Santorini Highlights& Wine Tasting Private Tour

Exploring Santorini in just six hours becomes a memorable experience with the Santorini Highlights & Wine Tasting Private Tour. Priced at $232.71 per person, this tour offers an efficient way to see the island’s most requested attractions while enjoying a tasting of local wines. The tour starts in the morning and wraps up by midday, making it perfect for travelers with limited time or those seeking a rundown of the island’s top sights.

What sets this experience apart is its personalized format — a private tour that ensures personalized attention and flexibility. The tour includes pickup service, and the guide leads you through six carefully selected stops, each showcasing a different aspect of Santorini’s beauty and culture. Based on the past ten years of guest preferences, this route balances panoramic viewpoints, archaeological insights, beaches, and wine tasting all in one seamless half-day outing.

While the tour covers a lot of ground, it’s important to note that lunch and snacks are not included. Guests should plan to explore the free time at Perissa Village for lunch or watersports. The tour is designed for most travelers and is accessible for service animals, but some stops require walking and brief standing. This experience appeals most to those who want a well-rounded glimpse of Santorini’s highlights with expert guidance and a relaxed pace.

Key Points

• Private, customizable experience focused on top Santorini sights and wine tasting
• Six-hour tour that covers panoramic viewpoints, beaches, archaeological sites, and local wineries
• Visit Profitis Ilias, the highest point of the island, for sweeping views
• Photo stops at Red Beach, Akrotiri Lighthouse, and Perissa Village
• Wine tasting at Santo Wines, with insights into local winemaking traditions
• Includes bottled water and winery entrance fees, no lunch included

Journey to the Highest Point: Profitis Ilias Monastery

The tour begins at the Monastery of Profitis Ilias, the highest spot on Santorini. The 30-minute visit offers sweeping panoramic views of the entire island, making it an ideal spot for photos. The monastery has cultural significance and provides a peaceful setting to start the day. This stop is free, and most of the visit focuses on appreciating the vast landscape from above.

Red Beach: A Photo Stop Above the Cliffs

Next, the tour makes a 20-minute photo stop at the famed Red Beach, perched above the cliffs. Due to safety restrictions, visitors cannot descend to the actual beach, but from above, the striking red volcanic cliffs and vivid scenery are perfect for photos. This brief stop allows travelers to soak in the unique color contrasts that define Santorini’s volcanic landscape.

Passing by Akrotiri Archaeological Site and Lighthouse

The route then passes by the Akrotiri archaeological site and the traditional Akrotiri Village, offering brief glimpses of the prehistoric settlement. A few minutes are allocated for photos at the Akrotiri Lighthouse, where the rugged coastlines and sea views create memorable images. This pass-by provides cultural context without a full archaeological tour, making it a quick but informative stop.

Relaxing at Perissa Black Sand Beach

The highlight of the afternoon is 1.5 hours at Perissa Village, home to the famous black sand beach. Visitors have ample time to explore the beachfront cafes, tavernas, souvenir shops, and watersports options. This stop is an opportunity to relax, swim, or enjoy lunch at local eateries. The beach’s unique volcanic sand makes it a standout spot for photos and unwinding.

Wine Tasting at Santo Wines

The day concludes with a visit to Santo Wines, an oeno-tourism center perched on the caldera’s edge. Here, guests enjoy wine tastings of local Santorinian wines, gaining insight into the island’s winemaking traditions. The 45-minute visit also offers free time for photos and purchasing wines, enhancing the experience with a taste of Santorini’s culinary craft.

Logistics and Comfort

The tour includes pickup service and group discounts, though it is primarily designed as a private experience for a single group. The mobile ticket makes it easy to access, and most travelers will find the pace comfortable. Bottled water is provided, but snacks and lunch are not included, so plan accordingly if you wish to eat during the free time at Perissa.

The Guide and Guest Experience

Reviews highlight knowledgeable guides, particularly praising Christos for his engaging storytelling and friendliness. Guests appreciate how the guides enhance the experience with personal insights and useful recommendations for dining and exploring. The wine tasting, guided by an excellent sommelier, is a favorite feature, praised for its quality and local authenticity.

Booking and Cancellation Policy

The tour is highly popular, often booked 111 days in advance, reflecting its appeal. Cancellations are free if made 24 hours in advance, offering flexibility in case of weather changes or schedule adjustments. The experience requires good weather, and if canceled due to poor conditions, a full refund or rebooking is offered.

Final Thoughts: A Well-Rounded Santorini Snapshot

This private 6-hour tour is an excellent choice for travelers seeking a balanced introduction to Santorini’s most iconic sights and flavors. The route’s highlights include panoramic views from Profitis Ilias, the striking Red Beach, the historic Akrotiri Lighthouse, and the lively Perissa Village. The wine tasting at Santo Wines caps off the experience with a taste of local culture.

The personalized nature and well-chosen stops make this tour flexible and enjoyable, especially for those who want a relaxed and rundown without rushing. The expert guides ensure that the story behind each location is shared with warmth and knowledge. The main limitation is the lack of included lunch, but ample free time at Perissa Village allows for a satisfying meal and exploration.

Overall, this tour appeals most to those who value comfort, expert guidance, and a curated experience of Santorini’s highlights, combined with a delicious wine tasting. It offers a practical yet engaging way to absorb the island’s beauty and culture within a half-day framework, leaving guests with lasting memories of their Santorini adventure.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is included in the tour price?
The tour includes entrance fees for Santo Wines, wine tasting, and bottled water. Lunch and snacks are not included, so plan to explore local eateries during free time.

How long is the tour?
The tour lasts approximately 6 hours, starting in the morning and ending around midday.

Is this tour private?
Yes, this is a private experience for your group, with the option for group discounts.

What are the main stops on this tour?
The stops include Profitis Ilias Monastery, Red Beach, Akrotiri Lighthouse, Perissa Black Sand Beach, and Santo Wines.

Are there any physical requirements?
The stops involve some walking and standing, but most locations are accessible for most travelers. Service animals are allowed.

Can I cancel the tour?
Yes, cancellations are free if made at least 24 hours in advance. No refunds are given if canceled within 24 hours of the start.

Is lunch included?
No, lunch is not included. The tour provides free time in Perissa Village for lunch or watersports.

What is the booking lead time?
Most bookings are made about 111 days in advance, reflecting its popularity.

Who leads the tour?
The guides are experienced, with reviews praising Christos for his storytelling and friendliness.

Can I customize my experience?
As a private tour, it offers some flexibility, but the route follows the established stops based on past guest requests.

Is weather a concern?
Yes, the tour requires good weather. If canceled due to weather, a full refund or alternative date is available.

How do I book this tour?
Reservations are made online, with options for mobile tickets and pickup service, making the process straightforward.