Best of Santorini Full-Day Private Guided Tour

A Personalized Full-Day Adventure on Santorini for Up to One

The Best of Santorini Full-Day Private Guided Tour offers an immersive way to explore this iconic Greek island. Priced at $676 per group, it’s designed for up to 18 people, making it a flexible and intimate experience. The tour lasts approximately 7.5 hours, with departure times varying based on availability. This tour is ideal for those who want a tailored, in-depth look at Santorini’s most famous spots with a knowledgeable guide leading the way.

The tour includes private transportation in an air-conditioned vehicle, a private local guide, and all taxes and fees. While entrance fees and food are not included, the flexibility to customize your itinerary makes it attractive for first-time visitors and seasoned travelers alike. The tour’s high rating of 4.8 out of 5 from 23 reviews reflects its well-regarded balance of comfort, insight, and scenic highlights.

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Key Points

• Private, customizable experience with a local guide
• 7.5-hour tour covering major sights and hidden gems
• Includes visits to Akrotiri Excavations, villages, beaches, and wine tasting
• Flexible departure times and hotel, port, or airport pickup
• Spectacular views from Imerovigli, Oia, and Prophet Elias
• All taxes and private transportation included

Starting from Thera with Private Transportation

This tour departs from Thera, the main town on Santorini, with hotel, villa, airport, or cruise port pickup included. The private vehicle ensures comfortable travel across the island’s diverse terrain, with pick-up and drop-off tailored to your location. The private group size allows for flexibility in timing, spending as much or as little time at each stop as desired.

The tour’s starting point is flexible, with options for cruise ship passengers at the upper cable car station in Fira. The private guide meets you at your accommodation or designated location, ensuring a smooth start for a full day of exploration.

Visiting Akrotiri Excavations: The Lost Bronze Age City

The tour’s first major stop is Akrotiri Excavations, a UNESCO-worthy site where a prehistoric city lies preserved beneath volcanic ash. This site dates back 3,600 years, created by the Minoan volcanic eruption, and is often linked to the legend of Atlantis. Visitors see well-preserved multi-storied buildings, magnificent wall paintings, and an elaborate drainage system highlighting the advanced nature of this ancient settlement.

The guide explains how ash preserved the city in remarkable detail, offering a glimpse into life during the Bronze Age. This stop provides a fascinating look at archaeological marvels without the long lines, as the tour skips ticket lines and streamlines entry, maximizing your time.

Exploring Santorini’s Iconic Beaches: Red and Black Sands

After Akrotiri, the tour moves to the Red Beach, famous for its vivid red volcanic sand that creates a striking landscape. The Red Beach is a picture-perfect sight, with towering cliffs framing the sandy shoreline. Nearby, the Black Beach of Perivolos offers the largest stretch of volcanic pebble beach on the island. Its dark sands and clear waters provide an ideal spot for relaxing or taking photos.

Travelers can enjoy spectacular sea views and the chance to dip into the Aegean, with the option to stop for a seaside lunch at a restaurant. These beaches combine natural beauty with a sense of tranquility often missed in busier, larger group tours.

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Discovering Emporio and Goulas Fortress Ruins

The next stop is Emporio, the island’s largest village, known for its traditional charm and historic windmills. Walking through this village, visitors see authentic Cretan-style architecture and can admire panoramic views of the island. The guide leads a walk through narrow streets to the ruins of Kasteli, a Byzantine fortress, and the Goulas Gully, offering a glimpse into the island’s defensive past.

The visit to Emporio provides a quieter, more authentic experience away from the crowds, perfect for those interested in local life and history. The views from the hilltop are particularly captivating, offering photo opportunities with the island’s landscape as a backdrop.

Reaching the Peak of Prophet Elias for Panoramic Views

The tour ascends to Prophet Ilias, Santorini’s highest point at about 2,000 feet (600 meters) above sea level. From this vantage, visitors enjoy 360-degree views of the island and the surrounding Aegean Sea. The guide takes you inside the Greek Christian monastery perched at the summit, which adds a cultural and historical dimension to this scenic stop.

This spot is renowned for its breathtaking vistas and the sense of being on top of the island. The walk to the monastery is manageable, but comfortable shoes are recommended, especially in warmer weather.

Exploring Pyrgos and the Venetian Castle Ruins

Next, the tour visits Pyrgos, the island’s old capital, famous for its Venetian castle ruins and narrow winding streets. The guided walk in Pyrgos offers insights into its historical significance and architectural charm. Visitors can explore the castle ruins, which once provided strategic defense and now serve as a vantage point for views over Santorini.

