Private Half day – Best of Santorini and Wine Tasting tour

Explore Santorini’s highlights in style with the Private Half Day – Best of Santorini and Wine Tasting tour. Priced at $253.53 per person, this 6-hour adventure offers a personalized experience, complete with hotel pickup, air-conditioned transport, and an expert driver-guide. With a perfect 5.0 rating from 14 reviews, it’s highly recommended by 100% of participants, making it a top choice for visitors eager to see the island’s most photogenic spots and sample its famous wines.

This tour is ideal for those looking for a comprehensive yet relaxed way to enjoy Santorini’s beauty without the hassle of large group tours. The small-group, private format ensures an intimate atmosphere, while the flexible itinerary allows for ample photo opportunities and leisure at each stop. A highlight is the wine tasting visit to a traditional winery, where you can savor volcanic-grown grapes, adding a delicious layer to your Santorini experience.

Key Points

• Private 6-hour tour with hotel pickup and drop-off for a personalized experience
• Visit iconic locations like Oia, Fira, and Pyrgos Kallistis with plenty of photo stops
• Explore the highest point of the island at the Convent of Profitis Ilias for spectacular views
• Relax at Perissa Black Sand Beach, known for its volcanic black sand and crystal-clear waters
• Enjoy a wine tasting at a traditional Santorini winery, sampling wines made from volcanic soil
• Flexible, private service ensures a tailored experience suited to your preferences

Starting the Tour at the Famous Village of Oia

The tour begins at Oia, renowned for its blue-domed churches and whitewashed buildings perched on the cliffs. You’ll have about 1 hour and 10 minutes to explore the narrow alleys, take photos of the Caldera, and soak in breathtaking views of the sea. Expect to see the iconic Blue Domes, which are perfect for memorable pictures. The walk is comfortable, but comfortable shoes are recommended to navigate the charming, uneven streets.

This stop offers plenty of time for exploration and photo opportunities, making it a favorite for capturing the quintessential Santorini scenery. The proximity to the caldera provides stunning vistas that are best enjoyed at your own pace.

Exploring Fira: The Island’s Vibrant Capital

Next, the tour heads to Fira, the bustling capital of Santorini. Here, visitors find the Prehistoric Thira Museum and the Orthodox and Catholic Cathedral, providing insight into the island’s cultural tapestry. The caldera views from Fira are especially striking, with panoramic sights of the volcano and sea.

Fira’s lively streets are filled with stores, cafes, and tavernas, making it perfect for a leisurely walk. The market, the largest on the island, offers local products, souvenirs, and tasty snacks, ideal for those wanting to experience the local vibe. About 1 hour is allocated for this stop, allowing enough time to explore without feeling rushed.

Visiting the Convent of Profitis Ilias for Panoramic Views

The tour includes a stop at the Convent of Profitis Ilias, perched at 567 meters (1860 feet) atop the mountain. This site offers one of the most breathtaking panoramic views of Santorini and the surrounding sea. Inside, the convent houses a collection of holy images, handwritten books, and rare ecclesiastical items.

Spending approximately 20 minutes here gives ample opportunity to enjoy the vistas and learn about the convent’s history. The high vantage point provides excellent photo opportunities of the island’s landscape and volcanic landscape.

Discovering Pyrgos Kallistis: The Old Capital

Next, the journey takes you to Pyrgos Kallistis, once the old capital and the highest village on Santorini. The village’s medieval castle, beautiful churches, and traditional houses create a charming atmosphere. The picturesque alleys invite wandering and exploring at your own pace.

With around 30 minutes allocated, visitors can enjoy a relaxed stroll, soaking in the authentic village ambiance. Pyrgos offers a quieter, more local experience compared to the busier tourist spots, with scenic views from its elevated position.

Relaxing at Perissa Black Sand Beach

The next stop is Perissa Black Sand Beach, famous for its dark volcanic sand and crystal-clear waters. The beach is fully equipped with restaurants and beach bars, making it an ideal place to unwind. Visitors can indulge in refreshments, sample local food, or try water sports like windsurfing, snorkeling, or kayaking.

