Our GreekAPPs Team recently had the opportunity to take a private tour of Santorini on the Classic Santorini Panorama tour. This tour was a comprehensive journey of the island and allowed us to visit some of the most iconic and popular landmarks in Santorini. The tour was available as a daytime or sunset option and we opted for the sunset tour to end our day with the famous sunset in Oia.
We were picked up from our hotel lobby by our private guide and driver in a luxurious air-conditioned and deluxe van. The tour started with a visit to the main street of Oia, where we were able to embrace the best of the village, including its iconic blue domed churches, scenic pathways, stunning views, and the world-famous sunset. We then continued to Megalochori, a traditional village with narrow paths, white painted houses, and blue domed chapels, where we were able to bask in the local culture and lifestyle.
Next, we visited the lighthouse at the extreme southwest part of Santorini, which is considered one of the most beautiful lighthouses in the Cyclades and a great spot to watch the sunset. We then headed to the Red Beach, which is a unique natural beach with red being the dominant color, followed by a visit to Perissa Black Sand Beach, which is the longest and most famous beach in Santorini.
Our tour also took us to the Monastery of Profitis Ilias, which is located at the island's highest peak and offered a striking view of the entire island. We were also able to taste wine and local products made by the monks who reside at the monastery. We also passed by the charming village of Pyrgos Kallistis, surrounded by vineyards, blue domed churches, and narrow cave houses.
The tour was a 6-hour private journey of the entire island and our experienced local driver/guide shared his knowledge of Santorini's culture, traditions, and curiosities with us. The tour was flexible and customized to suit our preferences, and we were provided with bottled water and maps throughout the journey.
Overall, the Classic Santorini Panorama tour was a great way to see the best of the island, and we highly recommend it to anyone looking for a personalized and flexible sightseeing experience in Santorini. The tour included round-trip transportation, a knowledgeable guide, and cable car tickets for cruise ship travelers. We also had the option to enjoy lunch in a seaside restaurant, but we decided to opt-out.
