Discover the captivating island of Santorini with a guided day trip from Heraklion, Crete. This excursion promises a seamless experience, whisking you away on a high-speed ferry to explore the charming village of Oia and the capital Fira. Complemented by knowledgeable local guides, the itinerary offers a chance to learn about the island’s stunning landscapes and rich cultural heritage. Whether you opt for a boat cruise to volcanic hot springs or simply wander the picturesque streets, this day trip promises to leave an indelible mark on your Cretan adventure. With flexible booking and cancellation policies, the stage is set for an unforgettable journey.
Key Points
- A guided day trip from Heraklion, Crete to Santorini Island, with a duration of 11-15 hours and a price of SEK 1,983 per person.
- Itinerary includes visits to Oia and Fira, the capital of Santorini, with a local guide providing insights into the island’s history and mythology.
- Transportation by modern high-speed ferry and air-conditioned buses, with scenic drives to the destinations.
- Free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance and ‘Reserve now & pay later’ booking option available.
- Overall positive customer feedback on the organization, communication, and value-for-money, though some noted high prices on the island.
Trip Overview and Duration
This guided day trip to Santorini from Heraklion, Crete, is priced at SEK 1,983 per person and lasts between 11 to 15 hours.
The tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, and customers can take advantage of the ‘Reserve now & pay later‘ option to book without immediate payment.
Pickup service is available from specific locations in Heraklion and surrounding areas, though there may be additional charges for inaccessible accommodations.
The day trip promises to be an unforgettable experience, as travelers will explore the island’s stunning landscapes and historical sites, guided by local experts who’ll share Santorini’s rich history and mythology.
Itinerary and Highlights
The guided day trip to Santorini begins with a high-speed ferry departure from Heraklion port, taking approximately 2.17 hours to reach the island.
Once there, travelers will first visit the picturesque town of Oia, where they’ll embark on a guided tour and have the opportunity to explore the scenic drive for 30 minutes, followed by 105 minutes of free time to wander at their own pace.
Next, the group will head to Fira, the capital of Santorini, for a guided tour, a 30-minute scenic drive, and 2 hours of free exploration.
An optional wooden boat cruise to the volcanic hot springs is also available for an additional charge.
Throughout the day, the local guide will share insights into Santorini’s history and mythology.
Transportation and Accessibility
Travelers on this guided day trip to Santorini will travel by modern, high-speed ferry and air-conditioned buses for the transportation to and from the island.
The ferry ride from Heraklion port to Santorini takes approximately 2.17 hours. Once on the island, air-conditioned buses will be used for the scenic drives to Oia and Fira. This transportation is included in the tour price.
However, the trip isn’t suitable for wheelchair users due to the accessibility challenges on the island. Customers have the option to make their own way to the port or choose the pickup service, which may incur additional charges, especially for those in inaccessible accommodations.
Pickup and Meeting Point
Customers can choose to make their own way to the meeting point at the White SeaJets Kiosk located within Heraklion Port, or they may opt for a pickup service, which may incur additional charges, particularly for those staying in accommodations that are difficult to access. The pickup service is available from specific locations in Heraklion and surrounding areas.
Some key details:
- Meeting point: White SeaJets Kiosk at Heraklion Port
- Pickup service available from select locations
- Additional charges may apply for inaccessible accommodations
- Customers can book without immediate payment using the ‘Reserve now & pay later’ option
- Free cancellation available up to 24 hours in advance
Tour Schedules and Options
Depending on the preferred language, Italian tours operate on Wednesdays and Sundays, while Polish tours run on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays. Customers can choose to make their own way to the port or opt for pickup service, which may incur additional charges for inaccessible accommodations.
| Tour Schedule | Italian | Polish |
|---|---|---|
| Days of Operation | Wednesday, Sunday | Monday, Wednesday, Friday |
| Tour Duration | 11 – 15 hours | 11 – 15 hours |
| Ferry to Santorini | 2.17 hours | 2.17 hours |
The guided day trip to Santorini from Heraklion, Crete, starts at SEK 1,983 per person and offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, as well as a reserve now & pay later option.
