Best Of Santorini Private Customizable Tour

Planning a day in Santorini and want to see the essence of this iconic island without feeling rushed? The Best Of Santorini Private Customizable Tour offers a flexible, in-depth way to experience the highlights and secret spots, all with your own guide. With a reputation for excellent reviews and a highly personalized approach, this tour combines panoramic views, charming villages, and local culture—perfect for those wanting a tailored experience.

One of the standout features of this tour is its proven high ratings and glowing reviews—a solid 5.0 from 94 travelers, with 100% recommending it. We love how the tour spends ample time at key sights like Oia and Red Beach, but also uncovers hidden gems like Megalochori and the monastery at Profitis Ilias.

That said, the tour involves some walking, stairs, and slopes, so it’s best suited for travelers with moderate physical fitness. For those who enjoy a mix of sightseeing, authentic local flavor, and scenic vistas, this private tour hits the mark. It’s especially ideal for small groups who value flexibility, personal attention, and insider knowledge.

Key Points

• Customized Experience: The tour is private and flexible, allowing guides to tailor stops based on your interests.
• Stunning Views: From the Akrotiri Lighthouse to panoramic hilltop monasteries, photo opportunities abound.
• Authentic Villages: Explore traditional spots like Megalochori, away from the crowded tourist trails.
• Beach Time & Lunch: Swim and relax at Perivolos Beach, with options to enjoy seaside dining (lunch not included).
• Expert Guides: Reviews highlight guides like Dimitri (“Jimmy”) as knowledgeable, friendly, and attentive.
• All-Inclusive Convenience: Pickup, bottled water, and all fees are included—no hidden costs.

This six-hour journey is designed to cover Santorini’s most iconic sights while giving you the flexibility to dive deeper into the places that catch your fancy. The tour begins with a pick-up from your hotel, port, or cruise terminal, making transportation hassle-free. The private minivan offers comfort and convenience, especially in the island’s often challenging terrain of steep hills and narrow roads.

Starting in Oia – The Photo-Icon

Your first stop is Oia, arguably the most famous village in Greece. With one and a half hours here, you get plenty of time to wander the blue-domed streets, snap photos of the caldera views, and soak in the vibe of this postcard-perfect village. Reviewers consistently mention their guides’ local knowledge, with Brad noting how Dimitri (“Jimmy”) gave them just enough information—“not smothering but informative”—making the visit both educational and relaxing.

Authentic Charm in Megalochori

Next, you’ll cross the island to reach Megalochori, a quieter but equally beautiful village. With only 35 minutes here, you can stroll the narrow lanes, admire the traditional architecture, and marvel at the tiered whitewashed houses, blue-domed churches, and underground caves. Many reviews highlight this stop as a blissful escape from tourist crowds, giving you a taste of local life. Olga mentions how Dimitri was welcoming and knowledgeable, making the experience more engaging.

Clifftop Views at Akrotiri Lighthouse

Moving southwest, your guide takes you to the Akrotiri Lighthouse, built in 1892. With 20 minutes to explore, you can walk along the cliffs, enjoy spectacular views, and perhaps catch a sunset if timed well. On clear days, you might see surrounding islands—a treat for nature lovers. This spot is loved for its breathtaking scenery and is praised as one of the best viewpoints in the Cyclades.

The Red Beach – A Photographer’s Dream

Santorini is famous for its volcanic beaches, and Red Beach is no exception. Spending 20 minutes here, you can marvel at the striking reddish cliffs and volcanic landscape. Reviewers mention how perfect it is for photos, with Alexandra R describing her guide as “excellent,” taking them to “lovely places” that stood out from typical cruise excursions. It’s an iconic site, but keep in mind that the beach itself isn’t for lounging long, given the limited time.

Relaxing at Perivolos Beach & Lunch

After sightseeing, you’ll head to Perivolos Beach, just 10 minutes from Red Beach. Here, you’ll have about an hour to swim, walk along the black volcanic sands, and enjoy the lively seaside restaurants. While lunch expenses are not included, many visitors rave about the local tavernas, with Olga noting how she enjoyed the food by the sea. The beach is perfect for a quick dip in the crystal-clear waters and soaking in the sun.

The Monastery of Profitis Ilias – The Island’s Highest Point

Your final stop is Profitis Ilias Monastery, perched 565 meters above sea level. With 25 minutes, you can enjoy panoramic views of the entire island, sample wines and local products made by monks, and learn about the island’s spiritual side. Reviewers mention how guide Argyis provided insightful commentary, making this a memorable end to the tour.

Why This Tour Works for Travelers

One of the main advantages of this private tour is the personalized approach. Unlike large group tours, your guide can adapt the itinerary, spend more time at preferred spots, or skip certain stops if you wish. This flexibility makes it especially attractive for travelers who want a tailored experience without missing the highlights.

The knowledgeable guides are consistently praised. Brad mentions Dimitri (“Jimmy”) as the best driver of their entire Greece trip, citing his friendly attitude and wealth of information. Olga appreciated how Dimitris was punctual, friendly, and engaging, taking them to all the hot spots and great seaside eateries.

The scenic variety covered— from the bustling charm of Oia, the quiet beauty of Megalochori, and the panoramic vistas from Profitis Ilias—ensures you see both the well-known sights and hidden gems. This combination offers a well-rounded picture of Santorini’s landscape and culture.

The value is high for what you get—transportation, a private guide, bottled water, and fees included—though lunch and some extras like cable car tickets are optional and paid separately. Given the reviews, many travelers find the experience worth the price, especially considering the intimate, private setting.

Practical Considerations

Since the tour involves some walking, stairs, and slopes, it’s best suited for those with moderate physical fitness. Reviewers mention that some locations, like Megalochori, involve narrow pathways and steps, but guides are always willing to suggest alternatives if needed.

Timing is also important: most travelers book this tour 86 days in advance on average, reflecting its popularity. It’s a perfect way to maximize a limited day on the island, especially if you’re short on time but want to see as much as possible.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This private Santorini tour is ideal for couples, small groups, or solo travelers who want a flexible, personal experience. If you’re someone who values authentic encounters, scenic vistas, and insider knowledge, this tour will serve you well. It’s also a good choice if your group includes people with moderate mobility, given the walking involved.

For travelers looking for a structured, large group experience or who prefer to stick to a strict schedule without customization, this might not be the best fit. However, if you want a tailored, relaxed day with plenty of photo opportunities and local insights, this tour is hard to beat.

The Sum Up

This Best Of Santorini Private Customizable Tour offers a thoughtfully curated way to explore the island’s top sights and hidden treasures, all while enjoying the comfort of private transportation and a friendly, knowledgeable guide. With a perfect track record of reviews, travelers consistently praise the stunning vistas, engaging commentary, and authentic village visits.

The flexibility to adapt the stops, combined with the opportunity to enjoy panoramic views, local villages, beaches, and a mountain monastery, makes it a comprehensive yet personalized experience. It’s especially recommended for those who want a more intimate, less rushed way to discover Santorini beyond the typical cruise or group tour.

While it does require some walking and moderate fitness, the effort is rewarded with unforgettable sights, insider tips, and the chance to see both famous and lesser-known parts of the island. The value for the price, given the private guide and inclusive features, makes it a worthwhile choice for those seeking a meaningful and memorable Santorini day.

FAQ

How long is the tour?
The tour lasts approximately 6 hours, covering multiple stops across Santorini at a relaxed, manageable pace.

Is transportation included?
Yes, private minivan pickup and drop-off from your hotel, port, or cruise terminal are included, making logistics smooth.

Can I customize the stops?
Since it’s a private tour, guides can adapt the itinerary based on your preferences, allowing for a personalized experience.

What is the physical activity level required?
Participants should have a moderate physical fitness level, as some locations involve walking, stairs, and slopes.

Are lunch and entrance fees included?
Lunch at seaside restaurants is not included, and entrance fees for museums or attractions are optional and paid separately.

What makes this tour stand out?
Reviewers often mention the knowledgeable guides, especially Dimitri (“Jimmy”), the stunning views from various points, and the authentic, less touristy villages like Megalochori.

If you’re looking for a flexible, well-reviewed way to see Santorini’s highlights with a local touch, this private tour combines all the essentials with the chance to discover some hidden gems, making it a memorable part of your Greek island adventure.