Santorini Full Day Tour

The Santorini Full Day Tour provides an unparalleled opportunity to take in the breathtaking natural beauty and rich cultural heritage of this iconic Greek island. Combining outdoor adventures, historical exploration, and scenic wonders, the tour offers a holistic experience that delights and enlightens visitors. From the awe-inspiring views atop the active volcano to the rejuvenating dips in the sulphur-rich hot springs, every moment of this meticulously curated itinerary is designed to captivate and intrigue. With knowledgeable guides and seamless logistics, the tour sets the stage for an unforgettable day that leaves one yearning to uncover more of Santorini’s alluring secrets.

This experience made our list of the 20 Best Full-Day Tours In Santorini.

Key Points

• This full-day tour offers a comprehensive exploration of Santorini’s iconic landmarks, including the 16th-century Monastery of Saint Elias, volcanic islands, and hot springs.
• The tour includes a boat trip, volcano entrance fee, and access to Byzantine churches and the Venetian Castle in Pyrgos.
• Travelers can enjoy stunning panoramic views, hike on the active volcano of Nea Kameni, and relax in the mineral-rich hot springs of Palea Kameni.
• The tour features a visit to the charming Thirassia Island, where visitors can experience the traditional Greek island lifestyle and enjoy a local lunch.
• Reviews indicate that the tour is generally well-organized, with knowledgeable guides, though some concerns have been raised about the large group size and communication issues.

Tour Overview and Highlights

This full-day tour of Santorini provides access to the island’s stunning views, outdoor adventures, and architectural wonders, offering travelers a comprehensive experience.

Highlights include a visit to the 16th-century monastery of Saint Elias, located at the highest point of Santorini at 1,804 feet (550 meters). Guests will also explore nearby volcanic islands, swim in the green sulphur hot springs, and relax on Thirassia’s beach.

The tour includes a boat trip and volcano entrance fee, as well as the opportunity to discover Byzantine churches and the Venetian Castle in Pyrgos.

With a maximum group size of 50 travelers and free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience, this tour provides a well-rounded Santorini adventure.

Inclusions and Logistics

The Santorini full-day tour includes local taxes and a guided tour of the island, with a boat trip and volcano entrance fee of €4 per person.

Pickup is available from various meeting points across Santorini, starting at 8:30 AM, with a maximum group size of 50 travelers. Guests also benefit from a free cancellation policy up to 24 hours before the experience.

The tour’s inclusions and logistics make it a convenient and accessible option for visitors:

• Pickup from multiple locations across the island

• Early morning start time to maximize sightseeing

• Reasonable group size for a personalized experience

• Flexible cancellation policy for peace of mind

Itinerary Details

The tour starts with a morning pickup from the hotel, followed by a bus ride to the center of Santorini.

Travelers will then visit the 16th-century monastery of Saint Elias at the highest point of the island, standing at 1,804 feet (550 meters).

Next, they’ll explore the nearby villages, including the picturesque Pyrgos.

After this, the group will board a boat for a ride to Nea Kameni, where they’ll hike on the volcanic island for an hour.

The tour then moves to Palea Kameni, allowing participants to swim in the green sulphur hot springs.

The final destination is Thirassia, where travelers can relax on the beach and have lunch before ending the day at Amoudi port to witness the sunset.

Monastery of Saint Elias

Perched atop Santorini’s highest point, the 16th-century Monastery of Saint Elias commands breathtaking views of the island’s dramatic landscape.

As part of the full-day tour, visitors can explore the monastery’s stunning architecture, which blends Byzantine and Venetian influences.

The monastery’s highlight is its impressive church, adorned with intricate frescoes and icons that reflect the region’s rich religious heritage. Guests can also wander the tranquil courtyards and gardens, offering a peaceful respite from the bustling island below.

• Admire the monastery’s stunning Byzantine-Venetian architecture

• Discover the church’s ornate frescoes and icons

• Enjoy the serene tranquility of the monastery’s courtyards and gardens

Nea Kameni and Volcano

As part of the full-day tour, visitors can embark on a boat ride to the volcanic island of Nea Kameni, where they’ll have the opportunity to hike to the top of the active volcano. This 1-hour excursion allows travelers to witness the unique geological formations and dramatic landscapes that have made Santorini famous.

