Santorini Trails of History & Wine

Santorini’s volcanic landscape and rich history have long captivated travelers. Now, the "Santorini Trails of History & Wine" tour offers an opportunity to uncover the island’s fascinating past while savoring its renowned wines. Led by expert guides, guests explore the ancient ruins of Akrotiri and explore the significance of the Assyrtiko grape, known for its unique flavors. With visits to three prestigious wineries, participants indulge in up to 15 wine varietals expertly paired with local delicacies. As the stunning scenery unfolds, this immersive experience promises to reveal Santorini’s layers of history and winemaking traditions.

Good To Know

1. Explore the prehistoric city of Akrotiri and learn about the significance of the Assyrtiko grape in Cycladic civilization through a guided tour led by an expert archaeologist.

2. Discover the evolution of Santorini’s wine industry by visiting three renowned wineries, each showcasing traditional and modern winemaking techniques.

3. Gain insights into how Santorini’s unique volcanic soil influences the flavor profiles of the region’s wines, particularly the Assyrtiko varietal.

4. Indulge in tastings of up to 15 different Santorini wine varietals, accompanied by local cheese and tapas for a comprehensive culture.

5. Experience an intimate, small-group tour with a maximum of 8 participants, ensuring personalized attention and flexibility in the itinerary.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview

Santorini Trails offers a comprehensive Tour Overview that promises an immersive experience for history and wine enthusiasts. Priced from $835.00 per group (up to 2 participants), the 6-hour tour is limited to 8 participants and led in English.

Guests can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, and they can reserve now and pay later. The tour includes hotel/Airbnb pickup and drop-off, transportation by air-conditioned luxury SUV/mini-van, and guided tours of the prehistoric city of Akrotiri and three acclaimed Santorini wineries.

Participants will enjoy up to 15 wine tastings, local cheese, and tapas during the experience. This flexible and inclusive offering caters to history and wine enthusiasts seeking an enriching exploration of Santorini’s heritage and viticulture.

Experience Highlights

The tour offers an in-depth history and wine experience led by a Greek archaeologist and expert sommelier.

Guests will:

• Discover the prehistoric city of Akrotiri, exploring Cycladic civilization and the impact of the Assyrtiko grape.

• Visit three acclaimed wineries, tasting up to 15 varietals and learning about Santorini’s unique volcanic soil and its influence on wine flavor.

• Enjoy platters of local cheese and tapas alongside the wine tastings, providing a well-rounded culture.

This journey through time and taste is perfect for history and wine enthusiasts seeking an authentic exploration of Santorini’s rich heritage.

Itinerary Details

Guided by a licensed professional, the tour explores the prehistoric city of Akrotiri, highlighting Cycladic civilization and the significance of the Assyrtiko grape in the region’s winemaking legacy.

The first winery visited is a preindustrial museum, showcasing traditional winemaking methods. At the second winery, guests witness the integration of modern technology while preserving time-honored practices.

Throughout the experience, participants gain insight into Santorini’s unique volcanic soil and its profound impact on the flavor profiles of the wines.

The progression of the itinerary allows for a comprehensive understanding of Santorini’s rich history and the evolution of its acclaimed wine industry.

Tour Inclusions

The tour package includes hotel/Airbnb pickup and drop-off, transportation by air-conditioned luxury SUV/mini-van, and a guided tour of the Akrotiri site led by a licensed professional.

The tour also includes:

• Visits to three internationally acclaimed Santorini wineries
• 8 different wine tastings and a mini wine-tasting tutorial of Greek wines
• Local cheese and snacks served alongside the wine tastings

All admission tickets, taxes, and tasting fees are covered, and gratuities are optional.

This comprehensive package allows guests to enjoy Santorini’s rich history and world-renowned wine culture.

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Booking Information

Check availability for starting times to begin planning your Santorini Trails of History & Wine tour.

Select the number of participants and preferred date to secure your spot.

This tour offers flexible booking, allowing you to reserve now and pay later.

Explore Santorini’s rich history and world-class wines with an experienced archaeologist and sommelier.

The tour is limited to 8 guests, ensuring an intimate and personalized experience.

Cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund if your plans change.

Join this journey through time and taste, perfect for history and wine enthusiasts seeking an unforgettable adventure on the island of Santorini.

Discovering Akrotiri

A professional archaeologist leads the captivating tour of the prehistoric city of Akrotiri, shedding light on the Cycladic civilization that once flourished on the island.

Visitors explore the remarkably well-preserved ruins, marveling at the advanced urban planning, intricate wall paintings, and evidence of early grape cultivation.

The tour highlights:

• The advanced drainage system and complex architectural features that showcase the sophistication of the Akrotiri residents
• Insights into the daily lives and cultural practices of the Cycladic people, revealed through the excavated artifacts
• The significance of the Assyrtiko grape variety, which has been cultivated on Santorini since ancient times and is integral to the island’s renowned winemaking heritage.

Traditional Winemaking

After touring the fascinating ruins of Akrotiri, the tour proceeds to the first of three acclaimed Santorini wineries.

This winery showcases the preindustrial, traditional methods of winemaking. Visitors learn about the historic techniques that have been passed down for generations. From crushing the grapes by foot to aging the wine in oak barrels, the whole process is on display.

The guide explains how these time-honored practices preserve the unique flavors and aromas of Santorini’s renowned Assyrtiko grape. Guests then sample several of the winery’s signature vintages, savoring the results of this meticulous, handcrafted approach to viticulture.

Volcanic Soil and Flavors

Santorini’s unique volcanic soil plays a pivotal role in shaping the distinct flavors of its acclaimed wines. The island’s porous, mineral-rich earth, a result of thousands of years of volcanic activity, imparts:

• A pronounced minerality that’s a signature characteristic of Santorini wines

• A vibrant acidity that provides exceptional freshness and balance

• A delicate salinity that enhances the overall complexity and food-friendliness of the wines

This exceptional terroir allows Santorini’s indigenous Assyrtiko grape to thrive, producing white wines renowned for their elegance, intensity, and age-worthiness.

Understanding the impact of this volcanic soil is crucial to appreciating the unique character of Santorini’s celebrated vintages.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is the Average Group Size on This Tour?

The tour has a limited group size of up to 8 participants, allowing for a more intimate and personalized experience for history and wine enthusiasts.

Is There an Option to Upgrade the Transportation?

Yes, there is an option to upgrade the transportation. The tour offers transportation by air-conditioned luxury SUV/mini-van, but guests can request an upgrade to a private vehicle for an additional fee.

Can Dietary Restrictions Be Accommodated for the Food Offerings?

The tour can accommodate dietary restrictions for the food offerings. Guests can notify the provider of any dietary needs, and they’ll ensure appropriate alternatives are provided during the wine tastings and pairings.

What Is the Cancellation Policy if the Tour Is Rescheduled?

The tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. Guests can also reserve now and pay later for flexible booking. Rescheduling options are available, subject to availability and any price differences.

Are Professional Photographs of the Experience Provided?

The tour does not provide professional photographs. However, participants are free to take their own pictures throughout the experience to capture the highlights of the tour, from the historic sites to the wine tastings.

The Sum Up

The "Santorini Trails of History & Wine" tour offers a unique blend of archaeology and oenology, allowing visitors to discover the ancient city of Akrotiri and savor the renowned wines of Santorini. Led by expert guides, participants enjoy the island’s rich history and uncover the connections between its volcanic terroir and the distinct flavors of the Assyrtiko grape. This one-of-a-kind experience promises an unforgettable journey through Santorini’s past and present.

You can check availability for your dates here: