Discover Santorini: Private Full-Day Tour with Wine Tasting!

If you’re dreaming of exploring Santorini’s most iconic sights in comfort and style, this private full-day tour promises an authentic and personalized experience. With a knowledgeable guide at your side, you’ll cover the highlights—stunning viewpoints, charming villages, and volcanic beaches—without the hassle of navigating yourself.

What really makes this tour stand out? First, the luxury transport in a private Mercedes minibus ensures you travel in style and comfort. Second, the carefully curated stops, from the UNESCO-famous villages of Oia and Imerovigli to the lesser-known corners like Megalochori, give you a real taste of local life and unforgettable vistas. Lastly, the included wine tasting at Koutsogiannopoulos adds a delicious touch to your day, highlighting Santorini’s acclaimed vineyards.

A possible consideration? Since this is a six-hour tour covering so many spots, it’s quite full, and some might prefer more time to linger at each location. But overall, it’s an ideal choice for those who want a deep yet manageable taste of the island’s beauty and culture in one day.

This tour is perfect for travelers seeking a comprehensive, private experience that balances sightseeing, local flavor, and comfort. It suits first-time visitors eager to see Santorini’s most photogenic spots without the stress of planning, as well as couples and small groups who appreciate exclusivity and personalized attention.

Good To Know

• Luxury Transportation: Traveling in a private Mercedes minibus offers comfort and flexibility.
• Stunning Vistas: Panoramic views from villages like Oia and Imerovigli are some of the best you’ll find.
• Authentic Experiences: Visit a historic wine museum set in a natural cave and taste local varieties.
• Cultural Charm: Explore the quaint alleys of Megalochori and enjoy scenic views from Prophet Elias mountain.
• Unique Beaches: The Red and Black beaches are visual highlights and perfect for photos.
• Flexible & Private: Customizable itinerary for a tailored experience with no crowds.

You can check if your dates are available here:

An In-Depth Look at the Tour Experience

Starting Point and Overall Structure

The tour begins in Thera (Fira), with pickup included from your hotel or a designated spot. From there, your guide takes the wheel of a luxurious, air-conditioned minivan, ensuring you’re comfortable as you set out to explore. The entire day is designed to be a seamless, all-encompassing journey, lasting approximately six hours, which balances sightseeing with relaxed stops.

Oia: The Iconic Village

Your first stop is Oia, famously picture-perfect with its whitewashed houses and blue-domed churches. Here, you’ll enjoy a photo stop, giving you the chance to capture those postcard-perfect views of the Caldera, often with the volcanic islands of Palea and Nea Kameni in the background. Reviewers mention that guides often take you to lesser-known viewpoints to avoid the crowds, giving you a more authentic and private perspective of this world-renowned village.

Imerovigli and Firostefani: The Viewpoints

Next, you’ll visit Imerovigli and Firostefani, which are less crowded but equally stunning. These spots offer sweeping vistas of the caldera, perfect for snapping photos or simply soaking in the scenery. The guide’s local insights help you understand the significance of each vantage point, making the sightseeing more meaningful.

More Great Thing To Do Nearby

Scenic Drive and Prophet Elias Mountain

A highlight is the drive up to Prophet Elias Mountain—the highest point on the island. At around 1,500 feet, you’ll enjoy 360-degree views of Santorini, the Aegean Sea, and neighboring islands. Reviewers rave about the breathtaking panoramas, describing this as a must-see for the vistas alone. Guides often contextualize the views with local history, adding an educational layer to the experience.

Wine Tasting at Koutsogiannopoulos

The tour’s culinary highlight is a visit to the Koutsogiannopoulos Wine Museum, set in an underground natural cave. Here, you’ll learn about Santorini’s long-standing wine traditions and taste four local varieties: Assyrtiko (white), Orange wine, Ambelones (red), and Kamaritis (dessert red). The tasting includes crackers and chocolates, which enhance the flavors, and the guide often shares interesting tidbits about the island’s winemaking heritage.

Authentic reviews mention that the guide’s knowledge makes the experience both fun and educational, with some travelers remarking on the “labyrinth-like” cave setting that adds a sense of adventure.

Cultural Stroll in Megalochori

Post wine tasting, the tour takes you to Megalochori, a quiet, traditional settlement. Walking through its narrow alleys, you’ll appreciate the local architecture and peaceful ambiance. Reviewers note that this stop offers a genuine glimpse of local life, away from the tourist-heavy spots.

Beaches: Red and Black Sands

The final stops are the Red Beach, famed for its dramatic volcanic red cliffs, and Perissa Black Sand Beach. The Red Beach is just a short walk and offers stunning photo opportunities, while the Black Sand Beach provides a relaxing break with free time to stroll, dip your toes in the sea, or soak up the sun. Several reviews highlight how these beaches are visual marvels and real highlights.

End of the Day

Your guide then returns you safely back to Thera, having covered the island’s most iconic and hidden sights. Throughout the day, the driver ensures smooth transitions, and luxurious transport means you’re never hurried or cramped.

Why This Tour Offers Great Value

Price-wise, $621 for a private tour for up to two people might seem steep at first glance. But considering the inclusion of a private driver, guide, hotel pickup, all taxes, and a wine tasting that alone could cost a significant amount, the overall value becomes clearer. Travelers consistently praise the professionalism, with one reviewer mentioning that the van was “spotless, comfortable, and spacious,” making the day feel more like a luxury experience than a standard tour.

Flexibility and Personalization

Unlike large group tours, the private setup allows for some customization, whether it’s spending more time at a spot you love or skipping somewhere less interesting. The guide’s local knowledge means you may discover hidden viewpoints and lesser-known facts, elevating your experience from typical sightseeing to memorable discovery.

Practical Tips for Travelers

• Wear comfortable shoes, as you’ll be walking through villages and along beaches.
• Bring sunscreen, a hat, and a camera—Santorini’s bright sunshine makes all those views even more vivid.
• The tour doesn’t include food, but you’ll have the chance to enjoy the local wine and snacks at the museum.
• Confirm your pickup location and time in advance to ensure a smooth start.
• If arriving by cruise, communicate your disembarkation details early—your guide waits for you at the upper cable car exit with your name.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This experience is tailored for travelers who want to see Santorini through a local lens, with a comfortable, private approach. It’s especially suitable for couples, small groups, or anyone looking to avoid the hustle of crowded tours while still hitting the highlights. If you’re a wine lover or enjoy scenic vistas, you’ll find this tour particularly rewarding.

It’s also a great choice for first-time visitors who want a rundown without the hassle of planning every detail. The flexibility to customize the itinerary means you can focus on what interests you most, whether that’s photography, local culture, or simply relaxing on a stunning beach.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for cruise ship visitors?
Yes, the tour can accommodate cruise ship arrivals. The guide waits at the upper exit of the cable car with your name, ensuring you’re promptly greeted after disembarking.

What is included in the price?
The price covers the private tour, professional driver/guide, pickup and drop-off, transportation by air-conditioned minivan, and the wine tasting with four local varieties, crackers, and chocolates.

Are meals included?
No, the tour does not include food, but you’ll have opportunities to purchase snacks or enjoy wine tastings during the visit.

Can I customize the itinerary?
Yes, the tour offers flexibility for customization, allowing you to spend more time at places you love or skip some stops if preferred.

What should I bring?
Comfortable shoes, sunscreen, a hat, a camera, and perhaps a bottle of water. The tour involves walking and sightseeing outdoors.

How long is the tour?
Approximately 6 hours, making it a full but manageable day of exploration.

What are the key highlights?
Panoramic views from Oia, Imerovigli, and Prophet Elias mountain, wine tasting at a natural cave, visits to Megalochori, and the unique Red and Black beaches.

Is parking or access a concern?
Some hotel pickups may involve locations inaccessible by car, but the driver will come to the closest accessible point.

What is the price per person?
For up to two people, it’s $621 total. The cost might seem high, but the private nature and inclusions offer good value for a luxury experience.

Who is this tour best suited for?
Those seeking a personalized, comfortable, and scenic way to explore Santorini, especially couples or small groups wanting exclusive access to top sights.

Final Thoughts

This private full-day tour of Santorini offers a thoughtful blend of breathtaking views, cultural insights, and local flavors. With a knowledgeable guide leading the way in a comfortable vehicle, you’ll cover the island’s best-kept secrets and iconic landmarks. Whether it’s capturing the beauty of Oia, tasting exceptional local wines, or relaxing on volcanic beaches, this experience provides a well-rounded taste of Santorini’s magic.

While the price may be higher than group tours, the level of comfort, privacy, and personalization justifies it for those wanting a seamless, high-quality day on one of Greece’s most stunning islands. It’s particularly suited to travelers who value expert guidance and exclusive access, making your trip both effortless and memorable.

If you’re looking for an authentic, scenic, and indulgent way to discover Santorini, this tour is undoubtedly worth considering.

Note: Always double-check availability and consider your personal interests and pace when booking a tour, ensuring it matches your expectations and travel style.

You can check if your dates are available here: