Luxury Full Day Private Sightseeing Tour in Santorini

A Luxury Full Day Private Sightseeing Tour in Santorini offers an elegant and personalized way to explore this stunning Greek island. Priced at $172.60 per person and lasting approximately 5 hours, this tour provides a comfortable, air-conditioned vehicle and a dedicated driver-guide who shares captivating stories and insights. With a flexible pickup from your accommodation, it suits those looking for a tailored, stress-free exploration of Santorini’s most famous landmarks and hidden viewpoints.

The tour’s standout feature is its private nature, meaning only your group participates, allowing for personalized stops and a relaxed pace. This experience is ideal for travelers who want to see Santorini in comfort, enjoy panoramic vistas, and learn about the island’s history—all in a single, well-curated day. The tour is booked on average 63 days in advance, reflecting its popularity among discerning visitors.

While the tour covers a broad range of iconic spots, participants should note that admission fees at certain locations like the Akrotiri excavations are optional and not included in the price. The tour’s flexible timing and inclusion of amenities like WiFi, bottled water, and hotel pickup/drop-off make it convenient and enjoyable.

Key Points

• Private, luxury experience with a professional driver-guide
• Visit iconic sites like Oia, Imerovigli, and the Prophet Elias Monastery
• Scenic viewpoints over the caldera, volcano, and Aegean Sea
• Flexible itinerary with customized stops based on your interests
• Comfortable transportation in an air-conditioned vehicle with WiFi
• Full-day exploration lasting around 5 hours

Starting Point: Hotel Pickup and Custom Timing

This tour begins with a pickup from your accommodation in Santorini at a time that suits your schedule. The private nature of the tour ensures you don’t have to adhere to strict group timings, providing flexibility for early or later start times. The driver-guide greets you promptly and begins your journey through the island’s most scenic locations.

The convenience of hotel pickup and drop-off makes this experience seamless, especially after a long flight or prior day of sightseeing. The private vehicle is air-conditioned and equipped with WiFi, so you can stay connected as you enjoy the breathtaking views of Santorini.

Visiting the Three Bells of Fira: A Classic Landmark

The tour’s first stop is the Three Bells of Fira, one of the most recognizable symbols of Santorini. This church features a white bellcote and blue dome, standing out against the Aegean Sea behind it. Its location offers one of the best panoramic views of the island, perfect for photos or simply soaking in the scenery.

Spending about 25 minutes here allows enough time to admire the view, snap pictures, and hear about the church’s significance. Being a free admission site, it’s a highlight for its visual appeal and central location in Santorini’s most famous town.

Imerovigli: The Balcony of the Aegean

Next, the tour takes you to Imerovigli, often called the “Balcony of the Aegean.” This peaceful village is perched high on the cliffs, offering sweeping views of the caldera, volcano, and endless blue waters. From here, you can see Skaros Rock, a historic fortress-like formation dominating the landscape.

With around 30 minutes allocated, visitors can enjoy the tranquil atmosphere, capture photos of the spectacular scenery, and learn about the village’s quiet charm. The location’s reputation for stunning vistas makes it a favorite stop for those wanting to see Santorini’s natural beauty up close.

Oia Lookout and the Village’s Charm

A highlight of the tour is the Oia Lookout and Photo Panorama stop, lasting approximately 70 minutes. Oia is renowned worldwide for its whitewashed houses, blue-domed churches, and romantic sunsets. The traditional alleys are perfect for wandering and discovering boutique shops, while the caldera views make for unforgettable photo moments.

This stop offers an authentic experience of Santorini’s cosmopolitan charm. Visitors can enjoy panoramic vistas of the Aegean Sea, explore the picturesque village, and capture images of beautifully carved houses perched on the cliffs. Oia’s charm and beauty are unmatched, making it a must-see on the island.

Pyrgos: Medieval Grace and Unspoiled Atmosphere

The tour includes a stop at Pyrgos, the former capital and one of the best-preserved medieval settlements. Spending about 60 minutes here allows for a leisurely exploration of its arched pathways, traditional houses, and historic bell towers.

Pyrgos maintains an unruffled, authentic feel, offering a glimpse into the island’s past without the crowds of Oia. This stop is ideal for visitors interested in local architecture and quiet scenic spots that still hold onto their historical charm.

