Review: Get to see the Santorini in all its Glory On This Sightseeing Private Tour

We all know Santorini as one of the most Instagrammable destinations, but there’s more to the picturesque island than its famous white and blue buildings. For one, Santorini is actually a nickname that has stuck for centuries, the island is actually called Thira. Crusaders who would come to visit the chapel of Saint Irene would refer to the island as Saint Irene (Santa Irini-Santorini) and as such the name has stuck since then. This is just one of many facts you learn on the historical tour that’s led by archaeologist Nick and the well-explored Demetri who drives the minibus that comfortably marauds the narrow Santorini streets.

The tour begins with a stop at the Santorini Caldera, where you get an almost birdseye view of the famous caldera. the half-moon-shaped bay is the centre of the caldera (a cauldron-like volcanic depression), which collapsed after a volcanic eruption during the Minoan civilization, eventually leading to their decline, just like Pompeii.

The next stop is Imerovigli which is mostly famous for its beautiful sunset, it is called “balcony to the Aegean”. The caldera is the centrepiece of this town as Its houses are built amphitheatrically around the caldera. Here you’ll learn about the lovely churches within the town, the stories behind them and how pirates would roam the sea to rob the locals hundreds of years ago.

Lastly, the crown jewel of the tour is the wine tasting that’s hosted by Art Space Winery. The art space was once one of the island’s oldest wineries and now works as a museum and art gallery in one. The chambers of the old winery are finely restored and become a wonderful wine museum as a reminiscence of the history of wine and the traditional craftsmanship of its production. Whilst you’re given a tour of the old chambers you also get to take in some of the breathtaking art from local and international artists. The wines, which mostly come in different variations of white wine, are locally made and can be bought there and then or can be shipped in bulk to your respective country.

Although we didn’t have time to visit it you can soak up the sun at the Red and Black beaches which is the final stop on the tour. You can choose from having lunch overlooking the Aegean Sea or relaxing at the unique beach.

Tours start at €360 for a group of four, find out more here