Pyrgos is ideal for those interested in medieval history and traditional Cycladic architecture. The village’s charm lies in its quiet lanes and panoramic overlooks, making it a peaceful contrast to busier sites.

Wine Tasting at Venetsanos Winery: Secrets of Santorini’s Viticulture

A highlight of the tour is a visit to Venetsanos Winery, where the guide shares wine-making secrets. This traditional winery offers a chance to taste local wines, many made from grapes grown on volcanic soil, giving them a unique flavor profile. The tasting experience includes insights into the island’s wine history and production methods.

This stop combines education with pleasure, allowing visitors to sample some of Santorini’s famous wines while enjoying stunning views of the caldera. It’s a relaxing break that highlights the island’s viticultural heritage.

Visiting Firostefani’s Blue Dome Church and Imerovigli’s Cliffside Views

On the way north, the tour includes a brief stop in Firostefani at the iconic Blue Dome Church, a postcard favorite. Just a short visit, the church’s bright blue dome contrasts beautifully with the whitewashed surroundings and offers excellent photo opportunities.

The next stop is Imerovigli, perched on a higher cliff with spectacular views of the caldera. In front of the village, Skaros Rock juts out from the sea, historically used as a lookout for pirates. This area offers some of the most dramatic landscape photographs and a chance to appreciate the raw volcanic beauty of Santorini.

Oia: The Village of Artists and Sunset Views

The day concludes in Oia, perhaps the most famous village on Santorini. Built along the caldera’s rim, Oia is renowned for its traditional architecture, artistic atmosphere, and breathtaking sunsets. The village features dwellings built into volcanic rock niches, creating a picturesque setting that has inspired countless painters and photographers.

Visitors have time to stroll through narrow streets, explore boutique shops, and take in panoramic views of the sea and volcanic islands. Oia’s sunset is world-famous, making it a must-see destination before returning to Thera.

Practical Details: Flexibility and Comfort

This private tour emphasizes customization. You can choose your departure time, and the guide adjusts the itinerary to your interests. The air-conditioned vehicle ensures comfort, and private guiding allows for a relaxed pace and personalized attention.

The 7.5-hour schedule is carefully managed to maximize sightseeing and minimize rush. The tour also includes bottle of water and all taxes, with optional lunch at the beaches. Since food and entrance fees are not included, travelers should plan accordingly.

Who Will Appreciate This Tour Most?

This tour suits those who prefer an intimate, personalized experience with a knowledgeable guide. It’s ideal for first-time visitors who want to see Santorini’s highlights without the hassle of organizing logistics themselves. The private group setting ensures a relaxed pace and flexibility, making it perfect for families, couples, or small groups of friends.

Travelers interested in history, local culture, scenic views, and wine will find this tour particularly rewarding. However, those with mobility issues may find some stops challenging due to walking and uneven terrain.

Final Thoughts on the Best of Santorini Private Tour

The Best of Santorini tour offers a comprehensive, comfortable way to explore this stunning island. Its flexible itinerary and personal guide help craft an experience tailored to your interests, with highlights like Akrotiri, villages, beaches, and vineyards all included.

While it doesn’t cover every possible attraction, it hits the main sights and offers insider insights, especially at places like Venetsanos Winery and Pyrgos. The high reviewer ratings reflect consistent satisfaction, highlighting knowledgeable guides, spectacular views, and a well-paced schedule.

This tour provides good value for those seeking a luxurious, private day that balances sightseeing with comfort and local flavor.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the tour suitable for all ages?
The tour is designed for groups of up to 18 and involves walking at some stops, so it’s best suited for those in good mobility. It’s not ideal for individuals with mobility impairments or wheelchair users.

What is included in the price?
The price covers private transport, a private local guide, all taxes and fees, and a bottle of water. Entrance fees and meals are not included but can be added or arranged separately.

Can I customize the tour?
Yes, the tour features custom departure times and a flexible itinerary, allowing the guide to tailor the day to your preferences and interests.

What should I bring?
Bring comfortable shoes, a sun hat, and a camera to capture the stunning scenery. Sunscreen is also recommended.

How long in advance should I book?
Availability varies, but booking at least a few days in advance is advised to secure your preferred date and time. Cancellation is free if made 24 hours prior.

This private guided tour of Santorini promises a well-rounded, scenic, and personalized experience of Greece’s most famous island.

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