Santorini: Private Day Tour Oia, Akrotiri, Pyrgos & Wine Tasting

Summary

Oia’s blue domes to Pyrgos alleys with ancient Akrotiri and local wine

You’ll wander Oia’s iconic blue-domed lanes with a local guide, explore Akrotiri’s ancient ruins at your own pace, snap photos at Red Beach’s volcanic cliffs, stroll Pyrgos village streets, and end your private Santorini day trip tasting wine above the caldera—with pickup included and plenty of time to linger.

What’s the experience like?

I’ll never forget how the colors hit me in Oia—white walls and those blue domes against this wild sweep of sea. Our guide, Nikos, had this way of pausing just long enough for us to notice the smell of coffee drifting from an open window or the way a cat stretched in the sun. We wandered those narrow paths (I lost count how many times I stopped for photos), and Nikos pointed out a tiny bakery where he claimed the baklava “tastes like your grandmother’s hug.” I still think about that view over the caldera—wind tugging at my hat and all those little boats moving below like they had nowhere urgent to be.

After Oia, we headed south for our day trip from Fira toward Akrotiri. The air changed near the ruins—dustier somehow, with a bit of salt from the breeze. Walking through what’s left of that ancient city felt strange; you could almost hear echoes underfoot. Our guide couldn’t come inside (something about site rules), so we just wandered quietly, reading signs and imagining people living here 4,000 years ago. It was quieter than I expected—almost respectful. Then back outside, the sun felt twice as bright.

The Red Beach stop was quick but worth it—the cliffs really are that red (not just Instagram filters). There was a fisherman mending his nets nearby who waved at us; I tried to say hello in Greek but probably butchered it because he laughed and waved again. Lunch was an option at a seaside tavern—I went for grilled octopus and something cold to drink while watching kids chase each other along the sand. After that we drove up to Pyrgos, which is all winding lanes and sleepy cats on stoops. The castle ruins there have this battered dignity—you can see why people built up here for safety.

We finished at a cliffside winery with glasses of Assyrtiko overlooking everything—the caldera, vineyards crawling over black earth, sky starting to turn gold. The wine tasted dry and bright; I kept swirling mine just for the scent. Nikos told stories about his grandfather stomping grapes barefoot (“it’s tradition, not just for tourists,” he insisted). By then I’d stopped checking my phone completely. If you’re thinking about a private tour of Santorini from Fira or Oia with pickup included… well, I’d do it again just for that last hour alone.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Santorini island highlights tour

• Pick up by private vehicle
• Visit Oia village and explore
• Optional visit to Akrotiri site
• Photo stop at Red Beach
• Walk through Pyrgos village
• Optional wine tasting at cliff winery

Top questions

How long does the private Santorini tour last?

The tour lasts approximately 7 hours from pickup to drop-off.

Is hotel pickup included in this Santorini day trip?

Yes, hotel/port/airport pickup and drop-off are included in your private tour.

Can I customize the itinerary during my private tour?

Yes, your experience is flexible and can be tailored to your preferences with your driver/guide.

Are entry fees to Akrotiri included?

No, entry fees are not mentioned as included; you may need to pay separately at Akrotiri.

Will there be a licensed guide inside Akrotiri?

Your driver/guide cannot guide inside Akrotiri; licensed guides are available for hire at the site if you wish.

Is lunch included in this Santorini private tour?

Lunch is optional; you can choose to dine at a seaside tavern near Red Beach during your tour.

Does this tour include wine tasting?

Yes, there is an optional stop at a cliffside winery where you can sample local Santorini wines overlooking the caldera.

Are infants or children allowed on this day trip?

Yes, infants and children are welcome; prams/strollers and specialized infant seats are available if needed.

What’s included

Your day includes comfortable private transportation by deluxe van with air conditioning, bottled water throughout the journey, maps and live commentary from an experienced local driver-guide (who’ll pick you up wherever suits you best), plus flexible stops like Oia village walks, Akrotiri ruins visit (with option for licensed site guide), Red Beach photo stop or seaside lunch if you want it, Pyrgos strolls among old castles and churches—and time for wine tasting above the caldera before heading back.