Highlights Tour with Tasting & Sunset in Oia

Travelers looking for a relaxed, personalized way to explore Oia will find the Highlights Tour with Tasting & Sunset offered by Smooth Ride quite appealing. While I haven’t taken this exact tour myself, the detailed offerings and glowing reviews suggest it’s a high-quality, tailored experience that balances comfort with authentic local flavor.

What immediately stands out are the private nature of the tour, the customizable itineraries, and the knowledgeable guides. These features promise a more intimate and flexible experience than typical group tours—perfect for those who prefer to avoid crowds or want a more tailored exploration. The luxury vehicles and door-to-door service** add a layer of comfort that can make even a short 3-hour window feel indulgent.

One possible consideration is the price point of $117 per person, which is quite reasonable for a private, curated experience in a top destination like Oia. However, travelers should keep in mind that this is a shorter tour, so it best suits those who want a taste of the sunset and local highlights without extensive travel. This tour is particularly well-suited for couples, small groups, honeymooners, or anyone craving a hassle-free, intimate tour with a local touch.

If you’re after a flexible, luxurious, and private experience that combines scenic beauty with insider tips, this tour could be a perfect fit. It’s ideal for travelers who value comfort, customization, and authentic insight over large-group sightseeing.

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Key Points

Private & Personalized: No overcrowded buses, just your own group and the freedom to choose your stops.
Luxury Comfort: Well-maintained vehicles with amenities like Wi-Fi, charging ports, and water.
Local Guides: Friendly drivers who serve as guides, sharing insider tips and stories.
Flexible Timing & Itinerary: Usually available in the morning or evening, with options to customize your stops.
Hassle-Free: Door-to-door service and pre-arranged attraction tickets reduce waiting times.
Cost-Effective for the Experience: While $117 might seem like a splurge, it covers a private, tailored experience that’s hard to match on a budget.

You can check availability for your dates here:

An In-Depth Look at the Tour Experience

Looking for more options in Lake Tekapo? We've reviewed plenty of other experiences.

The Booking and What’s Included

This 3-hour tour is priced at $117 per person, which, given the private nature and luxury vehicle, offers solid value especially when compared to larger group tours or multiple individual bookings. The tour includes a water bottle, chargers, and car seats, making it suitable for families or small groups with children.

You can expect a live guide speaking English and Punjabi, which adds an interesting multicultural layer—especially beneficial if you or your travel companions speak either language or want to learn more about local culture. The private group format means you’ll have the guide’s full attention, allowing for more personalized interactions and questions.

Itinerary and Destination Highlights

The tour is entirely customizable, but typical highlights could include:

Sunset Viewing in Oia: Known worldwide for its breathtaking sunsets, Oia’s charm is amplified in the evening light. Since the tour is scheduled around sunset, you’ll likely find yourself in prime spots—perhaps on the iconic whitewashed terraces or less crowded viewpoints that guides can recommend.

Local Tastings: While the specifics of the tasting aren’t detailed, the inclusion of “tasting” suggests a curated experience of local flavors, perhaps including regional wines, cheeses, or small bites. This adds an authentic taste of the area without the hassle of finding excellent spots on your own.

Sightseeing at Your Pace: Unlike bus tours where you’re herded from spot to spot, here you decide the pace. Want to linger longer at a viewpoint or explore a charming alley? Your driver/guide can accommodate that.

Hidden Gems and Scenic Routes: Since the tour is customizable, you might explore lesser-known corners of Oia or scenic routes that aren’t on typical tourist maps. The driver’s local expertise ensures you get a richer, more personal perspective.

The Sunset Experience

The sunset in Oia is often crowded, but with this private tour, you can reach vantage points early or find quieter spots chosen by your guide. The flexibility to adapt the schedule means you won’t be stuck in the crowd, which many travelers appreciate.

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Vehicle and Comfort

Travel is in high-quality, well-maintained vehicles—something that reviewers mention positively. The comfort of these vehicles, combined with amenities like Wi-Fi and charging ports, makes even a short drive feel indulgent. For families, car seats are provided, making it easier to travel with young children without worry.

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Guides and Local Insights

The drivers double as local guides, sharing insider tips and stories. Their friendly, knowledgeable demeanor is a highlight for many on similar tours. One review points out that guides are fluent in English and Punjabi, which helps in creating a more engaging and accessible experience for diverse travelers.

Logistics and Convenience

The door-to-door service simplifies logistics—no need to worry about finding parking or navigating unfamiliar streets. Pre-arranged tickets for attractions mean you skip lines, saving precious time.

Duration and Timing

Most tours are available in the morning or evening, with the sunset option being particularly popular. The 3-hour duration makes it easy to fit into a day without feeling rushed, especially if you’re juggling other activities or day trips.

Who Should Book This Tour?

This tour is a fantastic choice for small groups, couples, or families who prioritize comfort, privacy, and customization. It’s ideal for travelers who want an authentic, insider experience without the hassles of large group tours. If you value luxury vehicles, local insights, and flexible itineraries, this tour checks all those boxes.

However, if you’re seeking a comprehensive, full-day adventure covering multiple locations or extensive sightseeing, you might want to consider adding extra days or booking a different tour. This experience is designed for those who want a short but meaningful snapshot of Oia, combined with a sunset view and tasty local bites.

The Highlights Tour with Tasting & Sunset in Oia offers a luxury, private, and highly customizable way to enjoy one of Greece’s most photogenic destinations. The combination of well-maintained vehicles, local guides, and flexible itineraries creates an experience that feels both special and convenient. It’s perfect for travelers who want to avoid crowds and enjoy a more authentic, intimate perspective of Oia’s beauty.

While the price might be higher than standard group tours, the personalized service, comfort, and insider tips deliver significant value, especially for those celebrating special occasions or seeking a stress-free experience. Whether you’re interested in tasting regional flavors, catching the perfect sunset, or simply exploring at your own pace, this tour ticks many boxes.

For small groups, honeymooners, or families craving a high-end, flexible sightseeing option, this private tour could become one of your favorite memories in Oia.

Is this tour suitable for families with children?
Yes, the tour provides car seats, making it a family-friendly option. The private format also allows for a flexible pace that suits children’s needs.

Can I customize the stops on this tour?
Absolutely. The tour is described as flexible and customizable, so you can choose destinations and sights based on your preferences.

What languages are guides available in?
The guides speak English and Punjabi, offering a multicultural touch and making the experience accessible if you speak either language.

How long is the tour, and when is it available?
The tour lasts around 3 hours and is usually offered in the morning or evening, ideal for catching the sunset.

Does the tour include entrance tickets to attractions?
Yes, attractions are pre-arranged, so you won’t need to wait in long lines, making your experience smoother.

What should I expect from the tasting experience?
While specifics aren’t detailed, you might find regional wines, cheeses, or small bites included, giving you a taste of local flavors.

What makes this tour different from other Oia excursions?
Its private, customizable nature, luxury vehicles, and knowledgeable guides ensure a personalized, comfortable, and authentic experience, avoiding the crowds typical of larger tours.

In the end, if you’re after an intimate, flexible way to enjoy Oia’s sunset and scenic beauty without the rush or crowds, this tour offers a well-balanced mix of comfort, local insight, and personalized service.