Day 8 - Santorini - Greek Island

 

Santorini is essentially what remains of an enormous volcanic explosion.  Black-sand beaches, crystal-clear water, and whitewashed villages that cling to volcanic cliffs make the island of Santorini a wonder to behold.  Many visitors come to Santorini to uncover the mysteries of the best kingdom of Atlantis, while others revel in its relaxed mountaintop atmosphere to enjoy the scenic waters of the Mediterranean.

Our first stop was Akrotiri, an ancient site that was unearthed in 1967 after being shrouded for over 3,000 years.  

The Bronze Age settlement of Akrotiri was one of the most important Minoan settlements and ports in the Aegean Sea. It is often called the ‘Pompeii of Greece’ as it was covered by volcanic ash in the 17th century BC, only it is 4000 years older! 

There are no geologists carefully digging and uncovering ruins during busy tourist time.  College professors and interested students arrive in the summer to work in the now air-conditioned space, at times when tourist traffic is minimal.

Close to 30 feet down from the present level to ground zero thousands of years ago.

1600 BC fresco

After seeing the island’s ancient history, our tour continued to a traditional winery to sample the fruit of the local vine before moving along to Oia, a picturesque village perched high atop the cliffs of Santorini.  

We then traveled to the Kamari area, where we enjoyed a lively Greek celebration with traditional food, local wine, and Greek dancing in one of Santorini's renowned restaurants.  

We continued to Fira, the island's lovely capital that's built on the rim of the caldera wall before we returned to the cruise port.

Chair lift between Fira at the top and the cruise port below

Optional means of traveling from cruise port to Fira, for the faint of heart!

Overnight we will travel to the Athen's port then be bussed to Corinth in the morning