Skip Cable Car Santorini for First-Time Cruise Ship Visitors

Duration5h

Free cancellationFull refund up to 24 hours before

TicketMobile or paper ticket accepted

LanguagesEnglish

Group sizeUp to 18 travelers

Overview

Skip the long lines and crowded cable car with the only original small-group Santorini tour built exclusively for cruise passengers. Your expert local guide will meet you for a direct boat transfer, whisking you away in a comfortable, air-conditioned bus to explore the island's most iconic highlights. From the charm of Oia and Fira to the unique Black Beach, this tour is timed precisely to your ship's schedule, giving you more time to explore and less time waiting.

Options

Ticket for Shared Tour

Shared Tour: This is a ticket for a shared tour.
Pick-up by Boat: Upon arrival by your ship’s tender to the Santorini harbor, we will pick you up by our boat, skipping the cable car.
Return by Boat: At the end of the tour, we will return you to your tender pick-up point by boat, once again avoiding cable car lines.
Included in tour price: This option already includes the private boat transfer 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 debarking from the tender, please remain in the Old Port at the exact spot where your ship’s tender drops you off.

2027: Ticket for Shared Tour

Shared Tour: This is a ticket for a shared tour.
Pick-up by Boat: Upon arrival by your ship’s tender to the Santorini harbor, we will pick you up by our boat, skipping the cable car.
Return by Boat: At the end of the tour, we will return you to your tender pick-up point by boat, once again avoiding cable car lines.
Included in tour price: This option already includes the private boat transfer 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.

Private with Shared Boat Rides

Skip the cable car!: Private guided tour and shared boat transfers from the Old Port to the Athinios Port 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.

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.

What's included

Modern, comfortable, air-conditioned minibus
Small group limited to 18 participants
Professional local English-speaking tour guide (if option selected)
Full refund if your ship cannot dock
Free time for fast meal & souvenir shopping (duration is subject to traffic and ship docking times)
Port pick-up and drop off
Guaranteed return to ship on time
Transfers by boat to bypass the Cable Car
One complimentary bottle of water per person

Food and Beverages
Gratuities (Recommend 10% for guides, and 5% for bus drivers)

What to expect

Athinios Port Santorini
30m

The ONLY Original Skip Cable Car: Small-Group 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.
Finikia
30m

After the boat reaches your designated pick-up spot, an air-conditioned bus takes over. Your first destination is the serene neighborhood of Finikia, home to the famous blue dome. Here, you begin immersing yourself in the island's beauty, far from the crowded port.
Oia
1h

The adventure continues as you venture into the vibrant heart of Oia. Its bustling market streets, quintessential white structures, and the mesmerizing beauty of the caldera form a captivating tableau, ensuring your time there is truly unforgettable.
Megalochori - Traditional Village
1h

Experience the timeless charm of Santorini in Megalochori, a village where tradition comes alive for you to explore. This quaint destination is a living museum, showcasing traditional architecture that reflects Santorini's rich heritage and culture. Unveil the secrets of Santorini's winemaking tradition as you discover the unique grape cultivation methods found only in this region.
Perivolos Beach
1h

You'll visit the famous Black Beach, where you'll have some free time to relax and explore at your own pace. If you're in the mood for a swim, be sure to bring your swimsuit. It's the perfect spot to soak up the sun or enjoy the unique volcanic shoreline.
Santorini Old Harbor
30m

You'll return to the port by boat, so there's no need to worry about the long cable car lines at all. Sit back and enjoy the perfect ending to your day in Santorini as you're brought directly back to your cruise ship's tender.

Meeting and pickup

Meeting point

Pick-up is at the the port where cruise ship's tenders will drop you off. Find our staff holding a sign 'Vexperio', and don't go into the cable car. The boat transfer leaves exactly at the scheduled time. If you are late, the boat can't wait. After the tour, we'll bring you back to the port by boat.

End point

Pick-up is at the the port where cruise ship's tenders will drop you off. Find our staff holding a sign 'Vexperio', and don't go into the cable car. The boat transfer leaves exactly at the scheduled time. If you are late, the boat can't wait. After the tour, we'll bring you back to the port by boat.

Additional information

Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
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 coordinated with your ship’s docking schedule to minimize waiting and accommodate any possible disembarkation delays. You will receive the final meeting time in your Meeting Instructions email approximately one week before your 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 policy

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

Reviews

4.8 (120)