Santorini: Hidden Gems Tour and Wine Experience with Tasting

Planning a trip to Santorini often means dreaming of those iconic sunsets, whitewashed villages, and sweeping caldera views. While many travelers stick to the usual spots, this Hidden Gems Tour and Wine Experience offers a more intimate way to see the island’s lesser-known corners. It’s a private, half-day adventure that combines scenic exploration with a taste of local wine culture — perfect if you want something authentic and a little different.

What immediately caught our eye are the stunning views and the chance to explore quiet, picturesque spots away from the crowds. We also appreciate the inclusion of a local winery museum, which adds a layer of tasting and cultural insight. On the flip side, it’s a six-hour tour, so if you’re after a more relaxed pace or have limited time, that’s worth keeping in mind. This experience seems best suited for travelers craving a personal touch, breathtaking scenery, and a cozy wine tasting session.

Key Points

• Private Tour for a personalized experience and flexibility in the itinerary
• Includes visits to less crowded, scenic villages like Imerovigli and Oia
• Wine tasting of 5-7 local varieties at the Koutsogianopoulos Winery Museum
• Stunning viewpoints and hidden religious sites like Anastasi Orthodox Church and Theoskepasti Church
• High-value experience with round-trip transportation and additional amenities
• Ideal for those wanting a balanced mix of sightseeing, photo ops, and wine tasting without the mega-tour crowds

You can check availability for your dates here:

What Makes This Santorini Tour Special?

Santorini is famed for its postcard-perfect scenery. But it can also be crowded, especially in Oia and Fira. This tour aims to balance those famous views with some quieter, more personal discoveries — a real plus if you’re after a more relaxed experience.

The first stop at Oia is a highlight, offering commanding views over the caldera and the sunset. We love the idea of exploring a less touristy corner of Oia, where you can take photos without battling crowds. It’s a perfect spot for a peaceful morning or late afternoon shot. The Imerovigli village, often called the most beautiful place on the island, is another high point — its white alleys, staircases, and bougainvilleas make for incredible photo opportunities, especially since it’s less busy than Oia.

The tour also ventures into some of Santorini’s secret religious sites, like the Anastasi Orthodox Church and Theoskepasti Church. These are not the typical tourist stops but are worth visiting for their charm and tranquility. Plus, visiting Skaros Rock and the summit of Mountain Profitis Ilias offers panoramic views, with the monastery at the top adding a touch of local history.

Exploring Santorini’s Hidden Corners

What’s especially appealing is that these spots aren’t just tourist traps—they’re quiet, picturesque, and rich in atmosphere. We imagine wandering through white alleys, passing blooming bougainvillea, and soaking up that quintessential Santorini vibe without the crowds. The views from Mountain Profitis Ilias, at 600 meters above sea level, are said to be breathtaking, giving you a sweeping perspective of the caldera, island, and neighboring islands.

The Heart of Santorini—a unique, newly discovered attraction—is a naturally formed, heart-shaped hole in the rock, offering a peek into the Aegean Sea, sky, and volcano. It’s a nifty photo spot and a fun little secret that adds a special touch to the experience.

The Wine Tasting Experience

A highlight for many is the visit to Koutsogianopoulos Winery Museum, where you’ll sample 5 to 7 local wines. The tasting isn’t just about drinking; it’s an opportunity to learn about Santorini’s renowned wine culture, which is rooted in volcanic soil and ancient tradition. The inclusion of local cheese and olives makes this more than just a sip-and-go; it’s a taste of the island’s flavors.

Guests have praised the wine tasting for its variety and authenticity, with some noting it offers a genuine glimpse into local wine-making. Having everything included, from wine to a bottle of water and a map, adds to the value. You’ll leave with not only photos and memories but also a deeper appreciation for Santorini’s terroir.

The Itinerary: What to Expect

The tour begins with transportation from your hotel or a designated meeting point, making life easier if you’re tired of navigating unfamiliar roads. The driver speaks English, and the entire experience is designed to be flexible, private, and intimate.

First stop is the edge of Oia, where panoramic views over the caldera set the tone for the day. From there, you’ll explore the less crowded village of Imerovigli, wandering its charming alleys, taking photos, and admiring views. The Orthodox Church of Anastasi offers a peaceful moment, and Skaros Rock provides a dramatic backdrop for photos.

Next up is Mountain Profitis Ilias, where the monastery sits at 2,000 feet. The vantage point here is truly special, offering a 360-degree view of Santorini, making it an ideal spot for both photos and a moment of reflection. Then, it’s time for the wine museum, where you’ll taste local varieties, accompanied by regional cheese and olives.

Lastly, the tour concludes with a visit to the Akrotiri Lighthouse at the southwestern tip—another site famed for its views and tranquility. This spot is perfect for capturing that classic Santorini sunset or just soaking up the scenery before heading back.

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The Practicals: Transport, Price, and Group Size

For $226 per person, this tour offers good value, considering it covers transportation, a dedicated guide, and several quality stops. The round-trip transportation means no worries about navigating or parking, which can be a hassle on the island.

The private group setup ensures a personalized experience, so you won’t feel like just another face in a crowd. You’ll get flexibility and the chance to tailor the experience a bit, which is often hard to find with larger, more generic tours.

Timing-wise, the 6-hour duration is enough to see a solid mix of sights without feeling rushed. Check availability for specific start times, but it generally fits well into most sightseeing days.

The Downsides

One thing to keep in mind is that, although the tour covers scenic spots and offers a good wine tasting, it doesn’t include some typical activities like lunch or cable car tickets for cruise passengers. If you’re planning to do a full day or more activities, you might need to budget extra time or expenses.

Also, since the tour is about 6 hours, it’s on the longer side for some travelers, especially if you prefer a very relaxed pace or are traveling with very young children. But overall, it strikes a good balance between seeing sights and relaxing.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This experience is a great fit for travelers who want a more personal, quieter side of Santorini—those who love picturesque villages, panoramic views, and good wine. It’s perfect if you’re interested in exploring beyond the crowds and appreciating the island’s charm at a relaxed pace.

Couples, friends, or solo travelers will appreciate the private, tailored nature of the tour. Families with older children who can enjoy walking and tasting might also find it suitable, but it’s not specifically designed as a kids’ activity.

FAQs

Is transportation included?
Yes, round-trip transportation is included, making it easy to get around without worries about driving or parking.

What is included in the price?
You’ll get a private guide, transportation, a wine tasting of 5-7 local wines, cheese and olives, a map, a mobile phone charger, and a bottle of water.

Are there any additional costs?
Lunch and refreshments are not included, and if you’re a cruise passenger, cable car tickets might be extra. It’s worth planning for these if needed.

How long is the tour?
The tour lasts approximately 6 hours, from start to finish. Check specific starting times when booking.

Is this tour suitable for families?
While primarily aimed at adult travelers, families with older children who enjoy walking and tasting might find it enjoyable. It’s not specifically designed as a family activity.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, offering some flexibility in your planning.

If you’re seeking an authentic, scenic, and relaxed way to experience Santorini’s quieter sides and indulge in some local wine, this Hidden Gems Tour and Wine Experience could be a perfect choice. It offers a well-rounded glimpse into the island’s beauty, history, and flavors, all wrapped into a private, intimate outing. It’s especially suited for those who appreciate stunning vistas, charming villages, and the chance to sample local wines in a peaceful setting.

While it’s not a full-day extravaganza, the combination of sightseeing, cultural stops, and wine tasting packs a good punch for a half-day adventure. Just keep in mind that it requires a fair bit of walking and a willingness to explore slightly off-the-beaten-path spots.

All in all, this tour can turn your Santorini visit into a memorable, scenic, and flavorful experience—just what a trip to this island paradise should be.

You can check availability for your dates here: