Santorini Shore Excursion: Private Tour with Tender Port Pickup
Description
Make the Most of Your Time in Santorini A flexible private tour designed around you — perfect for cruise passengers, hotel guests, or day visitors. Why Choose Us Local Experts Who Know Santorini Inside Out We take you beyond the tourist spots to hidden gems, local favorites, and secret viewpoints. Travel in Comfort & Style Relax in our air-conditioned Mercedes SUV with WiFi and complimentary bottled water — clean, spacious, and stress-free. Designed for Cruise Guests Easy Pickup: We meet you right at the Old Port with a sign showing your name — no confusion, no waiting. Skip the Cable Car: We can coordinate a private water transfer to Ammoudi Bay, so you avoid the cable-car queue entirely — fast and scenic. Flexible Timing: Ship delays? No problem — we adjust to your schedule. Your Tour, Your Way Iconic Oia, quiet beaches, ancient ruins, local wineries, or authentic villages — we tailor everything to you. Relax. Explore. Enjoy Santorini — hassle-free.
Tour Options
Itinerary
The Three Bells of Fira, officially known as the Church of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, is one of Santorini’s most iconic sights. Located in the quaint village of Firostefani, just outside Fira, this charming church features a striking blue dome that contrasts beautifully with the whitewashed walls and the deep blue Aegean Sea. Its bell tower, with three bells, stands proudly against the sky, making it a favorite spot for photos and a perfect stop on a private tour of Santorini. Perched on the edge of the caldera, the church offers breathtaking views of the volcanic cliffs, the vast caldera, and the islands that make up this unique volcanic archipelago. From this vantage point, you’ll enjoy a panoramic scene that captures the essence of Santorini’s beauty and history. Visiting the Three Bells of Fira allows you to experience the island’s iconic landscapes and serene church architecture in one unforgettable spot.
Imerovigli, often called the "balcony to the Aegean," is a serene village perched high on the cliffs of Santorini’s caldera, offering some of the most breathtaking views on the island. Known for its peaceful ambiance and traditional whitewashed buildings with iconic blue domes, Imerovigli is a must-visit for those seeking a quieter escape with stunning scenery. The village is famous for its narrow, winding paths that lead to charming churches and viewpoints, making it a picturesque stop on a private tour of Santorini. From Imerovigli, visitors can take in panoramic views of the volcanic caldera, the deep blue sea, and the surrounding islands. The village’s elevated location provides a unique vantage point that overlooks Skaros Rock, a historic fortress ruin that juts dramatically into the Aegean. Standing here, with the caldera stretching out below and the volcano on the horizon, you’ll experience a tranquil yet awe-inspiring scene that captures the essence of Santorini.
As we head to Oia, we’ll enjoy a scenic 20-minute drive with breathtaking views of the caldera and the rugged volcanic slopes. This route offers some of the most spectacular landscapes Santorini has to offer, giving you a unique perspective on the island's natural beauty before we arrive in the picturesque village of Oia.
Oia’s main street, located along the northern edge of Santorini, is a charming pathway that captures the island’s beauty and charm. Lined with small boutiques, art galleries, cozy cafes, and local shops, this narrow, cobblestone street is ideal for a relaxed stroll. The whitewashed buildings and iconic blue domes add to the scenic appeal, making it a must-see on any private tour. As you walk along the main street, you’ll enjoy stunning views of the caldera and the Aegean Sea, with picturesque houses built into the cliffs. Known for its spectacular sunsets, this spot is especially magical in the evening, offering an unforgettable view as the sun dips below the horizon.
A full of life village with friendly residents. Admire the pebbled streets, the yards that are full of flowers, neoclassical houses, and old cave houses with solid wooden doors and high fences, and, above all, the fine church bell towers that pop up harmoniously in the landscape.
An optional stop on your Santorini tour, Pyrgos is a charming village that offers a glimpse into the island’s rich history and traditional way of life. Nestled on a hill, Pyrgos is known for its winding, narrow streets, medieval architecture, and stunning views over Santorini. As you explore, you’ll encounter beautiful whitewashed houses, historic churches, and local tavernas tucked into hidden corners. At the village’s peak lies the remains of a Venetian castle, offering a panoramic view of the island and the surrounding Aegean. With fewer crowds than other areas, Pyrgos provides a peaceful and authentic experience, capturing the timeless beauty of Santorini.
Perivolos Beach is famous for its striking black volcanic sand, offering a unique and picturesque setting by the sea. The deep blue waters contrast beautifully with the dark shoreline, creating a stunning backdrop for a relaxing day. Along the beach, you'll find a variety of beach bars and restaurants where you can enjoy a refreshing drink or a delicious lunch. Whether you prefer a casual meal with your feet in the sand or a more refined dining experience, Perivolos provides the perfect atmosphere to unwind and savor the local flavors while taking in the breathtaking views.
