Santorini: Small-Group Highlights Tour Of Venetian Castles

Santorini, the jewel of the Aegean, invites travelers on a small-group tour that unveils its Venetian architectural wonders. This 8-hour journey takes visitors through picturesque villages, offering guided walks and panoramic vistas. Guests can delight in leisure time at the black-sand beaches, enjoy local culture through a wine tasting, and witness the breathtaking sunset in the charming streets of Oia. With a focus on the island’s Venetian castles, this tour promises an enchanting experience that…

Key Points

This small-group tour of Santorini’s highlights includes guided walks through Venetian-influenced towns like Pyrgos Kallistis and Emporio.
Visitors can enjoy a traditional Greek music performance in Megalochori and an optional wine tasting at a local winery.
The tour provides panoramic views from Pyrgos Kallistis and Akrotiri castle, as well as free time to relax at Perivolos beach.
Knowledgeable guides offer insights into Santorini’s rich history and cultural heritage throughout the tour.
The itinerary combines cultural exploration with leisure activities, allowing for a well-rounded and immersive Santorini experience.

Tour Overview and Details

This small-group tour takes visitors on a comprehensive exploration of Santorini’s iconic Venetian castles and cultural highlights over the course of 8 hours.

Priced at €2,276 per person, the tour includes hotel pickup, a live English-speaking guide, and transportation by air-conditioned minivan.

Highlights include guided walks through the Venetian castles of Pyrgos Kallistis, Emporio, and Oia, as well as a visit to the Symposion for a traditional Greek music performance.

Participants can also enjoy free time at the black sand beach of Perivolos and an optional wine tasting at the Koutsogianopoulos Wine Museum.

The tour offers convenient cancellation terms and receives exceptional customer ratings across various criteria.

Itinerary Highlights

The tour kicks off with a guided walk (50 minutes) through the Venetian-era Pyrgos Kallistis castle, providing panoramic views of the island.

Visitors then head to Megalochori to attend an optional 75-minute concert at the Symposion, a workshop showcasing traditional Greek musical instruments.

Next, they make a photo stop and guided tour (15 minutes) of the Akrotiri castle.

After a break, lunch, and free time (1.5 hours) at the black sandy beach of Perivolos, the group visits Emporio for a guided tour and walk (50 minutes) to a well-preserved Venetian castle.

The tour also includes a visit and optional wine tasting (1 hour) at the Koutsogianopoulos Wine Museum, and a photo stop and guided tour (15 minutes) in Firostefani for views of the Blue Dome and Skaros Rock.

Pyrgos Kallistis

Atop the island’s highest point, visitors embark on a guided 50-minute tour through the historic Venetian castle of Pyrgos Kallistis, affording them panoramic vistas across Santorini’s dramatic landscapes. The castle’s well-preserved architecture and strategic location offer a glimpse into Santorini’s Venetian past. As guests explore the fortress, they’re transported back in time, immersed in the rich history that shaped this iconic island.

Highlights	Insights
Panoramic views	Venetian influences
Guided castle tour	Glimpse into the past
Historic architecture	Strategic location

The Pyrgos Kallistis stop provides an engaging and informative start to the day’s Santorini highlights tour.

Megalochori

After exploring the Venetian grandeur of Pyrgos Kallistis, the tour proceeds to Megalochori, where visitors have the opportunity to attend an optional concert showcasing traditional Greek music instruments at the Symposion workshop.

The 75-minute experience allows guests to enjoy the rich musical heritage of Santorini. Visitors can observe skilled artisans demonstrating the craftsmanship behind iconic Greek instruments like the bouzouki and laouto.

The concert offers a captivating showcase of traditional melodies and rhythms, providing a deeper appreciation for the island’s cultural traditions. This optional activity adds an engaging and authentic dimension to the Santorini highlights tour, enriching the overall experience for participants.

Akrotiri and Perivolos

Following a visit to the charming Megalochori, the tour makes a brief photo stop at the stunning Akrotiri castle, allowing participants to capture the castle’s impressive silhouette against the scenic Santorini landscape.

After this, the group heads to the picturesque village of Perivolos, where they’ll enjoy a relaxed lunch break and free time at the black sandy beach. This stop offers a chance to:

Unwind on the tranquil shores
Explore the lively beachside cafes and shops
Admire the dramatic cliffs and volcanic scenery
Cool off in the refreshing Aegean waters
Soak up the laid-back island atmosphere

This balanced itinerary provides a perfect blend of cultural exploration and leisure, allowing participants to fully enjoy the unique charms of Santorini.

Emporio and Winery

The tour then moves on to the village of Emporio, where participants embark on a guided tour and walk to the well-preserved Venetian castle. Here, they’ll learn about the castle’s fascinating history and take in the stunning panoramic views.

After the tour, the group heads to the Koutsogianopoulos Wine Museum for an optional wine tasting experience. The winery offers a chance to sample the renowned Santorini wines and gain insights into the island’s winemaking traditions.

With knowledgeable guides providing commentary, the visit to Emporio and the winery promises an engaging and immersive cultural experience for the tour participants.

Firostefani and Oia

Next, the tour makes a photo stop and guided tour in Firostefani, where participants enjoy views of the iconic Blue Dome and Skaros Rock.

The tour then continues to the picturesque village of Oia, where visitors explore the Venetian castle, stroll through the charming streets, browse local shops, and witness the famed Santorini sunset.

The highlights of the Oia segment include:

A guided tour of the Venetian castle
Time to freely explore Oia’s winding alleys and whitewashed buildings
Opportunities to shop for local crafts and souvenirs
Breathtaking views as the sun dips below the horizon
An 80-minute window to soak in the magical atmosphere.

Inclusions and Exclusions

The tour comes with a comprehensive set of inclusions and exclusions for participants to consider. Pickup and drop-off from the hotel, a group tour, wine tasting, and transportation by air-conditioned minivan are all included in the price. However, food, drinks, tips, and the optional 13 EUR entrance fee to the Symposion are excluded.

Inclusions	Exclusions
Hotel pickup and drop-off	Food and drinks
Group tour	Tips (optional)
Wine tasting	13 EUR entrance fee to the Symposion (optional)
Air-conditioned minivan transport

The tour is not suitable for pregnant women and wheelchair users due to the nature of the activities.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Bring My Pet on the Tour?

The tour does not allow pets. According to the information provided, the tour is "not suitable for pregnant women and wheelchair users," indicating it’s likely not designed to accommodate animals either. Guests should leave their pets at home for this excursion.

Is There a Minimum Group Size Required?

The tour doesn’t have a minimum group size requirement. It’s a small-group tour, so the group size is kept small to enhance comfort and engagement during the experience, though the exact number may vary.

Can the Tour Be Customized for My Preferences?

The tour can be customized to an extent based on your preferences. While the overall itinerary is fixed, the tour operator may be able to accommodate certain requests, such as adjusting the duration of visits or adding/substituting activities if feasible.

What Is the Cancellation Policy if I Have an Emergency?

The tour has a flexible cancellation policy – you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund if you have an emergency. This provides peace of mind in case your plans change unexpectedly.

Are Discounts Available for Seniors or Students?

The tour does not offer any discounts for seniors or students. The price is fixed at Kč2,276 per person, regardless of age or student status. There are no special rates available for this tour.