Name: Skip Cable Car® Santorini Shore Excursion for First-Time Visitors
SKU: 63772P126
Availability: InStock
Rating: 4.6 (359 reviews)

WizardTrip

Skip Cable Car® Santorini Shore Excursion for First-Time Visitors

4.6(359)· Santorini· By Vexperio

Free cancellationLikely to sell out

From

€39.20per person

1 to 30 travelers per booking.

Options2 of 5 available on this day

Time

1 × Adult × €1,037€1,037

Total€1,037

About the activity

Step off your cruise ship and explore Santorini on a small-group shore excursion designed specifically for cruise passengers. Visit top sights like Oia and Firostefani’s famous blue-domed churches while enjoying panoramic island views and local insights from an expert guide. Travel in a comfortable, air-conditioned vehicle with a maximum of 18 guests for a personalized experience. The tour departs conveniently from the Fira cable car exit and is carefully timed to match cruise schedules, ensuring a smooth, stress-free adventure.

What's included

✓Modern, comfortable, air-conditioned minibus
✓Small group limited to 18 participants
✓Full refund if your ship cannot dock
✓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

What is not included

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

Itinerary

1
Athinios Port Santorini
Our Skip Cable Car Santorini Tour is created for cruise ship guests who want to make the most of their time on the island. Skip the long waits and summer heat at the cable car, and start your Santorini adventure the easy way. After stepping off your cruise ship’s tender, you’ll meet our friendly Vexperio team at the Old Port, where everyone will board the boat transfer together for a smooth and relaxing journey ashore. Enjoy breathtaking views of the Aegean Sea and Caldera during your transfer, making even the journey part of the experience.
· 30 min
2
Firostefani
Once the boat arrives at your designated pick-up point, you’ll continue your journey in a comfortable, air-conditioned bus. Your first stop is Santorini’s famous blue dome in the charming area of Firostefani - a peaceful setting perfect for capturing those iconic island photos away from the busy crowds of Oia. It’s a relaxing and beautiful introduction to Santorini’s unique Cycladic charm.
· 30 min
3
Oia
The journey continues in the lively village of Oia, where charming market streets, whitewashed houses, and breathtaking caldera views create one of Santorini’s most memorable settings. Stroll through its picturesque alleys, soak in the island atmosphere, and don’t forget to capture a photo of the iconic windmills overlooking the sparkling Aegean Sea.
· 1 h
4
Picturesque Blue Dome Santorini
Marvel at and take some pictures of the world-famous picturesque Blue Domes of Santorini!
· Non-stop passage
5
Megalochori - Traditional Village
Discover the timeless charm of Santorini in the traditional village of Megalochori, where authentic island life and local character come together beautifully. Wander through its peaceful streets lined with classic Cycladic architecture and experience a side of Santorini rich in history and culture. Along the way, learn about the island’s unique winemaking traditions and the distinctive grape-growing methods that have been passed down through generations.
· 30 min
6
Perivolos Beach
You’ll visit the famous Black Beach, where you’ll have free time to relax and enjoy traditional Greek cuisine (at your own expense) at one of the many seaside tavernas and bars. 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.
· 1 h
7
Santorini Old Harbor
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.
· 30 min

How to use your ticket

Mobile or paper ticket accepted. One per booking

Meeting point and return

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.

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.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION FOR YOUR TOUR OF SANTORINI - PLEASE READ

Welcome to Santorini!

At Vexperio, we have years of experience organizing shore excursions for cruise ship passengers visiting our beautiful island and we’re here to help you make the most of your time in Santorini.

IMPORTANT: Reconfirming the Start Time: The tour start time will be adjusted according to your ship’s docking schedule to minimize waiting time and accommodate possible disembarkation delays. You will receive the final meeting time in the Meeting Instructions approximately one week before the tour.

Our company offers tours for cruise passengers in many ports along your route. Explore some of our popular options by clicking here:

Mykonos: https://www.viator.com/tours/x/y/d0-63772P125

Heraklion: https://www.viator.com/tours/x/y/d0-63772P208

Corfu: https://www.viator.com/tours/x/y/d0-63772P124

Athens: https://www.viator.com/tours/x/y/d0-63772P215

Venice: https://www.viator.com/tours/x/y/d0-63772P88

Chania: https://www.viator.com/tours/x/y/d0-63772P283

Thessaloniki: https://www.viator.com/tours/x/y/d0-63772P224

Essential Details for Your Santorini Trip

Starting Location: Your pick-up point is at the bottom of the port in Santorini, where your cruise tenders arrive. Please do not take the cable car. We will meet you there and take you by boat transfer around the island to the bus.

How to Find Us: Look for your guide holding a “VEXPERIO” sign. The boat departs exactly at the scheduled time. Take an early tender from your ship, as we cannot wait for late arrivals.

