Best Of Santorini Private Customizable Tour

Travel to Santorini with confidence through the Best Of Santorini Private Customizable Tour, a highly-rated experience with a perfect 5.0 based on 94 reviews. Priced at $243.83 per person, this tour offers an engaging 6-hour journey that covers the island’s most celebrated spots and lesser-known treasures. With private transportation, hotel or port pickup, and an English-speaking guide, it ensures a smooth, personalized exploration of Santorini’s highlights, including Oia, Red Beach, and the Monastery of Profitis Ilias.

This tour is ideal for those who appreciate flexibility, insider insights, and beautiful scenery. Keep in mind that some walking, stairs, and slopes are part of the experience, making it best suited for individuals with moderate physical fitness. The tour’s popularity—booked on average 86 days in advance—speaks to its value for discovering Santorini in a compact, well-organized manner.

Key Points

• Private, customizable 6-hour tour of Santorini, perfect for personalized experiences.
• Visits to iconic locations like Oia, Red Beach, and the Monastery of Profitis Ilias.
• Includes private minivan transport with hotel or port pickup and drop-off.
• Opportunity to swim at two beaches and enjoy seaside lunch (lunch not included).
• Guides are knowledgeable and praised for their friendly, informative approach.
• Tour operates with group discounts and mobile tickets for added convenience.

Starting Point: Pickup and Transport in Santorini

The tour begins with free minivan pickup from your chosen location, whether your hotel, port, or airport. This convenient start ensures you skip the hassle of organizing transport and jump straight into exploring the island. The private transportation remains with you throughout the 6-hour experience, making travel between sites smooth and comfortable.

The vehicle handles most of the driving, with the guide managing the stops, allowing for maximum efficiency and comfort. The meeting point for cruise passengers is at the top of the cruise port’s cable car, ensuring easy access for those arriving by ship.

Visiting Santorini’s Iconic Village of Oia

The tour’s first stop is the famous village of Oia, perched in the island’s northern part. Known worldwide for its blue-domed churches and spectacular panoramic views, Oia remains a top photo opportunity. Visitors get 1 hour 30 minutes to wander through the charming streets, take pictures of the tiered white houses, and soak in the breathtaking scenery.

This stop captures the essence of Santorini’s postcard image, and guides often emphasize the village’s photogenic charm. The admission to Oia is free, making it a cost-effective highlight of the tour.

Exploring the Traditional Village of Megalochori

Next, the tour takes you through steep hills and dry grassland to reach Megalochori, a less touristy but equally picturesque village in the island’s center. Here, tiny whitewashed houses, blue-domed churches, and underground cave dwellings compose a serene setting.

You get 35 minutes to stroll the narrow pathways, admire tiered bell towers, and observe local architecture. The guide shares insights into local culture and lifestyle, providing a more authentic taste of Santorini beyond the busier tourist spots.

Visiting the Akrotiri Lighthouse for Panoramic Views

The tour proceeds southwest to the Akrotiri Lighthouse, built in 1892. This location offers spectacular views of the surrounding islands and is renowned as one of the best lighthouse spots in the Cyclades.

Spending 20 minutes here, visitors can walk along the cliff paths or sit on the rocks by the sea, soaking in the dramatic volcanic scenery. On clear days, the lighthouse provides an excellent vantage point for photography or sunset views.

Viewing the Red Beach’s Unique Volcanic Landscape

The tour then visits Red Beach, a notable natural formation famous for its reddish cliffs and volcanic scenery. With 20 minutes allotted, visitors can take photos of this breathtaking site and walk along the volcanic sands.

The beach’s distinctive reddish cliffs are a visual highlight, offering a chance to appreciate Santorini’s volcanic origins. While there is no swimming time allocated here, the scenery alone makes this stop worthwhile.

