Santorini: Amazing Santorini – 8-Hour Private Tour

Discover Santorini with a Private 8-Hour Scenic Tour

This private full-day tour of Santorini offers an immersive experience that showcases the island’s most iconic sights. Led by an expert local guide, the trip includes visits to Santorini’s famous caldera, the picturesque village of Oia, and the Holy Monastery of Prophet Elias. With up to 8 hours of exploration, this tour balances scenic beauty, cultural insights, and optional wine tasting, making it ideal for travelers seeking a personalized and relaxing day on this stunning Greek island.

The tour departs from a range of convenient locations, such as Akrotiri, Perissa, Imerovigli, Thera, Oia, Kamari, and the Santorini ferry port or airport. Transportation is included, and the tour is tailored to private groups of 2 to 16 persons, ensuring attentive service and flexibility. A highlight is the opportunity to enjoy free time in Oia to explore at your own pace, along with exclusive visits to local wineries or dining at recommended restaurants.

While this tour is packed with memorable sights, it’s important to note that admission fees and food are not included unless specified, and cable car tickets for cruise ship travelers cost 7 EUR per person per ride. Still, the overall value lies in the expertly curated stops, engaging commentary, and the chance to customize your experience with optional wine tastings.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Key Points

• Private full-day tour lasting up to 8 hours with a local expert guide.
• Visits to Santorini’s caldera, Oia, and the Prophet Elias Monastery at nearly 2,000 feet.
• Optional wine tasting of 4 different wines at a local winery.
• Free time in Oia to explore and enjoy the iconic sunset views.
• Pickup and return from a variety of hotel, Airbnb, cruise port, or airport locations.
• Tours are suitable for groups of 2 to 16 persons, with flexible scheduling and easy booking options.

The Private Tour Experience Begins with Santorini’s Caldera

The tour kicks off with a visit to the famous caldera, a breathtaking volcanic formation that defines Santorini’s landscape. Your guide explains the caldera’s formation, providing context behind this stunning natural feature. This spot promises excellent photo opportunities of the deep-blue Aegean Sea and the island’s volcanic cliffs, setting the tone for the day’s scenic highlights.

This caldera stop is not just about pictures—it’s about understanding the island’s volcanic origins. The guide offers insights into how these geological features shaped Santorini’s distinctive geography, making it a meaningful start to your exploration.

Exploring Oia’s Whitewashed Charm and Sunset Views

Next, the journey takes you to Oia, one of Santorini’s most renowned villages. Known for its whitewashed houses and blue-domed churches, Oia offers iconic views that are perfect for wandering. During your free time, you can stroll through narrow streets lined with boutique shops, cafes, and art galleries.

Oia’s famous sunset is world-famous, and the tour provides ample opportunity to explore without feeling rushed. The guide may recommend local spots or restaurants where you can enjoy a leisurely meal or a coffee while soaking in the scenery. The charming atmosphere of Oia makes it a highlight for many visitors.

Visiting the Holy Monastery of Prophet Elias at the Island’s Highest Point

Ascending to Santorini’s highest point, nearly 2,000 feet (565 meters) above sea level, you find the Prophet Elias Monastery. This monastery offers panoramic views stretching across the entire island and beyond. The monks’ chants add a peaceful ambiance to this sacred site.

As you approach the monastery, you’ll appreciate the spectacular vistas of Santorini’s landscape and the surrounding Aegean waters. The guide shares stories of the monastery’s significance and the history of the area, enriching your understanding of Santorini’s spiritual heritage.

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Tasting Local Wines at a Santorini Winery

An optional highlight of this tour is a wine tasting session featuring 4 different types of wine produced locally. The visit to the Santorini winery provides an authentic look into the island’s winemaking traditions, especially the production of Assyrtiko wine, which is a signature for the region.

Guests can also sample dessert wine and extra virgin olive oil made on-site. This tasting experience offers a delightful sensory journey and a chance to learn about Santorini’s agricultural practices. The tour allows you to indulge in these local products, making it a perfect break from sightseeing.

