Santorini: The Best of Sightseeing Private tour!

Imagine having a local guide tailor your day around your interests, exploring Santorini’s most iconic sights and hidden gems at your own pace. That’s precisely what the Santorini: The Best of Sightseeing Private Tour offers—a flexible, private experience designed to fit your desires and maximize your time on this stunning island.

What we love about this tour is its customizable nature—you decide what to see, whether it’s the famous blue-domed churches of Oia or the peaceful black sand beaches. Plus, with a private guide and vehicle, you avoid the crowds and long schedules of group tours. One possible consideration is the price point—$243 per person—which might seem steep for some, but the personalized service and convenience often justify it.

This tour is best suited for travelers who appreciate flexibility, want a more intimate experience, and are eager to explore Santorini beyond the standard tourist spots. It’s ideal for couples, small groups, or anyone craving a tailored day with a local guide leading the way.

Key Points

• Flexible itinerary tailored to your interests and desires
• Private guide and transportation for comfort and convenience
• Stunning vistas from locations like the Monastery of Prophet Elias and Oia
• Option to include wine-tasting for a taste of local flavors
• Duration choices of 4 or 5 hours to fit your schedule
• Pickup from various locations including hotels, Airbnb, or cruise ship terminal

You can check availability for your dates here:

Introduction: Why Consider a Private Tour in Santorini?

When visiting Santorini, you want more than just the standard postcard shots—you want a personalized experience that reveals the island’s true spirit. This private tour promises exactly that, offering the chance to customize your day with a friendly local guide who’s eager to share insights and hidden corners.

Two features particularly appealing are the full flexibility to choose your stops and the convenience of having logistics taken care of. No worrying about parking or navigating unfamiliar roads—your guide handles that. We also appreciate how this tour emphasizes stunning views at every turn, from caldera panoramas to tranquil beaches, making it a visual feast.

A potential drawback is the cost, which might be more than some travelers are used to paying for a half-day outing. However, the value lies in the personalized attention and tailored itinerary you’ll receive, often making it worth the investment.

This experience is perfect for travelers who want to explore at their own pace, avoid crowded group tours, and truly immerse in the beauty and culture of Santorini. It’s especially suitable for those with limited time but a big desire to see the best with minimal stress.

What You Can Expect from This Tour

Create Your Dream Day

The real strength of this tour is its customizability. After booking, you’ll share your interests—whether that’s exploring the charming streets of Oia, relaxing at Kamari’s black sand beaches, or visiting the ancient ruins of Akrotiri. Your guide will then craft a route just for you, ensuring you visit your top priorities.

The Comfort of a Private Guide

Traveling with a private English-speaking guide and vehicle means you’ll enjoy stress-free transfers, with the driver guiding you comfortably between stops. The inclusion of wifi, a phone charger, and mineral water adds a touch of practicality and comfort, making the experience smoother.

More Great Tours Nearby

Flexible Duration Options

Choose between a 4-hour or 5-hour tour depending on your available time and interests. The longer option allows more stops or extended visits, while the shorter one covers the highlights, perfect if your schedule is tight.

The Itinerary: Deep Dive into the Highlights

Stop 1: The Three Bells Church in Firostefani

Starting with a classic, this stop offers iconic photo opportunities. The Three Bells Church, with its charming white facade and blue accents, is a favorite for capturing the essence of Santorini’s architecture. Travelers often comment on how picturesque this spot is, especially with the caldera in the background.

Stop 2: Monastery of Prophet Elias

Perched atop the island at about 567 meters, this monastery provides 360° panoramic views of Santorini, the caldera, and beyond. The steep drive up is worth it for the breathtaking vistas that make for unforgettable photos. Many reviews mention how peaceful and inspiring this spot feels—ideal for a quiet moment of reflection or just soaking in the scenery.

Wander through Oia

No trip to Santorini is complete without wandering its cobbled streets of Oia. Here, you’ll see blue-domed churches, charming boutiques, and panoramic views of the caldera. Many visitors find this the highlight of their day, with some citing it as “the most beautiful village in the world.” Your guide can point out hidden corners and local spots that aren’t on the usual tourist trail, making your visit richer.

Optional: Wine Tasting at a Traditional Winery

A feature many appreciate is the option to stop at a local winery for a tasting. This adds a flavorful layer to your day, allowing you to try local varieties and learn about Santorini’s wine traditions. If you’re a wine enthusiast or just curious, it’s a worthwhile stop, though it’s optional—giving you flexibility.

Relax on Black Sand Beaches

For those craving some downtime, your guide can take you to Kamari Beach or other black sand beaches. The unique volcanic sands are both beautiful and comfortable, perfect for relaxing, sunbathing, or strolling along the shoreline.

Why This Tour Offers Great Value

At $243 per person, this private experience may seem a bit premium, but the value lies in its personalized approach. Instead of a rushed group tour, you get dedicated attention, tailored stops, and the comfort of private transportation—all at a pace that suits you. The inclusion of wifi, water, and a guide means you’re well taken care of, and the flexibility allows you to maximize your sightseeing.

Real Traveler Feedback

Many review snippets highlight the stunning views as a key plus, with comments like “the views from Prophet Elias were absolutely incredible,” and “wandering through Oia’s streets was a highlight.” The ease of having logistics handled was also praised, with one reviewer noting, “The driver was friendly and accommodating, making the day stress-free.”

Final Thoughts: Who Is This Tour Best For?

This private tour is ideal for travelers who want to customize their experience and value comfort and flexibility. It’s perfect for those who wish to avoid the crowds and enjoy personalized insights from a local guide. If you’re seeking a relaxed yet comprehensive look at Santorini’s highlights, this tour will serve you well.

Because it offers customizable stops, it can suit history buffs, beach lovers, wine enthusiasts, or photographers equally well. It’s also suited for travelers with limited time but high expectations for quality and service.

The Sum Up

In all, the Santorini private sightseeing tour offers a balance of flexibility, comfort, and breathtaking views. It allows you to shape your perfect day on this volcanic island, discovering both the well-known sights and hidden treasures with the help of a friendly guide. While it carries a higher price tag, the personalized attention and convenience deliver a memorable experience that many travelers find worth the investment.

If you’re after a bespoke, intimate exploration of Santorini—something that goes beyond the typical group tour—this experience is a strong contender. Perfect for those who want to see the best on their own terms, with local insights to enrich every moment.

FAQs

Can I customize the stops on this tour?
Absolutely. The tour is designed to be flexible—you share your interests, and your guide crafts a route that suits you, whether that’s more time at Oia, beaches, or wineries.

What’s included in the price?
The price covers an air-conditioned vehicle, a private English-speaking guide, mineral water, wifi, and a phone charger. The wine tasting is optional and not included in the base price.

Are there options for shorter or longer tours?
Yes, you can choose between a 4-hour or 5-hour experience. Longer durations allow for more stops or extended visits.

Is this tour suitable for cruise travelers?
Yes. Cruise travelers can be picked up at the INV OFFICE near the top of the cable car in Fira, with flexible arrangements if there are delays with tendering or transportation.

What locations can I start or end the tour?
You can start from Oia, Akrotiri, Kamari, Imerovigli, or Thera, and the drop-off points are flexible—matching your plans and preferences.

Will I need to pay for cable car tickets?
Yes, cable car tickets are not included, and you’ll need to budget around €6 per way. Your guide can advise on the best way to incorporate this into your day.

Is this experience suitable for people with mobility issues?
It’s not recommended for wheelchair users, as some stops involve walking on cobblestone streets or uphill paths.

How far in advance should I book?
Since this is a private tour with flexible timing, it’s best to book as early as possible to secure your preferred date and time, especially during peak season.

By choosing this private, customizable tour, you’ll enjoy the perfect blend of stunning scenery, local insights, and personalized service. Whether it’s your first visit or a return trip, it offers a meaningful way to experience Santorini’s best.

You can check availability for your dates here: