Old to the Athinios Port by boat. Drop off location: Please note your drop-off location is at the Athinios port where you will need to take a taxi to transfer to Fira Town.

Private with Shared Boat Rides

Skip the cable car!: Private guided tour and shared boat transfers from your tender drop-off point and back - bypass the cable car! Private tour&shared boat rides: The boat transfers are shared with other guests. The private tour starts at Athinios Port where you meet your guide & driver.

Itinerary

Athinios Port Santorini
Pass by

Our Skip Cable Car Santorini Tour is designed specifically for cruise ship passengers like you. This top-rated, time-saving tour lets you skip the long, hot wait for the cable car and dive straight into exploring Santorini. As soon as you step off your cruise ship’s tender, a boat picks you up and takes you directly ashore—bypassing the crowds completely. Enjoy breathtaking views of the Aegean Sea and Caldera during your transfer, making even the journey part of the experience.

Firostefani
60 min

Set off on a half-day adventure to explore Santorini’s top attractions. Admire the stunning vistas of the Aegean Sea and the Caldera from the serene and scenic area of Firostefani, home to the iconic blue-domed church.

Oia
60 min

Next, immerse yourself in the charm of Oia, the most renowned destination on the island. Stroll through its vibrant local market and capture stunning photos that are sure to leave your friends amazed.

Megalochori - Traditional Village
30 min

Afterward, head to Megalochori, where you can marvel at its unique traditional architecture, offering a charm unlike anything else on the island. You’ll also get a glimpse of the unique grape-growing techniques that produce Santorini’s exceptional wines.

Perivolos Beach
60 min

But thats not all! At the end, we’ll visit the famous black sand beach, where you’ll have some free time to relax. Don’t forget to bring your swimsuit if you’d like to take a swim. Before the tour concludes, consider enjoying a delicious meal at a local restaurant (at your own expense) and picking up some souvenirs to remember your Santorini experience.

Santorini Old Harbor
30 min

You'll return to the port by boat, avoiding the long cable car lines entirely. Sit back and enjoy the perfect ending to your day in Santorini as you're brought directly back to your cruise ship's tender. Read more about - SKIP CABLE CAR® The Original Santorini Tour for Cruise Passengers.

What's included

Included
Modern, comfortable, air-conditioned minibus
Small group limited to 18 participants
Full refund if your ship cannot dock
Free time for fast meal & souvenir shopping (duration is subject to traffic and ship docking times)
Guaranteed return to ship on time
Professional local English-speaking tour guide
Port pickup and drop-off
Transfers by boat to bypass the Cable Car
1 complimentary bottle of water per person
Not included
Gratuities (Recommend 10% for guides, and 5% for bus drivers)
Food and Beverages

Traveller Ratings

Reviews collected by Viator and Tripadvisor

4.9
80 reviews
5
74
4
5
3
0
2
0
1
1

How it compares in Santorini

  • Starting price $56 is 72% below the typical $200 for tours of similar length in Santorini

Excurgo comparison of 1,636 Viator tours, recalculated daily.

Important Information

  • Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
  • Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
  • Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
  • Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
  • In the event of exceptionally rough sea conditions preventing boat transfers, we reserve the right to operate the regular tour route instead. In such cases, a refund of €10 per person will be provided for each cable car ride required in place of the boat transfer.
  • The tour start time will be adjusted to your ship’s docking schedule to minimize waiting and accommodate possible disembarkation delays. You’ll receive the final meeting time in the Meeting Instructions about one week before the tour.
  • Please note that wheelchairs, walkers, rollators, electric scooters, and other mobility devices cannot be accommodated on shared tours. Tours on Santorini involve uneven surfaces, cobblestone pathways, and some sections with stairs. We kindly request that all participants carefully assess their physical ability to complete the tour prior to making a reservation. Refunds cannot be issued to guests who are unable to complete the tour due to accessibility limitations.

Cancellation

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

1+ days before100% refund
0–1 days before0% refund

Frequently asked questions

How long does this tour take?

Small-Group Skip Cable Car Santorini Tour for First-Time Cruisers lasts about 5 hours. The itinerary has 6 stops.

How much does this tour cost?

Prices start at $56 per person for this Santorini experience, booked through Viator with the price shown before checkout. That is the per-person price when two book together; a solo traveller pays $1,184. There are 5 booking options, so the final price depends on the option you choose.

What days does this tour run?

According to the operator’s current schedule, it runs every day, with 9 departures a day between 7:00 AM and 3:30 PM.

Does this tour sell out?

It can: 73 of the next 212 departures are already sold out, so booking ahead is a good idea.

Can I cancel this tour for free?

Yes. Cancel at least 1 day before the start for a full refund. Later cancellations are non-refundable.

Is hotel pickup included?

Yes, pickup is offered.

What languages is this tour offered in?

The experience is available in EN.

Is this a private or a group tour?

It is a small-group experience with a maximum of 18 participants.

Is the tour suitable for children?

Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap

Is the tour wheelchair accessible?

