Private Off-the-Beaten-Path Villages & Countryside Excursion, Santorini

Your day starts with a pick-up at your hotel, meeting your private driver and expert guide and setting off to discover some of Santorini's lesser-known treasures. Start with a visit to a historic cave church, where you'll learn how this style of architecture was built to withstand earthquakes and hear about the place's rich history as you look out over the rural island landscape. 

Your next stop is the charming inland village of Emporio. Less visited than coastal towns like Oia, this authentic settlement is full of classic Cycladic buildings, blue-domed churches, and the ruins of a remarkable 15th-century Venetian castle. Take a stroll through the tangle of narrow lanes, and listen as your guide shares stories about the village's eventful history. Then, it's time to continue to a local organic farm, where your guide will explain how Santorini's volcanic soil helps produce the island's flavorful produce as you taste offerings fresh from the garden. 

Continue along narrow dirt roads and unspoiled countryside to reach a hilltop and its iconic group of windmills. Dating back to the 17th century, these abandoned structures have become an emblem of Santorini, and you can take in far-reaching views from their scenic perch. Your final stop is Vlychada Beach. Considered one of the island's best-kept secrets, this stretch of dark volcanic sand is nestled between dramatic cliffs and the clear Aegean waters. You'll have time to relax on the sand, take a dip in the sea, or visit one of the nearby cafés or restaurants before your driver takes you back to your hotel.