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Private Santorini Experiences for First-Time Visitors

2 Reviews 5.00 out of 5 stars Based on 2 traveler reviews collected by Cool Shore Excursions and TripAdvisor | Recommended by 100% of reviewers | Santorini, Greece
Don't miss out!
On average, this is booked 25 (0) days in advance.

3 to 7 hours (approx.)
Mobile ticket
Offered in: English
Instant confirmation

Overview

Santorini is more than its famous views — and the best way to discover it is through the people, stories and traditions that give the island its character.

Our private experiences are created for first-time visitors who want to discover Santorini from a local perspective. Choose what inspires you most: the caldera, volcanic wine, Ancient Akrotiri, a Santorini sunset, or a tailored experience shaped around your interests.

Explore with a local driver who knows Santorini beyond its famous landmarks, sharing local stories, traditions and personal recommendations along the way.

Enjoy a relaxed pace, memorable stops and the opportunity to experience Santorini through the eyes of a local.

• Different private experiences to choose from
• Experienced local driver with genuine island knowledge
• Private air-conditioned transportation
• Relaxed and personal experience

What's Included

  • Bottled water
  • Wine tasting included only for the Oia & Winery Experience and Wine Tasting Experience
  • Hotel / villa / Airbnb pickup and drop-off
  • Lunch
  • Cable car tickets for cruise ship passengers (€20 round trip)
  • Akrotiri prehistoric settlement admission ticket
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Meeting and Pickup

Pickup point
Pickup details

• Cruise Ship Passengers: Meeting point is the UPPER STATION of the cable car. Look for our driver/guide holding a sign with your name for easy identification.• Hotel Guests: If you’re staying at a hotel write the name of your hotel, the meeting points are either the hotel lobby or the nearest accessible location for vehicles. Your driver/guide will be holding a sign with your name for quick recognition.• Air Travel Arrivals: For passengers arriving by airplane, the meetup spot is the arrivals area at the airport. Spot your driver/guide easily by looking for a sign with your name. Ensure a smooth transition from your journey to your onward transportation.

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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Sunset in Oia

Optional visit: End your experience in Oia, perfectly timed for the afternoon and sunset options. Explore its picturesque streets and enjoy panoramic views over the caldera as the sun begins to set. Witness one of the world’s most famous sunsets, with golden light reflecting over the sea and volcanic cliffs, creating an unforgettable and romantic atmosphere.
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1 hour Admission Ticket Free

Oia

Optional visit: Oia, the picturesque village known for the captivating sunset, the candy-colored houses, blue-domed churches and lovely shops.
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1 hour Admission Ticket Free

Perissa Black Sand Beach

Optional visit: Discover Perissa’s famous black sand beach, one of Santorini’s most unique coastal landscapes. Enjoy crystal-clear waters ideal for swimming and unwind in a relaxed seaside atmosphere with stunning views of Mesa Vouno mountain. This stop offers the perfect balance between refreshing swim time and laid-back beach moments.For those who wish, we recommend an optional stop at a beachfront taverna, where you can enjoy traditional Greek cuisine right by the sea. The taverna also provides free beach umbrellas, allowing you to relax comfortably and make the most of your time by the water
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1 hour Admission Ticket Free

Red Beach

Optional visit: Admire the red layer of sand at the Red Beach. What makes the beach absolutely charming is its impressive red rock formations, which form a breathtaking landscape.
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20 minutes Admission Ticket Free

Megalochori - Traditional Village

Optional visit: This settlement is made of hundreds of small white painted houses with exquisite architecture. The picturesque Megalochori is a maze of winding streets, with whitewashed houses and churches with blue domes and ornate bell towers.
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20 minutes Admission Ticket Free

Pyrgos

Optional visit: Pyrgos is the highest village of Santorini with 33 churches. There you can see the traditional houses.Traditional architecture, remains of neo-classical mansions, narrow winding paths leading up the hillside, small white houses, galleries, vineyards, churches, breathtaking sunsets
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45 minutes Admission Ticket Free

Akrotiri Archaeological Site

Optional visit: Archaeological Site of Akrotiri – The Minoan Civilization of SantoriniThe Archaeological Site of Akrotiri is one of the most important prehistoric settlements in the Aegean, often referred to as the “Pompeii of the Aegean.” This ancient Minoan city was buried under volcanic ash during the 17th century BC, preserving impressive buildings, frescoes, and artifacts in remarkable condition. A visit to the site reveals advanced architecture, a complex urban layout, and technological achievements of the time, offering a unique glimpse into life in Santorini thousands of years ago.The tour of the site is self-guided, but if you wish to have a professional guide, you can send us a message to arrange it upon request.
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1 hour Admission Ticket Free

Akrotiri Lighthouse

Optional visit: Experience one of Santorini’s most breathtaking sunsets from Akrotiri Lighthouse, a peaceful and scenic location with panoramic sea views. Capture unforgettable photos, enjoy the dramatic volcanic landscape, and relax as the sun sets over the Aegean Sea.
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1 hour Admission Ticket Free

Finikia

Optional visit: Stop in charming Finikia, a peaceful traditional village near Oia, known for its whitewashed houses, colorful doors, and picture-perfect spots ideal for unforgettable photos.
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15 minutes Admission Ticket Free

Show 8 more stops

Additional Info

  • Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
  • Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
  • Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap

Frequently Asked Questions (7)

Q: What is the cancellation policy for the Private Santorini Experiences for First-Time Visitors?

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-72857P4

Traveler Photos

Reviews

5.00
2 reviews

Average 5.00 out of 5 stars based on 2 traveler reviews collected by Cool Shore Excursions and partner sites such as Cool Destinations and TripAdvisor

5 stars
2
4 stars
0
3 stars
0
2 stars
0
1 star
0
Don't miss out!
On average, this is booked 25 (0) days in advance.

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What's Included

Activity name

  • Bottled water
  • Wine tasting included only for the Oia & Winery Experience and Wine Tasting Experience
  • Hotel / villa / Airbnb pickup and drop-off
  • Private transportation in an air-conditioned vehicle
  • Licensed guide at Akrotiri archaeological site only for the South Santorini Experience
  • Local expert driver / guide
  • Lunch
  • Cable car tickets for cruise ship passengers (€20 round trip)
  • Akrotiri prehistoric settlement admission ticket

Additional Info

Activity name

  • Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
  • Not recommended for pregnant travelers
  • Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
  • Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
  • Specialized infant seats are available

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