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Akrotiri Private Guided Tour with an Archaeologist

Recommended by 96% of travelers
Santorini, Greece
Great choice
10+ bookings last month.
  • 1 hour 15 minutes to 1 hour 30 minutes (approx.)
  • Offered in: English

Why travelers loved this

4.8
·
· Diana_S ·
May 2026
This was the best experience we had on vacation. Very informative and our guide was extremely knowledgeable about the site. He was also able to share his experiences working on the site in previous years. His passion definitely showed through.
· Joseph_K ·
Jun 2026
This was one of the most fascinating tours we did on our trip to Greece. I highly recommend Giannis as he is so knowledgeable and we learned so much about the history of Akrotiri and Santorini. You should follow this visit with a trip to the Museum of Prehistoric Thira to see the frescoes and objects they recovered from the site.

Overview

Explore the ancient ruins of Akrotiri with an expert archaeologist and immerse yourself in the history and daily life of this advanced prehistoric city. Walk through its preserved streets and learn how a volcanic eruption buried the town, inspiring the myth of Atlantis, and discover the secrets of this lost civilization.
  • Explore the ruins of the advanced prehistoric city of Akrotiri
  • Guided by a licensed archaeologist for an immersive experience
  • Hear about the myths of the lost city of Atlantis
  • A private tour means a more personalized experience

What's Included

  • Licensed Guide-Archaeologist
  • Akrotiri Entrance ticket
    €20.00 per person

Meeting and Pickup

Meeting point

  • 8G879C22+7QW
    9C22+7QW Santorini, Greece

    Your guide will be waiting outside.

End point

This activity ends back at the meeting point.

Arranged start time

Confirm time with the local provider in advance of your experience.
  • 05/11/2024 - 07/04/2027

Itinerary

1

Akrotiri Archaeological Site

1 hour 30 minutesAdmission Ticket Not Included

Additional Info

  • Confirmation will be received at time of booking
  • Wheelchair accessible
  • Stroller accessible
  • Service animals allowed
  • Near public transportation
  • Infants must sit on laps
  • Surfaces are wheelchair accessible
  • Most travelers can participate
  • This is a private tour/activity. Only your group will participate

Cancellation Policy

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.

Traveler Photos

Gallery picture 1 (from a traveler's review)
Gallery picture 2 (from a traveler's review)
Gallery picture 3 (from a traveler's review)

Reviews

4.8
based on 24 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Sort by: Most insightful

Can’t miss this guide

Raymond_H, Jul 2026
Giannis was perfect. He is actually an archeologist at the ruins, so knows first hand the history and details. He was so knowledgeable, sharing details you can’t learn from reading signs, and he had a passion for the narrative that is unique and infectious. We have been to Pompeii and Herculaneum in the past, amongst other historical sites, but the age of these ruins was amazing. Centuries before Pompeii the people of Akrotiri had running water, international commerce, and an effective government. Just amazing overall. You won’t regret it.

Must Book!

Devon_V, Jul 2026
Ioannis was extremely knowledgeable and interesting! I highly recommend booking with him and not just walkthrough on your own. I loved everything I learned, and can't wait to return in the future when they start digging other sites, or Ioannis proves his thesis. Helpful hint, book an afternoon tour, which Ioannis said is a better time due to less crowds. Because the site is covered, it is not too hot inside, thank goodness! A bonus, there are very cute doggies to pet.

Great for all ages!

Michelle_C, Jun 2026
Our guide Giannis was knowledgeable and engaging. He easily captured the attention of our 3 boys (6, 9 and 12), explained in relatable terms, was patient and answered their many questions.

Giannis the Great!

Nancy_R, Jun 2026
Giannis is extremely knowledgeable and gave us a well informed, energetically entertaining tour through Akrotiri’s archaeological insights. Highly recommend!

Great experience - book it!

