Private Group Visit to Akrotiri & 3 Wineries with Tastings

Exploring Santorini’s Hidden Gems: A Look at the Private Akrotiri & Wineries Tour

If you’re planning a trip to Santorini and love a good mix of history and wine, this private group tour might catch your eye. It offers a chance to wander through the fascinating ruins of Akrotiri—an ancient city preserved under volcanic ash—and enjoy tastings at three different wineries. The combination of archaeology and oenology makes for a well-rounded experience, especially if you’re curious about the island’s storied past and its unique wines.

What makes this tour appealing? First, the opportunity to explore Akrotiri on your own, with a detailed guidebook or map, means you can take your time soaking in the sights without feeling rushed. Second, visiting three different wineries, each with its own character, gives you a broader understanding of Santorini’s wine-making traditions and a chance to sample some delicious varieties.

However, there are a couple of things to consider. The guide isn’t able to lead you inside the ruins—so you’ll need to be comfortable exploring independently for that part of the visit. Also, the tour is priced for small groups, which is fantastic for intimacy and personalized attention but might feel a bit pricey if you’re on a tight budget.

This tour works best for those who enjoy a mix of history, scenic views, and wine tasting, especially if you prefer a private, intimate experience over larger, more commercial tours.

Key Points

• Private, intimate experience with a maximum of 4 guests, allowing for personalized attention and flexible planning.
• Self-exploration at Akrotiri means you can take your time with the ruins, analyzing the sophisticated structures and wall paintings at your own pace.
• Visit three distinct wineries—each with its own character—offering a broad taste of Santorini’s wine culture.
• Taste 12 different wines from Santorini and other Greek regions, including classic varieties like Assyrtiko and sweet Vinsanto.
• Transportation and logistics are handled smoothly with pick-up and drop-off included, making it a stress-free experience.
• Highly praised guides and hosts, with reviews highlighting enthusiasm, knowledge, and warm personalities.

You can check availability for your dates here:

A Deep Dive into the Experience

When you sign up for this four-and-a-half-hour tour, you’re signing up for a balanced journey through Santorini’s rich past and lively present. The tour begins with a visit to the Akrotiri excavations, a site that feels like stepping back in time. Since the guide can’t lead you inside, you’ll be provided with insights via materials or a guidebook, so you can explore the elaborate drainage systems, multi-storied buildings, and beautiful wall paintings at your own pace. Many reviews mention how much they appreciated being able to take their time here. One traveler commented, “We loved the way we could walk through the ruins at our own speed and really take in the details.”

The story of Akrotiri is one of a thriving Bronze Age city frozen in time by a volcanic eruption some 3,600 years ago. That volcanic ash preserved the entire city, making it one of the most important archaeological sites in Greece. For history buffs, the experience of wandering among the well-preserved buildings and imagining life thousands of years ago can be genuinely captivating. Be sure to bring comfortable shoes, sun protection, and your camera—this site offers some stunning photo opportunities.

After your archaeological adventure, the tour transitions smoothly into a wine-tasting journey across three carefully selected wineries. Unlike larger group tours, this private experience ensures you get personalized attention. Each winery offers a different vibe: one leans toward tradition, with a focus on the history of Santorini wine, while another might be more modern and welcoming. Guests often appreciate this contrast, as one reviewer noted: “The first winery was very traditional, yet also a modern art gallery, which made the visit even more interesting.”

You’ll taste a total of 12 wines, sampling everything from dry whites to sweet Vinsanto. The guide or host will walk you through each style, explaining what makes Santorini wines so distinctive—mainly the volcanic soils that give the wines their unique mineral notes. For many, the highlight is the Assyrtiko, a crisp, mineral-driven white that pairs beautifully with local seafood.

What’s especially valued here is the personalized nature of the tastings. Multiple reviews highlight how guides and hosts go above and beyond to make the experience memorable. One guest raved, “Fotsios was energetic and enthusiastic, making our trip truly fun,” reflecting how engaging and passionate these hosts tend to be.

The transportation aspect is seamless—your pickup and drop-off are organized at your preferred location, including Fira town, the airport, or the port. The air-conditioned minivan keeps the ride comfortable, especially on warm days. This is a significant advantage if you’re coming off a cruise or are staying somewhere outside of central Fira.

