Santorini: Culture and Highlight Tour with Wine Tasting
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.
Options
Santorini: Culture and Highlight Tour with Wine Tasting
Pickup included
What's included in Santorini: Culture and Highlight Tour with Wine Tasting
(Subject to Option Inclusions)Itinerary
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.
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.
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
Inclusions
- Private transportation
- Akrotiri Museum Entrance Fees
- Koutsogianopoulos Wine Museum entrance fees
- Bottled water
- All Fees and Taxes
- Wine Tasting of 4 Volcanic Wines
- Air-conditioned vehicle
- Tips & Gratuitites
- 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
Meet
Pickup and Dropoff
Choose to be picked up from a list of locations
Please arrive at the pick up point 30 minutes before departure time.
Additional Information
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.
Redeem
Ticket Redemption
Please present your confirmation email or e-ticket (printed or digital) to the tour representative at your pick-up point. Cruise ship passengers will meet our staff at the top of the Fira cable car, holding a sign with your name. Hotel guests will be picked up from the hotel or a nearby meeting point (exact details will be confirmed the day before the tour). Please be ready 15 minutes before your scheduled pick-up time. If you have any issues on the day of the tour, contact us immediately at +30 697 536 6630. Please be advised that Guests under 18 will not be served Wine and will receive juices & Snacks During the Wine Tasting Session
