Rcl greece/croatia santorini excursion

My family of 4 will be traveling on Rhapsody of the Seas in June next year. One of the excursions we're interested in is "Oia on Your Own". I was wondering if anyone has taken this tour and what they thought of it. Specifically, after your time in Oia, you are transported to Fira. Is this done by private bus or via public bus? It was not clear in the description.

Thanks for your help.

Is this done by private bus or via public bus?

Not sure it makes much diff - it's a fairly short ride, but I would guess it's private bus.

I would suggest boat or public bus.

We didn’t join the ship’s excursion but rather did it on our own. But to answer your question, it should be private bus.

If you are interested in really doing Oia on your own, it’s pretty easy and about 15 euros for the boat to Oia and bus to Fira and another 6 euros for the cable car down to the old port, or at least these were the prices from May.

We did Oia on our own - at the pier there are boats waiting to take you by sea to Oia and the price includes the bus back to Fira. You paid there and then. You may have to wait a little while for the boat to fill up but it was very simple and easy to do. One tip I learnt on the port boards was to confirm which bus you wanted to go back to Fira on when you first get dropped off at Oia (theres a short bus ride from the port in Oia to the town) and you were then confirmed on that bus. The cable car line was very long to get back to the boat. Though we are in our sixties and not amazingly fit we decided to give it a go walking down the steps and found it OK, though some were struggling, make sure you take water with you if you take the steps.

Though we are in our sixties and not amazingly fit we decided to give it a go walking down the steps and found it OK, though some were struggling, make sure you take water with you if you take the steps.

and enjoy the donkey odors.

We did Oia on our own - at the pier there are boats waiting to take you by sea to Oia and the price includes the bus back to Fira. You paid there and then. You may have to wait a little while for the boat to fill up but it was very simple and easy to do. One tip I learnt on the port boards was to confirm which bus you wanted to go back to Fira on when you first get dropped off at Oia (theres a short bus ride from the port in Oia to the town) and you were then confirmed on that bus. The cable car line was very long to get back to the boat. Though we are in our sixties and not amazingly fit we decided to give it a go walking down the steps and found it OK, though some were struggling, make sure you take water with you if you take the steps.

Highly recommend not taking the ships tour for just Oia.

The option listed above makes Santorini so easy to do on your own, and Oia warrants several hours. Scenery is breathtaking...lots of walking...

We did it in May last year on Rapsody and again this year on Jewel.. We took the cable car back down though.

1. Ships Tender to Pier (Fira) this is where cable car is but ignore it,

Two companies offer the on your own excursions. - you will see signs..

2. Wonderful coastal 10-15 min Ferry ride to Oia, Coach will meet you there to bring you to the top on the cliffs (5 mins) and park in the main parking lot, From there you are about 5 mins walk to the ocean / cliff front. You will have several hours, 4/5 and can have lunch in Oia, its wonderful. Suggest maybe head back to parking lot around 1pm then 20 mins coach cash back to Fira. another 5 min walk and your at the ocean front. Enough time to Browse Fira

The you have option to walk down or take the cable car. Factor in enough time here, if a lot of ships in port it can get busy.

Will be back there in May next year as well on Rapsody.

Enjoy...

and enjoy the donkey odors.

Not a real problem - only thing was when the donkeys brushed past/pushed you - they are quite heavy and you have to be aware to keep an eye on them. But yes - keep your eyes on the ground to dodge the donkey mess :eek: