Santorini: Small-Group Highlights Tour of Venetian Castles

Santorini’s remarkable history and natural beauty make it a must-visit destination. The island’s Venetian castles, picturesque villages, and ancient ruins offer a captivating glimpse into its past. This tour provides an opportunity to explore these highlights, from the castle ruins of Pyrgos Kallistis to the stunning views of Oia at sunset. Whether you’re a history buff or nature lover, this small-group experience promises to leave you with lasting memories of Santorini’s captivating charm.

Key Points

• This 8-hour small-group tour showcases the Venetian heritage and cultural highlights of Santorini, including visits to Pyrgos Kallistis, Megalochori, Akrotíri, Perivolos, and a local winery.
• The tour offers guided exploration of Venetian-era castle ruins in Pyrgos Kallistis, providing insights into Santorini’s strategic role and Venetian influence.
• Megalochori village provides an opportunity to experience Santorini’s cultural heritage through traditional music and handmade instruments.
• The tour includes a visit to the ancient Minoan ruins of Akrotíri, known as the "Minoan Pompeii," and time to relax on the black sandy beach of Perivolos.
• The tour culminates with a visit to a local winery for a self-guided tour and wine tasting, followed by a scenic sunset in Oia.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview

The tour, titled "Santorini: Small-Group Highlights Tour of Venetian Castles," offers an 8-hour experience priced at Kč 2,253 per person.

It’s conducted in English, with hotel or nearest accessible point pickup by minivan. Travelers can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours in advance.

The tour includes stops at Pyrgos Kallistis, Megalochori, Akrotíri, Perivolos, Emporio, a local winery, Firostefani, and Oia.

Highlights encompass guided tours, a music show, beach time, wine tasting, sunset viewing, and free time for shopping and lunch.

Travelers should wear comfortable shoes and pack swimwear.

Pyrgos Kallistis

Nestled atop one of Santorini’s highest peaks, Pyrgos Kallistis offers visitors a guided tour and captivating walk through its Venetian-era castle ruins.

Guests spend 50 minutes exploring the well-preserved structures and learning about the site’s rich history. They’ll marvel at the stunning views overlooking the caldera and surrounding islands.

The tour highlights the site’s strategic location, which once provided protection and control over the region. Visitors depart with a deeper appreciation for Santorini’s Venetian heritage and the island’s enduring legacy as a cultural and historical crossroads.

Megalochori

Moving on from the captivating Venetian ruins of Pyrgos Kallistis, the tour takes visitors to the charming village of Megalochori. Here, guests have the opportunity to enjoy the local culture, with an optional concert showcasing traditional music and handmade instruments. The tour allows for 75 minutes of exploration in Megalochori, providing ample time to wander the picturesque streets, admire the whitewashed buildings, and potentially attend the cultural performance.

| Feature | Description |

|———|————-|

| Duration | 75 minutes |

| Activities | Village exploration, optional concert |

| Highlights | Traditional music, handmade instruments |

| Accessibility | Suitable for all visitors |

| Importance | Insight into Santorini’s cultural heritage |

Akrotíri

After exploring the charming village of Megalochori, the tour group makes its way to the site of Akrotíri.

Here, they enjoy a brief photo stop and guided tour. The ancient ruins of Akrotíri, known as the "Minoan Pompeii", provide a glimpse into the island’s rich history.

The ancient ruins of Akrotíri, known as the "Minoan Pompeii", provide a glimpse into the island’s rich history.

The guide shares insights about the excavations and the importance of this Minoan Bronze Age settlement.

The tour participants have 15 minutes to take in the scenic views and capture memorable photos before continuing on to the next destination, Perivolos beach, for a relaxing break.

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Perivolos

The tour group then heads to Perivolos, Santorini’s famous black sandy beach. Here, they’ll have 1.5 hours of free time to relax, grab lunch, and soak up the sun.

Perivolos is known for its unique volcanic sand and crystal-clear waters. Visitors can explore the beach, dine at local restaurants, or simply unwind.

This break allows the group to recharge before the next stops on the tour’s itinerary. The peaceful setting and opportunity for leisure make Perivolos a highlight of the Santorini experience.

Emporio

From Perivolos, the tour group then travels to the charming village of Emporio, where they embark on a guided tour and walk.

The group explores the medieval Venetian castle, wandering through its winding streets and admiring the well-preserved architecture. The guide shares the history and significance of this fortified settlement, once a strategic location.

Participants have the opportunity to stroll through the village, discovering local shops and cafes.

The 50-minute guided experience in Emporio provides a glimpse into Santorini’s past, complementing the other Venetian castle visits on the comprehensive tour.

Winery

Next, the tour group visits a local winery. They spend an hour exploring the facility and tasting the wines.

The guide leads them through a self-guided tour, explaining the winemaking process and the unique Santorinian grape varieties. Guests sample several local wines, learning about the distinct flavors and terroir.

The guide leads visitors through a self-guided tour, educating them on the winemaking process and unique Santorinian grape varieties. Guests sample local wines, discovering their distinct flavors and terroir.

This is an optional part of the tour, allowing travelers to further enjoy Santorini’s renowned wine culture.

With a better understanding of the island’s viticulture, the group then heads to Oia for the final stop – taking in the breathtaking sunset over the Aegean Sea.

Since You Asked

Are There Any Discounts Available for Children or Seniors?

There is no information provided about any discounts for children or seniors on this tour. The pricing appears to be a flat rate per person, regardless of age. Customers should check with the tour operator for any available discounts.

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

Yes, travelers can request a private tour instead of a small-group tour. Private tours provide a more personalized experience and are suitable for families or groups who prefer not to join a larger group. Pricing and availability may vary.

What Are the Options for Vegetarian or Dietary Restricted Meals?

The tour does not specify any dietary options or accommodations. Customers with vegetarian or other dietary restrictions should contact the tour operator directly to inquire about meal arrangements prior to booking the tour.

Is There an Age Limit or Minimum Age Requirement for the Tour?

There is no age limit or minimum age requirement for the tour. Children of all ages are welcome to participate, provided they can handle the moderate amount of walking required during the tour.

Can I Leave the Tour Group at Any Point and Rejoin Later?

No, participants cannot leave the tour group at any point and rejoin later. The tour operates as a small group experience, so all travelers are expected to remain with the group throughout the duration of the tour for safety and logistical reasons.

Final Words

The "Santorini: Small-Group Highlights Tour of Venetian Castles" provides an immersive experience exploring the island’s rich history and stunning landscapes. Guests will visit key sites, relax on the beach, and enjoy wine tastings, concluding with breathtaking views of the sunset in Oia. This 8-hour tour offers a comprehensive and memorable way to discover the beauty and culture of Santorini for Kč 2,253 per person.

You can check availability for your dates here: