Exclusive Shore Excursion : Scenic Santorini, Shopping & Winery
Description
This tour is specially designed for cruise visitors who want to experience the very best of Santorini in a short time. Your journey begins in Oia, where iconic blue domes and breathtaking caldera views create unforgettable moments. Continue with a scenic drive through Pyrgos, a charming hilltop village rich in traditional character, before heading up to Profitis Ilias Mountain, the highest point on the island, offering spectacular panoramic views. Along the way, enjoy a wine tasting experience at a local traditional winery, discovering the unique flavors of Santorini’s indigenous grape varieties. You’ll also visit authentic villages like Megalochori, where cobblestone alleys and timeless architecture reveal the island’s true charm. Led by friendly local drivers, this tour blends scenery, culture, and flavor into one seamless and memorable Santorini experience.
Tour Options
Itinerary
Oia is a picturesque village perched on the cliffs of Santorini, renowned for its breathtaking views of the Aegean Sea and stunning sunsets. The village is famous for its iconic blue-domed churches, which stand out against the whitewashed buildings and the deep blue sea, creating a postcard-perfect scene that draws visitors from around the world. The unique architecture of Oia includes traditional cave houses, known as "yposkafa," which are carved into the volcanic rock. These charming dwellings, with their curved roofs and smooth, organic shapes, blend seamlessly with the landscape, offering a glimpse into the island's past. Many of these cave houses have been transformed into luxurious accommodations, providing visitors with a unique and memorable stay. Strolling through the narrow, winding streets of Oia, one can admire the harmonious blend of architecture and nature, where every corner reveals a new, stunning vista.
Oia's shopping area is a delightful maze of narrow cobblestone streets lined with boutique shops, art galleries, and charming cafes. Visitors can browse a variety of unique items, from handmade jewelry and local crafts to stylish clothing and artwork, each reflecting the vibrant culture and creativity of the island. Amidst the shops, cozy cafes offer a perfect spot to relax and soak in the surroundings. Many of these cafes boast stunning views of the caldera and the endless blue of the Aegean Sea, providing a serene backdrop for enjoying a cup of Greek coffee or a glass of local wine. The combination of picturesque scenery, exquisite shopping, and delightful cafes makes Oia a truly enchanting place to explore.
Artemis Karamolegos Winery represents the essence of the exquisite wines of Santorini, originating from a unique volcanic terroir. It seamlessly blends tradition and innovation with a profound passion for winemaking.
Megalochori is a charming village in Santorini, celebrated for its beautiful architecture and timeless ambiance. This picturesque village features an array of traditional whitewashed houses, elegant neoclassical mansions, and quaint churches with striking bell towers. Wandering through the narrow, cobblestone alleys, visitors are transported back in time, discovering hidden courtyards, vine-covered terraces, and inviting tavernas. Each corner of Megalochori reveals a piece of its rich history and serene beauty, making it a perfect destination for those seeking an authentic and tranquil Greek village experience.
Drive through Pyrgos, a peaceful hilltop village where narrow alleys, whitewashed homes, and historic churches create a timeless Cycladic atmosphere. As you drive upward, the scenery unfolds into sweeping views of vineyards, rolling hills, and the shimmering Aegean Sea. The route toward Profitis Ilias Mountain is short but stunning, winding gently through Santorini’s countryside until you reach the island’s highest point. At the top, near the monastery, you’re rewarded with breathtaking panoramic views stretching across the entire island a perfect moment to pause, take photos, and soak in the quiet beauty away from the crowds.
Highlights
What's included
Pickup Locations & Times
Upon your arrival, you will meet your driver/guide at the nearest meeting point to your Hotel, Airport, or Port. Your driver/guide will be easily recognizable, holding a sign with your name on it. For Cruise Ship Passengers: If you are arriving by cruise ship, you will typically tender from the ship to the old port. From there, please take the cable car up to the meeting point where your driver/guide will be waiting for you with a sign displaying your name.
