SKIP CABLE CAR® Santorini for Cruise Ships with Boat Transfers
Recommended by 95% of travelers
Badge of Excellence
Santorini, Greece
- 5 hours (approx.)
- Group discounts
- Mobile ticket
- Offered in: English
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Overview
Santorini has so much to see that it can be tough to know how to fit it all in on a short cruise ship shore excursion. Avoid the stress, crowds, and cable car chaos on this group tour designed for cruise passengers. Get picked up by a boat directly from port and ferried to the island shore, ready to explore postcard-perfect Oia, the famous blue-dome viewpoint, the peaceful village of Megalochori, and the black-sand beach of Perivolos.
- Half-day shore excursion exploring Santorini’s most popular spots
- Boat transfers — no stairs, no waiting, no cable car
- Visit Oia, Megalochori, Perivolos Beach, and the blue-dome viewpoint
- Stress-free tour built for cruise timing and comfort
What's Included
- Transfers by boat to bypass the Cable Car
- Port pickup and drop-off
- Professional local English-speaking tour guide
- Modern, comfortable, air-conditioned minibus
- Small group limited to 18 participants
- Guaranteed return to ship on time
- Full refund if your ship cannot dock
- Bottled water1 complimentary bottle of water per person
- Gratuities (Recommend 10% for guides, and 5% for bus drivers)
- Food and Beverages
Meeting and Pickup
Meeting point
- Santorini Old HarborFira 847 00, Greece
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.
End point
This activity ends back at the meeting point.Itinerary
1
Athinios Port Santorini
30 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
2
Finikia
30 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
3
Oia
1 hour • Admission Ticket Free
Picturesque Blue Dome Santorini (Pass By)
4
Megalochori - Traditional Village
30 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
5
Perivolos Beach
1 hour • Admission Ticket Free
6
Santorini Old Harbor
30 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
Additional Info
- Confirmation will be received at time of booking, unless booked within 9 days of travel. In this case confirmation will be received within 48 hours, subject to availability
- Infants must sit on laps
- Not recommended for travelers with back problems
- No heart problems or other serious medical conditions
- Not wheelchair accessible
- Most travelers can participate
- 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.
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 19 travelers
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Cancellation Policy
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
Traveler Photos
Reviews
4.8
based on 270 reviews
Whitney_N, Mar 2026
Victor & Demitri are excellent guides! They took us to see many different parts of Santorini and explained how the people live and function in the island. They answered all of our random questions and treated us like welcomed friends!
Loreen_H, Mar 2026
Excellent tour, tour guide, and tour company! Elisa, our tour guide, was outstanding as she was very knowledgeable, and had great communication. We were also very happy with her company and her for still letting us and several other passengers to join the tour even though we were late to meet the group due to the cruise ship’s tender running so slowly to get passengers off the ship. They had excellent communication with us, waited until everyone in the tour made it off the boat, and even rescheduled their services to accommodate us. We very much appreciated all that they did so we could enjoy the tour!
Response from Host, Mar 2026
Hello!
Thank you so much for taking the time to share your experience with us.
We’re really glad to hear that everything worked out well in the end, especially given the delay with the cruise tender.
Delays sometimes happen, but we always try to do our best to adapt and make sure guests are still able to have a great experience—and it means a lot to know that came through for you. Your kind words about how the situation was handled really encourage the whole team.
Wishing you many more smooth and memorable adventures ahead, hopefully with everything running right on time next time!
Warm regards,
Natalia
Vexperio
Brian_G, Dec 2025
Great to skip the cable car line, which was very long. Staff and crew were very helpful and friendly.
Kim_B, Nov 2025
Avoiding the cable car line going up and going down (we later heard from other cruisers that they waited in line for almost 2 hours to come down; the walking path was closed when we were there). Tour guide was knowledgeable and fun!
JorgeEugenio_S, Nov 2025
They were not on time to pick us up , we were told to be punctual, we were in a hurry and manage to be on time . They arrive later and started the tour even much later , waiting for more people . Two hours later we started . It was a fault of respect to our time .
Besides one of the guides Jeanne told us many time you are from Mexico , so you know how it is , never mind if we are late , you are used to this .
Sorry to tell you , in Mexico we have the best tourist industry , quality in service is our pride , and no we do not accept the unprofessional and well paid tour .
Response from Host, Nov 2025
Dear Jorge,
Thank you for your feedback.
