We had the absolute BEST day exploring Santorini with Nick! From the moment we met him, he made us feel so welcome and went above and beyond to make our time on the island special. He took us to a fantastic winery, showed us some beautiful beaches, and brought us to a great little local restaurant that we absolutely loved. But what really made the day so memorable was Nick himself! He shared so much about Santorini, its history, the culture, and what life is really like on the island. It felt less like a tour and more like spending the day exploring with a local friend. Nick was friendly, knowledgeable, funny, and genuinely made the entire day an absolute blast. We laughed, learned so much, saw some incredible places, and got to experience a side of Santorini we never would have discovered on our own. If you're visiting Santorini, do yourself a favor and book a day with Nick. You won't regret it! We couldn't have asked for a better experience or a better person to show us around this beautiful island!
About Activity
What's Included
Includes
- Private driver-guide (local expert with insider knowledge of Santorini)
- Convenient hotel, port, or airport pickup and drop-off anywhere in Santorini
- Private transport in a comfortable, air-conditioned vehicle across Santorini
- Complimentary bottled water
Excludes
- Entrance fees to museums (optional, based on your preferences)
- Meals, beverages, and wine tastings
- Tips and gratuities (optional, at your discretion)
Departure & Return
Departure Point
- Traveler pick up offered
Itinerary
Optional Visit: After picking you up from a location of your choice, we’ll take you to the picturesque village of Firostefani. Enjoy a scenic stroll through its charming alleys, leading to the iconic blue-domed church—one of Santorini's most quintessential views. Along the way, you’ll also learn about the island’s unique geological formation and rich history, shaped by volcanic activity and ancient civilizations. A perfect blend of stunning sights and cultural insight.
Optional Visit: Continue your journey through the scenic countryside to the iconic village of Oia, one of the most photographed locations in Santorini. Renowned for its whitewashed buildings, the iconic blue domes, and breathtaking views over the caldera, Oia provides a perfect setting for capturing unforgettable moments and offers a truly memorable experience.
Optional visit: Imerovigli is situated at the highest and most central point of Santorini’s Caldera, offering stunning panoramic views. From here, you can capture unforgettable photos while admiring the breathtaking sights of the Volcano and Skaros Rock. It’s a perfect spot for those seeking incredible views and a peaceful atmosphere, away from the crowds.
Optional visit: On the way to the southern part of the island, we’ll stop to explore the famous Red Beach, known for its striking red volcanic cliffs and dramatic coastal scenery. Take in the panoramic views from the nearby viewpoint, and don’t miss the chance to capture stunning photos of this truly unique landscape.
Optional visit: Continue your journey to the southeastern coast of Santorini and unwind at Perissa–Perivolos Black Beach, famous for its unique volcanic sand and crystal-clear waters. This vibrant stretch of coastline is lined with charming seaside restaurants and beach bars, perfect for relaxing by the sea. In Perivolos, you'll have free time to capture stunning photos of the black sand beach, swim in the Aegean Sea, and, if you wish, enjoy a delicious lunch at one of the seaside restaurants.
Optional visit: Head to Profitis Ilias, the highest hill in Santorini, standing at 567 meters above sea level. From the summit, enjoy stunning panoramic views of the Aegean Sea. During your visit, you will have the opportunity to explore a Greek Orthodox chapel, listen to the soothing sounds of Byzantine music, and sample hand-made local products crafted by the monks.
Optional visit: This settlement is made up of small, white-painted houses with exquisite architecture, narrow alleys, towering bell towers, beautiful blue-domed chapels, and traditional underground cave houses. In this picturesque, non-touristic environment, you'll have the chance to fully immerse yourself in the authentic local culture and lifestyle.
Optional visit: Pyrgos, the oldest village on Santorini, sits atop a hill with sweeping views of the island. It’s known for its 16th-century Venetian castle, which once served as a fortress. The village’s layout is maze-like, with narrow alleys and circular roads designed for defense.
Optional visit: Discover the ancient ruins of Akrotiri, a Bronze Age settlement buried by a volcanic eruption around 1600 BCE. Known as the "Pompeii of the Aegean," the site features well-preserved buildings, vibrant frescoes, and advanced infrastructure. Protected by a modern eco-friendly roof, Akrotiri offers a fascinating look into Minoan life. Please note: At Greek ancient sites like Akrotiri, local drivers are not permitted to guide you inside, as only official Greek archaeologists are authorized to do so. However, your driver can drop you off at the entrance, allowing you to explore the site at your leisure. The entrance fee is not included and is paid on-site (optional visit).
Optional visit: The road leading to the hilltop above Emporio offers a beautiful view of Santorini’s landscape. At the top, you’ll find eight traditional windmills, standing tall against the sky, and a small whitewashed chapel perched on the cliff’s edge. This stunning spot provides breathtaking panoramic views of the island and is an ideal location for capturing pictures, especially during sunset, when the scene is bathed in warm, golden light. It’s a peaceful and scenic spot, perfect for those seeking a quieter, more picturesque side of Santorini.
Optional visit: Next, visit the historic Akrotiri Lighthouse, one of the oldest lighthouses in Greece, dating back to 1892. This charming lighthouse features a square-shaped tower rising over 10 meters above the former warden’s house. Perched on the edge of the island, it offers panoramic views of the Aegean Sea, making it a perfect spot for photos and a moment of quiet reflection.
Optional visit: End your tour with a visit to Santo Wines Winery, where you can indulge in a wine tasting experience. Santorini has a rich winemaking tradition dating back to ancient times, and at Santo Wines, you'll have the opportunity to sample the island’s unique varietals, crafted from its volcanic soil. Enjoy the stunning views and savor the flavors that reflect Santorini's deep-rooted history in winemaking—an unforgettable way to complete your island experience. Please note: Wine tasting fee is not included in the tour price and is paid separately at the winery (optional visit).
Optional visit: The Art Space Winery is a unique art center in a historic 1861 winery carved into pumice rock. It combines contemporary Greek art with Santorini's winemaking traditions. Visitors can enjoy exhibits from renowned Greek artists and taste four distinct wines, each reflecting the island’s volcanic soil. The blend of modern art and rustic charm makes it a perfect cultural stop on the island. Please note: Wine tasting fee is not included in the tour price and is paid separately at the winery (optional visit).
Optional visit: The Wine Museum Koutsogiannopoulos is a unique museum located in a 300-meter-long cave, showcasing the history of wine production in Santorini from 1660 to 1970. The maze-like corridors guide visitors through exhibits that highlight the island’s winemaking traditions. Wine tastings are held in a specially designed room, offering a chance to savor Santorini’s wines while learning about their rich heritage. It’s an immersive experience blending history, culture, and wine in a stunning natural setting. Please note: Wine tasting fee is not included in the tour price and is paid separately at the winery (optional visit).
The above itinerary is provided as an example only. The sights and attractions are suggestions and can be tailored on the day to match your personal interests. Bespoke itineraries and custom additions to your tour are also available to ensure a unique experience. Your tour will conclude when your private driver drops you off at your accommodation, cruise ship port, airport, or any other preferred location.
Language Offered
Additional Info
Cancellation Policy
Reviews
We had a wonderful day with Nick on this private tour as he customized several of the best stops on Santorini given the time we had. We learned a lot about Santorini and enjoyed our stops, especially Akrotiri. We highly recommend this tour as it gives the flexibility to customize your visit.
Theodore made sure for our private tour that we went to the maximum amount of places we could have gone to in the time allotted. Very satisfied.
This was amazing. Theodore knows this island inside and out and was a wealth of info! We got to go to several hidden gems we would have never seen on a big group tour. Highly highly recommend!!
Theodore was AWESOME!! He was a wonderful tour guide and quickly felt like a member of our group. He shared lots of local knowledge and history while taking us to parts of the island and areas for pictures that most people have no idea that they exist. He worked with us to make the day everything we wanted it to be! He shared a hidden gem in Lolita's, which has the best gelato in Santorini. He served as our photographer, which he wanted to do, and took amazing pictures with stunning backdrops. The day never felt rushed and he accommodated an extra stop for a little wine and cheese. He even helped us pick out the best local wine and cheese. We highly recommend this tour and Theodore. Thank you, Theodore for making a day in Santorini one we will remember forever.
What a fantastic tour. John, our tour guide/ driver was one of the nicest and most personable person you could ever meet. We saw places you won’t see on a big tour. We stopped and had lunch near his home. I had a traditional Greek lamb dishes it was absolutely amazing.
Niko what a fantastic guide for us to get familiar with Santorini! He’s lived there all his life and knew everybody and everything about the Island. As a local guy that grew up on a farm he really was able to explain a lot about the cuisine as well. I highly recommend the store!
When you book a tour with Theodore, you’re not just getting an exceptional tour guide. You’re getting so much more! He’s a fantastic photographer, a wonderful source of restaurant and shopping recommendations, an incredible planner, and someone who seems to have ten senses working all at once! He notices things before you do, anticipates what you might need, and somehow manages to take care of everything so effortlessly. It’s honestly impressive! Theodore made our experience in Santorini truly exceptional! He was incredibly courteous, accommodating, knowledgeable, and genuinely kind. From the very beginning, it was clear that his priority was making sure we had the best possible experience. He took the time to get to know us, understand our interests, and tailored the entire tour around us. Whenever we wanted to change plans, he adjusted the itinerary without hesitation, always making everything feel easy and relaxed. One thing that especially impressed us was his attention to our safety and comfort. Theodore knows Santorini like the back of his hand, literally down to knowing which steps to watch out for! Nothing seems to escape his attention. He took us to breathtaking viewpoints, and beautiful places we probably never would have discovered on our own. Whether we wanted a wonderful restaurant to sit down and enjoy a meal or just somewhere to grab a quick bite, he always knew exactly where to go. His recommendations were fantastic! And then there’s his photography! Theodore has an amazing eye for pictures. He knows the perfect spots, the best angles, and how to capture beautiful moments!! But what makes Theodore truly special goes beyond his knowledge and talents. It’s his genuine thoughtfulness, kindness, patience, and the way he makes you feel completely taken care of. He pays attention to the smallest details without ever making you feel rushed or overwhelmed. With Theadore, you know you’re in the best hands!! We couldn’t have asked for a better guide or a more memorable day in Santorini. Theodore is one of those rare people who genuinely goes above and beyond, and you can tell he loves what he does. If you’re visiting Santorini, do yourself a favor and book Theodore! You won’t just get an amazing tour guide, you’ll get an entire experience that exceeds your expectations. We cannot recommend him highly enough!
Theodore was an excellent tour guide! Very accommodating, knowledgeable and friendly . We had so much fun and truly enjoyed our Santorini tour. Highly recommended him for an unforgettable experience.
Theodore was truly excellent! He provided indepth knowledge of Island history and culture. He was very accommodating to our physical needs. Theodore's van is clean, well kept and his driving skills in this twisty turny island are amazing. He answered all of our questions thoroughly and with insight. I highly recommend him!
Theodore was an amazing guide from start to finish! The process was so easy from booking to pre-trip communication to meetup to customization to timing our return to ensure the most from our visit, this company has it down to an art form! Do not hesitate to book your Santorini tour with this company!!!
★★★★★ An Amazing Way to Experience Santorini! Theodore was our guide and driver for the day, and he made our time in Santorini absolutely wonderful. In just five hours, he helped us experience so much of his beautiful island and took us to places we never would have discovered on our own. He was incredibly knowledgeable and shared so much about Santorini’s history, culture, and everyday life. We never felt rushed, and the entire tour felt very personal and relaxed. One of the best surprises was that Theodore also became our personal photographer! He knew exactly where to stop for the most beautiful views and took so many wonderful photos of us throughout the day, which gave us memories we’ll have forever. Most importantly, Theodore was genuinely kind, patient, and a pleasure to spend the day with. You can tell he truly loves Santorini and enjoys sharing it with visitors. We highly recommend Theodore to anyone visiting Santorini who wants a private, informative, and memorable experience. He made our day on the island extra special!
We had a group of 8. Did the full day tour. It was fantastic. Theo was our guide. We got to see the whole island. At Oia, he took us past all of the lines for photos and got us right to the perfect spot for pictures. He knew how to say away from the crowds. We have great memories from that day thanks to Theo.
Theodore was wonderful! He made sure we got to do and see everything on our list and more .
Theodor was our guide for the day and he took a party of 4 of us on what was supposed to be a 5 hour tour of Santorini in late September (it actually went a bit over the, but Theo didn't mind). He took us all around the island to all the locations on the itinerary, and when he found out that a member of our party was unable to climb many stairs, he changed the itinerary on the fly to accommodate us. At every location and during the walks and drives he told us stories and histories of what we were seeing and was always happy to take pictures of the people in our group in all possible combinations, and he always knew the best views and angles for the photos. This is our second time on Santorini, and so far Theodor was the best tour guide we've ever had on the island!
The private tour for four of us was great! Theodore was our wonderful driver/guide who took us to all requested places on our itinerary plus additional locations with amazing views! He also spent an extra hour at sunset with us, taking our photos. He's an amazing photographer! Highly recommend Kalisti Tours AND Theodore!
⭐️★⭐️★⭐️★⭐️★⭐️★ Theodore didn’t simply show us Santorini... he gave us an experience we will never forget. Our private tour with Theodore was nothing short of exceptional and easily one of the highlights of our time in Greece. From beginning to end, he provided the perfect combination of professionalism, warmth, knowledge, hospitality, and personalized attention. Santorini is already breathtaking, but experiencing it with Theodore made it even more extraordinary. He took us to some of the island’s most beautiful locations, allowing us to truly appreciate the scenery, culture, and charm that make Santorini so special. The tour never felt rushed or overly structured. Instead, it felt thoughtfully curated specifically for our group, giving us time to enjoy each destination and simply take in the beauty around us. But what truly elevated the experience was Theodore himself. He has an incredible personality and immediately made our group feel comfortable and welcomed. It felt less like being escorted by a tour guide and more like exploring Santorini with a knowledgeable local friend who genuinely wanted us to experience the very best of his island. And then there were the photos! Theodore went far beyond what we expected by stopping at spectacular locations and taking beautiful photographs of our entire group. He knew exactly where to position us to capture those iconic Santorini views, and some of the pictures look like they belong in a travel magazine! Having someone who understood the island AND knew where to capture those perfect moments was such an unexpected luxury. It’s the little things that distinguish a good tour from an exceptional experience, and Theodore paid attention to every detail. His patience, kindness, knowledge, humor, and genuine desire to make our day special were evident throughout the entire tour. There are many ways to see Santorini, but if you want to experience Santorini rather than simply visit it, I cannot recommend Theodore highly enough. If you have the opportunity to book a private tour, request Theodore by name. You will leave with incredible memories, breathtaking photographs, and a deeper appreciation for this beautiful island. Theodore, thank you for giving our group such an unforgettable day. You were an extraordinary ambassador for Santorini and Greek hospitality, and you made an already beautiful destination feel even more special. Five stars simply aren’t enough. Absolutely exceptional from beginning to end!
First of all, we were stressed about getting to the meeting point at the top of the Fira lift, since there were 4 other cruise ships along with ours. I used WhatsApp to message the guide, and they stated that they could also meet us at Athinos Port, which is where the Ferry docks. Our boat was also sending folks to the port, and we met our guide Theodore for the day. Theodore was great from the get go; a local resident who was very proud of Santorini and explained the sites as we went along. Our first stop was Oia, and Theodore took us down some out of the way walk ways to avoid the throngs of tourists. Theodore also took dozens of photos of us (with our iPhones), and he did a great job of framing each photo. After Oia, he took us up to a Monestary, and gave us choices for lunch. He suggested a local seafood place on the black sand beach, and we were glad we took him up on that suggestion. The food at that place was some of best we’ve had on our trip; (get the Rockfish). Everything was fresh and had great flavor. Theo finished the day by dropping us off near the Fira Lift for our return to our ship. We were super pleased with Theodore and would recommend him and his company to anyone thinking about a private guide for the day.
First of all, the company was great at accommodating our change of port. We were initially gonna go to the Fira lift, but there are already five cruise ships in the bay so we decided to go to the ferry port where we met our guide for the day, Theodore. Right off the bat he was super friendly and personable and started explaining where we are as we drove up the hill. He is a local resident and was able to drive us all over the island. When we got to OIA, he was able to take us through some secret passage ways to avoid all the crowds. He was also a great photographer and took probably a couple hundred pictures of my wife and I throughout the day. He pointed out Arius Seitz that I do not think we would’ve seen on our own. To end the day, we went to a local seafood restaurant, which was on the Black Beach and was probably the best food we’ve had our whole trip. Theodore was a great guide and I would highly recommend him and his company to anybody seeking a customized personal tour on Santorini. This iwas also one of the best tours that we’ve had since we’ve been on vacation.
Theodore was our guide, and he was an absolute delight. He was incredibly knowledgeable, informative, and polite throughout the tour. The recommendation of Santo Wines, was perfect with a spectacular view. What stood out most was his thoughtfulness in accommodating my mum's needs and ensuring we took routes with as few stairs as possible. His kindness and attention to detail made the experience so much more enjoyable. I would highly recommend this tour and, if possible, ask for Theodore!
Our guide was Chris. He was so friendly, thoughtful and patient. He brought us to a wonderful restaurant on the black sand beach and an excellent winery. We even got to skip the long line for our iconic picture of the blue dome chapel in Santorini. He also brought us homemade spanakopita and lemon cakes for our mid excursion snacks. We could not have had a better time. So grateful for his hospitality and expertise. I definitely recommend this tour.
Our tour was excellent with Theodore as our guide. He met us on time at the designated meeting point and had a very comfortable van for our family of 5people. He showed us everything we had asked to visit and more. He gave us time to explore the areas and gave us a wonderful recommendation for a restaurant in Pyrgos. The food was delicious! We would highly recommend this tour and Theodore as your guide!
Had an outstanding day with our guide Theo. He had extensive knowledge of the entire island including its history on many levels. His tempo, pace, and listening skills were excellent. He provided the right balance of information conveyance and quiet time to allow absorption. He was also very easy going and flexible on special requests. His good humor was appreciated as well. Highly recommend!
Awesome! A must do! Our guide, Theodore, was very knowledgeable and professional. He came on time (8am) and very well prepared with cold water bottles and a box of facial tissue in his mini-van. He took us to all the key places, as advertised. Checked everything off that was on my personal list. He had private access to popular areas, thereby skipping the long lines. Not only was he a guide but a professional photographer to us, as well lol! He took us to a restaurant for lunch that served very good appetizers (that was all we ordered as we were not really hungry and just wanted the see the whole island). Our 6 hr. private tour was exceptional! Well worth it!
It was an awesome tour . There were 5 of us and was very personable. Theodore was our tour guide and was great . He was very informative answering all our questions. His experience was outstanding.
Our tour with Theodore was simply incredible. He was so patient and gave us options options for where to go next. The conversations made us understand the island like the locals. I wouldn't want to tour Santorini with anyone else. Skip the bus tours. This was the perfect, private tour for our small group of 5.
What a phenomenal way to see Santorini!! Our driver/tour guide, Theo, treated us like royalty. Cold waters, perfect driving and quick access to all of the best spots for remarkable photos. He never rushed us and gave us all the historical significance of the sights throughout the island. We will recommend this tour to anyone coming to Santorini.
Theodore was amazing tour guide. He personalized our tour by taking us to view the city by car due to an injury I had and he was thoughtful to take us to áreas that were walkable for my confort. He really turned the tour into a wonderful experience for my family and I. Theodore should be yourr first choice as a guide because the level if service surpass a 10 star by far. He knew the best shops ands authentic. restaurants to go too. Like the fish tavern restaurant he took us too. Thank you Theodore for a wonderful time!
This tour was absolutely amazing! If you’re visiting Santorini and want to feel like you’ve truly experienced the island, this tour is a must. Theodore was exceptional from start to finish. He took incredible photos of us that we will cherish forever and knew exactly where to go to avoid the crowds while still getting the most breathtaking views. His local knowledge made all the difference, allowing us to see Santorini from a unique perspective rather than just following the typical tourist route. What really stood out was how much he genuinely cared about making our day special. He even took the time to help us secure a dinner reservation at a fantastic restaurant with a stunning sunset view. We saw so much, learned a lot, and made unforgettable memories. I highly recommend this tour and especially Theodore to anyone visiting Santorini!
Great experience with very knowledgeable, local guide. Our tour guide asked us what we wanted to see and planned the day around our feedback.
Theodore was great. It was a very relaxed flexible tour with very professional and knowledgeable guide. It was a great way to see the island and it was all easy!
Theo was an excellent driver—friendly, professional, and always on time. He made getting around Santorini easy and stress-free, and his local recommendations were fantastic. I highly recommend him to anyone visiting the island!
Must book with Theo!!!!!! He was amazing and took us to the most beautiful locations. Very knowledgeable and super kind. If you are looking for a guide he is the one for you!!!!
Very knowledgeable local driver. Hit all the highlights in 7 hrs. Private access to 3 domes spot in Oiya.
Michael picked us up from The port after the cable car ride. He was easy to find and took care of everything. We went to many places while he provided insight with Santorini’s history. We really enjoyed this experience.
Theo was an absolutely wonderful host and made the most of our last day in Santorini. Got to see sights we never would have made it to and learned many interesting things. He was also a great driver, good man, and knew all the short cuts to make our time very efficient.
Theo was exceptional! We were a family of 6 with two kids 10 and 12 and grandma. Theo made our day because he catered to each of our needs and wants. He guided us thru secret alleys to avoid crowds. He found bathrooms and sitting places in the shade. He met the obvious director see the most beautiful, unusual and iconic sites. But he did so much more. He found the island’s best gelato for the kids, the locals favorite gyros shop, and even caper seeds for grandma to bring home. Theo and the tour were spectacular. He goes the extra mile!
We had a wonderful day with our excellent, informative guide Nick! He was a very good driver & it was fun to talk with him. He was very thoughtful to include a water & bathroom break & was very patient with us 3 ladies 😂 Thank you for a terrific tour of Santorini 🩵
My family of 5 did a 4 hour tour with Michael as our tour guide. He did a great job answering all our questions and taking us all around the island. He was very flexible and willing to take us wherever we wanted to go. Highly recommend for an overview of the island.
Great tour with a wonderful tour guide and driver, Theodore. He was very knowledgeable, friendly and incredibly polite. He was very flexible and based on our ideas of what we wanted to do he made suggestions and off we went! He went over and above to ensure we saw all we wanted to see without ever rushing us. This was the best way to get an in depth feel for the island, its people and its wine!
An absolute must to see the sights of Santorini; Guide had a fantastic knowledge of the Island and took us to places you would never find on your own. The trip was flexible allowing us to spend time where we wanted, which made it even more perfect. Michael our guide was fantastic too and added to the day.
This fully customizable tour was absolutely the best! Our guide Chris was very knowledgeable about the local area and its history. After Paris and Rome this has been the highlight of our trip. A local winery tour, homemade treats and lots of pictures. It was a fabulous day in Santorini.
Absolutely brilliant. Nicos knew everyone and everywhere. The most extraordinary tour of the island with full explanation of everything. This made our holiday.
Pick up was a challenge since we were one hour late, but our driver handled it perfectly. Theodore took us everywhere we wanted to go and even offered more. He made it a great day for us.
We had a wonderful experience with our tour guide Theo! He was so friendly and knowledgeable on the area. He allowed us to do whatever we wanted and helped with finding some fin straps my husband needed for snorkeling. I highly recommend using Kallisti tours!
Excellent guide, Theodore, who was attentive to everything we wanted to do. We were a full hour late due to lines tendering to port and cable car. Theodore made sure we got to see and do everything we wanted. Could not have been happier.
We had an amazing time with Chris. He knew exactly where to take us so we could truly see the beauty of the island. We covered the entire island during our tour, and would absolutely recommend booking with him if you have just 1 day in Santorini! It's the perfect way to see it all!
Great guide. Theodore was great Showed everything on the island Had special access for the best photo opps in Santorini We literally saw more than everything Great guide
Michael was excellent listening to what we wanted and getting us there before the crowds. First Oia: Spectacular. We got to shop and enjoy the views. Monastery and then a great meal on the black beach. Our view at 41 Santorini, was just gorgeous. A true gem even though we love WHITE beaches. Highly recommend
Theo was fantastic. Knowledge, friendly. Knew local merchants, hosts, hostess to get us best table, views
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