Traveller Ratings
Important Information
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Specialized infant seats are available
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Meeting point for cruise passengers is the top of cable car
Reviews(12)
From start to finish, this tour company was wonderful to work with. We had a group of 10 family members, and anyone who has tried to plan a day with that many people know it can be a little chaotic. Megan was extremely helpful and patient the entire time leading up to the day we arrived. She answered all my questions (which were a lot!) and helped me plan a truly memorable day. Vasilis, our tour guide, was a rockstar. We had a family member with limited mobility and he was extremely accommodating of that, ensuring the vast majority of our stops were able to be visited by that person as well. We visited the red sand beach, had lunch at an amazing restaurant on the black sand beach, went to a winery with postcard-worthy views in every direction, and had dinner at a beautiful restaurant in Oia overlooking the caldera. The whole time Vasilis was friendly, warm, and very helpful. He even lent my wife some money when I forgot my wallet in the van - a very kind gentleman! We also had VIP setup water taxis so we didn't have to mess with the cable car or donkeys/steps. Even with the delay in getting off our tender, they worked to ensure it went smoothly and got us back to the cruise ship on time. Overall, I would highly recommend this tour company to anyone visiting Santorini. Let them show you other parts of the island that aren't incredibly over-crowded by tourists - it'll be highly worth it! Every person in our group of 10 said it was the highlight of our European trip, which is a hard thing to do for a group of that size. Thank you VIP!
Reading your review truly touched all of us, thank you so much for taking the time to share such a beautiful experience. Organizing a memorable day for a large family group is never a small thing, so knowing that everyone left Santorini with such special memories genuinely means the world to our team. We are especially happy that Megan was able to help make the planning process feel easy and stress free from the very beginning, because we know how important those details are before arriving on the island. Your kind words about Vasilis are incredibly appreciated as well. What makes guides like him so special is not only the places they show, but the way they care for people throughout the day. The fact that your family member with limited mobility was still able to comfortably enjoy so much of the experience means a lot to us, because creating experiences that feel welcoming and enjoyable for everyone is something we deeply value. From the water taxis and scenic drives to the local restaurants, winery views, and moments shared together as a family, it sounds like your day captured so many different sides of Santorini — and that is exactly what we always hope guests will take away from the island. The greatest compliment of all is hearing that this became the highlight of your European trip. That is something none of us will forget. Thank you once again for trusting VIP Transfers and Tours Santorini with such an important family experience. We would absolutely love to welcome all of you back one day and show you even more hidden beauty around our island. Warm regards, VIP Transfers and Tours Santorini
Dimitris was so awesome 🤩. Only way to get to the best photo spots with the crowds of visitors in Santorini. Dimitris was very knowledgeable, professional & flexible as to what we wanted to see. He knew how to beat the crowds.
Thank you for your kind words! We're thrilled to hear you had such a great time exploring Santorini with Dimitris. His local insight and flexibility truly make a difference - especially when it comes to finding those perfect photo spots away from the crowds. So glad you enjoyed the experience!
The tour around Santorini was phenomenal! George was extremely communicative leading up to my arrival and I was even able to reserve a car to pick me up and drop me off at the airport. On the day of our tour, the timing and itinerary was flexible. He listened to what I wanted from the experience and delivered over and above what I expected. We went around to some small villages and got out to walk around, he took me to some of the most beautiful areas of the island and shared so many interesting facts about Santorini that I wasn't aware of. I felt extremely comfortable during the entire tour and never felt rushed or like I missed anything. It was like I was being taken around the island by a friend rather than a tour guide. Plus the car was immaculate and extremely comfortable. I highly recommend booking a tour with this company and can't wait to go back to Santorini!
Thank you so much for sharing your experience! It’s wonderful to hear that your tour felt personal, informative, and completely tailored to your interests. We’re glad you felt at ease and got to enjoy the island’s beauty at your own pace. We hope to have the pleasure of welcoming you back to Santorini soon!
Had a great tour of Santorini. Our guide Christos was cheerful and knowledgeable and the van was comfortable for our group of 5. He was enthusiastic and shared stories of the island and the history, took us to all the must scenic sites to see the views and to get amazing pics. He was flexible with the scheduled itinerary and switched it up so we could go to the Wine Museum, so we had two different wine tastings. He met us at the top of the tram and returned us there with plenty of time for some shopping and food. The trek back to the boat via tram was no joke though. We ended up walking down as the tram line was too long. Leave 2 hours to get back to the cruise ship.
Thank you for sharing your experience! We’re delighted that your guide made the day so enjoyable, offering interesting stories about the island and adjusting the schedule to suit your preferences. It’s wonderful to know the tour was both comfortable and flexible, allowing you to visit key spots and enjoy a unique stop along the way. We look forward to welcoming you again in the future!
This was a splurge for us but so worth it! Our guide Pavlina (I’m sorry if I misspelled!) was so kind and took us to places we never would have been able to visit independently. We were able to explore Oia when it was quiet with few others. Truly what we had dreamed our visit would be!
