Santorini Private HIGHLIGHTS TOUR

Discover the Best of Santorini on a Private Highlights Tour

The Santorini Private Highlights Tour offers a well-rounded glimpse of this stunning Greek island in just 4 to 5 hours. Priced at $46.27 per group, this tour is perfect for those who want to see Santorini’s top sights comfortably and with personalized attention. The tour boasts a 5.0 out of 5 rating from 17 reviews and is recommended by 100% of participants.

What makes this experience stand out is its flexible, private nature. With a well-informed local driver-guide, you get a customized itinerary that covers village highlights, archaeological sites, beaches, and scenic viewpoints. Convenient hotel pickups across most of the island ensure a smooth start, and the mobile ticket makes booking simple.

While the tour is rich in highlights, it is designed for those who enjoy cultural exploration combined with scenic vistas. It suits visitors looking for a comprehensive but relaxed way to explore Santorini without rushing or sticking to a large group.

Key Points

• Private, customizable half-day tour of Santorini’s most iconic sights
• Four to five hours with hotel pickup and air-conditioned transport
• Visits to Oia, Pyrgos, Akrotiri, and more, with free admission at most stops
• Explore red and black beaches, traditional villages, and scenic viewpoints
• Led by an experienced local driver-guide with a focus on comfort and flexibility
• Additional costs include Akrotiri archaeological site tickets and lunch if desired

Starting the Santorini Experience with Hotel Transfers

This tour begins with hotel pickup across most of Santorini, easing the challenge of finding meeting points. The air-conditioned vehicle ensures comfort throughout the tour, especially given the island’s warm climate. The private nature of the tour means your group enjoys a personalized experience, with the flexibility to focus more time on the locations that interest you most.

The driver-guide acts as both a local expert and a friendly companion, providing insightful commentary and answering questions. The bottled water included helps keep everyone refreshed, making the journey enjoyable from start to finish.

Visiting Oia: Santorini’s Most Photogenic Village

The first stop is Oia, renowned for its stunning blue-domed churches and spectacular sunset views. This famous village is a highlight for many visitors, offering beautiful spots for photos and plenty of boutique shopping. The visit lasts about an hour, allowing ample time to explore the charming streets and take in the views.

Oia’s visual appeal and relaxed atmosphere make it a perfect start to the tour. As the most iconic village on the island, it provides a memorable backdrop for photos and a chance to soak in the Santorini ambiance.

Exploring Pyrgos: The Oldest Village of Santorini

Next, the tour heads to Pyrgos, known as the oldest and most traditional village on the island. It features narrow streets, historic churches, and the Pyrgos Castle atop the hill, which offers panoramic views of the entire island. The 30-minute stop here gives enough time to wander and appreciate the authentic island vibe.

This village’s traditional architecture and quiet charm contrast with the busier spots, providing a glimpse into Santorini’s past. The free admission makes it a budget-friendly highlight of the day.

Visiting the Monastery of Profitis Ilias at the Top of the Mountain

The Monastery of Profitis Ilya sits at 550 meters above sea level, offering sweeping views of Santorini. The 20-minute visit includes exploring the small monastery, which is over 500 years old, and browsing the monk-made products available in the small shop.

Perched at the highest point of the island, this stop combines historical significance with stunning panoramic vistas. It’s a peaceful moment in the tour, giving insight into local religious heritage and a chance to enjoy breathtaking scenery.

Discovering Akrotiri: The Ancient City Ruins

One of the tour’s most compelling stops is the Akrotiri archaeological site, a 4000-year-old ancient city. Visitors can walk among the ruins, exploring the well-preserved structures of this prehistoric Minoan settlement. The site is not included in the admission fee, which is 8 EUR per person, so plan accordingly.

The 45-minute visit provides a fascinating look into ancient life on Santorini. From the lighthouse nearby, visitors can enjoy a spectacular sunset view, adding an extra layer of magic to this historical highlight.

Relaxing at Perivolos Black Beach

The tour includes a stop at Perivolos Beach, famous for its long stretch of black volcanic sand. It’s a perfect place to enjoy the unique volcanic coastline and unwind at one of the many beach bars and restaurants. The 30-minute stop allows for a quick swim, a leisurely walk, or a refreshment break.

This black sand beach is a staple of Santorini’s natural scenery and offers a distinctive coastal experience that’s different from typical beaches.

Imerovigli and Skaros Rock: Scenic Views and Sunset Spotting

The village of Imerovigli offers spectacular views of the caldera and is home to the famous Skaros Rock. The 30-minute stop here allows visitors to enjoy breathtaking vistas and take photos of the cliffside landscape.

Imerovigli’s elevated position makes it a prime location for sunset viewing, reinforcing its reputation as a romantic spot. The village’s peaceful atmosphere contrasts with the busy tourist areas, providing a quiet moment in the day’s itinerary.

Megalochori: Traditional Village and Winery Visit

The tour concludes in Megalohori, a charming traditional village with local houses and historic churches. This small village conveys authentic island life and hosts one of the best wineries on the island. The 30-minute stop includes photo opportunities and a chance to browse local craft shops.

Megalohori’s quaint streets and wineries appeal to those interested in local wine culture. While the tour doesn’t include wine tastings, the visit provides a sense of Santorini’s agricultural heritage.

Practical Details and Additional Costs

The private transportation and air-conditioned vehicle are included in the price, with all fees and taxes covered. The tour guide is an experienced local driver, ensuring both knowledgeable commentary and smooth logistics.

Additional costs that travelers should consider are tickets for the Akrotiri archaeological site (8 EUR), lunch at seaside restaurants, and cable car tickets (6 EUR per person) if traveling with a cruise ship. These are not included in the base price but are optional enhancements to the experience.

Who Will Appreciate This Tour?

This private tour appeals to those who value comfort, flexibility, and personalized service. It is well-suited for couples, small groups, or families looking to see Santorini’s highlights without the rush of large tours.

The knowledgeable guide and well-planned stops make it an excellent choice for first-time visitors or those wanting a rundown in a short time. It’s especially beneficial for cruise passengers needing a timely, efficient way to explore the island.

The Sum Up: A Flexible and Scenic Way to Experience Santorini

The Santorini Private Highlights Tour offers a cost-effective, well-organized, and personalized way to see the island’s most famous sights. From the picturesque streets of Oia to the ancient ruins of Akrotiri, this tour balances cultural highlights with breathtaking vistas.

While it does not include access to some sites like Akrotiri or lunch, the inclusive transportation and expert guide make it a valuable option for those seeking a relaxed yet rundown. The tour’s positive reviews speak to its ability to combine scenic beauty, historical insights, and comfortable logistics.

This tour best suits visitors wanting a personalized, flexible experience with the convenience of hotel pickup and local expertise. It’s an excellent choice for those who want to maximize their time and see Santorini’s highlights without the hassle of large group tours.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this tour suitable for cruise ship passengers?
Yes, cruise ship passengers can participate. They need to provide their ship name, docking time, and disembarkation and re-boarding times.

What is included in the price?
The tour includes private transportation, an air-conditioned vehicle, bottled water, all fees and taxes, and an experienced local driver-guide.

Are there any extra costs?
Yes, Akrotiri archaeological site tickets cost 8 EUR per person, and lunch or cable car tickets are additional expenses if desired.

How long does each stop last?
Most stops range from 20 to 45 minutes, allowing sufficient time for photos, exploration, and enjoying the views.

Is the tour flexible in its itinerary?
Yes, as a private experience, the driver-guide can modify the schedule slightly to fit your interests.

What are the main highlights of the tour?
Oia’s sunset views, Pyrgos’s traditional streets, Profitis Ilias monastery, Akrotiri ruins, Perivolos beach, Imerovigli’s caldera views, and Megalohori village.

Is lunch included?
No, lunch is not included but can be enjoyed at seaside restaurants during the free time at Perivolos Beach.

What is the recommended booking time?
Most bookings are made 86 days in advance, indicating high demand for this popular tour.

Who operates this tour?
The tour is provided by HOLIDAY MOOD SANTORINI.

Can this tour accommodate service animals?
Yes, service animals are allowed on the tour.

How do I cancel if needed?
Cancellation is free up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. Cancellations made less than 24 hours prior are non-refundable.