Please note that wheelchairs, walkers, rollators, electric scooters, and other mobility devices cannot be accommodated on shared tours. Tours on Santorini involve uneven surfaces, cobblestone pathways, and some sections with stairs. We kindly request that all participants carefully assess their physical ability to complete the tour prior to making a reservation. Refunds cannot be issued to guests who are unable to complete the tour due to accessibility limitations.

Will my booking be confirmed immediately?

Yes, bookings are confirmed instantly.

Reviews(80)

Reviews collected by Viator and Tripadvisor

A
Alison_B
October 13, 2026 · via Viator
First time in Santorini

Everything ran smoothly, our guide Yianni was informative and fun! It was still very busy for October. We enjoyed our trip.

C
charlotte_c
September 29, 2026 · via Viator
The guide was great. ...

The guide was great. Very knowledgeable. Liked the whole tour. The streets were very crowded but all in all the tour was great

A
AJDA_C
September 28, 2026 · via Viator
No rush, no lines

Georgios was a very expirienced, kind and accommodative guide. He showed us hidden diamonds of the island and told us sincerely about life there. The transport organisation was perfect and comfortable, we had enough time to explore alone, swim at the black beach and have lunch as well.

F
Faridat_F
September 21, 2026 · via Viator
Victor was our tour guide...

Victor was our tour guide and he was amazing! You can tell he really enjoys his job and made us all feel so welcome. he is a wealth of knowledge and also doubles as a photographer and knows all the best spots. He did his best to show us Santorini and get us there when the crowds were less. This was truly such a great tour, highly recommend.

C
Carolyn_M
September 19, 2026 · via Viator
Small Group Tour Santorini

We enjoyed this tour. Would have liked more time in Oia. 1.20 minutes way to short. The walking tour portion - our guide walked us thru the village fast. Noticed other guides stopping & taking photos for their group participants. Lunch spot at the Black Beach was nice. Based on what we did would have enjoyed a private tailor a tour your way better. This would allow us to spend more time where we wanted.

D
DONNA_P
September 16, 2026 · via Viator
Santorini ❤️

George was our tour guide. He was awesome. If it weren't for him, I would have not been in a single picture. His food recommendations were on point. He was knowledgeable and friendly. We saw most of the island. We loved Santorini! Thank you George!

Operator response

Dear Donna, Thank you so much for your lovely review! We’re thrilled to hear that George made your day so enjoyable and helped you capture some wonderful memories. We’ll be sure to pass along your kind words. It was a pleasure having you with us, and we hope to see you again in beautiful Santorini! Warm regards, Alicja Vexperio

B
Barbara_H
September 15, 2026 · via Viator
Santorini tour

First our guide -Elisa was one of the best we have had and we do quite a few Viator excursions. She was very knowledgeable about Santorini and delivered her information and very concise and sometimes humorous manner. She kept our tour group moving on time and was very clear with directions meeting times and things to see in good places to take pictures. She walked with us in several destinations and showed us very interesting things about Santorini without going overboard or repeating herself. Our small group experience in the bands approximately 15 people, was definitely the way to go. We were able to navigate into tight parking places unload quickly and keep our group together. They were nicely air-conditioned, and very comfortable to ride in. We made several stops along the way, seeing all the major towns, and ended up at a beautiful spot on the beach for our lunch, where we could relax see the sites take some great pictures and then load up for a nice trip back home. Our driverAngelo was very careful and gave us a nice smooth safe ride. Overall, one of the best tours we have taken to date I would recommend it to anyone looking for a good small group experience.

Operator response

Dear Barbara, Thank you so much for your wonderful review! We’re delighted to hear that you enjoyed your Santorini experience and that Elisa and Angelo helped make your day so special. We truly appreciate your kind words about our small-group tour, comfort, and organization. It was a pleasure having you with us, and we hope to welcome you back to beautiful Santorini again soon! Best regards, Alicja Vexperio

J
Jeffrey_H
September 15, 2026 · via Viator
Good tour but crowds made it a chore.

Wonderful way to see the island. Victor our guide was very good. He altered the itinerary slightly to avoid the crowds. Oia was a zoo. Way too crowded to enjoy. Three cruise ships in. Do the math. Little local town visit/walk was delightful. Lunch was pricey but very good to try Santorini delicacies. Got to swim at black beach and had space to change into swim suit. Overall a good deal but crowds made it a bummer.

M
markrM7433WA
September 14, 2026 · via Tripadvisor
Great tour of the island

Loved your guide Ana. Would have liked to add more time at the black sand beach.

D
dougmH2286XO
September 14, 2026 · via Tripadvisor
Exploring Santorini.

Ana and the driver were very good. Very polite and knowledgeable. The restaurant where we were directed for lunch was quite expensive. There were other options so if you're on a budget you can explore some of the many others. We didn't realize swimming was an option as we only had the ticket and there was no mention, not that we had much time.

$56/ person
4.9(80)
Duration5 hours
LanguagesEN
ConfirmationInstant
Check availability on Viator →
Booked and paid on Viator.com
Free cancellation up to 24 hours before

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

No booking fees from Excurgo
Payment and confirmation are handled by Viator
Excurgo support

Excurgo earns a commission from Viator when you book through this link, at no extra cost to you.

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