Oia Sunset and Traditional Villages Full Day Tour

Santorini’s Oia Sunset and Traditional Villages Full Day Tour offers an enchanting blend of stunning natural beauty and rich culture. Visitors will embark on a remarkable journey, exploring the ancient Bronze Age settlement of Akrotiri and the picturesque village of Oia, renowned for its breathtaking sunset. With a wine tasting and expert guidance throughout the day, this tour promises an unforgettable experience. Whether you’re a seasoned traveler or a first-time visitor, this tour unveils the captivating essence of Santorini in a way that’s sure to leave a lasting impression.

Key Points

• This full-day tour in Santorini, Greece, provides a rundown of key attractions, including the iconic Oia sunset and wine tastings.
• The tour includes visits to the Bronze Age settlement of Akrotiri (April to November) and the charming villages of Oia and Fira.
• Participants can expect a knowledgeable guide, hotel pickup and drop-off, and entry to the Wine Museum with tastings.
• The tour is not wheelchair accessible, and proof of vaccination is required for the Akrotiri visit, which is not included from November to March.
• Guests should budget for additional costs, such as the Akrotiri entrance fee, gratuities, and personal expenses, and be prepared for a full day of walking and standing.

Tour Overview

The Oia Sunset and Traditional Villages Full Day Tour offers visitors a comprehensive experience in Santorini, Greece.

This full-day tour takes travelers on a journey to explore the island’s key attractions. With a 4.2 average rating from 48 reviews, the tour provides an opportunity to visit the well-preserved Bronze Age settlement of Akrotiri, witness the famous Oia sunset, and enjoy wine tastings.

The tour runs from 10:30 am to the evening, and the price starts at $58.62 per person. Group size is capped at 50 travelers, and free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance.

Itinerary Highlights

The tour begins with a visit to the well-preserved Bronze Age settlement of Akrotiri, which is open from April to November.

Visitors will explore this archaeological site, paying an entrance fee of 12 euros.

Next, the tour heads to the iconic village of Oia, renowned for its stunning sunset views.

Travelers will admire the Blue Dome Church, Prophet Elias Monastery, and the classic Santorini scenery.

A wine tasting experience at a local museum follows, allowing guests to sample the region’s renowned vintages.

The tour also includes stops in villages like Pyrgos and Megalochori, as well as time to relax at Perissa beach.

Tour Inclusions

The tour includes a knowledgeable guide who accompanies travelers throughout the day. Hotel pickup and drop-off from selected meeting points are provided, ensuring a seamless start and end to the tour. Plus, the experience includes entry to the Wine Museum and tastings, allowing visitors to explore the local wine heritage.

Included	Excluded
Guide	Gratuities
Hotel pickup/drop-off	Personal expenses
Wine Museum entrance and tastings	Akrotiri entrance fees

The Akrotiri archaeological site visit is also part of the itinerary, though entrance fees are not covered. The tour offers a comprehensive Santorini experience with a mix of cultural, historical, and scenic highlights.

Tour Exclusions

Though the tour includes several key highlights, there are a few exclusions travelers should be aware of.

The following costs aren’t covered in the tour price:

1. Gratuities for the tour guide and driver.
2. Personal expenses such as meals, drinks, and souvenirs.
3. Entrance fee to the Akrotiri archaeological site, which costs 12 euros per person.
4. Any additional activities or services not explicitly mentioned in the tour inclusions.

These exclusions allow travelers to customize their spending and experience based on personal preferences.

It’s important to factor in these costs when budgeting for the tour.

Customer Experiences

Many travelers praised the tour for its blend of cultural exploration, stunning landscapes, and knowledgeable guides. Specific mentions include the enjoyable wine tasting and beautiful views of Oia.

However, some customers reported issues with communication regarding pickup details and bus changes. A few expressed dissatisfaction with the organization and timing, particularly during busy tourist seasons.

Accessibility and Health Requirements

As the tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, individuals with mobility issues may find participation challenging.

However, the following health requirements should be considered:

• Proof of vaccination is required for entry to the Akrotiri archaeological site.
• During the winter months (November to March), the Akrotiri visit isn’t included due to seasonal changes.
• Travelers should be prepared for a full day of walking and standing, as the tour covers various villages and sightseeing locations.
• Comfortable shoes and sun protection are recommended to ensure a comfortable experience throughout the day.

Winter Adjustments

From November to March, the Akrotiri visit isn’t included in the Oia Sunset and Traditional Villages Tour due to seasonal changes.

This adjustment reflects the closure of the archaeological site during the winter months. Instead, the tour focuses on the iconic sunset views in Oia, wine tastings, and sightseeing in villages like Pyrgos and Megalochori.

The start time also shifts to 9:00 am to make the most of the day. While the Akrotiri experience is unavailable, the winter tour still offers a comprehensive exploration of Santorini’s natural beauty and cultural heritage.

Pickup Details

The pickup location for the Oia Sunset and Traditional Villages Tour depends on the proximity of the participant’s hotel to the designated meeting points.

For those outside the designated pickup areas, alternate meeting locations are provided. The tour offers the following pickup options:

1. Hotel pickup from selected meeting points
2. Pickup from central locations in Fira and Oia
3. Centralized meeting point for those staying in other areas
4. Courtesy shuttle service available for select hotels

Participants are advised to confirm their pickup details with the tour operator prior to the tour date to ensure a smooth start to their Santorini adventure.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Customize the Tour to Visit Specific Villages?

The tour allows some customization, as customers can request to visit specific villages during booking. However, the overall itinerary and timing may need to be adjusted based on availability and group consensus.

Does the Tour Provide Any Food or Snack Options During the Day?

The tour does not include any meals or snacks. However, there are opportunities to purchase local cuisine and refreshments at the various stops throughout the day. Travelers can plan to bring their own snacks if desired.

Are There Any Age Restrictions or Special Considerations for Children?

There are no age restrictions for this tour, but parents should consider whether their children will enjoy the activities. The full-day tour may be tiring for young kids, so parents should plan accordingly.

Is There an Option to Extend the Tour or Add Additional Activities?

The tour doesn’t offer an option to extend or add activities. However, travelers can explore the villages and beaches further on their own after the scheduled tour ends. Customized experiences may be available through private tour providers.

Can I Request a Private or Small Group Tour Instead of a Larger Group?

Yes, you can request a private or small group tour instead of the larger group option. The tour operator may offer custom tour options for an additional fee to accommodate your preferences.

The Sum Up

The Oia Sunset and Traditional Villages Full Day Tour offers an unforgettable experience in Santorini. Visitors will explore the ancient settlement of Akrotiri, the picturesque village of Oia, and enjoy a wine tasting, guided by an expert throughout the day. With stunning views and rich cultural experiences, this tour provides a memorable journey through the enchanting island of Santorini.