Santorini: Traditional Sightseeing Bus Tour with Oia Sunset

Travel to Santorini with this comprehensive full-day sightseeing bus tour offered by NST Santorini Tours. Priced at $67 per person, the tour lasts around 10 hours, making it an excellent way to see the island’s highlights without the hassle of planning each stop. Starting from Thera and including hotel pickup options, this experience is designed for travelers eager to explore Santorini’s famed archaeological sites, charming villages, and scenic vistas.

One of the main draws is the guided tour of the Akrotiri excavation, often called the prehistoric Pompeii of Greece. Visitors also enjoy wine tasting sessions, traditional villages like Emporio, and time to relax at Perissa Beach. The day culminates with the spectacular sunset viewing in Oia, one of the most photogenic scenes in Greece. While the tour offers a rich experience, it’s important to note that entrance fees to the Akrotiri site are not included, and the tour is not suitable for very young children or visitors with mobility challenges.

This tour suits travelers who want an organized, full overview of Santorini in one day, especially those interested in history, scenic views, and local culture. Its well-paced itinerary and knowledgeable guides make it a reliable choice, while reviews highlight excellent guide narration, beautiful stops, and great value for money.

Key Points

• Full-day sightseeing tour exploring Santorini’s main highlights
• Price of $67 per person with hotel pickup included
• Visit Akrotiri archaeological site, Emporio village, and Perissa Beach
• Enjoy a private wine tasting of 3 local wines
• Experience the Oia sunset, one of Greece’s most iconic views
• Tour duration is approximately 10 hours, with flexible starting times

You can check availability for your dates here:

Starting Point and Transportation Logistics

The tour departs from Thera, with an approximate pickup time at 10:30 AM from Fira and other nearby locations such as Oia, Kamari, Imerovigli, Firostefani, and Pyrgos. The pickup process is straightforward, with pick-up and drop-off included as long as travelers provide their hotel information and are punctual. The transportation is by air-conditioned bus, ensuring a comfortable ride across the island’s diverse terrain.

For those arriving by cruise ship or in the Old Port, note that cars and buses cannot access the port directly, so cruise guests will need to take the cable car to Fira to meet the bus. The driver and guides are praised for their punctuality and professionalism, making the logistics smooth on the day of the tour.

Exploring the Akrotiri Excavation Site

The guided tour of Akrotiri is a key highlight of the day. This Minoan Bronze Age settlement was buried by a volcanic eruption in the 17th century BC, preserving ancient buildings, frescoes, and artifacts. Visitors learn about the archaeological significance and history behind the site. The entrance fee of €20 per person is not included, but the guide provides insightful commentary during the visit.

The site is not visited from November to March, so availability depends on the time of year. Visitors should wear comfortable shoes and be prepared for some walking, as the site is on foot and involves exploring uneven terrain.

Visiting the Village of Emporio

Next, the tour takes you to Emporio, a quaint hilltop village featuring medieval castles, centuries-old churches, and traditional windmills. The village showcases the authentic side of Santorini, away from the more touristy spots. Visitors are encouraged to stroll through the narrow streets, browse local shops, and take in the views from elevated vantage points.

This stop offers a relaxing break and an opportunity to appreciate the island’s history and architecture. It’s ideal for those interested in photography and local culture.

Relaxing at Perissa Black Sand Beach

Perissa Beach provides ample free time for lunch and swimming. The black sand is a signature feature of Santorini’s volcanic landscape, and many choose to relax, sunbathe, or swim in the clear waters. There are numerous beach bars and restaurants where visitors can enjoy local cuisine and refreshing drinks.

The tour allows enough time to unwind, making it a good chance to escape the bus pace and enjoy the natural beauty of the island.

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Tasting Santorinian Wine

A special feature of this tour is the private wine tasting session, where participants sample 3 wines made from local grape varieties. The winery visit includes insights into the winemaking process and the distinctive flavors characteristic of Santorini wines.

Many reviews highlight this experience as a delightful addition, although some note that the wine tasting might be not as extensive as other specialized tours. Still, it offers a nice taste of local produce and culture.

