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The Essence of Santorini: 4-Hour Customizable VIP Private Tour

50 Reviews 4.92 out of 5 stars Based on 50 traveler reviews collected by Cool Shore Excursions and TripAdvisor |
Recommended by 98% of reviewers
98% of reviewers gave this experience a rating of 4 or higher.
|
Badge of Excellence |Badge of Excellence This experience is highly rated by travelers and has met our top quality standards. Santorini, Greece
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from $57.40 per person

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Don't miss out!
On average, this is booked 28 (0) days in advance.
4 hours (approx.)
Hotel pickup offered
Mobile ticket
Offered in: English
Instant confirmation

Overview

Experience the charm of Santorini on a private tour to see its highlights. Traveling in a luxury, air-conditioned vehicle with an english-speaking driver you can explore the uniqueness of this Greek island by walking through the narrow streets of the traditional villages like Pyrgos, photographing the astonishing sunset of Oia, relaxing at the black sand beach or spending some time in Fira, the island’s capital, for shopping. The itinerary we have created for you has some of the places off-the-beaten-track but feel free to create your flexible route through the stations we recommend based on your interests.

What's Included

  • Bottled water
  • English Speaking driver on disposal up to 4hours
  • Pick-up & drop-off at your hotel with a premium vehicle (Luxury Car, SUV, or Minivan)
  • Food and beverages
See 1 more

Meeting and Pickup

Pickup point
Pickup details

Pick Up Point is at the lobby or at the nearest point accessible by vehicle. For Cruise Ship travelers the Pick Up Point is at the top cable car exit, where your driver will be holding a sign with your name written on. For Airport & Ferry port travelers the Pick Up Point is at the arrivals terminal, where your driver will be holding a sign with your name written on.

OR
Meeting point

Thera 847 00
Greece

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Detailed check-in instructions, including the exact address, are provided with your booking confirmation.

End point

This activity ends back at the meeting point.

Detailed check-in instructions, including the exact address, are provided with your booking confirmation.

What To Expect

Book Online

Our secure website provides real-time availability, instant confirmation, and free, no-hassle cancellations up to 24 hours before your tour begins.
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Safe & secure Easy breezy Hassle‑free

Profitis Ilias

The tour begins with the visit of the highest spot of the island (567 meters) located between Pyrgos and Kamari. The Mountain's name, Profitis Ilias (Prophet Elijah), is coming from the Monastery with the same name on its peak. From this vantage point, you will enjoy a striking view of the entire island, from the patchwork agricultural plains to the hilltop village of Oia. The Monastery was built in 1712 and it always had a very important role for the life of Santorini during the centuries especially as an active intellectual and patriotic influence.
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45 minutes Admission Ticket Free

Pyrgos

Next stop the picturesque village of Pyrgos, built on the top of a hill, used to be until the early 1800 the capital of the island. The village is composed by traditional houses built around the Venetian Castle and small streets following the shape of the hill. The village has many churches, around 33and it is the perfect example to admire a typical example of Cycladic Architecture: climbing from the square up to the castle of Pyrgos the stone houses crowd more densely together and the labyrinth of narrow vaulted lanes becomes more tortuous. You will hane enough time to walk around the village.
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1 hour Admission Ticket Free

Firostefani

Firostefani lies to the north of Fira, the view from this part of Santorini is spectacular, offering a different perspective of the volcano. The Church of the Three Bells in Fira on Santorini is one of the most famous, photogenic and most photographed Greek Catholic churches on the island. It is also called the Church of the Ascension of the Blessed Virgin Mary. In the mid-17th century there were two cave churches on the site of the present church. Unfortunately, they were destroyed due to the progressive lowering of the cliff. They were replaced by the church built in 1757. Since then it has been rebuilt several times. It was severely damaged in the earthquake of 1956, but was rebuilt. The church stands in an extremely picturesque location, and its dome and bell tower looking out over the caldera is one of the most photographed objects not only on Santorini, but all over Greece.
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15 minutes Admission Ticket Free

