Real Santorini: Full-Day Private Tour

Explore the stunning island of Santorini in style with the Real Santorini: Full-Day Private Tour. For $356.44 per person, this 8-hour adventure offers a flexible and personalized way to see the island’s most iconic spots. With round-trip hotel or cruise port pickup, a professional driver-guide, and air-conditioned Mercedes-Benz transport, it provides a seamless, comfortable experience. The tour is highly rated with a perfect 5.0 out of 5 from 28 reviews, emphasizing its quality, flexibility, and knowledgeable guides. Notably, the tour is suitable for most travelers and can be booked 24 days in advance on average, making it a reliable choice for those seeking a tailored Santorini excursion.

While this tour offers an impressive lineup of sights, including the Red Beach, Oia, Akrotiri, and Perivolos Beach, it’s worth noting that lunch and drinks are not included. However, the flexibility of the itinerary means you can prioritize the stops that interest you most, whether it’s sightseeing, photography, or relaxing by the sea.

Key Points

• Fully customizable private tour allowing personal preferences in a 8-hour window
• Includes round-trip transfers from your hotel or cruise port, with air-conditioned Mercedes-Benz vehicle
• Visit top sights like Oia, Red Beach, Akrotiri Archaeological Site, and Perivolos Beach
• Guided by a knowledgeable driver-guide, providing live commentary throughout
• Stops at scenic viewpoints and historical sites, with free admission at most locations
• Wine tasting at the largest winery is available, with no included tasting fee

Tour Departure and Duration

This private tour lasts approximately 8 hours, starting with convenient hotel or cruise port pickup. The flexibility allows the guide to customize the route based on your interests. The tour is designed to be leisurely, with enough time allocated for each stop, yet efficient enough to cover many of Santorini’s highlights within a day.

Comfort and Transportation in Style

Travelers appreciate the air-conditioned Mercedes-Benz deluxe vehicle, which ensures a comfortable journey across the island’s varied terrain. The guide, serving as both driver and host, provides live commentary and shares insights about each location, helping you learn more about Santorini’s unique features and history.

Scenic Stops in Firostefani and Oia

The tour begins with a photo stop in Firostefani, featuring the Blue Dome Church, an emblematic image of Santorini. Afterward, the guide takes you to Oia, famous for its blue domed churches, scenic pathways, and spectacular sunset views. This part of the tour allows about one hour to explore, take photos, and soak in the atmosphere of one of the island’s most picturesque towns.

Visiting the Highest Point: Prophet Ilias Mountain

One of the tour’s highlights is reaching Prophet Ilias Mountain, at 600 meters (2,000 feet) above sea level. Here, travelers can visit the monastery dedicated to Prophet Ilias and enjoy sweeping panoramic views of the island, caldera, and surrounding islands. This stop lasts approximately 30 minutes and offers excellent photo opportunities.

Exploring Traditional Villages: Pyrgos and Megalochori

The tour includes visits to Pyrgos Kallistis, known for its well-preserved Venetian castle, old Christian Orthodox churches, and traditional houses. Travelers spend about 35 minutes wandering through narrow streets and taking in the island’s authentic charm. Next, the picturesque village of Megalochori offers a chance to see restored mansions and pirate hideaways in a setting often described as incredibly authentic and charming. This stop lasts about 40 minutes.

Discovering Ancient History at Akrotiri

The Akrotiri Archaeological Site is a significant prehistoric settlement preserved under volcanic ash. It once was a thriving city, now offering a rare glimpse into ancient architecture and artifacts preserved by volcanic activity. Admission is not included, but the hour-long exploration provides insight into one of Greece’s most important archaeological finds.

Unique Natural Wonders: Red Beach and Perivolos Beach

The Red Beach is renowned for its striking red volcanic rocks, formed by ongoing geological processes. The tour stops here for about 25 minutes, enough to admire the unusual landscape. Later, at Perivolos Beach, travelers can enjoy crystal-clear waters and the lively atmosphere of Santorini’s most famous black sand beach. An optional lunch at a seaside restaurant is possible during the 1-hour beach stop, which offers excellent views of the Aegean Sea.

Sampling Local Wines at Santo Wines

No Santorini tour is complete without tasting the local wine varieties. The tour concludes with a visit to the largest winery on the island, Santo Wines, where you can enjoy a one-hour tasting experience. While tasting fees are not included, the setting offers spectacular views, making it a perfect way to unwind and savor Santorini’s vinicultural heritage.

Practical Details and Booking Info

This private tour is a flexible, intimate experience, with group discounts available. It is suitable for most travelers, including those arriving by cruise or staying in hotels. The tour’s mobile ticket and confirmation at booking make planning straightforward. The cancellation policy allows free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, providing peace of mind.

Who Will Appreciate This Tour Most

This customizable private experience works best for those who want to see Santorini at their own pace, with a focus on scenic views and cultural sites. It suits travelers who value comfort, flexibility, and expert guidance, especially since most stops are free to enter and the vehicle provides air-conditioned comfort.

Final Thoughts on the Santorini Private Day Tour

This tour offers a balanced mix of iconic sights, scenic viewpoints, and cultural stops, all accessible via comfortable transportation with a knowledgeable guide. The full-day format allows for an in-depth exploration without feeling rushed, especially when customizing stops to suit personal interests. The high ratings and glowing reviews highlight the quality of guides and the overall experience, making it a dependable choice for those wanting a tailored day on the island.

While lunch and drinks are not included, the flexibility to choose where and when to eat adds a personal touch. This tour is particularly well-suited for first-time visitors or those wanting a comprehensive yet intimate look at Santorini’s best features. Its private nature ensures a relaxed, personalized experience, perfect for both couples and groups.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I customize the itinerary of this tour?
Yes, this is a fully private and customizable tour, allowing you to prioritize the stops that interest you most.

Are hotel pickups included?
Yes, hotel or cruise port pickup is included, making logistics easy.

How long does the tour last?
The tour lasts approximately 8 hours, giving ample time to explore several key sites.

Is transportation comfortable?
Absolutely, the tour uses a luxury air-conditioned Mercedes-Benz vehicle for a smooth ride.

Are most attractions included in the price?
Most stops are free of charge, but Akrotiri archaeological site and wine tasting at Santo Wines are not included in the ticket price.

Can I visit the beaches?
Yes, you will visit Red Beach and Perivolos Beach, with time to enjoy the scenery and optional lunch.

Is this tour suitable for anyone with mobility issues?
The tour involves some walking at stops like Pyrgos and Megalochori, but overall, it’s accessible for most travelers.

How far in advance should I book?
It’s recommended to book around 24 days in advance on average, to secure your preferred date.

What are the main highlights of this tour?
The highlights include Oia’s sunset views, Prophet Ilias mountain, Akrotiri archaeological site, Red Beach, black sand beach of Perivolos, and a wine tasting experience.

What is the price per person?
The tour costs $356.44 per person, offering a private, personalized experience with excellent value for a full day of exploration.