Private Highlights Tour Discover Santorini Like a Local
Description
Experience Santorini your way with a fully customizable tour designed around your interests. Whether you're drawn to the iconic blue-domed churches of Oia, the quiet charm of Megalochori’s hidden corners, or the striking beauty of the Red Beach, every moment is thoughtfully crafted for you. Guided by passionate locals, you’ll discover both the famous highlights and the lesser-known treasures of Santorini. For cruise travelers, we ensure a seamless experience with carefully timed pickups right at the port and personalized attention to your ship’s schedule, so you can enjoy the island without any stress. Whether visiting for just a few hours or spending more time with us, every detail is managed with care to make your visit effortless, memorable, and completely your own. Book your perfect Santorini experience and see the island through your own unique lens.
Tour Options
Itinerary
The Three Bells of Fira, situated in the heart of Santorini's capital, are an iconic sight and cultural landmark. Perched atop the cliffside, these three blue-domed churches, dedicated to the Holy Mother, St. John, and St. Nicolas, create a harmonious and picturesque ensemble against the island's distinctive landscape. As you explore Fira, these bells serve as a captivating focal point, representing the rich history and architectural charm that define Santorini's allure. Driving time from the previous stop : 10mins
Nestled on Santorini's cliffs, Imerovigli is a serene village offering breathtaking views and tranquility. Whitewashed charm, narrow pathways, and a high vantage point make it an ideal escape for a peaceful retreat and romantic moments. Driving time from previous location 20min
Oia (Ia) is the crown jewel of Santorini, a village where every corner feels like a postcard brought to life. Perched dramatically on the edge of the caldera, it enchants visitors with its cascading whitewashed houses, blue-domed churches, and narrow marble paths that wind through the majestic beauty and charm. It’s a place where light, color, and architecture come together in perfect harmony, creating an atmosphere that feels both romantic and timeless.
Oia's famous blue domes are iconic symbols of Santorini's allure. Perched against the sparkling Aegean Sea, these distinctive azure rooftops create a striking contrast against the whitewashed buildings. The blue domes, synonymous with postcard-perfect images, are nestled within the labyrinthine streets of Oia.
Megalochori, a hidden gem in Santorini, enchants visitors with its authentic Greek charm. This traditional village invites exploration through winding alleys and whitewashed buildings adorned with bougainvillea. Discover the allure of local tavernas, historic churches, and the laid-back ambiance that defines Megalochori. Tucked away from the bustling crowds, this village offers a serene escape while preserving the essence of Santorini's timeless beauty. Driving time from previous stop :20-25mins
A brief stop to admire the striking Red Beach, known for its dramatic crimson cliffs and unique volcanic landscape.
Relax at the Black Beach of Perivolos, with time to enjoy a drink or a light meal by the sea.
Highlights
What's included
Pickup Locations & Times
Your driver will pick you up from your preferred pickup point, provided it is accessible by vehicle. Where access isn't possible, we'll arrange a convenient meeting point nearby. Pickup times vary by location: standard tour departures are 10:30 and 14:00 for guests in Fira Town, while guests staying elsewhere on the island will receive adjusted pickup times accordingly. When booking, please provide: Phone number and email Flight or ferry arrival details Name and address of your hotel If on a cruise: cruise ship name and arrival time ★ CRUISE SHIP PASSENGERS — PLEASE READ CAREFULLY ★ Santorini's cruise port has NO road access. After tendering ashore, the only way up to the town of Fira is by cable car, and queues can be very long — often over an hour when several ships are in port. For this reason, your driver cannot collect you at the port itself. You have two options: OPTION 1 — MEET AT McDONALD'S, FIRA Take the cable car up from the Old Port and meet your driver at McDonald's in Fira, our standard cruise meeting point. Please allow enough time for the cable car queue. OPTION 2 — SKIP THE CABLE CAR (RECOMMENDED) Choose the "Skip the Cable Car" option at booking and we will bring you by water transfer directly to Amoudi Bay, where your driver will be waiting to collect you. This avoids the cable car queue completely and is by far the smoothest choice for cruise guests on a tight schedule.