Sherri_C, Jun 2026
We had a great tour with Mircina! She was very knowledgeable and took great care in highlighting key details. Don’t hesitate to book and ask for her!

Perfect Tour

Willard_S, Jun 2026
Our guided tour of Akrotiri was a huge highlight of our trip, and I cannot praise Ioannis enough. He was such an amazing guide, it was so cool to have someone leading us who actually worked on the dig. He was so informative, and his presentation was fascinating. We cannot thank him enough and I would recommend him to everyone considering it?

Interesting Tour with Very Knowledgeable Guide

Joseph_K, Jun 2026
This was one of the most fascinating tours we did on our trip to Greece. I highly recommend Giannis as he is so knowledgeable and we learned so much about the history of Akrotiri and Santorini. You should follow this visit with a trip to the Museum of Prehistoric Thira to see the frescoes and objects they recovered from the site.

Amazing Tour of Akrotiri Archeological Site!

Jessi_R, Jun 2026
This was the best money we spent in all of Santorini. Ioannis was a magnificent tour guide who with all his archeological experience, including having worked at the site, was an amazing story teller and he brought the site to life. Would highly recommend!

Insightful experience

April_B, May 2026
Well informed guide explained ancient life on the island. Not 5 stars because it felt as if he was running through a script, rather than actually interacting with us. But we’re glad we followed his advice and visited in the afternoon because the site was almost empty. That made it a thoughtful experience. Easy and inexpensive to take the bus back and forth from Fira.

This was the best...

Diana_S, May 2026
This was the best experience we had on vacation. Very informative and our guide was extremely knowledgeable about the site. He was also able to share his experiences working on the site in previous years. His passion definitely showed through.

Very informative

John_V, May 2026
Our guide was extremely knowledgeable and provided many interesting details about the site. I highly recommend them.

An unforgettable journey through time.

Angie_B, May 2026
If you are looking for an archaeological experience that goes beyond just staring at ruins and reading plaques, this is the tour to book. From the moment we met our guide, it was clear we were in the hands of a true expert who doesn't just know the history, but is passionate about Ancient Akrotiri and the incredible people who created the incredibly advanced settlement so many years ago. Whether you are a seasoned history buff or a first-time visitor to Greece, this tour offers a profound connection to the ancient world. It was the absolute highlight of our trip, and I cannot recommend it highly enough for anyone wanting to truly experience the magic of the Minoans on Santorini.

Excellent experience!

Michael_H, Dec 2025
Our tour guide was excellent! She met us on time, gave us personal attention about the site, the ruins and had some great suggestions for enjoying Santorini! Do this tour!

Top notch tour

Jeanne_G, Sep 2025
We had a private tour with Iannis. He got is in before the crowds and was very knowledgeable and entertaining.

It was a great...

Lori_M, Jun 2025
It was a great experience. We loved the passion our guide had towards this archeological site. We would highly recommend as a private tour to really understand what has been uncovered.

Ioannis amazing knowledgeable perfect guide!

Bradley_R, Sep 2024
We took a tour with Ioannis of the Akrotiri excavation site and he was one of the most knowledgeable tour guides we have ever had. Could have spent 3 hours in there with him and still learn new things! He had worked on the excavation site himself which makes it even more special. Amazing experience highly recommend!

Similar to Pompeii but earlier in the timeline

Aaron_S, Jun 2023
A must do in Santorini. Its a fairly quick visit so plenty of time for other adventures in the day. Similar to Pompeii but an older timeline and completely covered which was nice being out of the sun. Our tour guide was an archeologist and had actually done some excavation at this site years ago. He was fantastic. We did feel a little rushed going through but all in all was well worth it.

Absolutely great way to...

Betti_R, May 2023
Absolutely great way to see & learn afew things about the island. The walk up Kameni is a great way to work up for lunch

From $209.89

per group (up to 10)

up to 24 hours before the experience starts (local time)

Book ahead!
On average, this is booked 67 days in advance.

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