Santorini Day Tour With Sunset in Oia

Santorini’s unique blend of volcanic landscapes, renowned wines, and picturesque villages makes it a captivating destination. This full-day tour offers an insightful exploration of the island’s highlights, from the ancient ruins of Akrotiri to the charming Emporio village. The tour culminates in the iconic Oia, where visitors can witness the breathtaking sunset over the Aegean Sea. With convenient transportation and knowledgeable guides, this tour provides an immersive experience that unveils the natural and cultural treasures that have made Santorini a coveted getaway. Those seeking to uncover the island’s enchanting allure won’t want to miss this comprehensive journey.

Key Points

• The tour offers a full-day island experience in Santorini, including visits to the Akrotiri Archaeological Site, Perissa Beach, Emporio village, and the picturesque Oia village for sunset.
• The tour includes a driver-guide, hotel pickup and drop-off, air-conditioned transportation, and entrance fees to the Akrotiri Archaeological Site.
• Exclusions include gratuities for the driver-guide, lunch/dinner, and the cable car ticket to Oia.
• Pickup is from pre-defined locations in most villages, with a centralized meeting point at NST Travel Fira, Eytheia Firon Pyrgou.
• The tour is not wheelchair accessible and requires moderate physical fitness, and the Akrotiri site may not be visited during certain months.

Tour Overview

Embarking on a full-day island tour of Santorini by bus, travelers can discover the prehistoric finds at the Akrotiri Archaeological Site, savor a lunch stop (at their own expense) by the sands of Perissa Beach, and visit the charming Emporio village to taste Santorini’s popular wines.

The tour culminates with a visit to the picturesque Oia village, where visitors can gaze upon the stunning sunset.

With a driver-guide, hotel pickup and drop-off (at select hotels), and entrance fees to the archaeological site included, the tour offers a comprehensive way to explore the island’s highlights.

However, travelers should note that the Akrotiri site isn’t visited during November and March.

Inclusions

The tour includes a driver-guide, hotel pickup and drop-off at select locations, landing and facility fees, air-conditioned transportation, and entrance fees to the Akrotiri Archaeological Site (€12 per person).

This ensures visitors can focus on exploring the island’s highlights without the hassle of logistics. The knowledgeable driver-guide provides insights and commentary throughout the day, enhancing the overall experience.

The air-conditioned vehicle offers a comfortable way to traverse the island, while the included entrance fees allow seamless access to the Akrotiri site. With these inclusions, travelers can enjoy the rich history and stunning landscapes of Santorini without worrying about additional costs.

Exclusions

While the tour includes several valuable inclusions, there are also some notable exclusions travelers should be aware of.

Gratuities, lunch or dinner, and the cable car ticket (€6 per way) aren’t covered by the tour price and must be paid for separately by participants.

Gratuities for the driver-guide are at the traveler’s discretion, allowing flexibility to reward good service.

Lunch or dinner during the stop at Perissa Beach is an out-of-pocket expense, giving guests the freedom to choose from the local cuisine.

Similarly, the cable car ticket to access the iconic village of Oia is an additional cost, though the sunset views from there are renowned.

Understanding these exclusions allows guests to budget accordingly for a stress-free Santorini experience.

Meeting and Pickup

Pickup from pre-defined locations in most villages occurs between 9:40 AM and 10:25 AM, with the meeting point at NST Travel Fira, Eytheia Firon Pyrgou.

Tour participants are collected from their hotels or designated spots around the island before the tour begins. The driver-guide ensures everyone is aboard the air-conditioned vehicle on time.

This centralized pickup system makes it convenient for travelers to join the tour, regardless of where they’re staying.

Once the group is assembled, the day’s adventures can commence as the tour heads off to explore the highlights of Santorini, including the Akrotiri Archaeological Site and the picturesque village of Oia.

Additional Information

After ensuring all tour participants are picked up, the tour has a few important details to consider.

It’s not wheelchair accessible, so guests need moderate physical fitness to participate. Babies, children under 3, and those with mobility issues shouldn’t join, as the tour may prove challenging for them.

The Akrotiri archaeological site isn’t visited during November and March, so the tour’s itinerary may vary depending on the time of year.

The tour has a maximum of 50 travelers, so it’s best to book in advance.

Akrotiri Archaeological Site

The Akrotiri Archaeological Site often captivates visitors with its remarkably well-preserved ruins, offering a rare glimpse into Santorini’s prehistoric past.

Unearthed in the 1960s, the site dates back to the 17th century BC and was once a thriving Bronze Age settlement, boasting advanced urban planning and infrastructure.

Visitors can explore the remarkably intact remains of multi-story buildings, streets, and plazas, marveling at the advanced level of civilization that existed on this remote Aegean island centuries ago.

The site’s centerpiece is the striking frescoes that adorned the walls of these ancient structures, providing a vivid window into the lives and artistic achievements of Santorini’s prehistoric inhabitants.

For history buffs, Akrotiri is an essential stop on any Santorini tour.

Perissa Beach Lunch

Following the tour’s visit to the Akrotiri Archaeological Site, travelers can look forward to a lunch stop at Perissa Beach.

With its striking black sands and clear turquoise waters, Perissa provides an idyllic setting to enjoy a meal along the shores of Santorini.

Visitors can explore the beach’s lively seaside tavernas, sampling local Greek cuisine and refreshing drinks as they take in the island’s picturesque coastal scenery.

After fueling up, they’ll be ready to continue their Santorini adventure, visiting the charming Emporio village and capping off the day with a sunset viewing in the picturesque town of Oia.

Emporio Village and Wines

Next, the tour visits the charming village of Emporio, where travelers can explore its winding alleys and whitewashed architecture.

Here, they’ll have the opportunity to sample the renowned wines of Santorini, tasting the unique flavors that have made the island’s vineyards world-famous.

Guests will learn about the local winemaking traditions and the challenges of cultivating grapes in Santorini’s volcanic soil.

The tour guide will share insights into the region’s history and the role wine has played in the island’s cultural identity.

Whether a wine connoisseur or simply curious, visitors are sure to enjoy this immersive experience in Emporio and appreciate the exceptional quality of Santorini’s acclaimed wines.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Bring My Pet on the Tour?

The tour does not allow pets. Bringing pets is not mentioned in the tour details, and the tour is described as unsuitable for babies, young children, and those with mobility issues, indicating it may not accommodate pets either.

Is It Possible to Customize the Tour Itinerary?

The tour operator may allow some customization of the itinerary, but it’s generally a fixed group tour. Travelers should inquire about any special requests or modifications when booking the tour.

What if I Need to Cancel or Reschedule the Tour?

If you need to cancel or reschedule, contact the tour operator as soon as possible. They’ll likely have flexible policies, but fees may apply depending on the timing. It’s best to communicate your needs upfront to avoid any issues.

Are There Any Age Restrictions for the Tour Participants?

The tour has age restrictions – it’s unsuitable for babies, children under 3, and those with mobility issues. Participants should have moderate physical fitness to fully enjoy the tour activities.

Can I Extend My Stay in Santorini After the Tour?

Yes, visitors can extend their stay in Santorini after the tour. The tour provider doesn’t impose any restrictions on the length of one’s stay on the island. Travelers can book additional nights independently to explore Santorini further.

Recap

This Santorini day tour offers a comprehensive exploration of the island’s highlights.

It includes visits to the ancient ruins of Akrotiri, a lunch stop at Perissa Beach, and the charming village of Emporio for wine tasting.

The tour culminates with a breathtaking sunset in the picturesque village of Oia, providing an immersive experience of Santorini’s natural and cultural treasures.