Prophet Elias Monastery and the Highest Viewpoint

At Profitis Ilias, the tour stays for about 30 minutes at the highest point of Santorini. The view from Prophet Elias is breathtaking, offering sweeping vistas of the Aegean Sea and surrounding islands. It’s an excellent spot to capture wide-angle photos and appreciate the island’s topography.

The monastery itself adds a cultural element, while the panoramic perspective provides a sense of the island’s scale and natural beauty. This stop appeals to those who appreciate spectacular viewpoints and photo opportunities.

Megalochori: A Picture-Perfect Traditional Village

A walk through Megalochori is like stepping back in time. The village features arched pathways, traditional stone houses, and bell towers, all offering a quintessential Greek island scene. The tour spends about 25 minutes here, giving enough time to explore the charming streets and visit the “Heart of Santorini,” a natural spot with breathtaking views.

Megalochori provides a quieter, authentic experience compared to busier tourist spots and is perfect for travelers seeking tranquility and traditional architecture.

Akrotiri Lighthouse: Coastal Beauty and Sunset Views

The Akrotiri Lighthouse offers some of the most stunning coastal views on the island. With 20 minutes allocated, visitors can enjoy vistas over the Aegean Sea and watch the sunset if timing allows. This location is renowned for its beautiful scenery and is a favorite for photographers.

While the lighthouse itself is simple, the surrounding views make this stop a peaceful and scenic conclusion to the day’s sightseeing.

Red Beach: Unique Volcanic Sand and Scenic Setting

The Red Beach is famous for its volcanic red sand and striking landscape. Spending 30 minutes here provides ample opportunity to stroll along the volcanic shoreline and take in the vivid colors of the rock formations.

The beach’s distinctive appearance makes it one of the most visually impressive beaches on Santorini. Visitors may choose to relax, take photos, or enjoy the scenery, but should be aware that the beach is best suited for a brief visit due to limited facilities.

Emporio: Traditional Village with Windmills and Local Charm

The tour’s final stop is Emporio, about 30 minutes long. Known for its row of eight windmills and historic architecture, Emporio offers a look at traditional village life. Historically, the residents were farmers and fishermen, and the village maintains its rustic appeal.

Walking through Emporio provides a relaxed ending to the tour, with opportunities to view local craftsmanship and enjoy authentic scenery.

Perissa Black Sand Beach: The Volcanic Coastline

Concluding the tour, Perissa Beach offers a unique volcanic sand experience. In 30 minutes, visitors can walk along the stunning shoreline, admire the mountain backdrop, and possibly enjoy a quick snack at seaside taverns.

This beach’s distinctive black sand and scenic surroundings make it a memorable spot to relax and reflect on the day’s exploration.

Final Thoughts on the Santorini Private Tour

This luxury private tour is a comprehensive way to see Santorini’s most famous and scenic spots in about 5 hours. Its private format ensures a relaxed pace, personalized stops, and meaningful commentary from your driver-guide. The inclusion of air-conditioned transportation, WiFi, and hotel pickup enhances the comfort and convenience of the experience.

While the tour covers many highlights, travelers should note that admission fees at some sites like Akrotiri are optional and not included. The customizable timing and flexible stops make it suitable for those wanting a tailored, hassle-free day. It appeals especially to visitors who prioritize comfort, personalized service, and scenic viewpoints over large group dynamics.

This tour offers excellent value for a private experience with a focus on the most photogenic, iconic, and culturally significant sites across Santorini.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the price of this tour?
The tour costs $172.60 per person.

How long does the tour last?
It lasts approximately 5 hours.

Is hotel pickup included?
Yes, hotel pickup and drop-off are included.

What stops are included on the tour?
Stops include the Three Bells of Fira, Imerovigli, Oia, Pyrgos, Profitis Ilias, Megalochori, Akrotiri Lighthouse, Red Beach, Emporio, and Perissa Black Sand Beach.

Are admission fees included?
No, some locations like Akrotiri excavations have optional admission fees that are not included.

Is this tour suitable for all ages?
Most travelers can participate, and the tour is designed to be comfortable and accessible.

What amenities are provided?
The vehicle is air-conditioned and equipped with WiFi, along with bottled water.

Can this tour be canceled?
Yes, it offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.

Who operates this tour?
The tour is provided by Saffron Tours Santorini.

How do I book this experience?
You can reserve through the provided link or contact the operator directly to secure your spot.

This private luxury tour stands out as a flexible, comfortable, and scenic way to explore Santorini’s most celebrated sights, making it an excellent choice for those seeking a personalized, high-quality experience.