You have limited time in Santorini. Don’t waste it on crowded buses, fixed schedules, or last-minute stress about getting back to your ship.
This private shore excursion is built specifically for cruise passengers who want to experience the island the right way — efficiently, comfortably, and on their own terms.
From the moment you meet your driver at the top of the cable car exit, everything runs smoothly. The itinerary is strategically designed to cover Santorini’s most iconic highlights without feeling rushed. You set the pace. You travel privately. You avoid the chaos.
Oia’s world-famous views, dramatic caldera landscapes, traditional villages, and volcanic beaches — all in one seamless, well-organized experience.
Most importantly, your on-time return to the ship is fully guaranteed. We monitor cruise schedules and plan accordingly, so you can explore with total confidence.
If you want a smart, stress-free, and professionally executed Santorini experience — this is it.
Schedule & prices
Runs
Every day
Start times
17 times a day, 8:00 AM–4:00 PM
Next available
Sat, Oct 17
Adult (ages 6+)
$217
Infant (ages 0–5)
Free
Prices are per person when two book together; a solo traveller pays $435.
Larger groups pay less per person.
From the operator’s live schedule on Viator, checked Oct 16.
Tour Options
Private Santorini Shore Excursion For Cruise Passengers
Pickup included
Itinerary
Three Bells of Fira iconic viewpoint
30 min
Stand before the legendary Three Bells of Fira, where Santorini’s purest beauty unfolds before your eyes.
Whitewashed walls, a brilliant blue dome, and endless caldera views blend into a scene so timeless, it feels as if the world has paused — just for you.
Oia's Main Street
120 min
Lose yourself in the dreamlike beauty of Oía, where whitewashed houses, sapphire domes, and the endless Aegean come together in perfect harmony. Every narrow alley tells a story of timeless charm, and every corner offers a breathtaking view that feels pulled from a painting. As you wander through its enchanting streets, you'll sense the spirit of Santorini — romantic, pure, and eternal — whispering through the sun-kissed walls and hidden courtyards. Whether it's the soft golden light of the afternoon or the magic of a world-famous sunset, Oía is not just a place you visit — it's a moment you carry with you forever.
Megalochori - Traditional Village
30 min
Step into the heart of authentic Santorini at Megalochori, a village where time seems to have stood still. Wander through narrow stone-paved alleys lined with hidden courtyards, traditional mansions, and quiet churches. Here, every corner reveals the untouched soul of the island — warm, welcoming, and steeped in history. As you stroll under the soft island light, you’ll feel a deeper connection to Santorini, far from the crowds and closer to its true spirit. Megalochori is not just a place to visit; it’s a living memory of the island’s timeless charm.
Red Beach
45 min
Witness one of Santorini’s most unique landscapes at Red Beach, where deep crimson cliffs rise above crystal-clear waters. The vivid contrast of colors and the raw, untouched beauty of this volcanic creation will leave you breathless. Standing here, surrounded by nature’s bold artistry, you’ll feel the wild spirit of the island — fierce, passionate, and unforgettable.
Perissa Black Sand Beach
75 min
Unwind at Santorini’s stunning Black Beach, where soft volcanic sands meet the gentle rhythm of the Aegean Sea. The dramatic contrast of dark shores against the deep blue waters creates a scene both powerful and serene. Here, you can relax, savor the sun, and experience a quieter, more intimate side of the island — a perfect moment of calm and connection.
What's included
Included
WiFi on board
Bottled water
Private transportation in comfortable, air conditioned vehicle
All Fees and Taxes
Local expert English-speaking driver/guide
Guaranteed on-time return to your cruiseship
Unlimited waiting time for delays caused by cable car queues or tender boat disembarkation.
Not included
Cable car tickets are not included in the price of the tour
Lunch is an optional stop and is not included in the price of the tour
Pickup Locations & Times
You will be picked up at the cable car upper station. You driver/guide will be waiting for you holding a sign with your name written for easy recognition
Traveller Ratings
Reviews collected by Viator and Tripadvisor
5.0
35 reviews
5
35
4
0
3
0
2
0
1
0
How it compares in Santorini
Starting price $217 is close to the typical $200 for tours of similar length in Santorini
Excurgo comparison of 1,632 Viator tours, recalculated daily.
Important Information
Public transportation options are available nearby
Specialized infant seats are available
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Cancellation
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
1+ days before100% refund
0–1 days before0% refund
Frequently asked questions
How long does Santorini Cruise Highlights - Private 5 Hour Experience take?
Santorini Cruise Highlights - Private 5 Hour Experience lasts about 5 hours. The itinerary has 5 stops.
How much does Santorini Cruise Highlights - Private 5 Hour Experience cost?
Prices start at $217 per person for this Santorini experience, booked through Viator with the price shown before checkout. That is the per-person price when two book together; a solo traveller pays $435. There is 1 booking option, so the final price depends on the option you choose.
What days does Santorini Cruise Highlights - Private 5 Hour Experience run?
According to the operator’s current schedule, it runs every day, with 17 departures a day between 8:00 AM and 4:00 PM.
Can I cancel Santorini Cruise Highlights - Private 5 Hour Experience for free?
Yes. Cancel at least 1 day before the start for a full refund. Later cancellations are non-refundable.
Is hotel pickup included?
Yes, pickup is offered. You will be picked up at the cable car upper station. You driver/guide will be waiting for you holding a sign with your name written for easy recognition
What languages is Santorini Cruise Highlights - Private 5 Hour Experience offered in?
The experience is available in EN.
Is this a private or a group tour?
It is a private experience: only your party takes part. Up to 8 travellers can book together.
Travellers rate it 5.0 out of 5 across 35 reviews on Viator and Tripadvisor; it is run by Epitome Travel Greece.
