Begin your experience with a pickup from your Santorini hotel. Meet your friendly guide, hop aboard your comfortable, air-conditioned minivan with the rest of your small group, and set out on your tour.
Make your first stop at the fascinating archaeological site of Akrotiri, an ancient Minoan Bronze Age settlement that was destroyed and buried by a major volcanic eruption some 3,600 years ago.
Stroll around the semi-crumbled, multi-storied buildings with your archaeology-expert guide, and view the frescoes, pottery and other relics as you hear how life would have been here eons ago. Of particular interest is the ingenious drainage system that testifies to the sophistication of the engineers of the time. Many speculate that this timeworn site is home to the remains of Atlantis, a mythical city that was described by the Greek philosopher Plato.
Santorini’s long history of winemaking is evidenced in some of Akrotiri’s remains, providing the perfect cue for your next round of visits—the island’s traditional wineries.
Admire the views of the vineyards as you travel to each of the wineries, and taste several wines across your visits. Wines have been made on the island for more than 4,000 years, and are renowned for their delightful crispness and high acidity, both resulting from Santorini's aspa—the island’s unique, volcanic soil.
Enjoy a cellar tour at each winery and learn about the different winemaking processes. Hear how the grapes are grown in baskets near the ground rather than on trellises to capture maximum moisture from the island’s minimal rainfall. Your tasting wines may include favored varietals such as nykteri, vinsanto, and assyrtiko and are paired with local goodies such as olives, salami, cheese, and breads to balance out their tastes.
Finally, end your tour with a drop-off back at your hotel.