Relaxing at Perivolos Beach with Lunch Opportunity

At the southernmost point of the island, Perivolos Beach awaits after a 10-minute drive. This black sand beach is famous for its crystal-clear waters and seaside restaurants. You’re given 1 hour to walk, swim in the Aegean Sea, or enjoy a lunch at one of the beachfront tavernas (lunch not included).

The vibrant beach scene makes Perivolos a perfect place to unwind and experience Santorini’s lively seaside atmosphere. The tour allows flexibility here, so you can choose to relax or explore further along the coast.

Visiting the Monastery of Profitis Ilias at the Highest Point

The tour concludes with a visit to the Monastery of Profitis Ilias, perched at 565 meters above sea level. Surrounded by vineyard terrain, this old monastery built in 1711 offers panoramic views across the entire island.

Guests can sample local products and wine made by the monks, as the guide shares stories about the monastery’s history. Spending 25 minutes here provides a peaceful ending with stunning vistas over Santorini’s landscape.

The Guide’s Role and Personalization

Reviews highlight guides like Dimitris (“Jimmy”), Dimitris, Yiannis, Dora, and Argyris as friendly, knowledgeable, and attentive. They are praised for their timeliness, ability to tailor the experience, and sharing insights without overwhelming.

The private nature of the tour ensures a personalized experience, and group discounts or additional language options can be available. This flexibility makes the tour suitable for various preferences and physical needs.

Physical Fitness and Accessibility

While most travelers can participate, some walking, stairs, and slopes are part of the experience. The tour recommends moderate physical fitness, but guides strive to find alternative solutions for different needs, making it accessible to a wide audience.

Cancellation and Booking Flexibility

The tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, providing peace of mind. Once booked, confirmation is immediate, and the mobile tickets simplify check-in. This makes scheduling flexible for those with uncertain plans.

Best Of Santorini Private Customizable Tour: Final Thoughts

This tour excels in providing a comprehensive, flexible way to see Santorini’s top sights and hidden gems in just 6 hours. With private transport and a friendly guide, it offers a personalized experience that balances iconic photo stops with authentic local culture.

Highlights include the stunning views from Akrotiri Lighthouse, the picturesque village of Oia, and the volcanic scenery of Red Beach. The opportunity to relax at Perivolos Beach and visit the monastery at Profitis Ilias further enriches the experience.

While some walking is involved, most will find the pace manageable. The high praise in reviews for guides’ knowledge and friendliness makes this tour a trustworthy choice for visitors wanting a well-rounded, customized day on Santorini.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this tour suitable for people with limited mobility?
While most people can participate, this tour involves walking, stairs, and slopes, requiring moderate physical fitness. Guides try to accommodate different needs.

What is included in the price?
The price covers private transportation, hotel/port/airport pickup and drop-off, an English-speaking guide, bottled water, and all fees and taxes.

Are meals included in the tour?
No, lunch at seaside restaurants is not included, but there is ample time to eat and relax at Perivolos Beach.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, the tour allows free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

What makes this tour different from others?
Its private, customizable nature, the expert guides, and the balanced mix of famous and lesser-known sites distinguish this experience.

Is there any additional cost I should be aware of?
Optional cable car tickets (around 6 EUR per way) for cruise ship travelers, and museum entrance fees are not included.

How long in advance should I book?
Given its popularity, booking about 86 days in advance is recommended to secure your preferred date.

What do reviews say about the guides?
Reviews consistently praise guides like Dimitris, Yiannis, and Argyris for their knowledge, friendliness, and ability to tailor the experience.

Is this tour good for photography?
Absolutely—stops like Oia, Red Beach, and the lighthouse provide fantastic photo opportunities. The guides often share tips for capturing the best shots.

Can I customize the itinerary?
Yes, as a private, customizable tour, guides are happy to adjust stops based on your interests and physical needs.

What is the primary benefit of this tour?
The combination of personalized guidance, flexible schedule, and coverage of key sights makes it a convenient way to see the best of Santorini in a single day.