6-hour Santorini Private Tour & Wine Tasting Experience

Discover Santorini’s Highlights in a Private 6-Hour Experience

This 6-hour private tour of Santorini offers an intimate exploration of the island’s most iconic sights and flavors. For $254 per person, travelers are picked up from their hotel and guided through Pyrgos, the highest point of Santorini, Akrotiri ruins, Red Beach, Black Beach, and Oia. The tour includes a guided wine tasting at either SANTO Wines or Venetsanos Winery, where visitors enjoy local varieties like Assyrtiko and Vinsanto. The experience ends with a breathtaking sunset in Oia—a moment many consider the highlight of their visit.

This tour is especially suited for those who appreciate a personalized experience and want to avoid large groups. The private guide, expert in local sights and wines, ensures an engaging and tailored day. However, travelers should be aware that mobility restrictions may limit access to some stops, and food and personal expenses are not included. The 6-hour duration balances sightseeing with relaxation, making it a practical choice for those with limited time on the island.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Key Points

• Private, personalized 6-hour tour exploring Santorini’s top attractions.
• Includes hotel pick-up and drop-off for convenience.
• Visit Pyrgos village, Akrotiri ruins, Red Beach, and Black Beach.
• Features a guided wine tasting at SANTO Wines or Venetsanos Winery.
• Enjoy scenic views from the highest point of the island and in Oia at sunset.
• Suitable for visitors seeking a relaxed, intimate experience with expert guidance.

Starting Point: Convenient Hotel Pick-up and Multiple Departure Locations

The tour begins with a pick-up from your hotel or one of eight designated locations, including Firostefani Central Square, Perissa, Megalochori, Oia, Thera, Pyrgos Kallistis, Imerovigli, and Akrotiri. This flexibility makes planning easier, especially if you are staying outside the main towns. Once onboard, a private guide leads you through the day’s highlights, ensuring a personalized pace and tailored commentary.

The pick-up and drop-off service is designed for comfort, avoiding the hassle of renting a vehicle or navigating public transport. This setup allows you to focus solely on enjoying Santorini’s stunning scenery and fascinating sites without logistical worries.

Exploring Pyrgos Village: A Picturesque Cycladic Setting

The journey starts in Pyrgos, a traditional village that seems untouched by modern tourism. The guided walk through its narrow alleys reveals Cycladic architecture, with whitewashed houses, stone paths, and charming courtyards. This stop is ideal for photo opportunities and soaking in authentic local ambiance.

Visitors appreciate how the guide explains Pyrgos’s history and its role in the island’s development. The photo stop here allows for capturing views over the surrounding landscape. The village’s tranquil atmosphere makes it a perfect introduction to Santorini’s quiet beauty, away from busier tourist spots.

Reaching the Highest Point: Saint Elias Monastery and Panoramic Views

Next, the tour takes you to Saint Elias Monastery, which sits at the highest elevation on the island. From this vantage point, the 360° views showcase caldera cliffs, the Aegean Sea, and neighboring islands. It’s one of the most Instagram-worthy spots in Santorini.

The guided visit emphasizes the monastery’s history and architecture. Guests enjoy photo opportunities of the dramatic landscape, often remarking on the breathtaking scenery. The elevated position offers a peaceful moment amidst the tour’s busy schedule and provides a perspective on the island’s volcanic origins.

More Great Tours Nearby

Discovering the Red Beach’s Volcanic Cliffs

The tour includes a stop at the Red Beach, famous for its deep red volcanic cliffs and crystal-clear waters. This striking sight results from volcanic activity, creating a distinctive landscape that’s perfect for photos and sightseeing.

While the Red Beach is primarily a photo stop, visitors can enjoy marveling at its natural beauty from the designated viewing areas. Some may choose to walk closer, time permitting, but the main focus is appreciating the colorful cliffs and volcanic origins of this unique beach.

Visiting the Ancient Akrotiri Ruins: A Time Capsule of the Past

A key highlight is the visit to the Akrotiri archaeological site, a prehistoric Minoan city buried in volcanic ash over 3,500 years ago. The guided tour provides insights into its well-preserved architecture, streets, and frescoes, offering a glimpse into ancient life on the island.

The ruins are a significant archaeological site, often described as a “frozen-in-time” city. Visitors appreciate the expert guidance that explains the historical importance and the volcanic event that preserved everything. The site allows for an educational break amid scenic vistas and provides excellent photo opportunities of the stone structures and ancient artifacts.

Relaxing at the Black Beach and Enjoying the Volcanic Landscape

Next, the tour stops at the Black Beach, distinguished by volcanic black sand contrasting with the deep blue Aegean waters. Visitors can walk along the shore, enjoy the scenery, or simply relax while soaking in the unique volcanic environment.

The Black Beach visit offers a break for refreshments and a chance to appreciate Santorini’s volcanic history firsthand. It’s a visual highlight that emphasizes the island’s fiery origins, making it a memorable part of the day’s sightseeing.

Wine Tasting at Top Local Wineries: SANTO Wines or Venetsanos Winery

A major feature of this tour is the guided wine tasting at either SANTO Wines or Venetsanos Winery. Visitors learn the secrets behind Santorini’s renowned wines, with tastings of Assyrtiko and Vinsanto—two of the island’s most celebrated varieties.

Guests enjoy tasting the wines overlooking the caldera, with stunning views serving as a perfect backdrop. The guide explains the winemaking process and the importance of volcanic soil, adding depth to the tasting experience. It’s a highlight that combines gastronomy, scenery, and learning seamlessly.

Sunset and Scenic Views in Oia

The tour concludes in Oia, the famous village known for its white-washed houses, blue-domed churches, and charming boutiques. If you opt for the afternoon/evening tour, you’ll witness the spectacular Santorini sunset, often regarded as one of the most beautiful in the world.

In Oia, visitors can wander at their leisure through narrow streets, explore local shops, or simply enjoy the romantic atmosphere. The scenic views along the caldera cliffs make this ending an unforgettable experience, especially as the sun dips into the sea, painting the sky in vibrant hues.

Practical Details and Tour Logistics

The 6-hour private tour provides hotel pick-up and drop-off, making it a hassle-free experience. The expert English-speaking guide adds value with personalized commentary and answers to specific questions. The tour is wheelchair accessible, accommodating guests with mobility needs, though some stops may have limited access.

Participants are advised to bring comfortable shoes, a hat, sunscreen, and a camera to capture the stunning scenery. The timing is flexible, with different starting times available, and the cancelation policy allows full refunds if canceled 24 hours in advance.

Who Will Appreciate This Tour Most?

This private experience is ideal for couples, families, or small groups seeking a personalized, relaxed way to see Santorini’s key sights. The combination of scenic stops, archaeological sites, and wine tasting makes it a well-rounded day. Travelers who appreciate authentic local experiences and want to avoid large crowds will find this tour particularly satisfying.

However, the 6-hour duration and some walking and standing may not suit those with mobility issues or very young children. Also, as food and personal expenses are not included, additional costs should be considered.

Final Thoughts on the 6-hour Santorini Private Tour & Wine Tasting

This tour offers a comprehensive and customized way to explore Santorini’s highlights, blending scenic views, historic sites, and local wines. The expert guide ensures a rich narrative, making the experience both educational and enjoyable. The hotel pick-up adds convenience, while the sunset in Oia provides a poetic finish.

While it doesn’t include meals or additional activities, the value for money is clear, especially given the private, tailored nature of the experience. It’s a strong choice for visitors wanting an intimate, well-paced day that covers the island’s most photogenic and memorable spots.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is included in the tour price?
The private guided experience, hotel pick-up and drop-off, visits to key attractions, and a wine tasting at a top local winery are included.

Can I choose my preferred winery?
The tour includes a visit to either SANTO Wines or Venetsanos Winery, based on availability.

Is this tour suitable for children?
The tour is best suited for adults and older children comfortable with walking and standing. It may not be suitable for those with mobility issues.

How long does the wine tasting last?
The wine tasting typically occurs at the winery and complements the sightseeing, providing a relaxed tasting experience with local wines.

Are food and drinks included?
No, food, additional drinks, and personal expenses are not included in the tour price.

What should I bring?
Comfortable shoes, a hat, sunscreen, and a camera are recommended for the day.

Is the tour wheelchair accessible?
Yes, the tour is wheelchair accessible, although some stops may have limited access.

What is the cancellation policy?
Guests can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

What is the best time to join the sunset in Oia?
The sunset usually occurs in the late evening, and the tour’s timing can be flexible to catch this breathtaking view.

How do I book this tour?
Booking is straightforward through the provider’s platform, with options for different start times and easy cancellation.

This 6-hour private tour in Santorini combines the island’s most iconic sights and flavors into an efficient, intimate experience, perfect for those who want a personalized day of discovery.

You can check availability for your dates here: More Great Tours Nearby