Ending Location: After the tour, we’ll return you to your cruise ship’s tender by boat for a smooth return.

If you need any assistance, please contact our office at +1 331 388 0003, via WhatsApp at +1 555-945-5863, or by email at info@vexperio.com.

Please view the promotional video for your tour here: https://youtu.be/pIGYjBEwtQg?si=4RHryYVZg5_9p6Os

We look forward to welcoming you to Santorini!

Meeting point

End point

This activity ends back at the meeting point.

Practical 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.

Activity options

Ticket for Skip Cable Car Tour
Skip the cable car: 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 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 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 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 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.
Shared Skip Cable Car Tour
Skip the cable car: 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 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 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.

Duration

5 h

How to prepare for your experience

Wear comfortable shoes as there will be walking on uneven surfaces.
Bring a swimsuit if you wish to swim at Perivolos Beach.
Sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat are recommended.
Book an early tender from your cruise ship to ensure timely arrival.
Reconfirm your tour start time one week prior to the tour date.

Experience the best of Santorini without the hassle. This shore excursion is designed for cruise passengers, offering a seamless way to see the island's highlights, including a boat transfer to bypass cable car lines.

Cancellation conditions

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

Any questions?

Product code: 63772P126

Activity offered by Vexperio via Viator.

Who is this activity suitable for?

Cruise ship passengers
First-time visitors to Santorini
Travelers seeking a guided tour
Those who want to avoid crowds and queues

Activity essentials

Avoid the cable car queues with a boat transfer
Small group tour for a personalized experience
Visit iconic locations like Oia and Firostefani
Expert local guide providing insights
Comfortable air-conditioned transportation
Perfectly timed for cruise ship schedules

Santorini: good to know

Population: 17,430 (2011)
Elevation: 567 m
Currency: euro
Official language: Greek
Driving: on the right
Power plugs: C, F · 230 V
Emergency number: 112
Capital city: Athens

Average temperatures

14°Jan
14°Feb
15°Mar
16°Apr
20°May
23°Jun
25°Jul
26°Aug
24°Sept
21°Oct
18°Nov
15°Dec

Sources: Wikidata; climate: NASA POWER, 2001-2025 averages.

Frequently asked questions

How do I get to the meeting point?

After disembarking from your cruise ship's tender at the Old Port, please wait at the tender drop-off point and do not enter the cable car. Look for our team holding ‘VEXPERIO’ signs.

What happens if my ship cannot dock?

You will receive a full refund if your ship cannot dock.

Is food included in the tour?

Food and beverages are not included in the tour price. You can purchase them at seaside tavernas during your free time at Perivolos Beach.

Can I bring a wheelchair on the tour?

Wheelchairs, walkers, rollators, electric scooters, and other mobility devices cannot be accommodated on shared tours due to uneven surfaces and stairs.

What is the maximum group size?

The maximum group size is 18 participants, ensuring a personalized experience.

Will I be back on time for my ship's departure?

Yes, the tour is guaranteed to return you to your ship on time.

Reviews

4.64.6(359)

5 stars

287

4 stars

3 stars

2 stars

1 star

Reviews provided by Viator, written by travellers on Viator and Tripadvisor.

