The Whole 9 Yards Full-Day Small-Group Tour of Santorini

Santorini’s stunning landscapes and rich history come alive in The Whole 9 Yards Full-Day Small-Group Tour. Explore ancient ruins, learn about local culture, and savor the island’s renowned wines. From the breathtaking Monastery of Profitis Ilias to the charming village of Pyrgos, this tour promises an unforgettable experience. But the real treat lies in discovering the hidden gems – a delightful lunch on Perivolos Beach and a wine tasting at the renowned Venetsanos Winery. Are you ready to uncover Santorini’s secrets and create memories that will last a lifetime?

Key Points

• This small-group tour offers a diverse range of activities showcasing Santorini’s history, culture, and natural beauty.
• Highlights include visits to the Monastery of Profitis Ilias, ancient ruins of Akrotiri, and Venetsanos Winery for wine tasting.
• Guests will enjoy a scenic lunch on the black sand of Perivolos Beach and explore the whitewashed village of Pyrgos.
• The tour provides an in-depth look at Santorini’s remarkable Minoan heritage and the island’s unique volcanic terroir.
• Booking is straightforward, with pickup options and a free cancellation policy up to 24 hours before the tour.

Tour Highlights

The tour offers a diverse array of activities that allow visitors to enjoy Santorini’s rich history and culture.

Travelers will visit the stunning Monastery of Profitis Ilias, perched atop a hill with breathtaking views.

Next, they’ll explore the ancient ruins of Akrotiri, a Minoan Bronze Age settlement.

Lunch will be enjoyed on the black sand of Perivolos Beach, followed by a wine tasting at the renowned Venetsanos Winery, where they’ll learn about the island’s unique volcanic soil.

The day concludes with local tapas and meze on the beach, providing a delightful taste of Santorini’s culinary delights.

Exploring Profitis Ilias and Pyrgos

On the first stop of the tour, visitors will explore the historic Monastery of Profitis Ilias, perched atop a towering hill that offers breathtaking panoramic views of Santorini.

They’ll wander through the monastery’s serene courtyards and marvel at its beautiful Byzantine architecture.

Next, the group will venture to the nearby village of Pyrgos, a charming, whitewashed settlement crowned by the striking ruins of a Venetian castle.

Wandering Pyrgos’ narrow, winding streets, they’ll soak up the village’s authentic, laid-back atmosphere and perhaps stop for a coffee or a taste of local pastries.

This exploration of Santorini’s historic highlights sets the stage for the adventures to come on this immersive full-day tour.

Uncovering Akrotiri’s Ancient Wonders

After exploring the historic highlights of Profitis Ilias and Pyrgos, the tour then whisks visitors away to uncover the ancient wonders of Akrotiri.

Once an important Minoan Bronze Age settlement, Akrotiri was famously preserved in volcanic ash following a colossal eruption.

Guests can walk the preserved streets, marvel at the remarkably intact buildings, and admire the vibrant wall paintings that offer a glimpse into the prosperous civilization that thrived here centuries ago.

It’s a truly captivating archaeological site that provides a window into Santorini’s distant past, leaving visitors with a deeper appreciation for the island’s rich history.

Dining on Perivolos Beach

Leaving the archaeological wonders of Akrotiri behind, the tour now heads to the stunning black sand beaches of Perivolos.

Here, travelers will indulge in a delightful lunch, savoring the local flavors of Santorini. The beachside eatery offers a tranquil and picturesque setting, perfect for soaking up the island’s laid-back atmosphere.

Guests can expect a spread of traditional Greek meze, or small plates, featuring the freshest seafood, crisp salads, and tantalizing dips.

It’s a chance to take in the island’s culinary heritage while enjoying the breathtaking views of the Aegean Sea.

This seaside respite is a highlight of the tour, providing a delicious and rejuvenating break from the day’s explorations.

Venetsanos Winery’s Unique Wines

The tour then takes guests to the acclaimed Venetsanos Winery, where they’ll dive into Santorini’s unique winemaking heritage.

Nestled on the dramatic cliffside, the winery offers a captivating wine tasting experience. Visitors learn about the island’s distinct volcanic soil, which imparts a one-of-a-kind flavor to the wines.

Sampling Venetsanos’ award-winning labels, they’ll be impressed by the crisp, mineral-rich whites and the bold, complex reds.

The knowledgeable staff shares insider stories, revealing the winery’s centuries-old traditions.

It’s a chance to truly appreciate Santorini’s remarkable terroir and the skilled artistry behind its renowned wines.

Tapas Delight on the Beach

Following the beach wine tasting, the tour then takes guests to a local spot along Perivolos Beach to enjoy a delightful spread of Santorinian tapas, or meze. These small plates showcase the island’s fresh, flavorful produce and Mediterranean flair. Diners can expect to sample classics like fava dip, dolmades (stuffed grape leaves), and saganaki (fried cheese). The seaside setting adds to the convivial atmosphere as guests share bites and soak up the stunning views. It’s the perfect way to cap off a day of exploring Santorini’s natural and cultural wonders.

Tapas Item	Description
Fava Dip	Traditional Santorini spread made from yellow split peas
Dolmades	Grape leaves stuffed with rice, herbs, and olive oil
Saganaki	Fried cheese, often served with a squeeze of lemon
Tomato Fritters	Crispy fritters showcasing Santorini’s renowned tomatoes
Grilled Octopus	Tender octopus, charred and drizzled with olive oil

Booking and Pickup Details

Booking this small-group tour of Santorini is a breeze. You can select your preferred pickup point, whether that’s your hotel or the cruise ship terminal. The tour starts bright and early at 9:00 am, so you’ll have the whole day to explore the island’s highlights.

Here’s what you can expect:

1. Confirmation is provided at the time of booking, unless you’re traveling within 2 days, in which case the team will be in touch.

2. The tour is accessible for strollers, and infant seats are available if needed.

3. You can take advantage of the free cancellation policy up to 24 hours before the experience begins, or use the reserve now, pay later option.

Recap

This full-day tour of Santorini’s highlights is a must for anyone seeking an immersive cultural experience. From the historic Profitis Ilias Monastery to the captivating Akrotiri ruins, you’ll uncover the island’s rich past. Indulge in a delicious beachside lunch and sample the unique volcanic wines at Venetsanos Winery. It’s the perfect way to discover Santorini’s beauty and flavors in a small-group setting.