Thank you for your lovely review! We’re so happy to hear that your experience with Pavlina was everything you had hoped for, and more. It’s wonderful that she helped you discover places you might not have found on your own and made your visit to Oia as peaceful and special as you imagined. We’re grateful you chose to spend your time with us and look forward to welcoming you back to Santorini in the future!
George was hands down the best tour guide and driver we've ever had! My husband and I enjoyed about 5 hours with George throughout the best villages on Santorini. It started off with a seamless pick up from the port in his luxury Mercedes van. We traversed up to the village of Pyrgos, which is not widely visited and absolutely a gem. George knew we were seeking an experience to see more quaint areas with less tourists, and he perfected this! We proceeded to Imerovigli, another small village where we were able to get some amazing photos. We made a stop by a winery which came highly recommended by George and we absolutely loved it! Delicious Greek wines in a beautiful, acclaimed winery. Our last stop was Oia where we enjoyed walking through the village and having an afternoon appetizer and drinks. While our cruise directed us to return to the Fira port via the cable car, George provided us with a unique recommendation to take a water taxi from Ammoudi Bay (at the bottom of Oia) to the Fira port. What a fantastic idea that was! We got to skip the lines for the cable car and experience some stunning views of the coastline up close in our own personal boat. The best compliment we can say about George is we felt we were accompanied by a friend, not just a driver or tour guide. He was extremely knowledgeable about the island, but also very warm and friendly. With my fear of heights, I felt extremely comfortable with his driving skills and care for our safety. Also, his price was more than fair. If you plan to visit Santorini you MUST book George for your adventures!
Thank you so much for sharing your incredible experience with George! It sounds like he truly went above and beyond to make your Santorini adventure both personalized and memorable. From the seamless pick-up to the carefully curated stops in quaint villages, George’s attention to detail and warm personality clearly made a lasting impression. The unique recommendation for the water taxi from Ammoudi Bay to Fira sounds like the perfect touch to an already fantastic day! We’re thrilled to hear how much you enjoyed the journey and George's company. We hope to see you again for more amazing experiences in Santorini!
We were picked up by our driver/tour guide Themis. He was great! He was super personable and knowledgeable of all of Santorini. We are from the States so It was a plus for us that he spoke perfect English and perfect Greek. I would highly recommend VIP Santorini for any car service and tours. They were very nice and easy to work with.
Thank you so much for your glowing review! We’re delighted to hear that you had a fantastic experience with VIP Santorini. We are proud of our team and the level of service we strive to provide. It’s wonderful to know that Themis, like all our staff, contributed positively to your Santorini experience with his personable nature and knowledge of the island. We aim to make every part of your journey seamless and enjoyable, and it’s great to hear that you found our services accommodating and easy to work with. Your high recommendation is greatly appreciated and reinforces our commitment to excellence. We look forward to the opportunity to assist you again on your next visit to Santorini.
Tony, our guide, was exceptional! He went above & beyond to give us the best day. This was bucket list item, huge thank Tony for the amazing experience. It was a pleasure to spend the day with you & learn about your beautiful country.
Thank you so much for your kind words and for choosing us to help fulfill your bucket list item! We're so happy to hear that Tony provided you with an exceptional experience and went above and beyond to make your day unforgettable. We'll be sure to pass along your heartfelt thanks to him. It was our pleasure to serve you, and we're grateful for the opportunity to create lasting memories together. If you ever find yourself back in Santorini, we'd love to welcome you again for another adventure!
Excellent tour. We learn a lot of Santorini and Greek history. It was a real pleasure to meet George Duke. All his attentions were appreciated. Will hopefully return soon.
We sincerely appreciate your positive feedback! We're excited to hear that you enjoyed the tour and that your guide Duke provided you with valuable insights into Santorini and Greek history. It was a pleasure meeting you as well, and we look forward to welcoming you back soon!
The tour was excellent and covered whole length and breath of Santorini in six hours. Mr George Duke has extensive knowledge about Santorini and its history which he shared with us along the way. He accompanied us all along and kindly made his plan to suit our needs.
Thank you for your kind words! We're delighted to hear that you had such a positive experience on our tour with Duke. It's wonderful to know that he provided you with insightful knowledge about Santorini while accommodating your needs throughout the journey. We hope to welcome you back for another memorable experience in the future!