Sampling Local Cuisine at a Handpicked Restaurant

After the winery visit, the tour offers free time for a meal at one of the recommended local restaurants. The guide may suggest places to enjoy authentic Greek dishes or fresh seafood, giving you a taste of Santorini’s flavors. This flexible dining option lets you customize your experience, whether you prefer a casual cafe or a more upscale restaurant.

This stop provides an opportunity to relax and reflect on the morning’s sights while savoring the island’s culinary delights.

Relaxing on Black Sand Beaches of Kamari and Perissa

The tour concludes with visits to Kamari or Perissa, the longest black sand beaches on the island. Covered with volcanic sand, these beaches are ideal spots to unwind and enjoy the sun. If time permits, you might stroll along the shoreline or simply relax on the sand, appreciating the calming views of the water and volcanic landscape.

For cruise ship passengers, a visit here offers a scenic and peaceful way to end your day. The beaches provide a distinctive contrast to the whitewashed villages, emphasizing Santorini’s volcanic character.

Practical Details: Tour Logistics and Customization

This private tour starts with a pick-up from your hotel, Airbnb, cruise port, or airport, with flexible options to suit your schedule. The tour is conducted in English by an expert guide, ensuring informative commentary and personalized attention.

The group size ranges from 2 to 16 persons, making it suitable for couples, families, or small groups seeking a private, tailored experience. The cost includes all taxes, fees, and admission fees for the winery visit, though food and drinks at restaurants and cable car tickets are not included.

Booking is flexible with a reserve now and pay later option, and full cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance, offering peace of mind for your planning.

Who Will Benefit Most from This Tour

This 8-hour private tour is especially suited for travelers who prefer a personalized itinerary and enjoy scenic views, cultural sites, and local wine tastings. The flexibility to explore at your own pace makes it ideal for couples, small groups, or anyone wanting an intimate experience on Santorini.

While the tour covers many highlights, it is important to consider that admission fees and meals are extras, so budgeting accordingly is advised. The comfortable pace and comprehensive itinerary make this a well-rounded way to experience Santorini’s diverse attractions.

The Sum Up: A Personalized Day in Santorini’s Highlights

This private 8-hour tour of Santorini offers a well-rounded exploration of the island’s most celebrated sights, with the added advantage of a personal guide and customizable stops. From the volcanic caldera to Oia’s charm, and the monastery at the highest point, each part of the day provides meaningful insights and stunning scenery.

The optional wine tasting and flexible dining options add to the experience, giving travelers a taste of local culture and flavors. While admission fees and food are not included, the overall value lies in the expert guidance, private setting, and carefully curated stops. This tour suits visitors who are looking for an intimate, flexible, and scenic exploration of Santorini.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this tour suitable for all fitness levels?
Yes, the tour is designed for a comfortable pace, but some stops involve walking uphill or on uneven surfaces, such as the monastery at high elevation.

Can I customize the stops?
The tour is private, so your guide can tailor certain aspects, such as the winery visit or dining options, based on your preferences.

What is included in the price?
The price includes pick-up and return, a full day of sightseeing with an expert guide, admission fees for the winery, and taxes and fees.

Are meals included?
No, meals are not included, but the tour provides recommendations and free time to dine at local restaurants.

How flexible are the pickup locations?
Pickup is available from various locations like hotels, Airbnb, the cruise port, or airport, with arrangements for inaccessible hotels.

Is wine tasting optional?
Yes, the wine tasting is optional, and guests can choose to skip it if they prefer.

What are the drop-off points?
Drop-off is available at Perissa, Akrotiri, Kamari, Oia, Imerovigli, Thera, and other designated locations.

How do I book this tour?
Reservations can be made with flexible payment options, including pay later, and full cancellation is allowed up to 24 hours before the tour.

What makes this tour stand out?
The private setting, expert local guide, and customizable itinerary allow for a personalized experience that highlights Santorini’s natural beauty and cultural richness.

Is this tour good for cruise ship passengers?
Yes, with pick-up and drop-off from the Santorini cruise port, it offers a convenient way for cruise travelers to enjoy a comprehensive day on the island.

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