Are you attracted by history? Interested in the past? Ready to be lost in time?
This tour will get you back thousands of years ago to the first groups of people that have ever lived on the island of Santorini. You will have the opportunity to visit the 3 most important archeological sites of the island, understand the history and importance of Santorini as a place and introduce yourselves to the ancient greek history.
Our first stop will be the Archeological site of Ancient Thera. This ancient city is situated on the top of the mountain, called Mesa Vouno. We will reach almost 400 meters above the sea level and admire this ancient city founded by Theras in the 9th century BC!
Our next stop will be the famous Archeological site of Akrotiri. Dated back to the 5th millennium BC this city is a reveal! You will undoubtedly be amazed by the significantly high level of sophistication of this ancient Greek community, counting numerous of cultural and technical achievements.
Our last stop will be the Museum of Prehistoric Thera. This museum will enhance our knowledge for there, we will have the opportunity to admire all the finds from the excavations at Akrotiri, as well as other important sites on the island.
Additional information
| Physicality | 7/10 |
|---|---|
| Location | Thira |
| Age | 8+ |
| Wear | comfortable shoes, hat, sunglasses |
| Departure Time | 09:00 am |
| Return Time | 14:00 pm |
| Persons | Up to 8 persons |
09:00 am - 11:30 am Archeological site of Ancient Thera
Ancient Thera was founded by Dorian colonists in the 9th century BC. Their leader, Theras, decided to build the city on the top of a mountain, called Mesa Vouno, a naturally fortified spot almost 400 meters above the sea level. He was the first, but not the only one, to recognised the strategic value of that place. The city, named after its founder, was inhabited untill the early Byzantine period. The excavation was initiated in 1895 by Friedrich Hiller Von Gaertringen and had not been completed earlier than 1994. The preserved ruins, that we can see and admire today, belong to the Hellenistic and Roman phases of the city.
11:30 am - 13:00 pm Archeological site of Akrotiri
The ancient city of Akrotiri is dated back to the 5th millennium BC. It was destroyed in the Theran eruption in the late 17th century BC. The volcanic ash that buried the city has preserved the remains of fine frescoes, but also many objects and artworks. The most interesting thing about this ancient city is the level of sophistication that it has achieved. The production of high quality pottery, the paved streets, not to mention the extensive drainage system, have been a pole of attraction and admiration for both archeologists and visitors. The excavation started in 1967 and continues till today.
13:00 pm - 14:00 pm Prehistoric Museum of Thera
The Prehistoric Museum of Thera hosts the finds from the excavations at Akrotiri and various other sites on the island. The exhibition is structured in four units: the history of research at Thera, the geology of Thera, the history of the island from the late Neolithic to the late Cycladic I period and the heyday of the city of Akrotiri. This last unit seems to be of great interest, for it presents various aspects of the ancient city in Akrotiri, such as the organisation, the plan and architecture, the emergent bureaucratic system, the development of arts, like wall painting, pottery and jewellery and finally the complex network of contacts with the outside world.
INCLUDED
- Entrance fees in all archeological sites and museums.
- Private guided tour by a professional/ licensed tour guide in Akrotiri excavations (duration: 1,5 hours min).
- Water/Refreshments: mineral water 500ml, orange juice, Coca-Cola or other refreshment during the trip.
- Creative Material: detailed map of the island.
- Health & Safety Material: gloves and mask for single use; antiseptic hand gel.
NOT INCLUDED
- Lunch
