Santorini: Traditional Sightseeing Bus Tour with Oia Sunset

Santorini is well-known for its stunning sunsets, picturesque villages, and majestic beaches. A tour is the perfect way to explore the island’s volcanic landscape, rich history, and amazing culture. If you’re planning a trip to Cyclades, we recommend taking the Santorini Traditional Sightseeing Bus Tour with Oia Sunset.

This nine-hour guided tour will take you to some of the most popular sites on the island, including ancient ruins, volcanic beaches, wine museums, and picturesque villages. Pick up is included, and the tour starts and ends in Santorini.

Tour Itinerary

The Santorini Traditional Sightseeing Bus Tour with Oia Sunset starts with a visit to the Akrotiri excavation site. This Bronze Age settlement was buried by volcanic ash in the 17th century BC and is known as the prehistoric Pompeii. The tour includes a guided visit to the excavation site, where you’ll learn about the history of the island and Minoan civilization.

Next, you’ll visit the traditional village of Emporio, which features hilltop windmills, fortified medieval castles, and centuries-old churches. This quaint village is a perfect example of traditional Santorini life.

The tour then takes you to the famous Perissa Black Sand Beach, where you’ll have free time to enjoy some sunbathing, swimming, and lunch. This is one of the most popular beaches in Santorini, with crystal clear waters and black sand.

After lunch, you’ll visit the Santorini Winery, where you’ll tour a traditional winery and taste the island’s distinctive wines. You’ll have the opportunity to learn about the production process and sample some of the local varieties.

The next stop is the Moni Profiti Ilia, a historic monastery with stunning views of the island’s volcanic landscape. This century-old monastery is still home to a small community of monks, who welcome visitors all year round.

The tour concludes with a visit to the Koutsoyannopoulos Wine Museum, where you’ll learn about the history of wine production in Santorini. This unique museum is housed in a natural cave, and it showcases the traditional winemaking methods that have been used on the island for centuries.

Finally, the tour ends with a visit to the village of Oia, where you’ll marvel at a spectacular sunset. This charming village is famous for its cliffside views, blue domed churches, and narrow alleyways. The sunset views from Oia are simply breathtaking, making it one of the most popular destinations in Santorini.

Highlights

The Santorini Traditional Sightseeing Bus Tour with Oia Sunset is a comprehensive tour that covers some of the most popular sites on the island. Some of the tour highlights include:

• Guided tour of the Akrotiri excavation site
• Free time at the Perissa Black Sand Beach
• Wine tasting at the Santorini Winery
• Visit to the Moni Profiti Ilia monastery
• Tour of the Koutsoyannopoulos Wine Museum
• Spectacular sunset views from Oia village

How to plan your Santorini Traditional Sightseeing Bus Tour with Oia Sunset

If you’re interested in taking the Santorini Traditional Sightseeing Bus Tour with Oia Sunset, you can book it online through the following link: book the tour here.

This nine-hour tour includes a guided visit to some of the most popular sites in Santorini, including ancient ruins, wine museums, picturesque villages, and stunning beaches. The tour also includes a visit to the village of Oia, where you’ll marvel at a spectacular sunset.

Pickup is included, and the tour starts and ends in Santorini. So, plan your day accordingly and get ready to explore the best of Santorini with the Santorini Traditional Sightseeing Bus Tour with Oia Sunset.

The Ultimate Insider’s Guide to Santorini, Greece

Santorini is a picturesque island in the Aegean Sea, located in the southernmost part of the Cyclades. Famed for its whitewashed buildings, blue-domed churches, and caldera views, Santorini is a must-visit destination for travelers. However, with so many things to see and do, it can be tough to know where to start. In this insider’s guide, we’ll take you on a tour of the island’s best attractions, dining spots, cultural experiences, local history, and off-the-beaten-path suggestions to ensure you have a memorable trip.

Local Attractions

Santorini is home to a whole range of beautiful locations, including historical sites, natural wonders, and sun-kissed beaches. Here are some of the top spots that you won’t want to miss:

– The caldera: The caldera is perhaps the most iconic feature of Santorini and provides a stunning backdrop at any time of day.
– Oia Village: Oia is renowned for its charming narrow alleys and spectacular sunsets. You can spend hours exploring its quaint streets, taking photos, and enjoying the local cuisine.
– Ancient Thera: Ancient Thera is an archaeological site that dates back to the 9th century BC. Located atop a hill, it provides breathtaking views of the island and is one of the most popular historical sites on Santorini.
– Akrotiri Archaeological Site: The Akrotiri Archaeological Site, also known as the Minoan Pompeii, is one of the most significant archaeological discoveries in Greece. Here, you can walk through the remains of a Minoan city that was destroyed by a volcanic eruption around 1600 BC.
– Red Beach: Red Beach is a unique, rust-colored beach that’s hemmed in by towering red cliffs.

Dining Spots

Santorini is home to a wealth of restaurants and cafes, serving a variety of traditional Greek dishes as well as international cuisine. Here are some of the best places to eat:

– Selene: Selene is one of the most celebrated restaurants on Santorini, serving contemporary Greek cuisine that’s been inspired by local traditions.
– To Psaraki: To Psaraki is a seafood restaurant that’s renowned for its daily specials, including fresh fish and seafood caught by local fishermen.
– Metaxi Mas: Metaxi Mas is a traditional Greek taverna that’s located in Exo Gonia. With a relaxing garden setting and delicious food, it’s a must-visit spot.
– PK Cocktail Bar: PK Cocktail Bar is located in the heart of Oia Village and serves expertly crafted cocktails with sunset views over the caldera.
– Lucky’s Souvlakis: Lucky’s Souvlakis is a casual, family-run restaurant that serves some of the best gyros on the island.

Cultural Experiences

Santorini is steeped in history and culture. Here are some of the best ways to immerse yourself in the local way of life:

– Wine Tasting: Santorini is famous for its wines, and there are dozens of wineries dotted around the island. Take a tour and sample some of the world-renowned local wine varieties.
– Local Festivals: Santorini hosts numerous festivals throughout the year, where you can sample local food, wine, and folklore. The Santorini Jazz Festival and the Ifestia Festival are two must-attend events.
– Art and Museums: Santorini is home to some incredible art galleries and museums that showcase local and modern artwork. The Museum of Prehistoric Thera and the Megaro Gyzi Cultural Centre are worth a visit.
– Spa Days: Santorini is home to a myriad of hotels and spas, many of which offer traditional Greek massage treatments and luxurious spa packages.

Local History

Santorini has a fascinating history that dates back to ancient times. Here are some of the most significant eras and events in Santorini’s past:

– Prehistoric Settlements: Santorini has many well-preserved archaeological sites, including the prehistoric settlements of Akrotiri and Ancient Thera.
– Minoan Civilization: Santorini was home to the Minoan civilization, which thrived in the Aegean Sea during the Bronze Age.
– Volcanic Eruption of Thera: Around 1600 BC, a massive volcanic eruption wiped out the Minoan settlements on Santorini. This eruption is thought to have been one of the most significant volcanic events in history.
– Ottoman Occupation: Santorini was occupied by the Ottomans in the late 16th and 17th centuries, leaving a lasting legacy on the island’s architecture and traditions.

Off-the-Beaten-Path Suggestions

Santorini has many hidden gems that are off the beaten path. Here are some lesser-known spots that are worth a visit:

– Pyrgos Village: Pyrgos Village is a picturesque town that’s perched on a hill, providing panoramic views of the island. Here, you can explore the traditional architecture and wander through the winding streets.
– Castle of Emporio: The Castle of Emporio is a medieval fortress that dates back to the 15th century. Climb to the top for stunning views of the surrounding area.
– Sunset at Profitis Ilias: While tourists flock to Oia for sunset, locals know that Profitis Ilias offers even better views. Bring a bottle of wine and watch the sun dip below the horizon.
– Fishermen’s Villages: The villages of Ammoudi and Armeni are located below Oia and are home to local fishermen. Here, you can dine at small tavernas and watch the boats sail in and out of the harbor.

Santorini is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful destinations in the world, and we hope this insider’s guide helps you make the most of your trip. Enjoy the island’s stunning scenery, delicious cuisine, and fascinating history!