Santorini’s stunning landscapes and rich cultural heritage captivate countless travelers each year. One of the island’s most popular experiences is the ‘Megalochori and Oia Guided Tour with Wine Tasting.’ This immersive six-hour adventure offers visitors a chance to enjoy the island’s enchanting beauty, from the dramatic caldera vistas to the charming villages steeped in tradition. Whether you’re a wine enthusiast or simply seek to explore Santorini’s charms, this guided tour promises an unforgettable day that’ll leave you eager to uncover more of what this remarkable destination has to offer.
Key Points
- This 6-hour guided tour of Santorini focuses on the villages of Megalochori and Oia, providing panoramic views, cultural insights, and a wine tasting experience.
- The tour begins at Profitis Ilias mountain for an introduction to Santorini’s volcanic history, followed by exploration of Megalochori’s traditional architecture and blue-domed chapels.
- Guests will enjoy a wine tasting at the Anhydrous Winery, featuring award-winning volcanic wines, and learn about the unique terroir of Santorini.
- The tour then visits Oia, famous for its iconic cave houses and old Venetian Castle ruins, allowing time to explore the town’s picturesque streets and artisan shops.
- Pickup is provided from the upper cable car station in Fira, and the tour includes all necessary transportation and gratuities for a seamless experience.
Tour Overview
This guided tour of Santorini explores the highlights of Megalochori and Oia over the course of 6 hours. Priced from $141.18 per person, the tour is conducted in English with a small, intimate group size.
You’ll start at the mountain of Profitis Ilias to take in panoramic views and learn about the island’s volcanic history. Then, you’ll wander through the narrow pathways and traditional architecture of Megalochori, including blue-domed chapels.
The tour also includes a wine tasting at Anhydrous Winery, where you’ll sample award-winning volcanic wines and local delights.
Itinerary Highlights
The tour begins at the mountain of Profitis Ilias, where participants can take in panoramic views of the island and learn about its volcanic history.
Next, the group will explore the charming village of Megalochori, wandering its narrow pathways, admiring the traditional architecture, and visiting the blue-domed chapels.
The highlight of the tour is the wine tasting experience at the Anhydrous Winery, where guests can sample award-winning volcanic wines and local delicacies.
The final stop is the picturesque town of Oia, where visitors can marvel at the iconic cave houses, explore the ruins of the old Venetian Castle, enjoy the local cafes, and indulge in some shopping.
Inclusions
The tour includes pickup from the upper cable car station in Fira, a wine tasting experience, hotel pickup and drop-off, and gratuities.
The wine tasting takes place at the Anhydrous Winery, where visitors can sample award-winning volcanic wines and local delights.
The tour also provides:
- Panoramic views and volcanic history at Mount Profitis Ilias
- Exploration of the traditional architecture and blue-domed chapels in Megalochori
- Visit to Oia to see cave houses, the old Venetian Castle ruins, and local cafés
- Complimentary gratuities for a hassle-free experience
This Santorini guided tour with wine tasting offers a comprehensive and immersive experience for visitors to discover the island’s rich cultural heritage and savor its renowned local wines.
Important Information
Santorini is a tender port, so cruise passengers are prioritized for tendering. After tendering, a short distance to the cable car station is required, which is a 5-minute ride costing €6 per person.
Pickup for the tour is at the exit of the upper cable car station in Fira. This is an important consideration for those arriving by cruise ship.
The tour includes a wine tasting experience at Anhydrous Winery, where guests can sample award-winning volcanic wines and local delights.
Throughout the tour, visitors will explore the traditional architecture and blue-domed chapels of Megalochori, as well as the iconic cave houses, Venetian Castle ruins, and local cafés of Oia.
Gratuities are included in the tour price.
Meeting Point
At the meeting point, the guide will hold a sign saying ‘Intimate Santorini’ to identify themselves to the tour group. The location for the meeting is the upper cable car station in Fira.
Cruise passengers are prioritized for tendering, and after tendering, a short 5-minute ride on the cable car (€6 per person) is required to reach the meeting point.
Once at the meeting point, the tour will begin, with the following highlights:
- Panoramic views and volcanic history at Mount Profitis Ilias
- Exploration of the traditional village of Megalochori
- Wine tasting at Anhydrous Winery featuring local volcanic wines and delights
- Visiting the iconic town of Oia to see cave houses, Venetian ruins, and local cafés
Pickup and Transportation
Guests are picked up from the upper cable car station in Fira, which is accessible via a short 5-minute cable car ride (€6 per person) after disembarking from their cruise ship.
As Santorini is a tender port, cruise passengers are prioritized for tendering.
The tour guide will meet the group at the upper cable car station, holding a sign that says ‘Intimate Santorini.’
From there, the small group will be transported to the day’s destinations, including the mountain of Profitis Ilias, the picturesque village of Megalochori, and the stunning town of Oia.
Throughout the tour, all transportation and gratuities are included, ensuring a seamless and enjoyable experience.
Wine Tasting Experience
After exploring the picturesque town of Megalochori, the tour heads to Anhydrous Winery for an enlightening wine tasting experience showcasing the region’s award-winning volcanic wines and local delights.
At the winery, guests can:
- Sample a variety of distinctive wines produced from grapes grown in Santorini’s unique volcanic soil.
- Learn about the winemaking process and how the island’s climate and terroir impart the wines’ distinct flavors.
- Pair the wines with traditional Santorinian appetizers and delicacies, providing a well-rounded tasting experience.
- Gain insights from the knowledgeable staff about the history and traditions of winemaking in Santorini.
This intimate wine tasting allows visitors to truly appreciate the exceptional quality and character of Santorini’s renowned wines.
Exploring Megalochori and Oia
Following the enlightening wine tasting, the tour ventures into the picturesque town of Megalochori, where visitors can explore its narrow pathways, traditional Cycladic architecture, and serene blue-domed chapels.
The guided tour then leads guests to the iconic village of Oia, known for its cave houses, the ruins of the old Venetian Castle, and numerous local cafés.
Here, travelers can wander through the picturesque streets, browse the artisan shops, and soak in the breathtaking views of the caldera and the Aegean Sea.
This comprehensive tour provides an immersive experience, allowing participants to explore the unique cultural and architectural heritage of Santorini’s most charming destinations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Tour Suitable for Wheelchair Users?
The tour may not be suitable for wheelchair users. It involves walking through narrow pathways and exploring sites with uneven terrain, which could present accessibility challenges. Wheelchair users should inquire about the specific requirements and accommodations before booking the tour.
What Is the Dress Code for the Tour?
There is no formal dress code for this tour. Visitors are advised to wear comfortable clothing and shoes suitable for walking on uneven terrain. Light, breathable fabrics are recommended to stay cool in the Mediterranean climate.
Can We Bring Our Own Food and Drinks?
Guests are generally not allowed to bring their own food and drinks on guided tours. The tour typically includes a wine tasting experience, so outside beverages would not be permitted. Guests should plan to enjoy the provided refreshments during the tour.
Do We Need to Bring Our Own Water?
No, you don’t need to bring your own water. The tour includes a wine tasting, and water is typically provided at winery visits. It’s best to stay hydrated during the tour, but you don’t have to bring your own water.
Can We Extend the Tour Duration?
The tour’s duration can be extended, but it would incur an additional cost. Customers should contact the tour operator to inquire about extending the tour and determine the associated fees. The standard tour duration is fixed at 6 hours.
Recap
This enchanting tour showcases the captivating beauty of Santorini.
Guests embark on a journey through the charming village of Megalochori, indulging in a delightful wine tasting experience.
The tour culminates in the picturesque town of Oia, where iconic cave houses and the remnants of the Venetian Castle offer stunning caldera vistas.
This immersive six-hour adventure provides an unforgettable glimpse into the enchanting allure of Santorini.