After carefully reviewing all of our booking records, we have not been able to locate any reservation under your name or any information that matches your review. Because of this, we are unable to verify that you participated in one of our tours.
We truly want to clarify what happened and assist you as soon as possible.
Please contact us directly at:
📩 info@vexperio.com
📱 +49 176 6364 0755 (WhatsApp)
📞 +1 315 284 5835 (Aircall)
Once we hear from you, we will investigate the situation immediately and do everything we can to resolve it.
Warm regards,
Natalia
Vexperio
Roderick_S, Nov 2025
Yani is an outstanding leader who combines deep knowledge with a great sense of humor. He set a positive tone from the start, kept everything organized, and made the experience both educational and fun. He even took us to an excellent Greek restaurant authentic food and a perfect cap to the day. If you’re looking for someone who’s professional, personable, and truly goes above and beyond, Yani is your guy. Five stars.
Thomas_R, Nov 2025
Glad we skipped the cable car because the power was out and there was a huge delay. Not really impressed with Santorini. We were on our own in Oia. A tour of the town would have been nice.
Response from Host, Nov 2025
Dear Thomas,
Thank you for sharing your feedback. We’re sorry to hear that Santorini didn’t quite capture your heart this time.
We know how challenging the cable car can be — with long waits in the sun and occasional power issues causing major delays — which is exactly why we created our “Skip the Cable Car” tour option.
Your comments about having a guided tour in Oia are very helpful, and we’ll certainly keep this in mind as we continue improving our guests’ experience.
Warm regards,
Natalia
The Vexperio Team
Steve_P, Oct 2025
Best guide in terms of knowledge and expertise. Much better than going through cruise guides.
We were blessed by not having to wait in the long lines for the cable car with the trail closed.
BArry_s, Oct 2025
This was a very good way to see Santorini and you DO NOT want to take the cable car I am sure it’s a lovely experience but the line is something to behold (and you need to behold it 2x). This is a small group. Our guide was exceptional and very interactive with the group. You have time to take the pictures you want and see all the things you have seen pictures of that made you want to come Pro tip. Bring a protein bar Your opportunity to have lunch is at the very end of the tour Beyond that this was the way to go Much less expensive than the ship excursion and we were at all the same places
Nancy_B, Oct 2025
It was fantastic to get off from the cruise ship tender and simply hop on the tour boat, totally skipping the funicular line!
Janet_O, Oct 2025
Good service. We were met at the harbour side. Our guide George was friendly and informative. Luxury small coach trip. Plenty of time to enjoy our stops
JANE_M, Oct 2025
This tour was wonderful! It allowed us to see everything we wanted to see in Santorini! Our tour guide, George, was wonderful! He was knowledgeable and very present throughout the tour. Additionally, he made certain that everyone’s questions were answered and that we had ample time at each site to explore and learn!
Chris_T, Oct 2025
Great guide. Perfect pace! Never felt rushed, but we moved quickly. Saw everything we wanted and more. Had a great small group with some really fun folks!
JohnorKathy_H, Oct 2025
This was a great tour. I was so impressed with this company. When there were issues with the tendors getting to and from the ship in a timely manner, They waited for us. They were very good about communicating with us. They have the most wonderful guide, her name was Viera, and she went above and beyond, when they shut the porch down so that we could not return by tender. An alternate plan had to be made and she took us to where the cable car would take us down to our port to catch our tender back to the ship, but instead of just dropping us, I'm leaving us on our own, she made sure we all knew where to go, she stayed with a couple who was on a cane to make sure he got on the cable car expediently. There was a very long line, then she introduced us to different things in the town before she left us, making sure we knew how to get back to the cable car. She was so knowledgeable and so gracious, and the driver that was with her was amazing Period I would highly recommend this tour, and Viera as a gude. This company is excellent Comma and really cares that their guests have the best possible experience
Jaci_W, Oct 2025
Yianni is the best tour guide we have ever had. He was full of energy, had a ton of information and stories to tell about Santorini and its culture! He went out of his way to ensure our group had optimal photo opportunities and positions. We loved that he called us "best group ever". He made sure we made it back on time to our ship. Over all he put his tour group first in every way and made the whole trip memorable. 10/10 best guide ever!
Matilda_R, Oct 2025
Guide Zeus And driver Ulysses were both informative and friendly. Ample opportunity to enjoy the magnificent views.
Julie_N, Oct 2025
Great tour that took us all around the island in small groups in a lovely air conditioned van. Guide gave us a wonderful history lesson, took us to major sites with photo opportunities and even posed us so we got great shots! Answered all our questions, recommended where to eat lunch with time in each stop. Very convenient for cruise passengers. Skipping the cable car is amazing! Perfect way to see and learn about the island!!
Lisa_A, Oct 2025
Great way to experience the highlights of Santorini without the chaos of the cable car lines. We covered all the must-see spots, including stunning views of the caldera, Oia, the blue domes, a black sand beach and more. Our guide George and our driver were fantastic.
Anonymous, Oct 2025
Very well run! Saw a lot and enjoyed our free time. Learned a ton about Santorini! Our guide Eliza (I may have her name wrong) and driver were excellent!
Dennis_G, Oct 2025
Horrible driver and not very pleasant. He got into an altercation with another driver that was coming from the opposite direction.
Response from Host, Oct 2025
Dear Dennis,
Thank you for your feedback regarding the SKIP CABLE CAR! The Best Santorini Tour for Cruise Passengers. We’re very sorry to hear about your experience.
After checking our GPS records and recent tours, we did not find any incidents or stops matching your description. Additionally, we could not locate a booking under your name.
Could you please provide more details about your tour date, booking reference, and the names of the travelers? This will help us investigate the situation properly and ensure any issues are addressed.
We appreciate your cooperation and look forward to your reply.
Warm regards,
Natalia
Vexperio
Anthony_M, Oct 2025
Our tour director was amazing! Easy to hear, understand and very informative. Loved ended our tour at supper time in Oia.
Elizabeth_G, Oct 2025
Great way to see the most of Santorini with limited time. Great communication and tour guides. Definitely pack swimsuits for the time at the black sand beach, It’s worth it.
Rob_W, Oct 2025
So much to say about this day! Our tour company reached out before our tour and suggested switching tours from what we had booked (taking the cable car) to one that skips the cable car as it gets very, very busy at the cable cars. Everything was taken care of before our tour date and we were very pleased about that. Enter Mother Nature! Although the weather was spectacular, it was too windy to transport us from port to port on water (port was closed) so off to the cable cars we go (what an experience - no line ups!). Our tour began at the top where we were greeted by the tour company and informed that the cost of our cable cars would be refunded to us (no one had to ask). Fantastic! Let the day begin, no hitches and on time. Our guide Zeus and our driver Dimitrious were out of this world!! Funny, funny, funny. So many laughs, such great vistas, so much information, a lot of walking, no stress and everything was appropriately timed. Not too long in any one place and not too short. Our day with Zeus was capped off at a lovely beach with a fantastic, authentic Greek lunch. Back to where we started for what we assumed would be an easy ride down the cable cars … hahaha!!! As we had been advised, the line ups were crazy, crazy, crazy. There is an option to walk down or take a donkey ride down so you do t have to wait. Anyway, funny how things work out - we ended up getting to spend time - in line - with some really terrific people and ended up making new friends. As we always maintain, it’s all about the story … and what a story it was. Highly recommend this tour!!
lori_l, Oct 2025
We had a nice time. The tour guide was excellent. She was very good. The only problem was the cable car had to be taken because the water was too rough for the boat ride. We had to stay in quite a long line. On the way back we did not want to stand in line. We decided to walk down where the mules are. It was quite an experience. My legs hurt for two days couldn’t walk and there were donkey dumplings everywhere to dodge. The 41 restaurant on the beach was excellent. The Greek salad was the best I’ve had anywhere
Thomas_C, Oct 2025
Well planned and executed day. Small group of 16. Excellent guide with both knowledge and language skills.
Carol_M, Oct 2025
A great way to see the beautiful island of Santorini. Our super guide Janni (sorry, not sure of the spelling) was great delivering details of the island in an interesting way and made the trip fun. Thank you Janni for making it a great day!
Tracey_W, Oct 2025
Loved our tour in Santorini. Our guide was very knowledgeable and friendly. Loved the village and the Black Beach.
Anita_J, Oct 2025
It was such a good time. Got to see all the best places got great pictures.Alex was so knowledgeable and a great photographer! This is my most favorite excursion so far!
Linda_D, Oct 2025
Very beautiful points of interest. We were so happy we could skip the cable car as it was closed several times due to the weather.
David_W, Oct 2025
It was a little confusing get the group together, but the tour was well worth it.. We we4re driven to different spots on sthe rim of the caldera, here we saw all the high lights
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