Climbing to Profitis Ilias for Panoramic Views

The tour stops at Profitis Ilias, the highest peak on the island. From this vantage point, visitors admire panoramic views that stretch from agricultural plains to village rooftops. The site is also home to an Orthodox monastery, adding a cultural element to the stop.

The scenic outlook provides perfect photo opportunities, especially on clear days. The elevation means visitors should be prepared for some moderate walking.

Oia Sunset Experience

The final highlight is the famous sunset in Oia. Travelers enjoy free time to explore this picturesque village, renowned for its whitewashed buildings and blue-domed churches. The sunset in Oia is considered one of Greece’s most photogenic moments, with stunning colors illuminating the caldera.

While the guided part of the tour ends here, visitors are free to find their own perfect sunset spot or simply admire the view from the designated meeting point. The tour schedule provides two departure times from Oia, giving flexibility for the sunset viewing.

Practicalities and Tour Inclusions

The tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off, guided tour of Akrotiri, and the wine tasting experience. It does not include entrance fees for Akrotiri or lunch and drinks at the beach. Travelers should bring cash for entrance fees and personal expenses, as well as sunscreen, towels, and a camera.

The tour is conducted in multiple languages (English, Spanish, French), with live guides delivering engaging commentary. The 10-hour schedule offers a full overview of Santorini, with adequate time at each stop to enjoy the surroundings.

Review Highlights and What Makes This Tour Stand Out

The positive reviews emphasize knowledgeable guides, beautiful scenery, and good value. Many praise the well-organized itinerary and the variety of stops, which include archaeological sites, villages, beaches, and viewpoints. The Oia sunset consistently receives high praise for its stunning beauty.

Some reviewers mention that timing is generally well-managed, though crowd levels at popular spots like Oia can be high. The guides’ explanations and friendly attitude contribute significantly to the overall experience.

Limitations and Considerations

While this tour covers many highlights, entrance fees are not included, which might increase costs for some sites. The Akrotiri excavations are not accessible from November to March, so seasonal timing could affect availability.

The tour involves some walking and standing, so it may not be suitable for people with reduced mobility or young children under 5. The pacing is generally comfortable, but travelers should be prepared for a full day of sightseeing.

Santorini: Full-Day Bus Tour with Sunset in Oia – Who Will Enjoy It?

This well-rounded experience appeals most to those who want a carefully curated overview of Santorini’s top attractions in one day. The combination of archaeological exploration, village visits, beach time, wine tasting, and the sunset offers a comprehensive look at the island. The professional guides and smooth logistics enhance the trip’s reliability.

While it lacks the depth of specialized tours (like in-depth wine or culinary experiences), its balance of highlights and flexibility makes it an excellent choice for first-time visitors or travelers with limited time. The price point of $67 reflects good value for money, considering the multiple stops and included activities.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is included in the tour?
The tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off, a guided tour of Akrotiri, and a private wine tasting of three local wines.

Are entrance fees included?
No, the entrance fee for the Akrotiri excavation (€20) is not included and must be paid separately.

How long is the tour?
The duration is approximately 10 hours, with the schedule flexible around starting times and pickup points.

What stops are on the itinerary?
Stops include Akrotiri archaeological site, Emporio village, Perissa Beach, Profitis Ilias, and Oia for the sunset.

Is the tour suitable for children or mobility-impaired travelers?
The tour requires walking at sites and involves some physical activity, so it’s not suitable for children under 5 or those with mobility challenges.

Can I customize the schedule?
The itinerary is fixed, but free time at Perissa Beach and Oia sunset viewing allows some flexibility for personal exploration.

What language is the tour conducted in?
The tour is offered in English, Spanish, and French, with live guides providing commentary.

How do I book and pay?
You can reserve now and pay later; full refunds are available if canceled up to 24 hours in advance.

What should I bring?
Travelers should bring sunscreen, towels, cash for entrance fees, and a camera to capture the views.

Is there anything I should be aware of?
Timing is important; pickup times are scheduled, and travelers must be punctual. Also, Akrotiri is not visited from November to March.

This Santorini bus tour offers a balanced and engaging day, highlighting the island’s most iconic sights with the convenience of guided commentary and organized logistics. It’s a dependable way to experience Santorini’s archaeological wonders, scenic villages, and breathtaking sunsets without overextending oneself.

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