Santorini: Best Of Santorini Private Tour with a Local Guide

If you’re planning a trip to Santorini, you’ve likely imagined its stunning cliffs, charming villages, and unforgettable sunsets. The Best Of Santorini Private Tour offers a flexible, personalized way to see the highlights and secret spots of this iconic island, all with the comfort of a dedicated local guide.

This tour is perfect if you value a bespoke experience, want to avoid crowded group tours, or simply prefer to explore at your own pace. Whether you have a few hours or a full day, you’ll enjoy a private, comfortable ride that brings you closer to Santorini’s authentic charm—and all for a very reasonable price of around $106 per person.

We love the customization aspect—being able to craft your own itinerary, fitting the sights into your schedule, and having a guide who truly knows the island. The high praise from past travelers underscores how valuable a private guide can be, especially when it comes to discovering those hidden corners that big tour buses can’t reach.

One thing to consider: since the tour involves some walking, stairs, and slopes, it might not be suitable for travelers with mobility issues. But overall, this experience seems best suited for curious explorers eager to see both the famous sights and lesser-known treasures of Santorini.

Key Points

• Flexible durations: from 3 to 8 hours, giving you control over how much of the island you see
• Private experience: exclusive to your party with hotel or cruise port pickup and drop-off
• Customizable itinerary: match your interests, whether that’s iconic landmarks or hidden gems
• Expert local guides: knowledgeable and friendly, often praised for their hospitality and insights
• Authentic and scenic: a perfect blend of classic postcard spots and off-the-beaten-path locations
• Value for money: includes transport, bottled water, and taxes, with optional extras like winery visits

You can check availability for your dates here:

Exploring the Itinerary and What It Means for You

This tour’s beauty lies in its flexibility. You get to choose your duration—anywhere from a quick 3-hour highlights tour to an immersive 8-hour day. The shorter options are ideal if time is tight, focusing on the must-see vistas like Oia Village with its whitewashed lanes and epic caldera backdrops or the iconic Three Bells of Fira, famous for its photogenic blue domes overlooking the Aegean.

For those who want a deeper dive, the 45-hour tour adds visits to Perivolos Black Sand Beach—a surreal volcanic shoreline perfect for relaxing or snapping photos—and the Prophet Elias Monastery, perched atop the highest point of Santorini, offering sweeping views that are worth the climb.

The full day (8-hour) option takes things further, letting you explore Emporio or Pyrgos, ancient villages that are often less crowded but full of character. You might also get to visit the Ancient Akrotiri Excavations, a Bronze Age settlement buried by a volcanic eruption, which many reviewers say is a highlight for history buffs.

Personalized and Authentic Encounters

Many travelers, including those who’ve left glowing reviews, appreciate how guides like Fotis, Dimitri, and Archie make the experience special. One reviewer describes their guide as “outstanding”, mentioning how Archie was accommodating, knowledgeable, and even a great photographer. Another fondly recalls Dimitri’s friendliness and passion, which made the tour “even more special.”

Guides don’t just point out sights—they also share stories, folklore, and local tips—like the best spots for photos or where to find authentic local food. Several reviewers appreciated how guides tailored the trip, focusing more time on areas they loved or adding spontaneous visits based on their interests.

Transport and Comfort

Travel is provided via a luxury air-conditioned minibus, ensuring comfort as you hop from one scenic spot to another. Pickup and drop-off are included, whether you’re staying at a hotel or arriving via cruise ship. For cruise travelers, the meeting point at the top of the cruise port’s cable car is both practical and convenient.

The tours are designed to accommodate different schedules, so whether you’re only available for a quick visit or want to take your time soaking in the scenery, the experience adapts accordingly. During busy times, this flexibility can mean the difference between a rushed visit and a relaxed exploration.

Price and Value

At around $106 per person, this private tour offers solid value—especially considering the personalized service, expert guides, and the convenience of private transportation. When you compare this to group tours, you’re paying for exclusive access, tailored stops, and a guide who’s genuinely invested in making your trip memorable.

Additional costs like cable car tickets (for cruise travelers), museum entrance fees, or lunch are optional and not included, so you can choose to indulge or keep it simple. Many reviews mention the value of the winery visits and private tastings, which add another layer to the experience.

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Why This Tour Works

What sets this private experience apart is its ability to cater to your interests. If you’re a photography lover, guides will help you find the best viewpoints and lighting. If you’re a history enthusiast, they’ll gladly show you archaeological sites or share folklore. For those who just want a relaxing day, the options to linger at beaches or scenic spots are available.

The knowledgeable guides consistently receive praise for their friendliness and ability to answer questions, often making the tour feel more like exploring with a friend than a formal sightseeing trip. Several travelers mentioned how guides like Dimitri and Archie went above and beyond, even buying ice cream for kids or helping with photo sessions.

Potential Drawbacks and Considerations

While most reviews are glowing, a few travelers note that the tour involves some walking, stairs, and slopes. Participants should have a moderate physical fitness level, especially if they wish to visit higher viewpoints or archaeological sites. If mobility is an issue, it’s worth discussing these needs with the tour provider in advance—guides often try to find suitable alternatives.

The tour’s cost is reasonable, but keep in mind that additional expenses for optional activities can add up if you choose winery visits or museum entries. Planning your budget accordingly is wise.

Who Would Appreciate This Tour?

This experience is ideal for independent travelers who love customization and want the freedom to explore Santorini on their terms. It suits those who value local expertise and prefer a more intimate, relaxed pace over a crowded group tour. Families, couples, and small groups will find this private tour offers both comfort and flexibility.

Travelers with specific interests—whether that’s photography, history, or wine—will find the guides eager to tailor the day accordingly. It’s especially well-suited for those arriving on cruise ships, thanks to the convenient pickup options.

FAQs

Can I choose how long the tour lasts?
Yes, the tour duration is flexible, ranging from 3 to 8 hours, allowing you to tailor your experience based on your schedule and interests.

Is transportation included?
Absolutely. All tours include transport by a luxury air-conditioned minibus, with hotel or cruise port pickup and drop-off.

Are there any additional costs I should expect?
Optional expenses include cable car tickets, entrance fees at museums, lunch, and winery visits. These are not included but can be added if you wish.

Is the tour suitable for people with mobility issues?
Most travelers can participate, but some sites involve walking, stairs, and slopes. Participants with mobility challenges should consult the provider beforehand for accommodations.

Can I book and pay later?
Yes, you can reserve your spot now and pay nothing upfront, offering flexibility in planning your trip.

What makes this tour different from other Santorini experiences?
Its main strength is the personalization. You decide what to see and for how long, guided by locals who know the best spots—and hidden gems—beyond the typical tourist routes.

Final Thoughts

The Santorini Best Of Private Tour offers a rare blend of flexibility, authenticity, and comfort. For travelers who want to see the island through a local’s eyes, it’s a standout choice. The dedicated guides, stunning vistas, and customizable itinerary make it a worthwhile investment—especially when you value tailored experiences over cookie-cutter tours.

If you’re eager to explore Santorini at your own pace, discover secret spots, and enjoy the island’s highlights without the hassle of large groups, this tour hits the sweet spot. It’s particularly suited for curious explorers, photo enthusiasts, or anyone wanting a more intimate connection with this breathtaking island.

In short: it’s an excellent way to make your Santorini visit genuinely your own, with insider insights and personal touches that leave a lasting impression.

You can check availability for your dates here: