Exploring the Santorini caldera by sailboat, accompanied by a professional sommelier, offers an unparalleled opportunity to indulge in the region’s world-renowned wines. This exclusive experience allows you to savor the bold flavors of Assyrtiko and the complexity of Vinsanto, all while taking in the stunning natural beauty surrounding you. With a carefully curated Greek/Mediterranean menu prepared onboard, this private sailing tour promises to be a truly memorable journey for the discerning wine enthusiast. Though the details of this exceptional itinerary may seem enticing, there’s more to uncover about this unique excursion.
Key Points
- Experience a 5-hour private sailing and wine tasting tour in Santorini, with a certified sommelier guiding you through 8 different Santorini wines.
- Enjoy a delicious Greek/Mediterranean menu prepared on board the private sailboat as you sail past iconic Santorini landmarks like Red Beach and White Beach.
- Swim in the clear waters of Thirassia island and witness the stunning sunset during the return cruise.
- Benefit from personalized attention and hassle-free transportation with hotel/port/airport pickup and drop-off included in the tour.
- Learn about Santorini’s rich wine-making history and terroir from the expert sommelier while tasting the diverse array of Assyrtiko, Nykteri, and Vinsanto wines.
Tour Overview and Pricing
This private sailing and wine tasting experience in Santorini offers a 5-hour cruise priced at $969.23 per person.
Guests can reserve the tour and pay later, with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
The tour includes a private sailboat cruise through the Santorini caldera, where you will witness stunning volcanic landscapes and have the opportunity to swim in the clear waters of Thirassia island.
Throughout the journey, a certified wine guide/sommelier will lead an exclusive tasting of 8 different Santorini wines, complemented by a delectable Greek/Mediterranean menu prepared on board.
Experience Highlights
Guests on this private sailing and wine tasting experience can sample 8 different Santorini wines, including the renowned Assyrtiko, Nykteri, and Vinsanto varietals.
During the cruise, they’ll enjoy a delicious Greek/Mediterranean menu prepared on board.
The personalized attention from a certified wine guide ensures an engaging and educational experience as they sail past iconic Santorini landmarks like the Red Beach, White Beach, and the Indian’s Face rock formation.
The highlight will be entering the caldera and witnessing the lighthouse and volcanic islands.
Guests can also take a refreshing swim in the clear waters of Thirassia island before watching the sunset during their cruise back.
Itinerary Details
The tour begins with pickup from the hotel or closest accessible point, setting sail to cruise past the iconic Red Beach and White Beach.
Next, the sailboat heads towards the dramatic Indian’s Face rock formation.
Once in the caldera, guests witness the historic lighthouse and volcanic islands.
The cruise then takes them to the island of Thirassia, where they can swim in the clear waters.
As the sun starts to set, the sailboat returns, providing the perfect vantage point to take in the stunning Santorini sunset.
Throughout the journey, the knowledgeable sommelier shares insights about the wines and the rich winemaking heritage of the island.
Inclusions
Throughout the sailing and wine tasting experience, several inclusions ensure guests can fully indulge in the flavors and sights of Santorini. An English-speaking certified wine guide/sommelier accompanies the private cruise, sharing their expertise on the island’s rich winemaking heritage. Private transportation with hotel/port/airport pickup and drop-off is provided for convenient arrival and departure.
The experience also includes:
- A wine tasting of 8 different Santorini wines, such as Assyrtiko, Nykteri, and Vinsanto.
- A Greek/Mediterranean menu prepared on board to complement the wines.
- Drinks, snorkeling equipment, towels, and cold bottled water for a comfortable and refreshing journey.
Important Information
Pregnant women can’t participate in this activity.
This sailing and wine tasting tour isn’t suitable for pregnant women.
Participants must bring a passport or ID (copy accepted) for identification purposes.
Participants should bring a valid form of identification, as a copy will be accepted.
The pickup location will be provided the day before the tour.
The pickup location for the tour will be communicated to guests the day before the activity.
Personal expenses and gratuities are optional.
While the tour includes various inclusions, personal expenses and gratuities are optional for participants.
The tour operator wants to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for all guests, so these important details are highlighted upfront.
Pickup and Dropoff
For this tour, the operator provides pickup and drop-off from your hotel or the closest accessible point. Guests will be notified of the exact pickup location the day before the scheduled activity. The pickup and drop-off service is included in the tour package, ensuring a seamless start and end to your sailing and wine tasting experience.
The process is as follows:
- You’ll be picked up from your hotel or designated meeting point, allowing for a convenient and hassle-free start to your day.
- After the tour, you’ll be dropped off back at your original pickup location, simplifying your return journey.
- The pickup information is provided the day prior, so you’ll have all the details you need to plan your day accordingly.
Wine Tasting Selections
The tour features a tasting of 8 different Santorini wines, including the renowned Assyrtiko, Nykteri, and Vinsanto varietals. Guests can look forward to sampling the finest local wines, guided by a certified sommelier.
This is a unique opportunity to learn about the rich wine-making history and distinct terroir of Santorini. The wines will be paired with a delicious Greek/Mediterranean menu prepared on board, creating a harmonious dining experience.
With the guidance of the expert sommelier, you will gain a deeper appreciation for the complexities and nuances of Santorini’s acclaimed wines. This tasting is truly a highlight of the private sailing tour, offering an immersive and educational wine experience.
Onboard Greek Menu
Complementing the wine tasting experience, the private sailing tour also includes a delectable Greek/Mediterranean menu prepared on board by the crew. The menu features a tantalizing selection of flavors, showcasing the best of Santorini’s culinary heritage.
Guests can expect to savor:
- Fresh, locally-sourced seafood dishes
- Authentic Greek salads made with crisp vegetables and tangy feta cheese
- Hearty traditional dishes like moussaka or dolmades
These mouthwatering plates are designed to perfectly complement the diverse array of Santorini wines being tasted, creating a harmonious pairing that elevates the entire sailing and wine tasting experience.
The menu is prepared with care and attention to detail, ensuring a truly memorable gastronomic journey.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Customize the Wine Tasting Selection?
Yes, customers can customize the wine tasting selection. They can work with the sommelier to choose the specific wines they’d like to sample during the tour, based on their preferences and interests.
Is There an Option for a Private Sailing Tour Only?
Yes, there is an option for a private sailing tour only. Customers can book a private sailing experience without the wine tasting component, which would likely reduce the overall cost of the tour.
Is There a Minimum or Maximum Group Size?
The tour is a private sailing experience, so there is no minimum or maximum group size. Customers can book the tour for a private group of their choosing, with the ability to accommodate as few as 1 or as many as 6 people.
Can I Bring My Own Wine or Food on Board?
No, passengers cannot bring their own wine or food on board. The tour includes an English-speaking sommelier, a Greek/Mediterranean menu, and 8 wine tastings, so outside items are not permitted. Passengers should focus on enjoying the provided experience.
What Is the Dress Code for the Sailing Tour?
The tour has a casual, relaxed dress code. Comfortable, weather-appropriate clothing and closed-toe shoes are recommended. Swimsuits can be worn under clothing for optional swimming. No formal attire is required.
Recap
This exclusive sailing and wine tasting experience in Santorini’s stunning caldera is a true indulgence.
Savor exquisite local wines curated by an expert sommelier, enjoy a delectable Greek/Mediterranean menu, and take in breathtaking views as you sail past iconic landmarks.
It’s the perfect way to learn about Santorini’s natural beauty and rich winemaking traditions.
