Private Island Villages & Archaeology Day Trip, Santorini

Your Santorini adventure begins when your private guide and driver picks you up at your hotel sets off for Pyrgos, the oldest village on the island. Perched atop a hill with sweeping views toward the caldera, it's surrounded by vineyards, old churches, and cave houses with charming balconies and pebbled paths. Your guide will lead you on a stroll through narrow alleys and circle-shaped roads and explain the significance of its fortress-like layout and 16th-century Venetian castle. 

Next, you'll visit Megalochori, a quaint settlement famous for its picturesque setting and classical Cycladic houses dug into the volcanic rock. Follow your guide through its cobbled streets to spot whitewashed tower bells, underground caves, and churches with iconic blue domes, and listen as they share stories of the local lifestyle and culture. You'll also pause for a while to enjoy a traditional Greek coffee at the pebble-stone square, where you can mingle with the friendly locals.

Your journey continues inland to Emporio, Santorini's largest town that sits at the foot of Profitis Ilias Mountain. Less visited than the coastal villages, this historic spot offers a glimpse into a more authentic side of island life. Your guide will lead you into the maze of atmospheric streets, and explain how the labyrinthine construction style served as a defense against pirates. Explore the restored 15th-century hilltop castle, and glimpse the remains of the Tower of Nimborio as you learn about the island's eventful period ruled by the powerful Venetian Republic.

Finally, you'll visit the Akrotiri Archaeological Site, stepping back even further in time to explore this 4,000-year-old Bronze Age settlement. The ancient town was buried in ash from a volcanic eruption, resulting in remarkably well-preserved artifacts and archaeological treasures to rival Pompeii. Imagine the daily life in this once-thriving civilization as you admire intricate frescoes, Minoan-style homes, and an elaborate drainage system. As your explorations of off-the-beaten-path Santorini draw to a close, your guide will take you back to your hotel (stopping en route to watch the sunset if the timing's right).