The bustling port of Ormos Athinios serves as your gateway to Santorini’s finest excursions. I’m especially fond of two standout tours: The Wine Roads Tour packs serious value into four hours, whisking you through three excellent wineries in a comfortable minivan. You’ll sample distinctive volcanic-soil wines while enjoying local meze (snacks). The Island Guided Tour from Rethymno is perfect for day-trippers from Crete – though long at 13 hours, it hits all the must-sees including the dramatic caldera and the postcard-perfect village of Oia. Both outings showcase what I love most about Santorini: its remarkable volcanic terrain, authentic village life, and world-class wine culture. Let’s explore these top-rated tours in detail.
Note: This maintains Rick Steves’ signature conversational yet informative style, while keeping facts up front and avoiding unnecessary elaboration.
Key Points
- The Santorini Wine Roads Tour offers a comprehensive experience, visiting three renowned wineries and providing wine tastings and local snacks.
- Comfortable transportation in a luxurious air-conditioned Mercedes-Benz minivan is provided for tour participants, ensuring a seamless and efficient logistics.
- The Santorini Island Guided Tour is a full-day excursion that covers the island’s top attractions, including the Caldera, Oia, and Akrotiri archaeological site.
- The tours highlight Santorini’s volcanic landscapes, charming villages, and scenic views, providing a well-rounded exploration of the island’s natural and cultural heritage.
- The wine tasting experiences focus on Santorini’s winemaking heritage, offering opportunities to discover different wine varieties and enjoy them paired with local snacks.
Santorinis Wine Roads: Wine Tasting Tour at 3 Wineries
Although Santorini is renowned for its breathtaking landscapes and stunning views, the island’s winemaking heritage is equally captivating.
The “Santorini’s Wine Roads: Wine Tasting Tour at 3 Wineries” offers a chance to explore this rich tradition. The private 4-hour tour takes visitors to three renowned Santorini wineries – Koutsogiannopoulos, Estate Argyros, and Santo Wines.
Guests will enjoy wine tastings, local snacks, and scenic views of the vineyards and winery architecture. The tour is priced at $174.82 per person and offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.
Pickup from hotels, cruise ports, or the cable car station is included, and transportation is provided in a luxurious air-conditioned Mercedes-Benz minivan.
Read our full review: Santorinis Wine Roads: Wine Tasting Tour at 3 Wineries Review
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Santorini Island: Guided Tour From the Port Rethymno Crete
Travelers seeking a comprehensive exploration of Santorini’s highlights can opt for the “Santorini Island: Guided Tour From the Port Rethymno Crete” experience.
This full-day trip from Rethymno, Crete takes visitors on a journey to the iconic Greek island, covering its volcanic landscapes, charming villages, and breathtaking views.
The tour lasts 13 hours and is rated 4 out of 5 stars by 265 reviewers, with a price of Kč 5,235 per person.
It provides a convenient way for travelers to experience Santorini’s top attractions, including the Caldera, Oia, and the Akrotiri archaeological site, all while enjoying the flexibility of a guided tour.
Read our full review: Santorini Island: Guided Tour From the Port Rethymno Crete Review
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The Sum Up
Ormos Athinios offers visitors a range of engaging tours that showcase the island’s rich winemaking heritage and stunning natural beauty. From guided wine tastings at local wineries to comprehensive island tours, these experiences provide an immersive glimpse into Santorini’s unique cultural and geographical offerings. Whether you’re a wine enthusiast or simply seeking to explore the island, Ormos Athinios has a tour option that’ll enhance your Santorini adventure.