Customize your Santorini experience

Discover Santorini on Your Terms: A Deep Dive into a Fully Customizable Tour

When visiting Santorini, many travelers dream of experiencing the island’s spectacular caldera, whitewashed villages, ancient ruins, and breathtaking sunsets. For around $203 per person, you can enjoy a flexible, 5-hour tour tailored specifically to your interests, whether that’s geology, architecture, history, or local cuisine. Led by knowledgeable guides like Milan, this experience promises to let you choose what to see—and even change your plans on the fly as you go.

What we love most about this tour is its personalized approach. You’re not stuck with a rigid schedule; instead, you can craft an itinerary that hits your highlights, making every moment meaningful. Plus, the guide’s expertise, combined with comfortable private transportation, means you’ll get both insider insights and genuine comfort. A second highlight is the diverse selection of stops: from volcanic beaches to ancient ruins, from picturesque villages to some of the best wine tastings you’ll find on the island.

However, a consideration worth noting is that this tour is not suitable for wheelchair users, given the varied terrain and walking involved. Also, while the tour includes many incredible sights, some of the archaeological sites and wine tastings do incur additional fees—so budgeting accordingly enhances the experience.

This experience is ideal for travelers who want flexibility and authenticity, especially those eager to explore beyond the usual tourist spots and dive into Santorini’s culture, geology, and flavors with a knowledgeable guide at their side.

Key Points

• Fully customizable: You choose what to see and do, making each tour unique.
• Expert guides: Guides like Milan are praised for their knowledge and uplifting spirit.
• Diverse highlights: From volcanic beaches and villages to wine tastings, the options are extensive.
• Flexible itinerary: The schedule can be adjusted on the day, fitting your interests and pace.
• Private experience: Perfect for couples, families, or small groups seeking intimacy and flexibility.
• Additional costs: Archaeological site fees, museum tickets, and wine tastings are extra.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Exploring Santorini with a Personal Touch

Santorini is famous for its stunning caldera, dramatic cliffs, and idyllic villages, but what we love about this tour is the ability to design your day around what catches your eye. For us, the real charm lies in the customization. It’s a chance to spend more time in places that spark your interest—whether that’s soaking in panoramic views at Imerovigli or wandering the narrow streets of traditional villages like Megalohori.

The tour starts with the flexibility to pick from a curated list of activities, such as exploring the Oia village with its white cave houses and spectacular sunset views, or visiting the Ancient Minoan site at Akrotiri, where you can walk through ruins over 5,000 years old. We loved the way guides like Milan share insights about the geology of the island, explaining the volcanic activity that shaped Santorini’s landscape, which makes the scenery even more meaningful.

One of the standout stops is Profitis Ilias Monastery, perched nearly 2,000 feet above sea level, offering panoramic views that are well worth the climb. Guides explain the monastery’s history, and you can enjoy sweeping vistas of the island and caldera. The largest vineyard on the island invites a leisurely drive through the vineyards, where we learned about the unique ways Santorini cultivates grapes on volcanic soil, producing some exceptional wines that you can taste in a dedicated tasting session.

The tour also includes visits to quieter, less-visited spots like Megalohori, where we found a secluded sunset view far from the crowds. The volcanic beaches like Vlihada Beach, with its jet-black sand and moon-like terrain, give a surreal experience that no postcard can fully capture. We appreciated the opportunity to relax at the Theos Wave Bar for a drink amid the volcanic scenery.

The flexibility to modify the itinerary even during the tour is a major plus. For example, if you discover a particular interest, such as the island’s agriculture or volcanic environment, guides are happy to extend your time there. The private transportation, with WiFi and water, makes moving between sights comfortable and convenient.

What Makes This Tour Stand Out?

The real value lies in the balance of personalized experience and expert guidance. As one reviewer, Brandon, pointed out: “Milan was the perfect tour guide showing the beauty of the island but also explaining why the island was beautiful. He is very knowledgeable in the history of Santorini and has a very uplifting spirit.”

Another aspect we appreciate is the wine tasting component, which is especially appealing if you’re keen to understand local production. The tasting includes various Santorini wines, with explanations about cultivation and winemaking—this adds a flavorful dimension to your day.

The inclusion of private transport and amenities like bottled water and snacks ensure comfort, even on a longer day. The tour’s price reflects this quality, offering a personalized experience that’s a significant upgrade from generic group tours.