Oia

Last but not least Oia town, scenic village on the North West edge of the Santorini built along the northern edge of the Caldera at a height of between 70 and 100 meters, known throughout the world for its quiet life and fantastic views. As seen on a billion postcards, the characteristic classic view of Oia, is the bright white and blue of the church contrasting with the deep blue of the Aegean Sea in the background. Oia, is beautiful, exquisite small town and an ideal place for those seeking peace and quiet. Houses, paths, churches built up skillfully on the northern part of the island.
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2 hours Admission Ticket Free

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Additional Info

  • Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
  • Service animals allowed
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
  • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
  • Specialized infant seats are available

Frequently Asked Questions (7)

Q: What is the cancellation policy for the The Essence of Santorini: 4-Hour Customizable VIP Private Tour?

A: You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund. For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the tour start time.If you cancel less than 24 hours before the tour start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.Any changes made less than 24 hours before the tour start time will not be accepted.Cut-off times are based on the tour local time (EET). Read more Apr 2025

Cancellation Policy

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund.

Still have questions?

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Activity code: C-358989P1

Traveler Photos

Reviews

4.92
50 reviews

Average 4.92 out of 5 stars based on 50 traveler reviews collected by Cool Shore Excursions and partner sites such as Cool Destinations and TripAdvisor

5 stars
47
4 stars
2
3 stars
1
2 stars
0
1 star
0
Don't miss out!
On average, this is booked 28 (0) days in advance.
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Frequently Asked Questions (7)

Activity name

The answers provided below were previously given in response to questions from Cool Shore Excursions customers.

Filter by:

Q: What is the cancellation policy for the The Essence of Santorini: 4-Hour Customizable VIP Private Tour?
A:
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund.
  • For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the tour start time.
  • If you cancel less than 24 hours before the tour start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
  • Any changes made less than 24 hours before the tour start time will not be accepted.
  • Cut-off times are based on the tour local time (EET).
Apr 2025
Q: What's included in the price?
A:
The following is included:
  • Bottled water.
  • English Speaking driver on disposal up to 4hours.
  • Pick-up & drop-off at your hotel with a premium vehicle (Luxury Car, SUV, or Minivan).
The following is NOT included:
  • Food and beverages.
Apr 2025
Q: What is the minimum age for this tour?
A:

There is no minimum age for this tour, so bring your wee one along for an adventure. This tour requires at least one adult to accompany children..

Apr 2025
Q: My date is not available in the calendar, I am just checking to see if it is available?
A:

If a date or time is not listed on the calendar, it’s sold out or unavailable for another reason. Support cannot assist further if a date or time is not on the calendar.

If you find a date and time that works for you, book it NOW because things always sell out at this time of year.

Apr 2025
Q: Is this an accessible tour?
A:

Accessibility information for the The Essence of Santorini: 4-Hour Customizable VIP Private Tour is as follows:

  • Service animals allowed
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Apr 2025
Q: Where is the meeting point for this activity?
A:

Detailed check-in instructions – including meeting point address, Google map, and parking information – for The Essence of Santorini: 4-Hour Customizable VIP Private Tour will be included in your confirmation email from Cool Shore Excursions. Please be sure to double and triple check your email address is correct at checkout so this important email makes its way to you!

 

 

Mar 2024
Q: How long does a refund take to reach my card, and can I get it faster?
A:

Once your refund is processed, it usually shows on your card statement within 5–10 business days. The exact timing depends on your bank or card issuer.

Want it sooner? When you cancel, choose Receive a refund to my wallet instead. The credit is in your Wallet straight away and is applied automatically at checkout on your next booking when you’re signed in with the same email. You can see your balance any time in My Wallet.

If you paid part of your booking with Wallet credit, that part always goes back to your Wallet. Trip protection isn’t refundable.

Oct 2026

What's Included

Activity name

  • Bottled water
  • English Speaking driver on disposal up to 4hours
  • Pick-up & drop-off at your hotel with a premium vehicle (Luxury Car, SUV, or Minivan)
  • Food and beverages

Additional Info

Activity name

  • Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
  • Service animals allowed
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
  • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
  • Specialized infant seats are available

Report Product Issue

Activity name