★★★★★Viator review
Avoid this vendor!
Christopher_V, October 2026
The actual tour was okay. The rating is based on multiple emails and messages from the vendor that were extremely bad. Background: Our start time was moved up from 1000 to 0900, and we were told that we needed to get the earliest tender available to get there. It listed a specific location at the Old Port, and that there would be someone with a sign with the company's name. The problem, we eventually found, is that early tenders only go to the New Port, more than two miles away, because only the New Port has space for the myriad number of busses required to serve larger ship tour groups. The vender ABSOLUTELY should have known this, and put their person at the New Port, as well as modifying their instructions. We contacted the vender directly by phone, 20 minutes before the tour's start, and they still maintained that the pickup was at the Old Port, and even sent pictures where we should go. Net result: We missed the boat shuttle provided by the vendor from the Old Port to the New that gave great picture opportunities, and is one of their selling points. The mini bus picked up all passengers at the New Port. Other passengers who purchased this tour through a different online service, i.e., NOT Viator, received correct instructions.
Response from the operator · Alicja T
Dear Christopher, Thank you for your feedback. We are surprised and concerned by your comments and would like to clarify the situation for future guests. We welcomed over 100 guests that day, and you were the only guests who arrived directly at the New Port. As our meeting point is at the Old Port, where our boat transfer takes guests to the New Port, we are unsure why you chose to take a tender directly there, as from our knowledge, this requires a specific request to the cruise ship staff. Our drivers were waiting at the New Port to welcome our guests. We are sorry you missed the boat transfer, which was part of the experience, although we were pleased that you were still able to join the tour despite arriving at the wrong port. We have one standard version of our meeting instructions, shared with all guests, and the majority of our bookings come through Viator. All other guests arrived at the Old Port and joined the tour on time as planned. Thank you for your feedback. Kind regards, Alicja Vexperio
★★★★★Viator review
Santorini
Janet_E, October 2026
Alex was a wonderful pleasure. It was a little confusing at the port to know where to meet up at first however, once we got on the boat and went over to the Newport, we met Alex and he took us a lot of fun places and he was very accommodating. Gave us an excellent choice for lunch.
★★★★★Viator review
Fewer crowds
Darrell_F, October 2026
Excellent tour of the island. We got to see much of Santorini. Tour guide had excellent places to get photos. He took excellent photos with our camera.
★★★★★Viator review
1st Time Santorini Visitors
Julie_G, October 2026
This tour was incredible! We covered more of the island than we expected. We learned so much about Santorini’s history. Thank you Johanna and Tavos (spelling?)
★★★★★Viator review
Skipping the cable car...
Caroline_B, September 2026
Skipping the cable car was a big plus! Bus was comfortable. I found we had a good enough of time in each town to explore a little. The restaurant they bring you to is on a beach, good food and gorgeously decorated. It was a good option for us who was on a cruise and the provider was very good with messaging to choose the best time for our tour to start based on the arrival time of our ship.
Response from the operator · Alicja T
Dear Caroline, Thank you so much for your wonderful feedback! We’re delighted you enjoyed the comfortable bus, time to explore, and the beautiful beachfront restaurant. Making sure our tour timing works smoothly with our guests’ cruise schedules is always a top priority for us. We hope to welcome you again in the future! Best regards, Alicja Vexperio

44 activities · Greece

Santorini, Greece, has 44 activities, tours and experiences to book.

01Activities to book

The best experiences in Santorini

44 in the catalogue

-20%

Skip Cable Car® Santorini Shore Excursion for First-Time Visitors

from €39.20★ 4.6

Free cancellation

Romantic Sunset Catamaran Caldera Cruise incl. Meal & Drinks

from €95★ 4.7

Top pick

Santorini Sunset Wine Tour with Santo Winery Views

from €180★ 5.0

Free cancellation

Skip Sky Tram!!! Hassle-Free 5-Hour Tour for Cruise Passengers

from €56★ 4.5

Santorini: The Greek Wedding Show - Dance, Drink Wine & Smash Plates

from €85★ 4.6

Top pick

Luxury Santorini Sunset Cruise: Dinner, BBQ, Open Bar, Transfers

from €110★ 4.9

Top pick

Private Customizable Santorini Tour with Local Driver-Guide

from €39★ 5.0

Top pick

Santorini Full Day Tour: Fira, Oia Sunset & Beach (Small Group)

