Santorini Highlights Tour: Private Guide, Flexible Stops & Pickup

Summary

Private Santorini tour with flexible stops and local guide

You’ll shape your own Santorini adventure with a private guide who listens to what you want — whether that’s exploring Akrotiri’s ancient ruins, tasting wine at a family-run vineyard, or just wandering through whitewashed villages at your own pace. With easy pickup from your hotel or cruise port and plenty of local insight along the way, you’ll end up seeing sides of Santorini most visitors miss — and maybe find a small moment you’ll remember long after the trip.

What’s the experience like?

I didn’t expect the island to smell like wild thyme after the rain — it hit me right as we stepped out of the van near Pyrgos. Our guide, Eleni, waved us over to a bakery where she picked up koulouri and handed one to me (still warm). She asked what we wanted from our Santorini private tour and honestly, I had no idea. So we just started talking about food and old stories, and somehow that set the tone for the whole day.

We wandered through Akrotiri’s ruins — Eleni pointed out bits of painted pottery half-buried in ash, and I tried to imagine people living here before the volcano changed everything. The air inside was cool and smelled faintly dusty. I kept lagging behind because there was this quiet hum from other visitors mixed with her voice explaining how they’d found olive seeds in ancient jars. It’s weird what sticks with you.

Later we drove up to Oia (the light really is different there), but instead of rushing for photos, Eleni led us down a side street where an old man was selling figs from his garden. I bought some — sticky sweet — and we just sat on a low wall watching people drift by. We could’ve gone anywhere: black sand beach, winery, whatever. But honestly, that slow moment was my favorite part of our day trip in Santorini. The flexibility made it feel less like a checklist and more like hanging out with someone who actually lives here.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Santorini Private Custom Tour

• Meet driver-guide and customize tour
• Visit Akrotiri archaeological ruins
• Relax on black sand beach or explore Pyrgos and Oia villages
• Visit winery for wine tasting or purchase

Top questions

Is hotel pickup included in this Santorini private tour?

Yes, pickup from your Santorini hotel or cruise port is included.

Can I customize the itinerary during my private tour?

Yes, the itinerary is fully flexible based on your interests.

Does this tour include entry to Akrotiri ruins?

No entry fees are not mentioned as included; check with your guide for details.

How long does the private Santorini tour last?

The duration is flexible depending on your preferences.

Are infants or small children allowed on this tour?

Yes, infants and small children can join; infant seats are available if needed.

Is lunch included in this private tour?

No lunch is not specifically included but you may visit a winery or local spots for food.

Where do cruise passengers meet their guide?

Cruise guests meet their guide at the top cable car station in Fira.

What’s included

Your day includes pickup from your hotel or cruise port, live commentary from a local driver-guide throughout the journey, bottled mineral water for each person, travel in an air-conditioned vehicle, plus flexible timing so you can linger wherever feels right before heading back.