Santorini: 6hr Private Custom Tour with Olive Oil or Wine Tasting

Experience Santorini at Your Own Pace with a 6-Hour Private Tour That Can Be Tailored to Your Interests

If you’re heading to Santorini and want to soak in the island’s most iconic sights without the chaos of a large group, this private, 6-hour tour offers a flexible and personalized way to explore. For $243.83 per person, you get the luxury of customizing your route, choosing between an olive oil or wine tasting, and being picked up and dropped off right at your hotel or the cable car station. Led by knowledgeable guides, this experience balances highlights like the cliffside village of Oia and the historic Pyrgos with off-the-beaten-path locations that truly capture the island’s spirit.

Two standout features we appreciate are the full customization—you tell your guide what interests you most—and the tasting experiences, which add delicious depth to your visit. Whether it’s sampling local olive oils at SantOrganics or enjoying wines at a family-owned Gavalas Winery, these authentic indulgences elevate the trip beyond just sightseeing. The hassle-free transfers and flexible start times (morning or afternoon) make this tour especially convenient, even for travelers with tight schedules.

A possible consideration might be that entrance fees for some sites are at your own expense, so budgeting for those in advance or being prepared for some optional costs might be wise. This tour is best suited for travelers who want a personalized experience that can adapt to your pace, interests, and physical comfort—especially helpful if terrain or mobility is a concern, as the reviews highlight guides’ ability to tailor the route for older visitors.

Who will love this tour? If you’re eager for a bespoke journey, enjoy learning about local products, and want to see the best of Santorini without feeling rushed or overwhelmed, this private experience will serve you well. It’s especially ideal for those who appreciate authentic encounters and the flexibility to focus on what truly interests them.

Key Points

• Customizable Itinerary: You tell your guide what you want to see, making each tour unique.
• Authentic Tastings: Olive oil and wine tastings are included, highlighting local flavors.
• Flexible Scheduling: Choose morning or afternoon departures to suit your plans.
• Hassle-Free Transfers: Hotel pickup and drop-off simplify logistics.
• Incredible Views: Highlights like Oia, Pyrgos, and Profitis Ilias offer panoramic vistas.
• Expert Guides: Guides are praised for their knowledge and ability to adapt to guest needs.

A Detailed Look at Your Private Santorini Experience

When you book this 6-hour private tour, you’re signing up for more than just a list of sites—you’re crafting a personalized adventure. For around four to six hours, you’ll get the chance to explore a mix of well-known landmarks and hidden gems, all with the comfort of private transport and the undivided attention of your guide. The tour generally starts from the cable car station or your hotel, with pickup included, which smooths out some of the logistical headaches often associated with island tours.

What makes this tour special is its flexibility. Unlike rigid group excursions, this experience allows you to set the pace and choose the sights that matter most to you. Want to linger over a stunning view? No problem. Prefer to spend more time at an organic farm or a family-run winery? That’s entirely up to you. This approach means that the tour feels more like a visit with a knowledgeable friend than a conventional sightseeing bus ride.

Itinerary Breakdown: What You’ll See and Do

Stop 1: Monastery of Profitis Ilias
This is the highest point on the island, offering breathtaking views across Santorini and beyond. It’s a quiet spot, perfect for soaking in the scenery and capturing photos. The reviews highlight how the guide’s local knowledge makes this a memorable start, with one guest noting it’s “a great way to see the full island from above.” It’s a brief stop—about 15 minutes—but worth the visit for the panoramic landscape.

Stop 2: Pyrgos Village
This charming village is a highlight for many travelers. It’s a place where history and local charm converge, with narrow winding streets and traditional tavernas. One review mentions leisurely walking around Pyrgos, appreciating its “grace and history.” Expect about 45 minutes here, enough time to explore and perhaps buy a souvenir or two.

Stop 3: Vlychada Beach and Cliffs
This stop offers a peek at Santorini’s rugged coastline, with cliffs and the stark beauty of volcanic rock. Some travelers enjoy the contrast of the wild shoreline against the lushness of the rest of the island. It’s a quick 15-minute view, but enough to appreciate the dramatic landscape.

Stop 4: Firostefani and the Blue-Domed Church
The iconic blue-domed church in Firostefani is a photographer’s paradise. It’s a brief stop—about 10 minutes—perfect for snapping pictures and soaking in the view of the caldera. Guides are praised for helping guests find the perfect angles, often emphasizing how memorable these iconic sights are.

Stop 5: The Castle of St Nicholas
Perched near the water, this site offers spectacular views over the Aegean. The guide shares stories about the area’s history, making the time engaging. Most guests spend about an hour here, enjoying the scenery and learning local lore.

Stop 6: SantOrganics Organic Farm
Here’s where the tour really shines for food and culture lovers. You’ll visit a traditional Santorini farm, gaining insight into local agriculture, and enjoy an olive oil tasting included in the tour. One guest remarked, “the olive oil tasting was extraordinary,” highlighting the depth of this experience. Expect about 1.5 hours to explore and savor local products.

Stop 7: Gavalas Winery
The tour concludes with a visit to one of the oldest family-owned wineries. Wine tasting here is a favorite among guests, with praise for the quality of the wines and the enthusiastic guide. It’s a relaxing way to finish the day, with about an hour spent sampling and learning about local vintages.

The Practical Benefits

The private nature of this tour means you won’t be packed into a bus with strangers, and your guide can tailor the pace and focus areas based on your interests. The hotel pickup and drop-off service is a real plus when navigating a sometimes confusing island; it saves you time and effort, especially if you’re staying outside Fira or Oia.

The cost of about $244 per person includes the guide, all tastings, bottled water, and transportation, which is quite competitive considering the personalized experience. When you factor in the value of avoiding large group tour hassles and getting insider tips, it’s easy to see why many guests say this tour offers excellent value.

What Do Guests Say?

The glowing reviews consistently mention guides who are knowledgeable, personable, and adaptable. Several guests praise guides like Kathrin and Sabina for their ability to customize the tour and their in-depth local knowledge. One guest notes, “Kathrin was fantastic. She customized our experience to fit our interests,” which speaks to how flexible the tour really is.

Guests also love the stunning views and authentic experiences. One reviewer said, “The views! The guide, Sabina, was excellent. She was knowledgeable and personable,” emphasizing how much the personalized attention enhances the trip.

The wine and olive oil tastings are frequently highlighted as standout moments, with many guests calling the winery visit “the best winery found in Santorini” and the olive oil tasting “extraordinary.” These are not just add-ons—they’re integral parts of the experience, offering insight into local culture and craftsmanship.

Considerations and Tips

While the tour provides a lot of value, be aware that entrance fees for some sites are at your own expense. Planning for these additional costs (if you wish to visit certain sites or museums) can help avoid surprises.

Because the tour operates in all weather conditions, dressing appropriately for sun or rain is advised. The flexible schedule allows you to choose morning or afternoon departures, which can be helpful depending on your plans—mornings tend to be cooler, while afternoons might offer the best light for photos.

This tour is most ideal for those who appreciate customization and want a more relaxed, authentic experience rather than a generic group outing. If you’re traveling with family, older friends, or anyone with mobility considerations, the guide’s ability to adapt routes and stop locations will be a major plus.

The Sum Up

This private, 6-hour tour in Santorini offers a well-balanced blend of breathtaking views, authentic cultural experiences, and personalized attention. It’s perfect for travelers who want to craft their own day, explore at their own pace, and indulge in local flavors like olive oil and wine. The guides are praised for their knowledge and friendliness, making the experience both educational and fun.

If you value flexibility, personalized service, and authentic encounters, this tour will meet your expectations. It’s especially suited for those who want a deeper connection with the island’s sights and stories, rather than just ticking off a checklist. Whether you’re a first-timer or returning visitor, this experience can be tailored to make your Santorini visit truly memorable.

FAQ

How long is the tour?
The tour lasts approximately six hours, including transportation, stops, and tastings.

What’s included in the price?
The cost covers a private guide, hotel pickup and drop-off, bottled water, snacks, olive oil or wine tasting, and visits to key sites.

Can I choose between olive oil and wine tasting?
Yes, during the booking process, you can select whether to include the olive oil tasting or the wine tasting.

Are entrance fees included?
No, entrance fees for sites are at your own expense, but most stops are free to enjoy the views.

Is this tour suitable for older travelers?
Yes, guides are known for adapting routes to suit different mobility levels, and reviews highlight their flexibility and care.

What should I wear?
Dress appropriately for the weather—layers for sun or rain—and wear comfortable shoes for walking.