Reply to Sammy1-Private tourguide/professional photography for Santorini

[Live the good life]

Hi,

Does anyone have any recommendations or comments on private tour guides for Santorini and Messina? We're booked on the June 3 Western Med sailing of the Galaxy. Any advice would be appreciated.

Sam

 

Hi Sammy1,

 

We used Markos Private tour http://www.santorinidaytours.com. We selected this company over the other for a few reasons. Mrs. Anna (the manager) was always very prompt in replying to our e-mails and accommodating to our many requests (to visit the top 100 hotels in the world as ranked by Conde Nast Travellers, etc... in Santorini during our tour; to have lunch at the beach; to watch Sunset at a specific cafe in Oia, to include many different sites, etc...). We also requested that Mr. Nikos, a Greek native and owner of this tour guide company (who happens to also be a professional photographer who did his studies for over 20 years in the U.S.), to be our tour guide. We had a fantastic day. He took us to the most beautiful places with the most breathtaking views. Some of these places (next to the Boutonier winery) were places he usually takes photographs of weddings and anniversaries; (Mrs Anna also arranges weddings and anniversaries)...In addition to visiting all the touristic places on the island, we also asked him to take us to a hotel with breathtaking views where we plan to stay at our next visit ...He was very accommodating and happy to change plans per our request...In short, we were able to visit all places (Fira, Pergo, Akrotiri, Black sand beach, winery, Oia, etc)...that we would only have been able to do so if we had taken 4 different tours offered by our cruise ship... and more...The gift we valued the most was the complementary CD of photos he gave us at the end of the day (a total of over 200 digital photos of our family). We will definitely use this company again the next time we visit Santorini, not just to have a private driver but also to have professional photography on this very beautiful island...the cost was 400 euros for an eight hour tour.This was worth it for our family of 4 because we were able to cover all the breathtaking/historic sites of the island without having to spend the time figuring out the logistics/directions of where to go...As mentioned above, we received over 200 complimentary photographs of our family taken by our tourguide/professional photographer (Mr. Nikos) at the most beautiful background outdoors in Santorini. In the past, we have spent close to 1,000 euros for a full day work of professional photography, and really appreciated this complimentary service! (We gave a very generous tip for this exceptional services...)

 

Kim

[Sammy1]

Hi Kim, thanks very much for your advice. Actually, my wife and I have teamed up with two other couples, and have already booked Santorinidaytours, based on the advice of other cruisers, and the tour description on their website. But, you've given us very good info on what to expect, and what to ask for.

 

Thanks again,

 

Sam