Reviews(35)
Reviews collected by Viator and Tripadvisor
C
Courtney_W
October 1, 2026 · via Viator
Incredible Santorini Day
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Stavros made our day in Santorini truly unforgettable! From the moment we met him, he was warm, accommodating, knowledgeable, and incredibly attentive to making sure we had the best possible
experience.
What made the tour so special was the perfect balance between seeing the iconic sights you absolutely want to experience in Santorini and discovering local places and hidden gems we never would have found on our own. Stavros never made us feel rushed. He took his time, allowed us to enjoy each stop, and shared so much fascinating history, culture, and knowledge about the island along the way.
You can tell that Stavros genuinely loves Santorini and enjoys sharing it with others. He didn't simply take us from one tourist attraction to another—he gave us a real feeling for the island, its people, and its way of life.
He was also incredibly flexible and accommodating throughout the day,tailoring the experience to us rather than making us feel like we were following a rigid itinerary.
If you are visiting Santorini and want to experience both the famous sights AND a more authentic side of the island, I cannot recommend Stavros highly enough. He was an exceptional guide and absolutely one of the highlights of our trip. We left feeling like we had truly experienced Santorini, not just visited it.
Thank you, Stavros, for such a wonderful and memorable day! 🇬🇷💙
C
courtneywY7150UA
October 1, 2026 · via Tripadvisor
Incredible Santorini Experience
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Stavros made our day in Santorini truly unforgettable! From the moment we met him, he was warm, accommodating, knowledgeable, and incredibly attentive to making sure we had the best possible experience.
What made the tour so special was the perfect balance between seeing the iconic sights you absolutely want to experience in Santorini and discovering local places and hidden gems we never would have found on our own. Stavros never made us feel rushed. He took his time, allowed us to enjoy each stop, and shared so much fascinating history, culture, and knowledge about the island along the way.
You can tell that Stavros genuinely loves Santorini and enjoys sharing it with others. He didn't simply take us from one tourist attraction to another—he gave us a real feeling for the island, its people, and its way of life.
He was also incredibly flexible and accommodating throughout the day, tailoring the experience to us rather than making us feel like we were following a rigid itinerary.
If you are visiting Santorini and want to experience both the famous sights AND a more authentic side of the island, I cannot recommend Stavros highly enough. He was an exceptional guide and absolutely one of the highlights of our trip. We left feeling like we had truly experienced Santorini, not just visited it.
Thank you, Stavros, for such a wonderful and memorable day! 🇬🇷💙
K
Karen_M
August 11, 2026 · via Viator
Fantastic experience...
Fantastic experience thanks to Petros who ensured we got the most of our time on Santorini adapting the tour to meet our needs and give us an authentic santorini experience. He had great local knowledge, was funny and engaging everything you'd want from a tour guide.
A
annamE2121NY
July 16, 2026 · via Tripadvisor
It felt like being driven around by a local friend. Thank you
We were traveling with my elderly parents and two teenagers, so finding something everyone likes is difficult. This tour saved us. The van was big and comfy, and they had the infant seat ready for my niece. Our guide was so patient with my parents who walk a bit slower, and he adjusted the stops, when the teens wanted more time for shopping in Oia. Saw the red beach, the traditional villages, and the black beach all in one afternoon.
D
dennissC8912RT
July 15, 2026 · via Tripadvisor
Unforgettable Santorini views
If you want to see Santorini from a different perspective, this cruise is perfect. The private setting made it feel like a special treat. Plus, the lunch at the black sand beach was delicious.
C
C55TCstevep
July 15, 2026 · via Tripadvisor
Felt like our own little paradise
We booked the private 5-hour experience and it was worth every penny. Our guide was super friendly and knew all the best spots. Swimming in the crystal-clear waters was a highlight.
K
khloeg378
June 28, 2026 · via Tripadvisor
One of The Best Trips This Year
This was easily one of the best experiences of our trip to Greece. Having a private tour made such a difference because we could explore at our own pace without feeling like we were following a large group. Our driver shared interesting local stories and even suggested a few hidden viewpoints that weren't crowded.
Every stop had something unique to offer, from the iconic blue-domed churches to the dramatic coastal scenery. The entire tour felt relaxed, well planned, and very professional.
I would happily book this again and recommend it to anyone looking for a comfortable way to discover the best of Santorini.
G
giovannipW821OP
June 25, 2026 · via Tripadvisor
Loved this, also fantastic guide!
We had an amazing time exploring Santorini with this private tour. Everything was well organized from the pickup to the final stop, which made the whole experience completely stress-free. Our guide was friendly, knowledgeable, and happy to adjust the itinerary based on what we wanted to see.
The views were absolutely breathtaking, especially in Oia and at the Red Beach. We never felt rushed and had enough time to enjoy each location, take photos, and simply soak in the beauty of the island. The vehicle was clean and comfortable, which made traveling between stops very relaxing.
If you're visiting Santorini for the first time or arriving on a cruise, this tour is definitely worth it. It helped us experience the highlights of the island in just a few hours while still feeling personal and enjoyable.
E
everywhereIwander
June 15, 2026 · via Tripadvisor
Excellent Shore Day
It was perfect from start to finish. Scenery, excellent guide, sufficient stops. Very highly recommended.
M
maryjY1364AX
April 29, 2026 · via Tripadvisor
It was a great day in Santorini coming from a cruiseship.
We booked this tour coming from a cruise ship and we really had a wonderful experience on the island of Santorini! We saw plenty of sites, both popular and less touristy and we had an awesome guide that make the experience even more spectacular. We finished of with a delicious lunch at the black beach, took great photos throughout the excursion and learned so many things about the island. I highly recommend this experience.