Customer Ratings and Feedback
The day trip to Santorini has received an overall rating of 4.2 out of 5 from 620 reviews, with high praise for the organization and communication of departure times as well as the stunning sights in Oia and Fira.
Customers particularly enjoyed the knowledgeable local guide who shared insights into Santorini’s history and mythology.
They also appreciated the comfortable transportation by high-speed ferry and air-conditioned buses.
Plus, the opportunity to explore both Oia and Fira at their own pace during the free time was a highlight for many.
While customers found the trip to be a value-for-money offering, some felt the prices on the island were a bit high.
Lastly, the option to book the trip with a reserve now, pay later policy provided added flexibility for travelers.
Booking and Cancellation Policy
One can book the Santorini Island Guided Day Trip with a reserve now, pay later option, which allows securing the reservation without immediate payment. Cancellations are free up to 24 hours before the scheduled departure.
| Booking | Cancellation |
|---|---|
| Reserve now, pay later | Free up to 24 hours before departure |
| Available for all customers | Provides flexibility |
| Secure spot without upfront cost | Avoid penalties for last-minute changes |
| Easy and convenient booking | Hassle-free cancellation process |
| Recommended for planning ahead | Ideal for uncertain travel plans |
This flexible booking and cancellation policy caters to the needs of diverse travelers, ensuring a stress-free planning experience for the Santorini Island Guided Day Trip.
Additional Information and Considerations
Along With the flexible booking and cancellation policy, there are a few other important considerations when planning the Santorini Island Guided Day Trip.
Pickup services are available for an additional charge, catering to travelers who can’t conveniently reach the departure point at Heraklion Port. However, the tour may not be suitable for wheelchair users due to accessibility constraints.
Plus, customers should be aware of the scheduled departure days – Italian tours run on Wednesdays and Sundays, while Polish tours depart on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays.
Other key details to note:
- Optional wooden boat cruise to volcanic hot springs for an additional fee
- Recommendations to bring light snacks if participating in the volcanic tour
- Feedback on cleanliness and high prices on the island
- Overall positive ratings for organization, communication, and scenic beauty
- Potential challenges with accessibility and transportation to the departure point
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is the Best Time of Year to Visit Santorini?
The best time to visit Santorini is during the shoulder seasons of spring (April-May) and fall (September-October) when the weather is mild, crowds are smaller, and prices are more affordable compared to the peak summer months.
Can I Customize the Itinerary to Meet My Interests?
The guided day trip to Santorini from Heraklion, Crete allows some flexibility to customize the itinerary. Travelers can adjust the duration at each stop or opt for additional activities like the volcanic hot springs boat cruise based on their interests.
Are There Any Discounts Available for Seniors or Students?
Yes, the tour operator offers discounts for seniors and students. Seniors (over 65) can get a 10% discount, while students can receive a 5% discount. Customers should inquire about these options when booking the tour.
How Much Spending Money Should I Bring for Santorini?
For a day trip to Santorini, travelers should budget around $50-100 per person for meals, snacks, and optional activities like the volcanic boat tour. Prices on the island can be high, so having extra spending money is recommended.
What Should I Pack for the Day Trip to Santorini?
For a day trip to Santorini, pack light layers, comfortable walking shoes, sun protection, and a small backpack or purse. Bring cash for incidentals and snacks, and consider a swimsuit if participating in the optional volcanic tour.
Recap
Explore the captivating island of Santorini on a guided day trip from Heraklion, Crete.
This excursion offers a chance to marvel at the picturesque village of Oia, discover the vibrant capital Fira, and even embark on a boat cruise to volcanic hot springs.
With flexible booking options and knowledgeable local guides, this day trip provides an unforgettable experience amidst Santorini’s breathtaking scenery.
