Santorini Discovery Private Custom Tour

A Santorini Discovery Private Custom Tour offers a personalized way to experience the island’s most iconic sights in about 5 hours for $156.28 per person. This tour sets itself apart through its flexibility — after pickup, it works with each guest to craft an itinerary tailored to your interests. Whether you’re drawn to the stunning architecture of Oia, the volcanic landscapes, or the island’s renowned wine, this private tour brings a curated touch to your Santorini adventure.

Rated 5.0 out of 5 by three reviews, the tour has proven popular for its attentive guides and customizable experience. The air-conditioned vehicle ensures comfort throughout, and the hotel, airport, or port pickup and drop-off make logistics easy. Keep in mind that entrance fees for the archaeological site and wine tasting are not included, but overall, this tour offers a flexible, engaging way to explore Santorini’s highlights with an experienced local guide.

Key Points

• Private, customizable 5-hour tour with flexible stops based on your interests
• Includes pickup and drop-off from your hotel, airport, or port in Santorini
• Visit iconic sites like Oia, Firostefani, Megalochori, and monastery of Prophet Elias
• Stops at stunning volcanic beaches including Red Beach and Black Sand Beach Perissa
• Opportunity for wine tasting at Venetsanos Winery with panoramic views
• Admission fees for sites like Akrotiri Archaeological Site are not included

Exploring Santorini with a Personalized Touch

This private tour begins with a convenient pickup in your location, allowing you to skip the hassle of navigating the island alone. The itinerary is tailored according to your preferences, making each experience unique. You decide which stops resonate most, whether that’s exploring traditional villages, visiting archaeological ruins, or enjoying the island’s scenic beaches.

The tour lasts around five hours, providing ample time to visit several highlights without feeling rushed. The local guide leads the way, sharing insights into the island’s history, architecture, and culture while offering plenty of opportunities for memorable photographs. Multiple reviews note guides like Yannis and Jenny for their knowledge, friendly demeanor, and attention to individual needs.

Oia: The Most Picturesque Village of Santorini

The first stop is the renowned village of Oia, famous for its white-washed buildings, blue-domed churches, and picturesque port at Ammoudi Bay. This area is ideal for capturing the classic Santorini images, with stunning views of the caldera. Visitors can spend about an hour here, soaking in the scenery, exploring local shops, or snapping photos for their albums and social media.

The famous blue dome church with three bells in Firostefani, known as the Crown of Fira, is a quick 15-minute stop. It’s a postcard-worthy spot and offers a great vantage point to view the island. Both stops are admission-free, making them accessible highlights of the tour.

Discovering Tradition in Megalochori Village

Next, the tour takes you to Megalochori, a 17th-century traditional village. Here, the focus is on architecture and local history. Visitors can walk through narrow streets, admire old stone houses, and visit an Old Cave to see how residents once lived. This 30-minute stop offers a glimpse into the island’s past, with free access to the village and cave site.

The stop emphasizes preservation of local heritage and provides excellent backdrops for photos. It’s a peaceful contrast to the busier tourist spots and appeals particularly to those interested in authentic village life.

Elevation and Panoramic Views from Moni Profiti Ilia

The monastery of Prophet Elias stands at roughly 567 meters above sea level, making it the highest point on Santorini. Visiting this 15-minute stop rewards guests with spectacular panoramic views of the entire island. Standing here, travelers get a sense of the vast volcanic landscape stretching below.

While the monastery itself is free to visit, the view from this vantage point is a highlight, offering the perfect photo opportunity and a moment of reflection amid the scenery.

Relaxing at Black Sand and Red Beaches

The tour includes stops at two of Santorini’s most famous beaches. The Black Sand Beach of Perissa extends along a fully organized shoreline with restaurants, beach bars, and sunbeds. Visitors can enjoy around 20 minutes of free time to relax, take photos, or grab a snack.

The Red Beach has a uniquely volcanic appearance, characterized by red volcanic cliffs and crimson sands. This 20-minute stop offers a dramatic landscape that seems almost extraterrestrial. Both beaches are free to visit and offer fantastic scenery for photography.

Visiting the Akrotiri Archaeological Site

A highlight for history buffs is the Akrotiri Archaeological Site, a prehistoric settlement buried by a volcanic eruption around 1613 BC. The site showcases well-preserved ruins that reveal insights into ancient Minoan civilization. The visit lasts about an hour, though admission fees are not included.

Guests should be prepared for some walking and standing, as the site involves exploring excavations. This stop is especially appealing to those interested in archaeology and ancient history.

The Lighthouse and Romantic Views

The Lighthouse, built in 1892, represents one of the earliest in Greece. Located on the island’s southern tip, it offers spectacular views of the caldera and sea. The 30-minute stop here is perfect for taking photos and soaking in the romantic atmosphere.

Since there is no entrance fee, visitors enjoy the scenic surroundings, making it an ideal brief break to appreciate Santorini’s nautical heritage and landscape.

Wine Tasting at Venetsanos Winery

Santorini’s wine-making tradition is world-famous, and the Venetsanos Winery provides a 50-minute stop for wine tasting. Guests can sample local varieties while enjoying spectacular views over the caldera. The wine tasting itself is an additional expense starting from 25 euros per person.

This activity offers a relaxing pause, with the opportunity to learn about the island’s viticulture and sample authentic Greek wines in a stunning setting.

Customization and Flexibility of the Tour

Since this is a private, personalized experience, you have the freedom to select around five stops from the suggested itinerary. The guide works with your preferences from the outset, shaping the day to suit your interests. Whether you prioritize historical sites, beaches, villages, or wine, the itinerary adapts accordingly.

This flexibility offers a more tailored experience, making each tour feel unique and ensuring you get the most out of your limited time on the island.

Practical Details and Booking Insights

The tour includes an air-conditioned vehicle, local taxes, and easy pickup and drop-off. It’s suitable for most travelers, with most participants able to join. For cruise ship passengers, the tour requires ship name, docking time, and start time during booking.

The cost per person is $156.28, with the option to cancel free of charge up to 24 hours in advance. The custom nature of the tour makes it a versatile choice for those seeking a personalized, stress-free day.

Who Will Enjoy This Tour Most?

This private and customizable tour is ideal for travelers who value flexibility and personalized attention. It suits those interested in culture, scenery, and wine, as well as visitors with limited time who want to see Santorini’s highlights efficiently. The knowledgeable guides and tailored itinerary ensure an engaging experience, especially for those who appreciate off-the-beaten-path stops alongside popular sights.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

What is included in the price?
The air-conditioned vehicle, local taxes, and hotel/airport/port pickup and drop-off are included. Entrance fees for sites like Akrotiri and wine tasting are not included.

Can I customize the stops?
Yes, the tour is personalized; you can choose up to five stops based on your interests.

Is this tour suitable for cruise ship passengers?
Yes, but during booking, cruise ship passengers must provide ship name, docking time, and start time.

Are food and drinks included?
No, food and drinks are not included but can be purchased during stops.

What makes this tour different from others?
The private, customizable nature and personalized guide service set this tour apart, offering flexibility and a tailored experience.

Is the tour accessible for people with mobility issues?
The reviews highlight guides like Yannis who customize the tour for mobility needs, showing the guide’s attentiveness.

What about the Red Beach and Black Sand Beach?
These spectacular beaches are free to visit, with short stops allowing for photos and relaxation.

Do I need to pay for the archaeological site?
Yes, entrance fees for the Akrotiri Archaeological Site are not included in the tour price.

How do I book this tour?
Through the provided platform, with options for free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start.

This Santorini Discovery Private Custom Tour offers a balanced mix of sightseeing, cultural exploration, and relaxation in a personalized format. Its flexibility and attention to individual interests make it a strong choice for those seeking a tailored experience of Santorini’s best features.