Santorini Highlights: Oia, Wine Tasting, and Villages

Discover the hidden gems of Santorini on a private tour with a local guide. Customize your itinerary and explore iconic locations in Oia and beyond for an unforgettable experience.

Duration: 4 hours
Cancellation: 1 day learn more
Highlights
  • Oia - Oia is a picturesque village perched on the cliffs of Santorini, renowned for its breathtaking views of the Aegean Sea and stunning sunsets. The village is famous for its iconic blue-domed churches, which stand out against the whitewashed buildings and the deep blue sea, creating a postcard-perfect scene that draws visitors from around the world.

The unique architecture of Oia includes traditional cave houses, known as “yposkafa,” which are carved into the volcanic rock. These charming dwellings, with their curved roofs and smooth, organic shapes, blend seamlessly with the landscape, offering a glimpse into the island’s past. Many of these cave houses have been transformed into luxurious accommodations, providing visitors with a unique and memorable stay.

Strolling through the narrow, winding streets of Oia, one can admire the harmonious blend of architecture and nature, where every corner reveals a new, stunning vista.

  • Oia’s Main Street - Oia’s shopping area is a delightful maze of narrow cobblestone streets lined with boutique shops, art galleries, and charming cafes. Visitors can browse a variety of unique items, from handmade jewelry and local crafts to stylish clothing and artwork, each reflecting the vibrant culture and creativity of the island. Amidst the shops, cozy cafes offer a perfect spot to relax and soak in the surroundings. Many of these cafes boast stunning views of the caldera and the endless blue of the Aegean Sea, providing a serene backdrop for enjoying a cup of Greek coffee or a glass of local wine. The combination of picturesque scenery, exquisite shopping, and delightful cafes makes Oia a truly enchanting place to explore.
  • Gavalas Winery - Gavalas Winery offers an exceptional wine tasting experience set within a traditional cave house that exudes rustic charm. This family-run winery specializes in crafting exquisite wines from indigenous grape varieties, allowing visitors to savor the true essence of Santorini. Among the standout offerings is Assyrtiko, a crisp and refreshing white wine renowned for its vibrant acidity and mineral notes, reflecting the unique volcanic soil of the island. As you sample these fine wines, you’ll gain insights into the rich history and winemaking traditions of Santorini, making your visit to Gavalas Winery both a delightful and educational experience.
  • Megalochori - Traditional Village - Megalochori is a charming village in Santorini, celebrated for its beautiful architecture and timeless ambiance. This picturesque village features an array of traditional whitewashed houses, elegant neoclassical mansions, and quaint churches with striking bell towers. Wandering through the narrow, cobblestone alleys, visitors are transported back in time, discovering hidden courtyards, vine-covered terraces, and inviting tavernas. Each corner of Megalochori reveals a piece of its rich history and serene beauty, making it a perfect destination for those seeking an authentic and tranquil Greek village experience.
  • Heart of Santorini - A secret old path leading to an isolated chapel on caldera with captivating views. A place where you can appreciate the beauty of nature!
What's Included
  • Private transportation
  • On-board WiFi
  • Bottled water
  • In-vehicle air conditioning
What's Not Included
  • Gratuities
  • Fees and admissions that are not included in the itinerary
  • Lunch
Additional Information

This tour is uniquely crafted for cruise ship visitors seeking an immersive and comprehensive experience of Santorini. Designed to offer a perfect blend of the island’s highlights, it takes you through the breathtaking village of Oia, with its iconic blue domes and stunning vistas. You’ll also get to savor local wines at the renowned Gavalas Winery, enjoying the distinctive flavors of Santorini’s indigenous grape varieties. The journey continues with a visit to traditional villages like Megalochori, where the charming architecture and cobblestone alleys offer a glimpse into the island’s rich heritage. Our passionate drivers are dedicated to ensuring you have an excellent experience, sharing their extensive knowledge and love for Santorini to make your visit truly unforgettable. Tailor-made for those who want to capture the essence of Santorini in a limited time, this tour ensures an unforgettable exploration of its natural beauty, cultural treasures, and exquisite flavors.

Location
Oia
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Customer Ratings
4.7
(6 Ratings)
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Explorer259888
Jun 5, 2024
Perfect day! - We were picked up by our driver/tour guide Themis. He was great! He was super personable and knowledgeable of all of Santorini. We are from the States so It was a plus for us that he spoke perfect English and perfect Greek. I would highly recommend VIP Santorini for any car service and tours. They were very nice and easy to work with.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Lorisv960ki
Apr 21, 2024
Tony, our guide, was exceptional !! - Tony, our guide, was exceptional! He went above & beyond to give us the best day. This was bucket list item, huge thank Tony for the amazing experience. It was a pleasure to spend the day with you & learn about your beautiful country.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Lopezfamd
Mar 26, 2024
Santorini tour - Excellent tour. We learn a lot of Santorini and Greek history. It was a real pleasure to meet George Duke. All his attentions were appreciated. Will hopefully return soon.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
L5977ubsureshb
Feb 26, 2024
Great tour of Santorini and worth of money paid - The tour was excellent and covered whole length and breath of Santorini in six hours. Mr George Duke has extensive knowledge about Santorini and its history which he shared with us along the way. He accompanied us all along and kindly made his plan to suit our needs.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Carlossu9946as
Jul 27, 2023
Search no more, book here and request Duke - Duke was incredible, he knows his history and the best spots on the island. Our family thoroughly enjoyed our time. When we come to Santorini again in the near future, Duke will be our first call. Thanks for helping to create some amazing family memories Duke!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
493letyg
Nov 12, 2023
Disappointed me. - Santorini is beautiful but it is not what I expected. I thought that all the houses were white and all the roofs or domes were blue but no, there were only 3 blue domes which are the ones that always appear in the photos and it depends on what time they take you on the tour because the sun was shining on me front and my photos did not come out very pretty. That was in Oia. I learned that in Santorini there is no water (they bring it from somewhere else) and it doesn't rain and yet I saw fields of olive trees, grapevines, cherry tomatoes, cactus and they don't water them. Even so, they grow with the humidity of the morning dew and the volcanic stones preserve that water. Santorini is large and its capital is Fira (Thira). That's where the cruises arrive and there are buses that take you around the island at a very good price. There are also many restaurants and shops to buy your souvenirs at a very good price. In Kamari the beach is made of pure black stones, I didn't see the others but I didn't like it. Still, the hotels are quiet. I recommend only two days on this island.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
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up to 12 guests
1 Adult
September 2024
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