Santorini Photo Day Tours
Santorini Photo Day Tours
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"Santorini is my home. It's one of the few places in the world that can still take your breath away. What's even more amazing are all the fantastic hidden spots that most tourists never see. If you come to Santorini you can join me on one of my fun and relaxed photography and sightseeing tours. Day tours start from 4 hours and up. (Check my website for more details). I'd love to show you around." - Judy Reinen, tour director.
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Santorini Photo Day Tours
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
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M E R
Boynton Beach, FL499 contributions
Oct 2015 • Friends
Arriving at Santorini on the second ship of the day using tenders, we put into motion our plan for an exquisite day. We were ready in the tender lounge when the ship was cleared to get on the first independent travelers tender. HAL had reserved larger commercial tenders to get us ashore to the old port of Fira .
We immediately walked along the wharf towards the funnicula and donkey path to Fira but stopped short to buy our tickets for the "speed" boat to Oia by the Dakoutros Brothers in the wharf side shed. We paid 15 Euros as seniors (20Euros for adults) for the package. First the boat trip along he coast line seeing the houses spilling down the side of the walls of the caldera. The high walls were impressive. The water very blue. Then arrival at Amoudi Bay where a mini-coach awaited us to take us up the very steep hill to Oia. The PagonisTours buses would be part of our return to Fira as part of our package. We arrived in Oia by 9:15AM .
None of the ships' shore excursions had arrived yet. WE walked out to the water view path with just those off our mini-bus! WE visited the open church, witnessed the bride and groom descending the path to their honeymoon, took unobstructed photos and enjoyed the cool breezes. We walked the length of the Oia window shopping and enjoying. By 10:30AM the tour buses started to arrive in Oia.
We had choices from our ticket when to return to Fira ( 11AM, 12PN, 1PM, 2PM ) and happily left the crowds to take the Pagonis bus at 11AM. We then enjoyed the view on the "backside" of the island as we road on the crest of the island . The ride back was reserved by our 15 Euro ticket and not the crowded public bus.
Fira was by 11:30AM full of tourists most of them on the upper path with the T-shirts, jewelry, and cramped shops. The lower path on the side of the hill with the cafes with the views was far less crowded. We enjoyed the view and breezes taking pictures of the three cruise ships moored in the lower caldera's waters. Truly magical colors of the water and the islands out from Santorini.
With a sigh we decided to beat the rush for the tenders as we certainly did not wish to walk the donkey trail down. No line just 5 Euros for a cabin on the funicular. We returned to the wharf to a line spirraling out along the wharf for those waiting to go up to Fira on he funnicula after 12 noon. . Earlier it had been over an hour wait to go up. Later after 2PM the wait forced some ship mates to cope with the donkeys.
WE wandered the wharf's length chatting with ship mates having a beer at the water side cafes. We opted to take the tender back to the ship for lunch after a truly special uncrowded day that had cost us 20Euros each for the full independent excursion.
The horror stories were true that sunny day in Santorini but not for us. Table mates told of sliding down the hill where the donkeys walk trying to get to the tender on time. Another had the donkey return up the hill .Many just moaned about aborting any try to go to Oia after starting out at Fira
The best tip we got was "take the speed boar immediately to Oia ad work your way back"
We immediately walked along the wharf towards the funnicula and donkey path to Fira but stopped short to buy our tickets for the "speed" boat to Oia by the Dakoutros Brothers in the wharf side shed. We paid 15 Euros as seniors (20Euros for adults) for the package. First the boat trip along he coast line seeing the houses spilling down the side of the walls of the caldera. The high walls were impressive. The water very blue. Then arrival at Amoudi Bay where a mini-coach awaited us to take us up the very steep hill to Oia. The PagonisTours buses would be part of our return to Fira as part of our package. We arrived in Oia by 9:15AM .
None of the ships' shore excursions had arrived yet. WE walked out to the water view path with just those off our mini-bus! WE visited the open church, witnessed the bride and groom descending the path to their honeymoon, took unobstructed photos and enjoyed the cool breezes. We walked the length of the Oia window shopping and enjoying. By 10:30AM the tour buses started to arrive in Oia.
We had choices from our ticket when to return to Fira ( 11AM, 12PN, 1PM, 2PM ) and happily left the crowds to take the Pagonis bus at 11AM. We then enjoyed the view on the "backside" of the island as we road on the crest of the island . The ride back was reserved by our 15 Euro ticket and not the crowded public bus.
Fira was by 11:30AM full of tourists most of them on the upper path with the T-shirts, jewelry, and cramped shops. The lower path on the side of the hill with the cafes with the views was far less crowded. We enjoyed the view and breezes taking pictures of the three cruise ships moored in the lower caldera's waters. Truly magical colors of the water and the islands out from Santorini.
With a sigh we decided to beat the rush for the tenders as we certainly did not wish to walk the donkey trail down. No line just 5 Euros for a cabin on the funicular. We returned to the wharf to a line spirraling out along the wharf for those waiting to go up to Fira on he funnicula after 12 noon. . Earlier it had been over an hour wait to go up. Later after 2PM the wait forced some ship mates to cope with the donkeys.
WE wandered the wharf's length chatting with ship mates having a beer at the water side cafes. We opted to take the tender back to the ship for lunch after a truly special uncrowded day that had cost us 20Euros each for the full independent excursion.
The horror stories were true that sunny day in Santorini but not for us. Table mates told of sliding down the hill where the donkeys walk trying to get to the tender on time. Another had the donkey return up the hill .Many just moaned about aborting any try to go to Oia after starting out at Fira
The best tip we got was "take the speed boar immediately to Oia ad work your way back"
Written November 16, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Shubhes S
London, England, United Kingdom76 contributions
I came across Santorini Photo Day Tours via tripadvisor itself. It had fantastic reviews. I wanted us to see Santorini through eyes of someone who lived there. Further I wanted to learn about my new camera from a professional.
I spoke with Olaf before I booked him. I also wanted him to take our snaps as we went around Santorini via my camera. I was unsure whether to book him for the whole day or few hours. After speaking to him I booked him for the whole day. And boy we had so much fun and turned out to be the right decision.
He drove us around Santorini in his car talking about photography the three C's, taking us to many picturesque places. As I only had one camera, he lent his very expensive professional camera to my better half, showing us both how to click.
You cannot teach someone to have a sense of humour and let me assure you Olaf had plenty of that, sometimes at my expense. There wasn't a single dull moment during our whole day. For lunch he took us to a lovely joint which served fresh fish. To our surprise the amount of food served was so much that we just ate and ate and still could not finish. It was probably the best meal we had in Santorini. He even took us to this honey shop where we tasted local honey and we even bought a couple of jars.
We had so much fun that day learning about photography and taking pictures. Olaf took some lovely snaps of us together from his camera which he will email to me soon after working his magic on them. I can't wait to look at those snaps. We were educated and entertained that day by Olaf. Please please use his services...you will not be disappointed. Hopefully, we will be in touch in the future as well (being facebook friends is a good start).
Enough said, I can go on and on about that day for a while yet but I won't. In short, our trip was made memorable by many things; our day tour with Olaf was close second only to the company of my better half. And this probably says it all.
Thank you Olaf for the lovely memories☺.
I spoke with Olaf before I booked him. I also wanted him to take our snaps as we went around Santorini via my camera. I was unsure whether to book him for the whole day or few hours. After speaking to him I booked him for the whole day. And boy we had so much fun and turned out to be the right decision.
He drove us around Santorini in his car talking about photography the three C's, taking us to many picturesque places. As I only had one camera, he lent his very expensive professional camera to my better half, showing us both how to click.
You cannot teach someone to have a sense of humour and let me assure you Olaf had plenty of that, sometimes at my expense. There wasn't a single dull moment during our whole day. For lunch he took us to a lovely joint which served fresh fish. To our surprise the amount of food served was so much that we just ate and ate and still could not finish. It was probably the best meal we had in Santorini. He even took us to this honey shop where we tasted local honey and we even bought a couple of jars.
We had so much fun that day learning about photography and taking pictures. Olaf took some lovely snaps of us together from his camera which he will email to me soon after working his magic on them. I can't wait to look at those snaps. We were educated and entertained that day by Olaf. Please please use his services...you will not be disappointed. Hopefully, we will be in touch in the future as well (being facebook friends is a good start).
Enough said, I can go on and on about that day for a while yet but I won't. In short, our trip was made memorable by many things; our day tour with Olaf was close second only to the company of my better half. And this probably says it all.
Thank you Olaf for the lovely memories☺.
Written October 20, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Norb W
Tucson, AZ263 contributions
Oct 2011 • Couples
When you first approach Santorini, and look towards the top, you think it is covered with snow. It is so white from all the white buildings.
The port uses their own tenders which are larger than the ship's and carries more people for a fast disembarkation. When you are on the island, it is highly recommended to use the cable car to go up to the top, it is inexpensive and fast. However, before you get there, plan your trip on what you want to do, where to go and how to get there. the town of Fira is crowded with narrow streets, lots of buses, trucks and cabs.
We had a private tour. Our first stop was at a favorite photo op overlooking the caldera. From there we drove into Oia, a beautiful little village, with the hillsides covered with white buildings and blue roofs. We toured the village on our own and were there about an hour +/- before leaving. There is public transportation between Fira and Oia.
From there we went down the a little fishing community below Oia. There were several small restaurants on the water edge and a beautiful setting. Part of the movie, The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants was filmed here.
When we got back to the cable car, the lines were long, and we thought we would have to walk down those stairs! The line moved very fast and we were down in no time. The operators sped up the cable car runs, and they use both sides to load the cars and it was no problem.
Don't do the Donkey ride, they are stinky, the trail is slippery and you will bring the smell back to the ship with yo!.
The port uses their own tenders which are larger than the ship's and carries more people for a fast disembarkation. When you are on the island, it is highly recommended to use the cable car to go up to the top, it is inexpensive and fast. However, before you get there, plan your trip on what you want to do, where to go and how to get there. the town of Fira is crowded with narrow streets, lots of buses, trucks and cabs.
We had a private tour. Our first stop was at a favorite photo op overlooking the caldera. From there we drove into Oia, a beautiful little village, with the hillsides covered with white buildings and blue roofs. We toured the village on our own and were there about an hour +/- before leaving. There is public transportation between Fira and Oia.
From there we went down the a little fishing community below Oia. There were several small restaurants on the water edge and a beautiful setting. Part of the movie, The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants was filmed here.
When we got back to the cable car, the lines were long, and we thought we would have to walk down those stairs! The line moved very fast and we were down in no time. The operators sped up the cable car runs, and they use both sides to load the cars and it was no problem.
Don't do the Donkey ride, they are stinky, the trail is slippery and you will bring the smell back to the ship with yo!.
Written February 15, 2012
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Goldeneyez
Los Angeles, California, USA48 contributions
May 2014 • Couples
My husband and I decided to splurge on a 6-hour tour with Olaf, and at some point during the day, he turned to me and said, "This is GREAT!" Another tourist actually asked why we were so happy because we were obviously having a blast. (She also advised us to follow around photographers from the many weddings around Santorini in order to get the best pictures, but there was no need for all that because we were with Olaf!) I can't imagine a better way to spend a day in Santorini than with a gracious, hilarious host who knows history and local culture, can drive around the island confidently (unlike many tourists we saw - yikes!), and best of all, is a talented photographer who was able to coach my amateur (hobby) photographer hubby on ways to refine his skills with our Canon 5D Mark II. Our pics are amazing, and he also took some great photos of us, which are so much better than the ones we get handing the camera to random strangers. We managed to see Fira, Oia, the Caldera Beach, the Red Beach, and Akrotiri, ate the best gelato I had the whole week in Greece or Italy (Olaf, you were not exaggerating on that one!), and also had 2 relaxing stops at local cafes with great food and time to just enjoy the scenery. I am so happy we booked with Olaf - he was worth every penny!
Written May 23, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
BarryIsrael
Israel126 contributions
Jul 2011 • Solo
Santorini is the attraction of many cruises. Usually cruise passengers either take an organised tour, or wander round the alleyways of Santorini, enjoy a meal or drink, and return to their ships.
You do not have to be so adventurous to stroll down to the local bus station, wait for the bus to Oia, pay the 1.60 Euro, and enjoy the 25 minute ride to this picturesque small town.
It is in Oia (not Santorini) that the iconic Greek pictures of blue domed churches are taken. I find a series of new picture frames every few strides.
The restaurants are as pleasant as in Santorini but the views are far more spectacular.
There. I've said it. I have now probably ruined my future visits as this tiny spot on the map will become much more crowded, and that would ruin the atmosphere I have enjoyed up to now.
You do not have to be so adventurous to stroll down to the local bus station, wait for the bus to Oia, pay the 1.60 Euro, and enjoy the 25 minute ride to this picturesque small town.
It is in Oia (not Santorini) that the iconic Greek pictures of blue domed churches are taken. I find a series of new picture frames every few strides.
The restaurants are as pleasant as in Santorini but the views are far more spectacular.
There. I've said it. I have now probably ruined my future visits as this tiny spot on the map will become much more crowded, and that would ruin the atmosphere I have enjoyed up to now.
Written August 5, 2011
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Marie A
Metamora, MI5 contributions
Oct 2014 • Friends
I have taken photography classes before but none helped me as much as Olaf did. He made the "instructions" fun, practical and easy. He focused on how to take pictures that will make others positively react to the image instead of spending too much time on the technical aspects of the camera. Taking the photo tour with Olaf is an investment for life and my pictures show it. I'll never forget Olaf's best advice to "take the shot" and not lose the moment.
Written November 17, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Isabelle N
Linwood, NJ1 contribution
Jun 2014 • Family
In June of 2014, my mom and I ventured out with Olaf on a photo tour. Initially, I was hesitant in thinking about the extent to which one could learn about photography in 5 hours, while simultaneously journeying throughout Santorini. Within the first 30 minutes, I shifted mindset and realized that this was 'must' for any photography interested person. Olaf took us to all of the picturesque spots you think of when you think of Greece, which was my main goal- but it didn't stop there. Along with being taught a multitude of informative camera related things, we also had the tour; no, *experience*. We were not only taken to Olaf's favorite cafe, an adorable food tasting on the side of the road, and the best gelato ever (had it about 30 times), but also given insight into Olaf's passion of photography and view on the art. Ever since the trip, I've taken all of Olaf's tips to heart, from using my histogram at my brother's graduation to taking silly pictures of my friends on the 'P' setting with flash. See Santorini in its complete and utter beauty with Olaf.
Written June 25, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Queenbee925
Baltimore, MD8 contributions
Apr 2014 • Family
Olaf has a wonderful personality and you will enjoy spending time with him. He is from New Zealand and hence his English is perfect. My husband and 16 year old daughter use their iPhone cameras regularly but we are not traditional photographers. It did not matter as Olaf gave us our first photography lesson and it could not be in a more beautiful setting that Santorini. Whether you use Olaf or not, you would highly benefit from a private tour as the most picturesque roads are too small for a tour bus. We first stopped on the country walking path between Fira and Oia. There we spent time on our photography lesson. Then off to Oia where Olaf does not waste time taking you to the best views, and oh what gorgeous views! We are foodies and Olaf modified his day to add edible delights to include gelato and greek candies. Next we went to the bottom of the Volcanic Island where a slew of restaurants lie on the edge between water and rock. We drove to the complete opposite side of the island where you can see the Cyclades and wildflowers dot the landscape. Olaf ended our day at two different wineries. One the local wine press where locals bring their grapes to be pressed and then a private winery/food market where the owner gave Giada a cooking lesson. The food was delicious and beautifully presented! Great day. The only small point I would make is that it's not that easy to find Olaf in the morning. He was five minutes late and I was concerned as I thought I could be in the wrong location. If you could convince Olaf to meet you right when you exit the ship, I think your morning would begin better. Thanks Olaf!
Written May 3, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Thanks for your review and your feedback. I agree, the meeting point we had arranged has become very busy and hard for both you and I to access, so I have changed it for future bookings to make it easier to meet up. Glad you enjoyed the day!
Written May 14, 2014
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
acajoe52
Orlando, FL39 contributions
Nov 2011 • Couples
Olaf was truly amazing, professional and fun! I had been to Santorini three times previously and thought I knew every place on the island. Olaf took us to out of the way, beautiful and very photographic locations. He knew my camera better than I do, and showed me some things that no one else has ever explained. I hope to do another tour with Olaf and would recommend it to anyone, no matter what your photographic level might be.
Written November 28, 2011
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Wendy H
13 contributions
Jul 2016 • Family
Our tour with Olaf visiting the many beautiful sights of Santorini will be a day to remember. During our limited time (as we were on a cruise), he was able to show us all the beauty and hidden jems of the island. He gave us great photography tips that we are able to use on the rest of our vacation. I highly recommend this tour to anyone who would like to enhance their visit to Santorini.
Written July 26, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
hello how much is this photography tour for the day and is much walking involved? How many hours and do we have transport? I have mobility limitations..thanks
SantoriniPhotoTours
Santorini, Greece6 contributions
Hi,
Happy to assist you and tailor make for your mobility.
I have whats App or viber and if you can chat I can establish what you would like and I can advise according to what will suit you mobility wise :-)
+30 69 828 00934
Sending you some Santorini sunshine,
Judy
m.photog nzipp
Carlos
1 contribution
Hello I will be in the island in the 29th afternoon and 30th October, do you have availability? and how much will be for one hour? or three hours around the island if is possible?
SantoriniPhotoTours
Santorini, Greece6 contributions
Hello I have a special four hour tour which is 385 where I up skill you with your photography and enjoy Santorini. I have Whats App or Viber +30 69 82800934 You are welcome to text me.
Judy Reinen
m.photog nzipp
Jennifer L
New York City, NY528 contributions
Hello there, do you have a website/email and do you do private tours? We are going to be in Santorini July 4 and 5, 2019- family of 4 staying in Oia. Thanks for any suggestion. Two photographers and two iphone photographers :)
SantoriniPhotoTours
Santorini, Greece6 contributions
Hi there. Yes there should be a link on the tripadvisor page.
However, I can tell you in advance that the 4th and 5th of July are unavailable. Sorry about that!
Kenny A
New York City, NY11 contributions
Hello SantoriniPhoto Tours, is there any way to fit my wife and I on your tour on Wednesday, June 19th 2019? We would love to join if you have an opening or a cancellation. Please let us know!
SantoriniPhotoTours
Santorini, Greece6 contributions
Hi - yes it is possible - best to email us direct to go over the details.
Thanks!
ItaliaGirl13
Santa Cruz, CA69 contributions
Do you have time today or tomorrow morning for 1 or 2 people?
SantoriniPhotoTours
Santorini, Greece6 contributions
Hi there - thanks for asking, but unfortunately I don't have time today or tomorrow.
HKingKong
1 contribution
Hello Olaf, I would like to engage your expertise on July 10, 2018. Total of 2 people. Shooting for sunset at your best recommended area. Please advise what I need to do next to make sure to get you :-)?
SantoriniPhotoTours
Santorini, Greece6 contributions
Hi - if you can see the website or email link on the tripadvisor page, just click on the link and you can message me direct.
I look forward to sharing Santorini with you!
-Olaf
robj64
Desio, Italy96 contributions
A fine maggio saro' a santorini e volevo paetecipare ad un tours fotografico ...costi informazioni ecc ecc grazie
SantoriniPhotoTours
Santorini, Greece6 contributions
Hi there
Thanks for your enquiry. If you click on the website link for SantoriniPhotoTours you can find the prices and details there.
Best regards
Olaf
robj64
Desio, Italy96 contributions
Salve, a fine maggio saro' a Santorini ed essendo appassionata di fotografia volevo partecipare ad un tour fotografico un po fuori dai classici giri turistici e molto commerciali.... consigli in merito..aspetto info grazie 1000 Roberta
SantoriniPhotoTours
Santorini, Greece6 contributions
Hi there
Can you contact me direct via my website and we can arrange the details. santoriniphototours - you can also click on the website button on the tripadvisor page, and then go to the contact section. I look forward to hearing from you.
Warm regards, Olaf
Carmen L
22 contributions
Wie teuer ist eine Fototour?
ShotzTours
Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Spain4 contributions
Hello, the prices are as per my website - there is a link on the tripadvisor page.
Best regards
Olaf
soulofholiday
Istanbul, Türkiye77 contributions
hello for 5--6-7 th of july will be there but on my own so is there any sightseeing tours ın English for Oia and whole island ? thanks
SantoriniPhotoTours
Santorini, Greece6 contributions
Hello
I have some availability during your stay on Santorini. Best to email me directly or via my website contact page for further details.
Thank you, Olaf