Spending about 45 minutes here gives enough time to relax and take in the striking landscape, where the black sand contrasts vividly with the Aegean Sea. This stop combines natural beauty with casual leisure.

Wine Tasting at a Traditional Santorini Winery

The highlight for many is the wine tasting at a traditional winery. In this about 1-hour experience, staff guide visitors through the wine-making process, emphasizing the unique qualities of grapes grown in volcanic soil. You get to taste distinct wines, which add a flavorful dimension to the tour.

While admission to the winery is not included, the experience is praised for its knowledgeable staff and quality wines. This stop captures the essence of Santorini’s wine heritage, making it a memorable part of the day.

Practical Details: Transport, Inclusion, and Flexibility

This private tour uses a state-of-the-art mini van driven by an English-speaking driver-guide, ensuring comfort and personalized service. Hotel pickup and drop-off are included, saving you the hassle of logistics. The vehicle is air-conditioned, perfect for the island’s warm weather.

Guests receive free Wi-Fi and a bottle of water, making the experience convenient and comfortable. The tour is designed for most travelers, with service animals allowed. Because it’s private, your group can customize the pace and focus on your interests.

Price, Booking, and Cancellation Policies

At $253.53 per person, this tour offers good value for a small-group, personalized experience. It is typically booked 13 days in advance, highlighting its popularity. The cancellation policy is flexible, with free cancellation available up to 24 hours prior, allowing peace of mind.

The tour’s 6-hour duration ensures a rundown of Santorini’s highlights without feeling rushed, ideal for visitors with limited time but wanting an in-depth look.

Reviews and Reputation

The tour boasts a perfect 5.0 rating from 14 reviews, with 100% recommendation. Review comments highlight the excellent service provided by Dionisis and his team, emphasizing reliability, punctuality, and useful insights about the island’s attractions and dining options. The guides’ knowledge and friendliness are frequently praised, making this tour both enjoyable and informative.

Limitations and Considerations

While the tour covers many highlights, the wine tasting and admission to the winery are not included in the price. Visitors should budget for 6 EUR per person for cable car tickets if they plan to visit the volcano or other attractions by boat. The duration is fixed at about 6 hours, so those seeking a more leisurely pace or in-depth exploration of specific sites may want to consider additional options.

Santorini in a Nutshell: The Practical Choice

This private half-day tour offers a well-rounded overview of Santorini’s most photogenic spots and a unique wine tasting experience. Its personalized format, comfortable transport, and knowledgeable driver-guides make it a reliable choice for travelers seeking convenience and quality.

The balance of sightseeing, leisure, and tasting ensures a memorable, manageable introduction to the island. While the price is on the higher side for a half-day activity, the private service and curated stops provide excellent value and a stress-free experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is included in the tour?
The tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off, private air-conditioned vehicle, driver-guide, photo stop opportunities, and wine tasting at a traditional winery. Bottle of water and free Wi-Fi are also provided.

How long does the tour last?
The tour lasts approximately 6 hours, giving ample time to visit key sites and enjoy the wine tasting without feeling rushed.

What are the main stops on this tour?
Stops include Oia, Fira, the Convent of Profitis Ilias, Pyrgos Kallistis, Perissa Black Sand Beach, and a wine tasting at a traditional winery.

Is the tour suitable for all ages?
Yes, the tour is designed for most travelers and most travelers can participate. Service animals are also allowed.

What should I bring?
Comfortable walking shoes are recommended for exploring Oia and Fira. Bring sun protection and a camera for photos.

Can I customize this tour?
As a private experience, the itinerary can be flexible, allowing some customization based on your preferences.

Are there any additional costs?
Yes, cable car tickets (6 EUR per person) may be needed if you plan to visit certain attractions by boat. The wine tasting fee is not included.

What if the weather is poor?
The tour requires good weather. If canceled due to weather, you will be offered an alternative date or full refund.

How do I book this tour?
Booking is straightforward via the platform, with most bookings made 13 days in advance. The tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours before the scheduled time.

Who is the tour provider?
This experience is provided by Makedas Travel, known for reliable, private tours on Santorini.