Hikers will trek up the steep slopes of the dormant volcano, taking in sweeping views of the island’s iconic white-washed buildings and azure waters. Though the hike requires a moderate level of fitness, the panoramic vistas from the summit make the effort worthwhile.

After exploring Nea Kameni, the tour continues to the nearby island of Palea Kameni, where guests can relax in the island’s sulfurous hot springs.

Palea Kameni Hot Springs

After exploring the volcanic landscapes of Nea Kameni, the tour then takes visitors to the nearby island of Palea Kameni, where they can relax in the island’s sulfurous hot springs.

The warm, mineral-rich waters of these natural hot springs are believed to have therapeutic properties, soothing aches and pains and promoting relaxation.

Visitors can:

• Immerse themselves in the steaming pools, surrounded by the stunning natural scenery of the Santorini caldera.

• Indulge in a rejuvenating soak, allowing the warm waters to ease their muscles after the hike on Nea Kameni.

• Revel in the tranquility of this secluded spot, away from the crowds of the main island.

The Palea Kameni hot springs offer a truly unique and restorative experience as part of the Santorini full-day tour.

Thirassia Island Exploration

The tour then takes visitors on a boat ride to the nearby island of Thirassia, where they have the opportunity to explore its quaint villages, relax on the beach, and savor a local lunch. Thirassia, often referred to as the "sister island" of Santorini, offers a glimpse into traditional Greek island life. Visitors can wander through the charming streets, admiring the whitewashed buildings and catching glimpses of the stunning caldera. After the exploration, they can spend time unwinding on Thirassia’s serene beaches, taking a refreshing swim, and enjoying a meal featuring fresh, locally sourced ingredients.

Feature	Description
Village Exploration	Wander through the charming, whitewashed streets of Thirassia’s villages
Beach Relaxation	Unwind on the island’s tranquil beaches and take a refreshing swim
Local Cuisine	Savor a delicious lunch featuring fresh, locally sourced ingredients
Caldera Views	Admire breathtaking vistas of the iconic Santorini caldera
Traditional Atmosphere	Experience the authentic, traditional Greek island lifestyle on Thirassia

Traveler Feedback and Ratings

Travelers have generally rated the Santorini full-day tour favorably, with an average score of 4.0 based on 36 reviews.

Positive comments often highlight the tour’s organization, the knowledgeability of the guides, and the stunning scenic views encountered throughout the day.

However, some travelers have expressed concerns about the large group size and communication challenges during certain portions of the tour.

Recommendations for the tour include:

• Bringing plenty of water, snacks, and sunscreen due to the long duration of the experience, which can last up to 14 hours.

• Ensuring a moderate level of physical fitness, especially for the volcano hike.

• Being aware that the tour may have multilingual guides, though they’re noted to be engaging and knowledgeable.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can We Stop for Shopping or Additional Sightseeing During the Tour?

The tour appears to follow a set itinerary focused on the main highlights of Santorini. While there may be some free time, the schedule doesn’t seem to allow for extensive additional shopping or sightseeing stops beyond the core activities described.

Are There Any Dietary Restrictions or Special Meal Requirements?

The tour provider can accommodate dietary restrictions and special meal requirements with prior notice. Vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options are available upon request. Travelers should inform the tour operator of any dietary needs when booking.

Are There Any Age or Height Restrictions for the Volcano Hike?

The volcano hike requires a moderate level of physical fitness. There are no strict age or height restrictions, but young children and less mobile individuals may struggle with the terrain. Participants should assess their own abilities before deciding to join the hike.

Can We Customize the Itinerary or Adjust the Start/End Times?

The tour itinerary and start/end times are generally fixed. However, travelers may be able to request minor customizations or adjustments by contacting the tour operator in advance, subject to availability and additional costs.

What Should We Bring in Addition to the Recommended Items?

Travelers should also bring a camera to capture the breathtaking scenery, comfortable walking shoes for the volcano hike, and motion sickness medication if they’re susceptible to seasickness during the boat rides.

Recap

The Santorini Full Day Tour offers an unparalleled opportunity to experience the island’s natural wonders and cultural heritage.

Travelers can explore historic sites, hike an active volcano, and relax in therapeutic hot springs, all while surrounded by Santorini’s breathtaking landscapes.

With knowledgeable guides and a well-curated itinerary, this tour provides a comprehensive and immersive way to discover the beauty and essence of this captivating Greek island.