Top Sights of Santorini with Wine Tasting and Sunset in Oia

Exploring Santorini’s Highlights: A Guide to the Top Sights with Wine and Sunset

If you’re considering a comprehensive tour of Santorini, this Top Sights of Santorini with Wine Tasting and Sunset in Oia offers a balanced mix of scenic stops, cultural insights, and relaxing moments. While we haven’t experienced it ourselves, the reviews and itinerary paint a picture of a well-rounded day that caters to those eager to see the island without the hassle of planning every detail.

What we like about this tour? First, its focus on visual treats like Pyrgos and Oia—two of the most picturesque villages. Second, the inclusion of local wine tasting, which adds a flavorful touch that’s hard to find on just a standard sightseeing trip.

A potential consideration? The 8-hour duration might feel tight for some, especially if you want more flexibility or extra time in certain spots. Also, the tour’s schedule can vary, so it’s good to check the start time carefully—some reviews mention last-minute surprises.

This tour is best suited for travelers who want to cover multiple key locations efficiently, enjoy some local wine, and witness a famous sunset. It’s a good fit if you prefer guided experiences with transportation included, rather than trying to navigate on your own.

Key Points

• Comprehensive itinerary: Visits to Pyrgos, Emporio, Perissa Beach, and Oia, with a mix of cultural and scenic stops.
• Incredible views: From Profitis Ilias to the sunset in Oia, the sights are picture-perfect.
• Wine tasting included: A private session with three local wines offers a taste of Santorini’s famous produce.
• Flexible free time: Ample opportunities for swimming, photos, or casual dining.
• Guided experience: Knowledgeable guides and a comfortable coach make the day easy.
• Early or late season timing: Be aware of sunset times which may affect the length of your visit.

Discovering Santorini: What’s Involved and What to Expect

This tour is designed as a full-day overview of Santorini’s most notable sights, which means you get to see a lot without the stress of planning. It starts at around 11:30am, with pickup from your hotel, and wraps up after the sunset in Oia, usually around 8 or 9pm.

Starting with the Panorama at Profitis Ilias

The journey begins at Profitis Ilias, the highest point on the island. This is where you’ll get a sweeping view of Santorini’s volcanic landscape and the deep blue Aegean Sea. We loved the way this spot sets the tone—big views, some quick info about the island’s volcanic past, and a chance to stretch your legs. Since admission is included, just bring your camera and some curiosity.

Exploring Pyrgos Kallistis

Next, you’ll visit Pyrgos, a lesser-known gem compared to the tourist-heavy Oia. Wandering through its winding streets feels like stepping back in time, with traditional houses, blue-domed churches, and small shops lining the alleys. Climbing up to the castle rewards you with breathtaking vistas of the surrounding hills and sea. One review mentioned the village’s traditional atmosphere and scenic charm, making it a favorite for many.

Visiting Castelli of Emporio

A highlight is Emporio, a medieval village with a Venetian fortress. The guided walk here offers a peek into Santorini’s past, with doorways, arches, and narrow streets that look straight out of a postcard. Several reviews describe it as feeling like a scene from “Mamma Mia,” with the charm of old-world Italy. It’s a quiet spot with free admission, allowing you to absorb the vibe at your own pace.

Relaxing at Perissa Black Sand Beach

A couple of hours are set aside for Perissa Beach, known for its dark volcanic sands. Here, you can dip your toes in the sea, relax on the black sand, or enjoy a leisurely lunch at one of the seaside tavernas. Reviewers found this to be a real highlight—swimming and dining with views of the water. It’s a laid-back break that offers both fun and relaxation.

Tasting Local Wines

Santorini’s wine is famously made from local grape varieties, and this tour includes a private tasting session of three wines. It’s an excellent way to learn about the island’s viniculture and sample something unique. Reviewers have appreciated the guide’s explanations and the chance to enjoy authentic flavors in a relaxed setting.

Ending in Oia with Sunset

The grand finale is the cliff-top village of Oia, home to the iconic blue-domed churches and narrow streets filled with shops and cafes. Once you arrive, there’s plenty of free time to take photos, shop, or just soak in the atmosphere. The sunset here is often described as spectacular, with the sky turning vibrant hues as the sun dips into the sea. Several travelers mentioned how memorable this moment was, creating perfect photo opportunities and a peaceful end to an active day.

The Practicalities: What You Need to Know

This tour typically operates with a cozy group size of up to 35 travelers, which keeps things manageable but still lively. The transportation is by luxury coach, ensuring a comfortable ride between stops. The itinerary is structured to balance sightseeing with downtime, meaning you won’t feel rushed but also won’t be stuck in one place too long.

The price of around $79.10 per person is reasonable considering the multiple stops, guided commentary, wine tasting, and transportation. While food and drinks aren’t included, the stop at Perissa offers plenty of options for a leisurely lunch or snack.

For travelers booking in advance—about 3 weeks on average—this trip offers good planning certainty, though some reviews mention scheduling surprises or early season changes. Always double-check your pickup time and location, especially if your plans involve other nearby towns like Oia.

What the Reviews Say

Many guests praise the knowledgeable guides and smooth logistics. Kelly highlighted the guide Suzanna’s helpful insights and said she loved seeing lots of the island. Stefano, the driver, also gets commendation for navigating tight roads with ease. The wine tasting was another standout, appreciated for its relaxed vibe and local authenticity.

However, some travelers experienced frustrations. One review from November 2024 pointed out a timing mix-up, with the tour starting earlier than expected without prior notice, which emphasizes the importance of confirming the schedule beforehand.

The overall rating of 4.0 out of 5 from 14 reviews suggests most people found this tour valuable, though a few detractors thought that the tour could feel a bit rushed or that the schedule might vary.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This experience is ideal if you want a structured, informative overview of Santorini with convenience and comfort. It’s perfect for first-time visitors who prefer guided tours rather than self-driving or navigating public transport. It suits those eager to see a variety of locations in one day, from ancient villages to stunning beaches, with a special focus on local wine.

Keep in mind that if you’re a slow mover or prefer more personalized experiences, this might feel a little rushed. Also, if you’re traveling during late season when sunset times are earlier, note that the tour duration may be shorter.

Final Verdict

For a value-packed day of sightseeing, tasting, and sunset-watching, this Santorini tour offers a balanced mix of cultural highlights and relaxing moments. The inclusion of wine tasting and free time at Perissa Beach ensures you get a taste of authentic local life without feeling overwhelmed. The guides receive praise for their knowledge, and the scenery—especially in Oia—is truly breathtaking.

If you’re after a well-organized, comfortable way to see the best of Santorini without the hassle of planning every detail, this tour hits the right notes. Just be aware of the potential for schedule changes and the need to confirm timings, especially if visiting later in the season.

This experience is best suited for travelers who want a full, curated overview of the island with plenty of photo opportunities and memorable moments at sunset. It’s a good choice for first-timers, wine lovers, and those wanting a hassle-free day with lots of highlights.

FAQ

Is hotel pickup included?
Yes, pickup and drop-off from your hotel are included, making it easy to start and end your day comfortably.

How long does the tour last?
The tour lasts approximately 8 hours, typically starting around 11:30am and ending after sunset in Oia.

What’s included in the experience?
The tour includes transportation on a luxury coach, a live guide, and a private wine tasting session of three local wines.

Are food and drinks included?
No, food and drinks are not included, but there are stops where you can buy lunch or snacks.

Is this tour suitable for everyone?
Most travelers can participate, and the group size keeps things manageable. However, if you have mobility issues, check with the provider for specific accessibility details.

How do I confirm the schedule?
It’s wise to double-check the start time and meeting point, especially if visiting later in the season, since some reviews mention schedule adjustments.

In the end, this Santorini tour offers a practical, scenic, and flavorful glimpse of the island’s highlights. It’s a balanced option for those wanting a guided experience that combines culture, scenery, and relaxation—perfect for making the most of a single day in this stunning Greek destination.