The Value for Money

At $282 per person, this tour isn’t the cheapest option available. However, considering it’s a private experience that includes transportation, a knowledgeable guide, and visits to three wineries with tastings, many find the price justified. The reviews consistently mention that the guides’ expertise, the quality of wines, and the personalized attention make it worth the investment.

It’s also flexible—can be customized based on your interests. If you’re a history lover, for example, you can focus more on the Akrotiri ruins. If wine is your main focus, the wineries will be your highlight. The tour is suitable for those who value quality over quantity in their sightseeing and tasting adventures.

What We Loved

• The freedom to explore Akrotiri at your own pace makes a difference, especially for those who prefer a less structured archaeological visit.
• The variety of wineries means you’ll leave with a broader understanding of Santorini’s diverse wine scene and a good spread of tasting experiences.
• The guides and hosts are highly praised for their enthusiasm, local knowledge, and friendliness, which enhances the overall experience.
• The scenery and views on the drive are often mentioned as memorable, and many reviews highlight the stunning landscape as a backdrop to their tasting journey.

Potential Drawbacks

• Since the guide cannot lead you inside Akrotiri, you might miss a guided commentary on the ruins, which some travelers prefer. To compensate, you may want to do some pre-reading or use the provided materials.
• The tour lasts about 4.5 hours, which might be tight if you’re looking for a more leisurely pace or want an in-depth archaeological visit.
• The cost could be a barrier for budget travelers, especially if you’re traveling with a group or family.

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Who Should Consider This Tour?

This experience is ideal if you’re seeking a personalized, intimate look at Santorini’s heritage and wine culture. It suits travelers who appreciate well-organized logistics, enjoy tasting a variety of wines, and want some flexibility in how they explore. It’s particularly suitable for couples, friends, or small groups who prefer a more exclusive experience over large, crowds.

If you have a curiosity about the island’s ancient past but don’t mind exploring independently, and you’re keen on sampling authentic Greek wines, this tour checks all the boxes. It’s also a good pick if you’re staying in Fira or nearby and want a hassle-free, well-rounded half-day trip.

FAQs

Is this tour suitable for families with children?
Children under 18 need to be accompanied by a parent and are not allowed to participate unaccompanied. Since the tour involves wine tastings and adult-oriented activities, it’s best suited for adult travelers.

Do I need to pay for the Akrotiri entrance fee separately?
Yes, the entrance fee to the ruins is not included and costs €12 per person, payable onsite.

Can I choose my pick-up location?
Yes, pick-up and drop-off are included at your preferred location, like your accommodation, Fira, the airport, or the port.

Is the tour customizable?
The tour is described as customizable to your itinerary, so you can focus more on history or wine depending on your interests.

What footwear should I wear?
Comfortable shoes are recommended because you’ll be walking on uneven archaeological sites and winery grounds.

Are the wine tastings educational?
Absolutely—your hosts will guide you through the tasting process, explaining the styles, flavors, and what makes Santorini wines special.

What if I want to visit specific wineries?
It’s possible to request specific wineries, and the guide will try to accommodate your preferences if possible.

Is transportation comfortable?
Yes, transportation is in an air-conditioned minivan, ensuring a comfy ride between stops and the ruins.

Wrapping Up

If you’re after a balanced blend of history and wine, with a touch of personalized service, this private tour of Akrotiri and three wineries is a solid choice. It offers the chance to see one of Greece’s most significant archaeological sites at your own pace and taste a wide variety of Greek wines, all in a small, friendly group. The flexibility, knowledgeable hosts, and stunning scenery make it especially appealing for travelers who want a meaningful, less mass-market experience.

It may not be the best pick if you’re after a guided tour inside the ruins or on a tight budget, but for those who value quality and intimacy, it’s a memorable way to connect with Santorini’s past and present. Whether you’re a history enthusiast, a wine lover, or simply someone who enjoys discovering local flavors in a relaxed setting, this tour has plenty to offer.

Happy travels, and cheers to great wine and ancient stories!

You can check availability for your dates here: