Santorini: Culture and Highlight Tour with Wine Tasting

5 hours (approximately)
Pickup offered

Explore the best of Santorini in one day with this cultural tour, perfect for cruise passengers and short-stay visitors.

Start with a guided visit to Akrotiri, the ancient city buried by a volcanic eruption over 3,500 years ago, and learn about its advanced Minoan civilization.

Continue to the traditional village of Megalochori, where you'll stroll through quiet alleys, see cave houses, and enjoy the charm of old Santorini.

Visit the Koutsogiannopoulos Wine Museum, located in a natural cave, and taste 3–4 local volcanic wines after learning about 400 years of winemaking history.

Stop at the Three Bells of Firostefani for iconic photos of the blue dome and caldera.

End the day with free time in Oia, Santorini’s most famous village, where you can shop, explore, or relax with stunning views. This tour combines history, tradition, and scenery — a complete Santorini experience.

What's Included

Private transportation
Akrotiri Museum Entrance Fees
Bottled water
Koutsogianopoulos Wine Museum entrance fees
All Fees and Taxes
Wine Tasting of 4 Volcanic Wines
Air-conditioned vehicle
Tips & Gratuitites

Meeting and pickup

Pickup points
You can choose a pickup location at checkout (multiple pickup locations are available).
Pickup details:

Pick-up is included from Santorini’s Port (Athinios), most hotels, and centrally located meeting points across the island.
Cruise ship passengers will be met at the top of the Fira cable car, where a tour representative will be waiting with a sign showing your name.
Exact pick-up time and location will be confirmed via email, SMS, or WhatsApp the day before your tour.
Please be ready at least 15 minutes before your scheduled pick-up time to avoid delays.

Itinerary

Duration: 5 hours (approximately)
  • 1
    Akrotiri Archaeological Site

    At the Akrotiri Archaeological Site, travelers will step into one of the most remarkable ancient cities ever discovered. Preserved beneath volcanic ash for over 3,500 years, this prehistoric Minoan settlement offers a rare and detailed glimpse into life during the Bronze Age. Visitors will walk along ancient streets, see the remains of multi-story buildings, and view storage jars, pottery, and advanced drainage systems that reveal just how sophisticated this society was. With expert guidance, they'll learn about daily life in Akrotiri, the sudden eruption that buried the city, and the intriguing theory that this site may have inspired the legend of Atlantis. It’s a powerful, educational, and unforgettable experience that brings ancient history to life.

    45 minutes Admission ticket included
  • 2
    Megalochori - Traditional Village

    In the traditional village of Megalochori, travelers will experience the authentic charm of Santorini away from the crowds. They’ll stroll through narrow cobblestone streets lined with whitewashed houses, beautiful bell towers, and blooming bougainvillaea. The village is rich in history, once home to wealthy wine merchants and local families who lived in cave houses carved into the volcanic rock. Visitors will have time to explore hidden corners, discover quiet churches, and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere. It's a perfect place to slow down, take photos, and see what life in Santorini was like before tourism.

    40 minutes Admission ticket included
  • 3
    Santorini Wine Museum

    At the Koutsogiannopoulos Wine Museum, travelers will explore Santorini’s unique wine history inside a natural cave eight meters underground. This one-of-a-kind museum showcases 400 years of local winemaking through life-sized exhibits, old tools, and audiovisual displays that bring the past to life. Guests will walk through tunnels that reveal how wine was produced, stored, and transported on the island long before modern equipment. After the museum visit, they’ll enjoy a guided tasting of 4 volcanic wines, including the island’s famous Assyrtiko, produced by the Koutsogiannopoulos family for generations. It’s an unforgettable mix of culture, history, and flavor. Please note that Children under 18 will be offered snacks & juices instead of wine

    1 hour Admission ticket included
  • 4
    Three Bells of Fira

    At the Three Bells of Firostefani, travelers will stop at one of the most iconic and photographed spots in Santorini. This beautiful blue-domed church, set against the backdrop of the deep blue Aegean Sea and the dramatic caldera cliffs, offers an unforgettable photo opportunity. Guests will have time to take pictures, enjoy the peaceful atmosphere, and take in the panoramic views stretching across the volcano and the coastline. It’s a quick but memorable stop that captures the postcard-perfect beauty of the island.

    10 minutes Admission ticket included
  • 5
    Oia

    In Oia, travelers will enjoy free time to explore Santorini’s most famous and picturesque village. Known for its whitewashed houses, blue-domed churches, and stunning views over the caldera, Oia offers endless photo opportunities around every corner. Guests can wander the marble streets, visit local boutiques and art galleries, relax at a cliffside café, or simply take in the breathtaking scenery. Whether shopping, sightseeing, or capturing the perfect photo, Oia is the ideal way to end the day and experience the charm and beauty that make Santorini world-renowned.

    1 hour Admission ticket free

Additional info

  • Service animals allowed
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Specialized infant seats are available
  • Not recommended for pregnant travelers
  • Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Supplied by Holiday Tours Santorini

Tags

Day Trips
Half-day Tours
Bus Tours
Private and Luxury
Private Sightseeing Tours
Cultural Tours
Historical Tours
4WD Tours
Ports of Call Tours
Archaeology Tours
Luxury Car Tours
Shore Excursions
Spring Break
New Product
Port Pickup

Cancellation Policy

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

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