Santorini’s rich history and acclaimed wines come together in an immersive tour that captivates visitors. Delving into the island’s ancient past, travelers explore the Akrotiri archaeological site and uncover the myths that have long shrouded Santorini’s history. But the journey doesn’t stop there – the tour also introduces participants to the island’s vibrant wine culture, with tastings at three renowned local wineries. With expert guidance and seamless logistics, this tour promises an unforgettable experience for both history buffs and oenophiles. What secrets will Santorini reveal to those who embark on this captivating exploration?
Key Points
- This 6-hour tour offers an immersive exploration of Santorini’s rich history and renowned wine culture, with guided visits to the Akrotiri excavations and tastings at three traditional wineries.
- The tour includes transportation, a guided tour of the Akrotiri archaeological site, 12 wine tastings, and an antipasti plate, all covered in the $1,121.69 per group (up to 2 participants) price.
- Participants will learn about Santorini’s mythological history, including its connection to the lost city of Atlantis, and gain insights into the unique basket-shaped vine growing techniques used in the region.
- The tour offers flexibility, with pickup and drop-off available from various hotels and Airbnbs, as well as the option for cruise ship visitors to include cable car tickets.
- With a 5/5 customer rating for value, safety, service, and organization, this tour provides a comprehensive and well-organized experience for exploring Santorini’s cultural and viticultural heritage.
Tour Overview
The Santorini: History & Wine Trails Tour provides visitors with a comprehensive exploration of Santorini’s rich history and renowned winemaking traditions, spanning a duration of 6 hours.
Priced at $1,121.69 per group of up to 2 participants, the tour is conducted in English and offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.
Pickup and drop-off services are included, with cruise ship visitors being collected from the old Port of Fira.
The tour showcases the Akrotiri prehistoric excavations, explores Santorini’s mythological history, and visits three traditional wineries for tastings of 12 different wines, accompanied by an antipasti plate of local delicacies.
Itinerary Highlights
Visiting the Akrotiri prehistoric excavations kicks off the tour with a 1-hour guided exploration of this fascinating archaeological site.
Guests then explore the myths surrounding Santorini, including the captivating legend of the lost city of Atlantis.
The experience continues with tours and tastings at three renowned local wineries – Hatzidakis Winery, Santo Wines Winery, and ANHYDROUS Cellar Door – where travelers sample a total of 12 different wines, including the island’s signature Assyrtiko, Nykteri, and Vinsanto varietals.
Throughout the winery visits, knowledgeable guides educate participants on Santorini’s unique viticulture practices, such as the distinct basket-weave vine training method.
Included in the Tour
This tour includes pickup and drop-off at guests’ hotels, along with a guided visit to the Akrotiri archaeological site led by a professional tour guide.
Travelers will also enjoy wine tastings at three renowned Santorini wineries, where they’ll sample a total of 12 different wines and learn about the island’s unique viticulture traditions.
An antipasti plate featuring local cheese, salami, and olives is provided, and cruise ship passengers receive cable car tickets for their convenience.
All taxes, admissions, and tasting fees are included in the tour price.
This comprehensive package ensures a seamless and enriching experience for visitors exploring Santorini’s history and world-class wines.
Important Information
Primarily, the wines served on this tour are whites and dessert wines produced in Santorini. This reflects the unique viticulture traditions of the island, where grapes are grown in basket-shaped vines to protect them from the harsh winds. Plus, the tour provides pickup and drop-off services from various locations around the island, ensuring convenient transportation for all participants. For cruise ship travelers, cable car tickets are included to facilitate access to the tour starting point.
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Wine Selection | Primarily whites and dessert wines from Santorini |
| Pickup/Drop-off | Available from various hotels and Airbnbs |
| Cable Car Tickets | Included for cruise ship visitors |
The overall customer reviews for this tour indicate a 5/5 rating, highlighting its value, safety, service, and organization.
Booking and Availability
Reserving the Santorini: History & Wine Trails Tour can be done conveniently online, with a ‘reserve now & pay later’ option available. Customers can check the tour’s availability for specific dates and starting times, with pickup locations offered in six key areas across the island, including Perissa, Oia, Imerovigli, Thera, and Emporio, with drop-off at those same locations.
The tour offers:
- Flexible pickup and drop-off options to suit your needs
- Availability across various dates and times to fit your schedule
- Secure online booking to guarantee your spot
- Easy reservation process with the option to pay later
Akrotiri Excavations
The tour begins with a guided visit to the Akrotiri prehistoric excavations, offering visitors a glimpse into Santorini’s captivating past.
Akrotiri, often referred to as the ‘Greek Pompeii,’ is a remarkably well-preserved Bronze Age settlement that was buried under layers of volcanic ash during a massive eruption around 1600 BC.
Visitors will explore the excavated ruins, which include intricate frescoes, advanced drainage systems, and evidence of a prosperous civilization.
The guided tour provides insights into the daily lives of the Akrotiri inhabitants and the theories surrounding the island’s connection to the legendary lost city of Atlantis.
This immersive experience sets the stage for the wine tasting journey that follows.
Exploring Santorini’s Myths
After seeing the well-preserved ruins of Akrotiri, visitors explore the myths and legends surrounding Santorini’s captivating past.
Santorini’s unique volcanic landscape and its presumed connection to the fabled lost city of Atlantis have long captured the imagination of historians, archaeologists, and travelers alike.
Exploring these enigmatic narratives, visitors discover:
- Theories linking the island’s dramatic caldera to the demise of the advanced Minoan civilization.
- Tales of the island’s mythical past, including its association with the sun god Apollo and the goddess Aphrodite.
- Intriguing stories about the island’s presumed role in Plato’s account of the lost city of Atlantis.
- The enduring mystery surrounding Santorini’s dramatic eruption and its impact on the ancient world.
Winery Visits and Tastings
Visiting Santorini’s renowned wineries, guests explore the island’s distinct viticulture traditions and sample a diverse array of locally produced wines.
The tour takes visitors to three premier wineries – Hatzidakis Winery, Santo Wines Winery, and ANHYDROUS Cellar Door – where they’ll taste 12 different wines, including the iconic Assyrtiko, Nykteri, and Vinsanto varietals.
Guests learn about the unique basket-vine growing methods used on the island and how they contribute to the wines’ distinctive flavors.
An expert guide provides a mini wine-tasting tutorial, and an antipasti plate of local cheeses, salami, and olives complements the tasting experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is This Tour Suitable for Children?
The tour may not be suitable for children, as it focuses primarily on historical sites and wine tastings. Parents should consider whether their children would find the content engaging and whether they would be comfortable with the wine tastings.
Can I Make Any Special Dietary Requests?
Yes, travelers can make special dietary requests for the tour. The tour provider is accommodating and will work to cater to any dietary needs, such as vegetarian, vegan, or gluten-free options, if requested in advance.
What Is the Dress Code for the Tour?
The tour does not have a strict dress code, but comfortable, weather-appropriate clothing and sturdy walking shoes are recommended. Guests should dress casually for the winery visits and tour activities.
Can I Bring My Own Wine or Snacks?
Participants generally cannot bring their own wine or snacks on a guided tour. This would interfere with the tour’s itinerary and the wine tastings provided by the wineries. Most tours provide all necessary food and beverages as part of the package.
Are There Any Discounts Available for Seniors or Students?
The tour provider does not currently offer any discounts for seniors or students. However, the overall cost per person may be reduced for larger groups booking together. Customers should inquire about any promotional offers when making their reservation.
Recap
The Santorini: History & Wine Trails Tour offers a captivating journey through the island’s rich heritage and exquisite wines.
Participants explore the ancient Akrotiri site, explore Santorini’s myths, and enjoy tastings at three traditional wineries.
With professional guidance and seamless transportation, this tour provides an unforgettable experience for history and wine enthusiasts seeking to uncover the island’s enchanting past and present.
