6 Hours Private Island Tour with Wine Tasting and Food Pairing

A 6-hour private adventure around Santorini that hits the island’s most picturesque villages, archaeological sites, stunning beaches, and a wine tasting with food pairing. For $415.84 per person, you’ll enjoy the flexibility of a private guide, transportation, and a local lunch, making it a compelling way to experience Santorini beyond the usual crowds. Expect to explore Pyrgos, Megalochori, Oia, and Akrotiri, with a special focus on tasting Vinsanto wine — a true local treasure.

We particularly love the personalized nature of this tour, which lets you go at your own pace and dive into the details that interest you most. The inclusion of a carefully curated wine and food pairing elevates the experience, giving a taste of authentic Greek cuisine paired with some of the island’s best wines. Another highlight is the stunning scenery—from cliffside Oia to black sand beaches—that makes Santorini so visually captivating.

A possible drawback? With only six hours, you’ll need to be selective about what you see—there’s no time to linger long at every stop, especially the beaches for swimming. If you’re after a relaxed, beach-focused day, this might feel a bit rushed. Still, if your priority is culture, history, and local flavors, this tour is ideally suited for you.

This experience suits travelers who want an intimate, guided look at Santorini’s most iconic sights, enjoy good food and wine, and appreciate detailed local insights. It’s perfect for those who value flexibility and a personal touch, especially first-time visitors eager to see a broad swath of the island without the hassle of organizing their own transport.

This experience made our article of 15 Top-Rated Santorini Food Tours.

Key Points

• Private, personalized experience with flexible stops and no other guests
• Visiting top villages like Pyrgos, Megalochori, and Oia for authentic charm
• Archaeological and scenic highlights including Akrotiri and volcanic beaches
• Culinary delights with a Greek traditional lunch and wine pairing
• Expert guides and intimate insights into Santorini’s history and wine culture
• Time-efficient way to see diverse parts of the island in one day

An In-Depth Look at the 6-Hour Private Santorini Tour

If you’ve ever dreamed of touring Santorini with a local guide who can tailor the day to your interests, this private 6-hour tour offers an excellent opportunity. You’ll visit a handful of the island’s most photogenic villages, walk through ancient ruins, and sample some of the best local wines—all while enjoying the comfort of air-conditioned transportation and the undivided attention of your guide.

Start with Pyrgos: A Medieval Castle Village

Your day kicks off in Pyrgos, a 15th-century fortress village built during Venetian rule. It’s one of the best-preserved castle ruins on the island, offering a glimpse into medieval life amid narrow winding streets and traditional architecture. Expect about an hour here to explore freely, soaking in panoramic views and quaint, unspoiled streets. The highlight for many is the sense of stepping back in time, away from tourist-heavy areas.

Discover the Ancient World at Akrotiri

Next up, the Akrotiri archaeological site — often called the “Minoan Pompeii” — is a highlight, especially for those interested in history. You’ll spend around an hour exploring the excavated prehistoric city that dates back to the 4th millennium BC. Though admission is not included, the site offers an impressive look into early urban life, with well-preserved ruins and vivid frescoes. The guided aspect isn’t included here but can be added for an extra cost, so if history is your thing, consider pre-arranging a guide.

Relax at Vlichada Beach and Perivolos

The tour then offers a quick look at the volcanic coastline. Vlichada Beach, with its striking white cliffs, provides some of the most photogenic views on the island. You won’t have time for a swim, but the scenery alone makes it worthwhile. Then, you’ll drive along the black sands of Perivolos Beach, one of Santorini’s signature sights, highlighting the volcanic origins of the island’s beaches.

Explore Oia: The Cliffside Village

No visit to Santorini is complete without a stop in Oia, the postcard-perfect village famous for its sunset views and charming alleyways. You’ll have about an hour here to wander on your own, taking in the iconic blue-domed churches, whitewashed buildings, and sweeping views of the caldera. Photographers love this spot, and many reviews highlight how magical the views are — even in the middle of the day.

Discover Megalochori: A Traditional Wine Village

Your final stop is Megalochori, a 17th-century village with a rich history of wine-making. As you walk its quiet streets, you’ll see old wineries and hear stories of how the local Vinsanto wine was exported by wealthy landowners. It’s a peaceful, authentic place to appreciate local traditions, and perfect for a short stroll before the concluding wine tasting.

The Food & Wine Experience

One of this tour’s most praised aspects is the lunch with wine pairing at a top local winery, guided by an expert sommelier. You’ll taste traditional Greek dishes paired beautifully with wines, including Vinsanto, which is made from sun-dried grapes and a local specialty. The tasting lasts about an hour and a half, offering both education and delicious flavors.

Ending the Day

The tour concludes back at your pickup point, leaving you with a well-rounded impression of the island’s highlights without feeling rushed. This flexible, private arrangement is a significant advantage, as it allows your group to customize the experience—more time at your favorite spots or a quicker pass through others.

Why This Tour Offers Great Value

At just over four hundred dollars per person, this private tour packs in a lot. You get transportation, a personalized guide, entrance to Akrotiri, a delicious meal, and wine tastings—all in just six hours. When you consider the cost of individual tickets, meals, and car rentals, it’s a relatively cost-effective way to see a broad swath of Santorini with minimal hassle.

The expert guides are frequently praised for their friendliness and knowledge, making the experience both educational and engaging. The small-group or private setting ensures you won’t be lost in a crowd, and the flexibility lets you focus on what interests you most—be it culture, scenery, or food.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This experience is best suited for travelers who want an all-in-one day of sightseeing, with the added comfort of private transportation and personalized attention. It’s ideal for those who value authentic local experiences—like tasting Vinsanto wine—and want to avoid the crowds while exploring the island’s rich history and stunning views. Families, couples, or small groups of friends will particularly enjoy the intimate setting.

If your priority is beach lounging or swimming, you might find this tour a little rushed; it’s more about sightseeing and tasting than relaxing on the sand. But for those eager to get a well-rounded sense of Santorini’s culture, history, and flavors, this tour hits the sweet spot.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for all ages?
Yes, as it’s a private experience with a flexible pace. However, keep in mind there’s some walking at villages and archaeological sites.

Does the tour include transportation?
Yes, you’ll travel in an air-conditioned vehicle that takes you comfortably between stops.

Are admission fees included?
Admission to the Akrotiri excavation site isn’t included but can be added for an extra fee. The other stops are free to explore.

Can I customize the stops or timing?
Since it’s a private tour, you can discuss your preferences with your guide in advance.

Is food and wine included?
Yes, a traditional Greek lunch paired with wine tasting at a top winery is included, lasting about 1.5 hours.

Is this tour good for photography?
Absolutely. Many stops, especially Oia and Vlichada Beach, offer fantastic photo opportunities, often praised in reviews.

To sum it up, this private 6-hour tour offers a wonderful blend of culture, scenery, and flavors for those eager to discover Santorini’s essence. With knowledgeable guides, stunning views, and a personalized approach, it’s a smart choice for travelers seeking an authentic and manageable way to experience the island’s highlights. Just be ready for a busy day—this isn’t a slow-paced beach holiday, but a lively, insightful exploration into one of Greece’s most iconic islands.