Private Tour: Santorini Highlights with Akrotiri

If you’re planning a trip to Santorini and short on time, a private tour like this one can be a great way to see the island’s most iconic sights without the hassle of navigating on your own. This particular experience promises a personalized approach, focusing on the highlights with a knowledgeable guide and comfortable transport.

What we really appreciate about this tour is the flexibility it offers—you’re not stuck in a big group, and the itinerary can be tailored to hit the places that matter most to you. Plus, the inclusion of stops like Akrotiri and a wine tasting adds to the overall value.

That said, a possible consideration is the price—at around $413 per person, it’s a bit of an investment, especially since food and drinks aren’t included. But for those who want a well-rounded, guided snapshot of Santorini in just half a day, this tour is well worth considering. It’s especially suited for travelers who value expert insights and want to maximize their limited time on the island.

Key Points

• Private & Personalized: A guide dedicated to your group ensures a tailored experience.
• Comprehensive Highlights: Visits include top spots like Oia, Firostefani, Megalochori, Akrotiri, and Perissa.
• Expert Guidance: Knowledgeable guides bring history and stories to life.
• Comfortable Transport: An air-conditioned minivan makes moving between sites easy.
• Flexible Stops: Stops for photos, walks, or just soaking in views can be customized.
• Additional Experiences: Optional wine tasting at Venetsanos Winery offers memorable local flavors.

What the Tour Includes and How It Works

This private tour runs for about 6 hours, offering a relaxed yet efficient way to see Santorini’s highlights. The tour begins with hotel or port pickup, so you don’t have to worry about logistics right from the start. The transportation is by air-conditioned minivan, which keeps everyone comfortable, especially during the hotter months.

Your guide is a licensed professional who knows the island inside out. The focus is on providing an authentic experience—captivating stories about each site, local insights, and plenty of photo opportunities. Since this is a private tour, only your group participates, allowing for a more personalized pace and tailored suggestions.

The cost is roughly $412.70 per person, which at first glance seems steep, but it covers transportation, a guide, and a carefully curated itinerary. Remember, food and drinks are not included, but the optional wine tasting at Venetsanos Winery tends to be a highlight for many, offering a chance to enjoy local wines with stunning views.

Detailed Breakdown of the Itinerary

Stop 1: Oia

Walking through Oia’s narrow, charming alleys is truly a highlight. It’s arguably the most photographed spot in Santorini, famous for its whitewashed buildings and blue-domed churches. Expect about an hour to wander freely, soak in the views, and snap photos. Many reviews praise this stop, with visitors saying, “We loved our tour with Kostas! He is very passionate and knowledgeable,” which makes a big difference in how you experience this iconic village.

Stop 2: Firostefani & the Blue Dome

A quick 30-minute photo stop at the Blue Dome in Firostefani offers a classic Santorini shot. It’s a perfect moment for a quick glance at a postcard-perfect scene without the crowds that gather in Oia. The view here is stunning, and many find it a peaceful spot for some memorable images.

Stop 3: Megalochori

This traditional southern village provides a different vibe—less touristy and more authentic. Spending around an hour here, you can stroll through its quiet streets, admire the charming architecture, and imagine what local life has been like for generations. Reviewers mention how much they appreciated this peaceful, less crowded part of the island.

Stop 4: Akrotiri Archaeological Site

This is the highlight for archaeology buffs or history lovers. A guided tour of the Akrotiri excavations brings the ancient Minoan city to life. Expect about 1.5 hours here, where your guide will explain the significance of the ruins, which date back thousands of years. The entrance fee isn’t included, so you’ll want to bring some cash if you wish to explore further or purchase souvenirs. Many reviewers rave about the guide’s storytelling, emphasizing how much they learned, with comments like, “His knowledge and precision for every detail are amazing!”

Stop 5: Venetsanos Winery

Wine tasting at a local winery is a favorite part of the tour, often described as a highlight. You’ll enjoy tasting local Santorinian wines with a backdrop of spectacular views. The stop lasts about 45 minutes, and though the tasting isn’t included in the price, many say it’s well worth it, especially for wine enthusiasts. The reviews highlight how this is a relaxing, enjoyable break, with some mentioning the friendly staff and the fantastic scenery.

Stop 6: Perissa & Black Sand Beach

The tour wraps up with a drive along the Black Beach of Perissa, where you can take in the volcanic landscape. It’s a quick 30-minute stop, enough to appreciate the unique geological features. It’s a simple yet striking way to end your island tour, and reviews note how this diverse itinerary offers a well-rounded picture of Santorini’s natural and cultural diversity.

What Travelers Say About This Tour

Reviewers consistently praise the guides, with many calling Kostas the best they’ve had—”His energy and passion for Santorini are contagious,” says one. Visitors love how he manages to show them the island’s hidden gems and avoid crowds, making the experience feel exclusive yet effortless.

The knowledgeable guides turn what could be a rushed, cookie-cutter tour into an engaging storytelling session, with reviews highlighting how much they learned about Santorini’s history, archaeology, and local life.

Many travelers also mention how the tour’s timing and route help beat the heat and crowds, especially at popular spots like Oia and Akrotiri. With a private guide, you get the luxury of asking questions, stopping for photos, or skipping parts that aren’t of interest.

Not everything is perfect, of course. The cost can be a sticking point, especially without included meals or drinks. Some reviewers note that the day can be quite full—so if you prefer a very relaxed pace, this might feel a little rushed. Also, since the tour is 6 hours, it’s best suited for those who enjoy a packed, sightseeing-oriented experience rather than a slow, leisure-focused day.

Practical Details and Considerations

Duration: About 6 hours, allowing plenty of time for sightseeing and stops without feeling overly rushed.
Price: Around $413 per person, which reflects the personalized service and all-inclusive transport.
Includes: Private guide, air-conditioned transport, hotel or port pickup and drop-off.
Excludes: Food and drinks—though optional wine tastings are available.
Physical demand: Moderate—expect some walking and standing, especially at archaeological sites and villages.
Best for: Travelers who want an efficient, guided overview of Santorini’s major highlights, especially those who appreciate storytelling and tailored experiences.

Final Thoughts: Is This Tour Right for You?

If you’re the type of traveler who values local insights, enjoys a private, customizable experience, and wants to see Santorini’s top sights in a manageable time, this tour is a solid choice. The guides receive rave reviews, and the itinerary balances popular spots with authentic experiences, like Megalochori and wine tasting.

However, if you prefer a leisurely, unstructured day or are traveling on a strict budget, you might find this tour a bit pricey for what it offers. Also, if food and drinks are essential parts of your travel experience, remember they are not included, so plan accordingly.

This private tour offers a thoughtfully curated slice of Santorini, blending history, scenery, and local flavor. It’s especially good for travelers who want to maximize their time with expert guides, avoiding the stress of navigating themselves. Whether you’re a history enthusiast, a photography lover, or simply craving a taste of Santorini’s magic, this experience can turn your day on the island into something memorable.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for families? While not specifically marketed as family-friendly, the tour’s pace and stops are generally manageable for older children or teenagers who are interested in history and scenery.

What is included in the price? The tour includes a private guide, transportation by air-conditioned minivan, and hotel or port pickup and drop-off. Food and drinks are not included, but wine tastings are available as an optional extra.

How long does the tour last? Approximately 6 hours, providing enough time to visit multiple sites comfortably without rushing.

Can I customize the itinerary? Since it’s a private tour, your guide can tailor some stops based on your interests, especially if you communicate beforehand.

What should I bring? Comfortable walking shoes, sunglasses, and sunscreen are recommended. Cash for entrance fees or souvenirs, and perhaps a camera or smartphone for photos.

Is there a lot of walking involved? There will be some walking, especially in villages and archaeological sites, but the physical demand is moderate.

Are the archaeological site tickets included? No, entrance fees for Akrotiri are not included, so you should bring cash for tickets.

What is the best time to do this tour? Morning or early afternoon usually works well, as it helps avoid the hottest part of the day and large crowds at popular spots.

How do I book this tour? You can reserve through Viator or directly with the provider, Touring with Kostas, with confirmation received within 48 hours, subject to availability.

In all, this private tour packs a lot into a half-day, making it perfect for those wanting a guided, insightful, and scenic overview of Santorini’s must-see spots. If that sounds like your ideal way to explore, it’s definitely worth considering.