The Itinerary: A Closer Look

While the tour is customizable, typical highlights include:

• Oia Village: Famous for its white cave houses perched on the cliffs, this spot offers some of the most iconic views of the caldera. It’s also a prime photo opportunity, especially near Oia Castle, with the sunset if timing allows. Guides give insight into the architecture and history, making it more than just a pretty view.

• Imerovigli: Known as the “balcony of the Aegean”, it’s the highest point on the caldera, offering sweeping views of the volcanic crater. Here, you can walk through white-washed streets, see the blue-domed churches, and learn about the geology and volcanic activity that created the landscape.

• Profitis Ilias Monastery: Sitting atop the highest point on the island, this monastery provides a panoramic perspective of Santorini, with a history dating back to 1711. It’s a peaceful place where you can enjoy the views and learn about monastic life.

• Vineyard Tour and Wine Tasting: Driving through the largest area of vineyards, you’ll learn how the volcanic soil influences the grapes. Sampling different varieties of local wines, with explanations from knowledgeable guides, makes this a highlight for wine lovers.

• Ancient Akrotiri: The archaeological site offers a glimpse into 5,000-year-old Minoan civilization. While tickets are extra, walking through the well-preserved ruins is a fascinating journey into the island’s ancient past.

• Volcanic Beaches: The black sand of Vlihada Beach and lunar-like formations at Moon Beach offer extraordinary scenery. This is perfect for those wanting to see a more unusual side of Santorini’s volcanic landscape.

• Secluded Sunset Spot at Megalohori: For a quieter, more intimate sunset experience, this hidden gem is often praised as a peaceful alternative to the busy Oia sunset.

The Practical Side: Logistics and Value

The tour’s five-hour duration is ideal for fitting into a day’s sightseeing without feeling rushed. The private group setting ensures a personalized experience in a small, intimate setting, which is often more satisfying than crowded group tours. The inclusion of air-conditioned transportation and WiFi keeps things comfortable and connected.

Pricing at $203 per person seems reasonable considering the flexibility, private guiding, and all inclusions. Keep in mind that additional entry fees for archaeological sites (€12) and wine tastings (~€30) are extra, so budgeting a little more will give a full picture of what to expect.

This tour is a great value for those wanting an authentic experience tailored to their interests. It’s especially suitable for travelers who dislike cookie-cutter tours and prefer to explore at their own pace, with an expert guide helping interpret what they see.

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Who Should Consider This Tour?

If you’re eager to explore Santorini with a personalized touch, this tour is ideal. It’s perfect for curious travelers wanting to learn about the island’s geology, history, and culture without the constraints of a fixed schedule. Wine enthusiasts will appreciate the tasting sessions, and those interested in authentic villages and scenic vistas will find plenty to love.

However, if you have mobility issues or require accessibility accommodations, this tour might not be suitable. It’s best for those who enjoy a more active day, walking through villages, archaeological sites, and volcanic landscapes.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the tour?
The tour lasts approximately 5 hours, but it’s flexible and can be adjusted based on your interests and pace.

What is included in the price?
Guided tour, private transportation, air-conditioned vehicle, bottled water, snacks (nuts and fruits), and WiFi onboard are included. Additional costs are for site entry fees and wine tastings.

Can I change my activities during the tour?
Yes. The tour allows for activity changes during the day, so if you discover a new interest or want more time at a particular spot, guides are happy to accommodate.

Is the tour suitable for children or families?
The tour is private and flexible, but it involves walking and some uneven terrain. It’s suitable for families with older children who are comfortable with walking.

Are meals included?
No, meals are not included. The tour does include a stop at a “farm to table” restaurant for traditional Greek food, but you’ll need to pay separately.

What should I bring?
Comfortable shoes, a sun hat, swimwear if you wish to swim, and your camera are recommended.

Is there a cancellation policy?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, providing flexibility if your plans change.

To sum it up, this customizable Santorini tour offers a unique, personal way to experience the island’s beauty and history. With a knowledgeable guide, private transport, and the ability to tailor your day, it’s a great choice for travelers who want depth and flexibility. Whether you’re seeking stunning views, exploring ancient ruins, tasting local wines, or wandering charming villages, this experience adapts to your interests, making it a memorable addition to any Greek island adventure.

You can check availability for your dates here: