Oia Sunset and Traditional Villages Full Day Tour

This full-day tour of Santorini offers a comprehensive look at the island’s most iconic sights for $63.05 per person. With a 10-hour duration, it covers everything from ancient ruins to stunning sunset vistas, making it ideal for travelers who want an efficient but enriching experience. The tour features hotel pickup and drop-off, along with a guide who shares insights at each stop, plus wine tastings at a local winery.

While this tour is packed with highlights, it does involve some bus changes and a full day on your feet. The group size is limited to 50 travelers, which helps maintain a friendly, manageable atmosphere. It’s a good fit for those who appreciate a structured itinerary, cultural insights, and scenic views, but it’s less suited for visitors seeking a relaxed, unhurried pace.

Key Points

• All-day sightseeing around Santorini including Akrotiri, Oia, beaches, and more
• Includes hotel pickup and drop-off from various locations across the island
• Visit to Akrotiri Archaeological Site (closed Tuesdays, with an entrance fee of €20)
• Wine tasting experience at Venetsanos Winery included in the price
• Spectacular sunset viewing in Oia, with stops at famous landmarks like the Blue Dome Church
• Multiple stops allow for free time at the beach and in picturesque villages

Exploring Akrotiri Archaeological Site and Ancient Ruins

The tour begins with a visit to Akrotiri Archaeological Site, a well-preserved Bronze Age settlement buried in volcanic ash nearly 3,600 years ago. Exploring the ruins, you see multi-storied buildings dating back to the 16th century BC and glimpse the advanced drainage systems that reveal the ingenuity of the ancient inhabitants.

This site offers a fascinating look into early Minoan civilization, but note that the admission fee of €20 is not included in the tour price and must be paid on-site. The site is closed every Tuesday, so check your schedule accordingly. The guide provides historical context, making this stop both educational and visually impressive.

Visiting Emporio, One of Santorini’s Oldest Villages

Next, the tour visits Emporio, a village built like a labyrinth with narrow streets that wind around centuries-old buildings. The 15th-century medieval fortress here remains a key attraction, offering insight into Santorini’s defensive history.

This free stop allows visitors to wander at their own pace, exploring traditional architecture and local charm. It’s a chance to see a less touristy side of the island while soaking in authentic local atmosphere.

Relaxing at Perissa Black Sand Beach

After exploring history, the tour moves to Perissa Beach, one of the longest black sandy beaches in the Cyclades. Here, travelers enjoy about an hour of free time to have lunch, relax, and take in the views.

The beach’s black volcanic sand creates an unusual landscape, making it a visual contrast to the whitewashed villages elsewhere on the island. The free time is perfect for a quick swim or just soaking up the sun, though the tour doesn’t include specific food options, so plan accordingly.

Reaching the Summit at Profitis Ilias Mountain

A short drive takes everyone to Profitis Ilias Monastery and the highest point of Santorini at 567 meters. From here, visitors get sweeping panoramic views of the entire island, including the caldera and surrounding islands.

This half-hour stop offers fantastic photo opportunities and a chance to breathe in the fresh mountain air. It’s an accessible and peaceful spot that caps off the day’s sightseeing with impressive vistas.

Tasting Local Wines at Venetsanos Winery

One of the tour’s highlights is a wine tasting session at Venetsanos Winery. The winery is known for its traditional production methods, and the tasting includes three different wines.

An hour-long visit to the winery provides a taste of local flavors and insights into Santorini’s wine-making history. This experience is included in the price, adding value for those interested in local gastronomy and culture.

Sunset in Oia and the Famous Blue Dome Church

As daylight fades, the tour moves to Oia, the quintessential Greek village famous for its whitewashed houses, blue-domed churches, and stunning caldera views. Visitors gather to witness the legendary sunset, a daily spectacle that draws crowds from all over the world.

The guide leads the group to the Kastro of Oia, a Venetian castle ruin with breathtaking views of the sea and cliffs. Afterward, travelers have about two hours to stroll the charming streets, visit shops, or take photos before the return journey begins.

The Logistics: Convenience and Group Size

This tour starts at 10:30 am, with pickup from various hotel locations across Santorini. The group size is capped at 50 travelers, which helps keep the experience intimate and manageable. The tour uses air-conditioned coaches, ensuring comfort during the long day of travel.

Note that during the winter months (November-March), the tour starts earlier at around 9:00 am and excludes the Akrotiri site, which is closed in the off-season.

The Guide and Transportation Experience

Throughout the day, a knowledgeable guide shares details about each location, history, and local culture. Review comments highlight guides like Kim and Giánnis for their engaging stories and helpfulness.

Transportation involves bus changes at some points, which can be a minor inconvenience, especially for those sensitive to multiple transfers. The bus driver Nikolas is praised for his professional driving and friendly attitude, making the long day more comfortable.

The Tour’s Value and Limitations

The $63.05 price point offers a solid value, considering the inclusion of multiple stops, wine tasting, and hotel pickup/drop-off. However, the Akrotiri entrance fee of €20 is paid separately. The tour is designed for those who want a structured day covering the island’s highlights with plenty of photo opportunities and free time.

Some reviews mention issues with bus changes and communication, and the early sunset in winter can shorten sightseeing at some stops during the off-season. Still, most feedback praises the professional guides and the well-organized itinerary.

Who Should Book This Tour?

This tour suits visitors who want a rundown of Santorini in one day, with a good mix of history, scenery, and local culture. It’s particularly ideal for those who appreciate guided experiences, value organized logistics, and are interested in wine tasting.

Those seeking a more relaxed or personalized exploration might prefer fewer stops or more time at each location. But for a cost-effective, full-day adventure, this tour delivers a well-rounded look at the best Santorini has to offer.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does this tour include the Akrotiri Archaeological Site?
Yes, unless it’s a Tuesday when the site is closed. The admission fee of €20 is paid separately on-site.

What is the starting time?
The tour begins at 10:30 am; during winter months, it starts at around 9:00 am.

Is hotel pickup available?
Yes, hotel pickup and drop-off are included from various locations across the island.

How long is the sunset viewing in Oia?
You have about two hours in Oia, which is ample time to enjoy the sunset and explore the village.

What is included in the tour price?
The guide, hotel pickup/drop-off, and wine tasting at Venetsanos Winery are included. The Akrotiri entrance fee is extra.

Are there any physical requirements?
Most stops involve walking, including exploring the archaeological site and wandering Oia’s streets. The tour is accessible for most travelers with moderate mobility.

What about free time during the day?
There’s free time at Perissa Beach, Emporio Village, and Oia to enjoy local restaurants, shopping, or relaxing.

Can I cancel this tour?
Yes, full cancellation is free if canceled at least 24 hours in advance. Less notice results in no refund.

Who operates this tour?
The provider is MTM TOURISM GREECE OE, with contact details available for inquiries.

Would you recommend this tour?
Most reviews highlight the knowledgeable guides, stunning views, and good value. It’s a practical choice for those wanting a variety of Santorini’s best sights in one day.

This Oia Sunset and Traditional Villages Full Day Tour offers a carefully curated experience of Santorini, blending historic exploration, scenic vistas, and cultural discovery. While it requires some bus changes and a full day’s commitment, the inclusions and thoughtful itinerary make it a worthwhile option for most visitors eager to see the island’s highlights efficiently.