from €90★ 4.9

-25%

Santorini Customized Private Photoshoot Walk in Oia

from €90★ 4.9

Free cancellation

Santorini Luxury Sailing Catamaran Cruise with BBQ, Drinks and Transfer

from €110★ 4.7

Top pick

Santorini Food Tour: Fira Half-Day Small-Group Tour with Tastings

from €125★ 5.0

Deal

Luxury Santorini Catamaran Cruise: Lunch, BBQ, Drinks, Transfers

from €120★ 5.0

All activities · Santorini · 44

02Complete your day

More to do in Santorini

12 activities

Free cancellation

Santorini Catamaran Sailing Cruise with BBQ, Drinks & Transfer

from €79★ 4.6

Top pick

Santorini Private Tailor-Made Tour: Oia, Blue Domes & Hidden Gems

from €60★ 4.9

Top pick

Santorini ATV Experience | Off-Road, Secret Places & FREE Pickup

from €130★ 4.9

Top pick

Best of Santorini Customized Private Tour

from €44★ 4.9

Free cancellation

Santorini's Iconic Villages: Oia, Imerovigli & Firostefani

from €57.15★ 4.7

Top pick

Private Tailor-Made Santorini Land Tour with a Local Driver

from €47.95★ 5.0

03Shows & Nightlife

Your nights out in Santorini

1 activity

Santorini: The Greek Wedding Show - Dance, Drink Wine & Smash Plates

from €85★ 4.6

04On the water

Boats & cruises in Santorini

17 activities

Free cancellation

Romantic Sunset Catamaran Caldera Cruise incl. Meal & Drinks

from €95★ 4.7

Top pick

Luxury Santorini Sunset Cruise: Dinner, BBQ, Open Bar, Transfers

from €110★ 4.9

Free cancellation

Santorini Luxury Sailing Catamaran Cruise with BBQ, Drinks and Transfer

from €110★ 4.7

Deal

Luxury Santorini Catamaran Cruise: Lunch, BBQ, Drinks, Transfers

from €120★ 5.0

Top pick

Santorini Private Catamaran Cruise with BBQ, Open Bar & Transfers

from €500★ 4.9

Selling fast

Santorini Cruise Ship Tour: Skip the Cable Car & Boat Transfer

from €49★ 4.8

05Categories

Guided tours in Santorini

17 activities

-20%

Skip Cable Car® Santorini Shore Excursion for First-Time Visitors

from €39.20★ 4.6

Top pick

Santorini Sunset Wine Tour with Santo Winery Views

from €180★ 5.0

Top pick

Private Customizable Santorini Tour with Local Driver-Guide

from €39★ 5.0

Top pick

Santorini Full Day Tour: Fira, Oia Sunset & Beach (Small Group)

from €90★ 4.9

-25%

Santorini Customized Private Photoshoot Walk in Oia

from €90★ 4.9

Top pick

Santorini Food Tour: Fira Half-Day Small-Group Tour with Tastings

from €125★ 5.0

06Categories

Private tours in Santorini

11 activities

Top pick

Santorini in a Day: Private Custom Tour with Pickup

from €175★ 4.9

Top pick

Santorini Private Half-Day Tour

from €49★ 5.0

Top pick

Santorini Instagram Private Tour

from €125★ 5.0

Top pick

Santorini Must-See Highlights Private Tour

from €84.15★ 5.0

-10%

Santorini Private Customizable Land Tour with Local Driver

from €44.10★ 5.0

Top pick

Santorini Private Tailor-Made Tour: Oia, Blue Domes & Hidden Gems

from €60★ 4.9

07Categories

Food & Drink in Santorini

6 activities

Top pick

Authentic Cooking Experience in our Cave Home by Petra Kouzina

from €220★ 5.0

-12%

Award-Winning Santorini Cooking Class with Greek Chef

from €105.60★ 4.9

Top pick

Santorini Wine Stories: Sunset Tour with Tasting & Dinner

from €173★ 5.0

08Categories

Shore excursions in Santorini

4 activities

Free cancellation

Skip Sky Tram!!! Hassle-Free 5-Hour Tour for Cruise Passengers

from €56★ 4.5

Selling fast

Santorini Cruise Ship Tour: Skip the Cable Car & Boat Transfer

from €49★ 4.8

-25%

Santorini Shore Excursion: Private Tour with Port Pickup Options

from €30★ 4.9

09Categories

Romantic moments in Santorini

4 activities

Free cancellation

Romantic Sunset Catamaran Caldera Cruise incl. Meal & Drinks

from €95★ 4.7

Top pick

Luxury Santorini Sunset Cruise: Dinner, BBQ, Open Bar, Transfers

from €110★ 4.9

Free cancellation

Sunset Sailing Catamaran Cruise in Santorini with BBQ and Drinks

from €75★ 4.5

Trending

Popular activities

Top pick

Private Santorini Tailor Made - Your Island, Your Way!

from €50★ 5.0

Top pick

Santorini Wine Stories: Sunset Tour with Tasting & Dinner

from €173★ 5.0

-20%

Half Day Premium Catamaran Cruise in Santorini including Oia

from €127.50★ 5.0

Top pick

Santorini Wine Adventure with 12 Wine Tastings, Tapas, and Sunset

from €170★ 5.0

Deal

Half-Day Exclusive Catamaran Cruise in Santorini with Meal and Open Bar

from €108★ 4.9

Top pick

Santorini Catamaran Cruise with Swim-Stops, Greek Meal and Sunset

from €150★ 4.8

Plan your trip

Guide · 7 min readThree Santorini Catamaran Cruises ComparedThree 5-hour cruises from the port of Vlychada, rated 4.8 to 4.9 out of 5. Meal, bar, transfer, group size and price are compared to help you choose the right one.

Frequently asked questions about Santorini

What is there to do in Santorini?

Santorini has 44 activities, tours and day trips you can book online. Among the most booked: « Skip Cable Car® Santorini Shore Excursion for First-Time Visitors », « Romantic Sunset Catamaran Caldera Cruise incl. Meal & Drinks », « Santorini Sunset Wine Tour with Santo Winery Views ».

What are the top-rated activities in Santorini?

According to traveller reviews: « Santorini Private Half-Day Tour » (5.0/5, 691 reviews) ; « Private Customizable Santorini Tour with Local Driver-Guide » (5.0/5, 436 reviews) ; « Authentic Cooking Experience in our Cave Home by Petra Kouzina » (5.0/5, 650 reviews).

Can you cancel an activity in Santorini for free?

Usually, yes: 23 of the 24 most popular activities in Santorini offer free cancellation. The exact terms are shown on each activity page before you book.