Discover Santorini: Private Full-Day Tour with Wine Tasting!

Discover Santorini: Private Full-Day Tour with Wine Tasting

This full-day private tour in Santorini offers an intimate way to explore the island’s most iconic sights, with a focus on breathtaking views, local wine tastings, and scenic stops. Priced at $621 per group up to 2, it lasts approximately 6 hours, making it a manageable yet comprehensive way to see Santorini’s best spots without feeling rushed.

Operated by The Breeze Tour, this experience includes a luxury Mercedes minibus with a professional driver-guide, ensuring a comfortable and informative journey. While the tour covers a broad range of highlights—like Oia, Fira, Megalochori, and the volcanic beaches—it’s especially suited for those who appreciate personalized attention and want to avoid large group tours.

The tour is ideal for travelers seeking a flexible, curated experience that balances sightseeing with wine tasting, all while soaking in the island’s famous panoramic views. Keep in mind, food and drinks are not included, but the complimentary wine tasting at Koutsogiannopoulos adds a delicious local touch.

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Key Points

• Private, luxury transportation with a professional guide
• Six-hour itinerary covering Santorini’s top sights and viewpoints
• Includes wine tasting at the Koutsogiannopoulos Wine Museum
• Visits to Red and Black beaches for unique volcanic scenery
• Coverage of iconic villages like Oia, Fira, Imerovigli, and Megalochori
• Flexible pickup options from any location on the island or cruise port

Starting Point and Customizable Pickups in Thera

This private tour begins in Thera (Fira), with pickup and drop-off included at your hotel or a nearby location. The guide is available to coordinate pickups from anywhere on the island, including cruise ship ports. For cruise travelers, a dedicated driver will meet you at the upper exit of the cable car after disembarkation, holding a name sign for easy identification.

Because some hotels may not be accessible by car, the driver will meet guests at the closest accessible point. This flexibility helps ensure a smooth start regardless of your accommodation or docking location.

Exploring Santorini’s Northern Villages: Oia, Firostefani, and Imerovigli

The tour kicks off with stops in Oia, Firostefani, and Imerovigli — three of Santorini’s most picturesque villages. Oia is famous for its white houses and blue domes, offering perfect photo opportunities. The guide leads a walk through these villages, sharing insights on their charm and architecture.

At each location, there are photo stops and guided visits, giving travelers a chance to take in the endless views of the Caldera and the surrounding islands like Thirasia. The panoramic scenery from these villages is a highlight, with plenty of opportunities to capture the classic Santorini vistas.

Koutsogiannopoulos Wine Museum: A Natural Cave Experience

A major highlight is the visit to the Koutsogiannopoulos Wine Museum, located inside a natural cave that extends 8 meters below ground over 300 meters long. The museum’s labyrinthine design offers an immersive experience into the island’s wine-making history.

Here, guests enjoy a guided tour with explanations of local wine traditions, followed by a complimentary tasting of four local varieties: Assyrtiko (white), Orange Wine (white), Ambelones (red), and Kamaritis (dessert red). Accompanying crackers and chocolates enhance the tasting experience, giving a true taste of Santorini’s wine craftsmanship.

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Ascending Prophet Elias Mountain for 360° Views

The tour proceeds to Prophet Elias Mountain, the highest point on the island at 1,500 feet above sea level. The ascent offers spectacular 360-degree views of Santorini, including the volcano, Aegean Sea, and the surrounding islands. It’s an ideal spot for photos and soaking in the vast landscapes that define the island.

At the top, there’s also the Prophet Elias Church, which adds a touch of local spirituality and history to the panoramic experience. The elevation and scenery make this stop a must for landscape lovers.

Exploring Megalochori: A Traditional Village Walk

Next, the guide leads a walk through Megalochori, a charming village with quaint alleys and traditional architecture. This settlement offers a glimpse into local life, away from the more tourist-heavy spots. Visitors stroll past local houses, small churches, and plaza cafes, gaining a sense of authentic Santorini charm.

The village’s calm atmosphere contrasts with the busier tourist areas, making it a relaxing stop where travelers can appreciate the island’s cultural heritage and take photos of classic Cycladic architecture.

Visiting the Red Beach: Unique Volcanic Scenery

The tour makes a photo stop at Red Beach, famous for its striking red volcanic rocks and dramatic cliffs. Visitors can walk along the beach, admiring the vivid red colors that make this spot stand out among Santorini’s beaches.

This area is particularly popular for photography and offers a unique landscape shaped by Santorini’s volcanic activity. Because of its rough terrain, the walk can be brief, but the scenery provides a memorable visual experience.

Black Sand Beach at Perissa for Relaxation

The final stop is at Perissa Black Sand Beach, a 4-kilometer stretch of dark volcanic sand. This beach offers a relaxing break where visitors can walk along the shoreline, take photos, or simply enjoy the scenic setting.

While the tour does not include food, this stop provides a chance to freely explore or relax before returning to Thera. The spacious beach and unique sand make it a noteworthy highlight for beach lovers.

Logistics, Timing, and Tour Flexibility

The tour runs for about 6 hours, with start times subject to availability. The small group size and private nature mean the itinerary can be adjusted based on preferences, although the core stops are consistent. The driver-guide provides local insights and helps with any questions along the way.

Because the tour includes transportation in a climate-controlled minivan with a professional guide, it’s suitable for those who want a comfortable, hassle-free way to see Santorini’s highlights without the complications of self-driving or large bus groups.

What Sets This Tour Apart from Others

This private experience offers personalized attention and the chance to visit less crowded areas like Megalochori and secret viewpoints. The wine tasting component adds a delicious cultural touch, unique to this tour.

The tour’s flexibility in pickup options makes it ideal for both hotel guests and cruise ship passengers, with a driver ready to meet at the upper cable car station if needed. The luxury vehicle and knowledgeable guide contribute to a comfortable and informative day.

Final Thoughts on the Santorini Full-Day Private Tour

This full-day private tour balances scenic vistas, cultural visits, and wine tasting to give a comprehensive taste of Santorini. The $621 price covers the personalized service, luxury transportation, and entry to key sites.

While it doesn’t include meals, the wine tasting experience and stops at volcanic beaches provide plenty of memorable moments. The tour suits adventurous travelers who value authentic experiences and customizable itineraries in a relaxed setting.

The positive reviews highlight friendly guides and stunning views, confirming its reputation as a well-organized, enjoyable way to explore the island’s highlights in one day.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the tour?
The tour lasts approximately 6 hours.

What is included in the price?
The private tour, professional driver/guide, air-conditioned transport, pickup and drop-off, and wine tasting at Koutsogiannopoulos with four wines, crackers, chocolate, and bottled water are included.

Are food and drinks included?
No, food and drinks are not included, but wine tasting is provided at the museum.

Can I customize the itinerary?
Yes, the tour offers flexibility for customization within the core stops.

Where does the tour start?
It begins in Thera (Fira), with pickup from your hotel or nearby location.

Is this tour suitable for cruise ship passengers?
Yes, cruise ship visitors can be met at the upper cable car station with prior notice of disembarkation times and cruise ship name.

What should I bring?
Bring comfortable shoes, sunscreen, a hat, and a camera for photos.

Is the tour accessible for all?
The itinerary involves some walking at beaches and villages; check specific accessibility needs in advance.

What language is the tour guided in?
The tour is conducted in English.

What makes this tour different from other Santorini excursions?
Its private setting, customizable itinerary, and unique wine tasting experience set it apart from larger group tours.

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