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
- Cruise ship passengers must provide the following information at time of booking: ship name, docking time, disembarkation time and re-boarding time
Reviews(56)
We had a wonderful guide, Paulina, who was warm, super knowledgeable, knew all the ins and outs of Santorini, was great with our teen girls and even took fabulous family photos for us! It was the perfect way to explore the island and get a better sense of its history. Highly recommend!
We had Paulina with us for a private tour of 6 hours. She was very knowledgeable about the history of Santorini. She took us to key photo spots in Santorini with less queues. We spent the right amount of time in each stop. She was our “private photographer” for the family. Highly recommend.
Thank you so much for your wonderful review! We're delighted to hear that you had such an enjoyable day exploring Santorini with Paulina. She truly loves sharing the island's history and knows exactly how to time each stop so our guests can enjoy the most beautiful locations with fewer crowds. We're also glad she captured so many special family photos along the way. Those memories are priceless, and it's wonderful to know they became part of your experience. Thank you for choosing VIP Transfers and Tours Santorini and for your kind recommendation. We hope to welcome you and your family back to Santorini again in the future! Warm regards, VIP Transfers and Tours Santorini Team
The best way to see whatever you want to see when visiting Santorini. Many tours spend time at places that may not interest you, but Nick was amazing and toook us to the most amazing places. He was very accomodating to see what we wanted to see. An excellent day out.
Thank you so much for your wonderful review! We're delighted to hear that your private tour with Nick was such a memorable experience. One of the greatest advantages of a private tour is the freedom to explore what matters most to you, and we're so pleased that Nick was able to tailor the day around your interests. Our goal is for every guest to leave feeling they've experienced the real Santorini—not just the famous landmarks, but the places that make the island truly special. We're thrilled that Nick helped make that happen for you. Thank you for choosing VIP Transfers and Tours Santorini. It was a pleasure to be part of your visit, and we hope to welcome you back one day for another personalized adventure on our beautiful island! Warm regards, Katerina & the VIP Transfers and Tours Santorini Team
This is an awesome way to see Santorini! Our guide Mary was very knowlegable, smart, pleasant and accommodating so we could see what we wanted to see! She is an excellent driver. We highly recommend this tour. Mary is thoughtful and presented ideas/options also. It was so nice to be able to choose exactly what we wanted to see!
Thank you so much for your wonderful review! We're thrilled that you chose to explore Santorini with us and that Mary made your experience so enjoyable. She truly loves creating personalized experiences, and we're delighted that her suggestions and flexibility helped you build the perfect day around what mattered most to you. One of the best parts of a private tour is the freedom to explore at your own pace, and we're so pleased you were able to visit exactly what you wanted while benefiting from Mary's local knowledge and thoughtful guidance. We'll be sure to pass along your kind words to Mary—they'll mean a great deal to her. Thank you again for your recommendation and for choosing VIP Transfers and Tours Santorini. We hope your memories of the island stay with you for many years, and we'd love the opportunity to welcome you back again! Warmest regards, Katerina & the VIP Transfers and Tours Santorini Team
The Tour around Santorini was a great experience. We could see all the hotspots of the Island. Yannis was our tourguide. He‘s very considerate and relaxed. He doesn‘t rush you and gives you enough time for everything you like to do. It was a very nice Tour and we really enjoyed it.
Thank you so much for taking the time to share your experience! We're delighted to hear that you enjoyed discovering Santorini with Yannis. One of the things we value most is allowing our guests to experience the island at a relaxed pace, without feeling rushed, so it's wonderful to know that you appreciated having plenty of time to enjoy each stop. Yannis will be especially happy to hear your kind words. His calm, considerate approach and genuine hospitality are qualities that make every tour unique. Thank you for choosing VIP Transfers and Tours Santorini. We truly appreciate your recommendation and hope that the memories from your day on the island will stay with you for a long time. We'd love to welcome you back whenever your travels bring you to Santorini again! Warm regards, Katerina & the VIP Transfers and Tours Santorini Team
Niko was great. Took us everywhere. Even took us to a great spot for food on the black beach called ‘41’. Finished up with a sunset.
Thank you very much for your wonderful review. We are delighted to hear that you had such an enjoyable experience with Niko. It is always our goal to showcase the very best of Santorini, and we are pleased that you were able to explore so many beautiful locations around the island. We're especially happy that you enjoyed your stop at Black Beach and the local dining experience. Finishing the day with a Santorini sunset is always something special, and we're glad it provided the perfect ending to your tour. Thank you for choosing VIP Transfers and Tours Santorini. We truly appreciate your kind words and hope to welcome you back to Santorini again in the future. Warm regards, VIP Transfers and Tours Santorini
Look at our tour was fantastic. They took us to all the highlights of the island we got exclusive access to all the best spots for photographs. Our Tour Guide George was so much Fun highly recommended!!
Thank you so much for your wonderful review. We are so happy to hear that your Santorini experience was filled with beautiful highlights, fun moments, and unforgettable photo opportunities around the island. Exploring Santorini through its most iconic locations while also finding those perfect hidden viewpoints always makes the experience extra special. George will be very happy to hear your kind words. His energy, personality, and passion for the island truly help create memorable experiences for our guests. Thank you again for choosing VIP Transfers and Tours Santorini and for your recommendation. We hope to welcome you back again someday for another amazing day on the island. Warm regards, VIP Transfers and Tours Santorini
Mary was amazing!!! It was our first time in Greece. We were picked up at the Santorini Cable Car. From there, we toured the city and got to see some of the most beautiful sights EVERRR!!!
Thank you so much for your amazing review. We absolutely loved reading your excitement about discovering Santorini for the very first time. There is something truly special about seeing the island through first-time visitors, and we are so happy your experience was filled with beautiful views, unforgettable moments, and wonderful memories. We are also very pleased that Mary helped make your day feel smooth, welcoming, and enjoyable from the very beginning of your pickup at the cable car station. Thank you again for choosing VIP Transfers and Tours Santorini to be part of your first Greece experience. We hope this was the beginning of many more beautiful travels for you. Warm regards, VIP Transfers and Tours Santorini
Our tour guide Paulina was very nice, friendly, and patient. She took care of us very well, driving us around Santorini and showing us the best angles of the landmarks. She is also very knowledgeable about all the places in Santorini. Paulina is a very good driver too! I highly recommend this tour.
Thank you so much for your lovely review. We are truly happy to hear that your time in Santorini felt like a dream vacation and that you enjoyed discovering the island in such a relaxed and memorable way. From the beautiful viewpoints and iconic landmarks to the local stories and atmosphere, it sounds like you experienced some very special moments around the island. We are also very pleased that Paulina helped make your experience comfortable, enjoyable, and full of beautiful memories throughout the day. Thank you again for your recommendation and for choosing VIP Transfers and Tours Santorini. We hope to welcome you back to the island again someday. Warm regards, VIP Transfers and Tours Santorini
First class from start to finish. Very knowledgeable guide and a brilliant driver. You get to see the best of Santorini in a no rush no stress atmosphere at your own pace. Highly recommend! Don’t think about it, just book it!
Thank you so much for your wonderful feedback. We are truly happy to hear that you enjoyed the relaxed and personalized atmosphere of your tour and were able to experience the beauty of Santorini comfortably and at your own pace. Providing smooth, stress-free experiences with knowledgeable guides and professional service is exactly what our team strives for every day. Your recommendation means a great deal to all of us, and we sincerely appreciate you choosing VIP Transfers and Tours Santorini for your visit to the island. We hope to have the pleasure of welcoming you back again in the future. Warm regards, VIP Transfers and Tours Santorini