A beach where the red volcanic rocks meet the turquoise waters creating an extraordinary contrast that amazes all visitors.
Highlights
What's included
Pickup Locations & Times
Important Cruise Info Meeting Point: For cruise passengers, the default pickup is the Old Port — where your ship's tender drops you off. A crew member meets you onshore with a sign showing your name, so there's no navigating the cable car alone or hunting for your driver. Getting Up to Fira: The Old Port has no road access, so you reach Fira by water taxi or cable car. We can arrange a private water transfer for an additional €40 — fast, scenic, and no queue. Prefer not to? Take the cable car for €10 per person. Either way, we coordinate the timing around your tour (the shared water taxi runs about once an hour). Running Late? No stress — message us and we'll adjust your pickup. We stay in contact throughout your visit. First Time in Santorini? We've guided thousands of cruise passengers smoothly from ship to sightseeing. Just ask — we're here to help.
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
- Children must be accompanied by an adult
- Cruise ship passengers: Please provide ship name, docking time, disembarkation time, and re-boarding time. Pickup is at the old port -tender port.
- Hotel guests: Pickup is available from all hotels and Airbnbs on Santorini. If your location is not directly accessible by vehicle, we will arrange a nearby pickup point within short walking distance.
- Airport/Ferry arrivals: Pickup is from the arrivals terminal. Please provide flight or ferry details during booking.
- Delays due to cruise tendering or cable car lines are common — we are flexible and will adjust your tour start time accordingly, as long as you stay in touch.
Reviews(782)
We had an amazing day with Elias. He taught us so much about the history of the area and took us all over the island capturing the most amazing pictures along the way! Thank you for an amazing day!
This was an awesome experience! Our cruise ship changed the order of the stops on short notice due to a strike & this tour company graciously changed the tour I had booked to the new date we would be in Santorini. It was a wonderful way to see Santorini & our guide Paulina was fantastic! Would highly recommend!
Thank you for your wonderful review! Travel plans do not always go as expected, especially when cruise itineraries change at the last minute, so we're delighted that we were able to adjust your reservation and help everything come together smoothly. It's fantastic to hear that you enjoyed your time in Santorini and that Paulina helped make the day so memorable. Her warm personality, local knowledge, and passion for the island make her a favorite among many guests, and we're sure she will be thrilled to hear your kind words. We're especially grateful that you chose to spend your day with us despite the unexpected changes to your cruise schedule. Knowing that the experience turned into such a positive memory means a great deal to our team. Thank you for your recommendation, and we hope your Santorini visit remains one of the highlights of your cruise journey! Warm regards, The VIP Transfers and Tours Santorini Team
After doing some research we found this company for our family of 6 (with a toddler). From start to finish it was so easy and pleasant working with them. For tour guide we had George. Guy is a top notch. Very knowledgeable, pleasant, funny. 6 hour tour was great. He took us to the best spots on the island and knew how to avoid crowds. Very happy and would recommend them to everyone. They even had a car seat for our 4 year old. Also, price was very affordable as well!
After doing some research we found this company for our family of 6 (with a toddler). From start to finish it was so easy and pleasant working with them. For tour guide we had George. Guy is a top notch. Very knowledgeable, pleasant, funny. 6 hour tour was great. He took us to the best spots on the island and knew how to avoid crowds. Very happy and would recommend them to everyone. They even had a car seat for our 4 year old. Also, price was very affordable as well!
Thank you for your wonderful review! We're especially pleased to hear that your family had such a great experience exploring Santorini with George. Traveling with children requires a little extra planning, so we're delighted that everything—from the car seat arrangements to the itinerary itself—helped make the day comfortable and enjoyable for everyone. George will be thrilled to hear your kind words. His ability to combine local knowledge, humor, and careful planning while avoiding the busiest crowds is exactly what helps create memorable experiences for our guests. We also appreciate your comments about the value of the tour. We believe that a private experience should be both personal and accessible, allowing guests to enjoy Santorini at their own pace without the stress of navigating the island on their own. Thank you for trusting us with your family's day in Santorini and for recommending us to future travelers. We hope to welcome you back to the island one day! Warm regards, The VIP Transfers and Tours Santorini Team
Our tour guide was awesome and very knowledgeable about Santorini! We enjoyed getting to know him and had a wonderful time with him!
Thank you for your wonderful recommendation! One of the best parts of a private tour is the opportunity to spend the day with a local guide, not only visiting beautiful places but also learning about the island through someone who knows it well. We're delighted to hear that you enjoyed both the sights of Santorini and the company of your guide. Creating a relaxed, personal, and memorable experience is exactly what we strive for, and it's wonderful to know that your day was filled with great conversations, local insights, and special memories. Thank you for choosing to explore Santorini with us. We truly appreciate your kind words and hope to welcome you back to the island one day. Warm regards, The VIP Transfers and Tours Santorini Team
Dimitris was amazing. We saw the highlights of Santorini plus other places off the beaten path. He knew shortcuts and minimized our being amongst the crowds of tourists. He was a kind guide and photographer. We have over 60 photos together thanks to Dimitris. Cannot recommend enough!
Thank you so much for your fantastic review! It sounds like you discovered one of the best-kept secrets of Santorini—having a local guide who knows exactly when and where to go. Avoiding the crowds while still experiencing the island's most beautiful highlights can make all the difference, and we're delighted that Dimitris helped you enjoy Santorini in such a relaxed and authentic way. We especially loved reading that he doubled as your photographer! Some of the most treasured souvenirs from a trip are the photos that capture special moments together, and we're thrilled that you returned home with so many wonderful memories from your day on the island. Dimitris will be very happy to hear your kind words. His goal is always to help guests experience Santorini through the eyes of a local while creating a fun, comfortable, and memorable day. Thank you for trusting us with your Santorini adventure and for sharing your experience with future travelers. We hope those 60+ photos continue to bring back great memories for many years to come! Warm regards, The VIP Transfers and Tours Santorini Team
Amazing positive efficient and informative experience. Our guide was friendly and knowledgeable. He took pictures, avoided the crowds and got us into private locations. Easy to communicate with and tailored our tour to our interests. Highly recommend this tour
Thank you for such a wonderful review! It sounds like you made the most of your time in Santorini, and we're delighted that Mario helped create such a memorable experience for you. One of the greatest advantages of a private tour is the flexibility to adapt the day to each guest's interests, and we're so pleased that you enjoyed a personalized experience while discovering the island's highlights. We loved reading that Mario helped you avoid the crowds, find special locations, and capture beautiful photos along the way. Those are often the moments that transform a great day into an unforgettable one. We'll be sure to share your kind words with Mario. He takes great pride in showing guests the island through a local's perspective, and he will be thrilled to know how much you enjoyed your day together. Thank you for your recommendation and for allowing us to be part of your Santorini adventure. We hope the memories and photos from your visit stay with you for many years to come. Warm regards, The VIP Transfers and Tours Santorini Team
For our first time in Santorini, I wanted a private tour to tailor the experience to my husband and me. Katerina helped us multiple times and even arranged a water taxi in the morning with instructions from the cruise port. Our guide, Mary, met us in Oia and we were able to see all the beautiful sites before the rest of the crowds arrived! She knew all of the food and secluded spots to get blue dome pictures. Mary was extremely welcoming and knowledgeable and she always found the best photo opportunities. When she realized we didn't care to sit on a beach. She arranged a wine tasting in a beautiful setting with gorgeous views! At the end, she dropped us off in Fira and told us how to find the cable car or walking steps down to the cruise port. We were able to see several smaller less crowded towns such as Pyrgos because we had her driving us in a private car. It was our most amazing day in Greece and I highly recommend Mary and VIP tours!
We had the best day in Santorini with our tour guide Giannis. He brought us to all the must see spots and was very informative. He provided us with water throughout the day and made sure we were comfortable. Thank you Giannis for making our day in Santorini unforgettable!
Thank you for sharing such a lovely review. There's nothing better than hearing that a single day in Santorini became an unforgettable one. We know how precious vacation time is, and we're delighted that Giannis helped you make the most of every moment on the island. From the iconic viewpoints to the hidden details and stories behind them, Giannis loves helping guests experience Santorini beyond just the scenery. We're also pleased to hear that his attention to your comfort throughout the day helped you relax and fully enjoy the experience. Your kind words will mean a great deal to him, and we'll be sure to pass along your thanks. We hope that every photo, every view, and every memory from your day in Santorini brings a smile for years to come. Thank you for allowing us to be part of your journey. Warm regards, The VIP Transfers and Tours Santorini Team
Our guide was extremely knowledgeable of all the must see landmarks and scenic locations, as well as, the history of the island. She was a friendly, prepared, punctual and conscious driver. Thanks to her services we felt that we got a thorough and efficient tour of the island. Her services made us feel welcome.
Thank you very much for your wonderful review. We are delighted to hear that you had such an enjoyable experience exploring Santorini with your guide. Providing a thorough, informative, and welcoming experience is exactly what we strive for, and we are pleased that her knowledge of the island’s history, landmarks, and scenic locations helped make your visit memorable. It is especially rewarding to know that her professionalism, punctuality, preparation, and safe driving allowed you to relax and fully enjoy your time on the island. Thank you for your kind words and for choosing VIP Transfers and Tours Santorini. We truly appreciate your trust in our team and hope to have the pleasure of welcoming you back to Santorini in the future. Warm regards, VIP Transfers and Tours Santorini
