Private Santorini Beyond the Tourist Trails Tour inc. tastings

What's included

What you'll see and do

1. Fira

   You’ll start our Santorini Uncovered tour from Fira, the capital and bustling center of the island. Bypassing the tourist traps, you’ll discover Fira’s artistic hinterland. Walk through the town’s whitewashed back streets and meet local artists such as painters, sculptures, and artisans in their workplaces and showrooms.

   30 minutes here

2. The Castle of St Nicholas

   Next, you’ll visit the mesmerizing village of Oia, Santorini’s highlight where you’ll explore the cliffside laneways as well, the back alleys of a pastel-colored old neighborhood with its captains-ship owners’ and merchants’ houses, a neighborhood that you might never find without a local by your side!. Before leaving Oia, we’ll discover the smallest bookstore in the world. Housed in a stunning whitish traditional building, it’s easy to fall in love with this place even if you aren’t the biggest book lover in the world. In any case, it’s not a coincidence that The New York Times, The Guardian, just to name a few, have given the bookstore the best write-ups while National Geographic has mentioned it as the best bookstore worldwide.

   30 minutes here

3. Emporeios

   Afterwards, you’ll uncover the best-preserved castle-village of Emporio, one of the island’s least visited places, where the buildings are still inhabited. Explore this away-from-crowds settlement, by winding your way through its narrow pathways with medieval charm. Before leaving the village, you’ll stop for a coffee and a traditional “spoon” sweet in one of Santorini’s most traditional corners. Continuing your tour, it’s time to reveal your adventurer instincts. Lara Croft by Angelina Jolie may have discovered the lost treasure of Alexander the Great in Santorini, but it’s now your turn to discover the hiding grounds of the locals during the pirate raids. Pass through nature pathways with your local guide by your side, and explore a local rock-carved church hidden from plain view, which will surprise you.

   75 minutes here

4. Vlychada

   Then, you’ll head to the secluded White beach where you’ll admire its lunar-like yellow landscape. A true spectacular gem of the island! In our next stop, you’ll get your feet wet at the Black beach! On your way discover Archaic tombs cut in the mountain whose rich finds—statuary, votive gifts, and funerary urns—are on display in the Archaeological Museum in Fira.

   45 minutes here

5. Megalochori

   Before the tour is completed, you’ll experience authentic Santorini through its wines and tastes! In an old-school traditional winery, you’ll participate in a four-glass wine tasting, including the famous, locally-originated Vinsanto as well as, other local wines made the traditional way, and pair them with delicious seasonal local mezedes (local tapas). With so many suggestions and tips from your local guide, you’ll likely have a myriad of things you’ll want to do next! Before we part ways, don’t forget to tap up your local guide for more hints and tips on how to get the best out of your trip to amazing Santorini!

   60 minutes here

Where it starts and ends

Before you book

Cancellation

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Languages

en

Ticket

Mobile Only

Runs on

Every day

Group size

Up to 15 travelers per booking

Operated by

Grecian Lux

Know before you go

• Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
• Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
• Service animals allowed
• Public transportation options are available nearby
• Suitable for all physical fitness levels
• The wine tasting is allowed to participants age 18 or older because of the national alcohol restrictions. Participants under the age 18 are provided non-alcoholic beverages.
• How you help the local community by joining this tour: - By visiting off-the-beaten-path places, you are helping over-tourism get reduced, especially in Santorini’s main towns. Instead, during this tour, collaboration with smaller local communities that follow a more traditional way of life is supported. - This tour encourages conservation around cultural heritage as you visit an unknown underground church of great cultural importance in a tiny village, as well, the elderly keyholder who preserves the church is supported. - Young artists and local shop owners are promoted, helping them to preserve local art, increase their income during Greece’s economic problems, and promote the creativity of new generations. - During your visit to a historic factory turned into a museum, you support a local foundation responsible for preserving Santorini’s unique culture.
• Food Allergies: Unless you suffer from multiple, combined food allergies, or unless you are a vegan, we will figure it out. Vegetarians are welcome on all tours.
• Please wear comfortable shoes for walking.
• In general, there are few dress restrictions in Europe and dress codes are similar to those you are used to at home. Please note though that in many churches modest dress is required; no shorts or skimpy tops are permitted.
• If you are happy with the services provided by your local guides a tip – though not compulsory – is appropriate. While it may not be customary to you, it is of great significance to the people who will take care of you during your travels, inspires excellent service, and is an entrenched feature of the tourism industry. Please consider this when budgeting for your extra expenses on this tour.

Photos