Private: Jeep Safari in 2 Wineries and Samaria Gorge with Lunch

Discover Crete’s Countryside and Wineries on a Private Jeep Safari

This private jeep safari in Chania, Greece, offers an engaging journey through the island’s scenic landscape, combining wine tasting, olive oil sampling, and a visit to Samaria Gorge. Priced at $266.25 per person, the tour lasts approximately 7 to 8 hours and is designed for those eager to explore Crete beyond the usual tourist spots. With pickup service and group discounts, this tour provides a personalized experience with plenty of opportunities to enjoy local flavors and stunning vistas.

What makes this tour particularly appealing is the combination of rugged off-road exploration and culinary delights. The tour is well-suited for travelers who appreciate authentic food, wine, and nature, and prefer a private, flexible experience. While it involves some outdoor walking and driving on rough roads, it remains accessible for most visitors. A key highlight is the expert-guided tastings at two renowned wineries, along with a traditional Cretan lunch overlooking Samaria Gorge.

Key Points

• Private tour with personalized service and flexible scheduling
• Visits to two wineries: Anoskeli Winery and Manousakis Winery with tastings of 10 wines
• Olive oil tasting at Anoskeli Olive Mill, including organic extra virgin olive oil
• Exploration of Crete’s rugged hinterland via 4WD vehicle, reaching places inaccessible to larger buses
• Lunch at a restaurant near Samaria Gorge, featuring traditional Cretan cuisine and local wines
• Stops include the Monumental Olive Tree of Vouves and panoramic views of White Mountains

Exploring Crete’s Rugged Terrain on a 4WD Jeep

The tour departs from Chania at 9:30 am, with a comfortable 7-seater 4WD vehicle leading the way through Crete’s less-traveled roads. This rugged vehicle allows access to many scenic spots that big buses cannot reach, providing a more intimate and adventurous experience. The drive includes a 2-hour 15-minute segment exploring the mainland’s natural beauty, crossing villages and forests along the Lefka Ori (White Mountains).

Travelers have the chance to take photos at 1000 meters altitude, enjoying stunning views of the landscape that change from forests of cypress trees to orchards with lemon, orange, and avocado trees. The route also includes passing through villages like Omalos, Lakki, Fournes, and Alikianos, offering a glimpse into local life.

Visiting the Monumental Olive Tree of Vouves

One of the earliest stops is at the Monumental Olive Tree of Vouves, famous for being between 3,000 and 5,000 years old. This impressive tree is still productive, providing a tangible connection to Crete’s ancient olive-growing traditions. Visitors spend about 15 minutes here, taking in the scale of this natural monument, with free admission.

This stop offers a peaceful moment amid the tour’s busy schedule, highlighting Crete’s long-standing relationship with olive cultivation. It’s a good opportunity for photography and learning about the importance of olives in local culture.

Olive Oil Tasting at Anoskeli Winery Olive Mill

The first major tasting stop is at Anoskeli Winery Olive Mill, where the focus is on organic extra virgin olive oil. Experts from the winery lead the tasting, explaining the process of producing high-quality olive oil that’s organic and traditional. Visitors taste this extra virgin olive oil, which is paired with local snacks.

Following the olive oil tasting, guests enjoy a wine tasting featuring five different labels of local wine, accompanied by Cretan snacks like tomatoes, cheese, olives, and bread with olive oil. The sommelier or grape-olive oil producer provides insights into Crete’s wine and olive oil production, which has thrived for thousands of years. This stop lasts about 1 hour 30 minutes and includes admission.

Off-Road Adventure in Chania Prefecture

The mainland exploration segment lasts about 2 hours 15 minutes, during which the 4WD vehicle navigates rough roads through scenic villages and forests. It’s a chance to experience Crete’s natural beauty away from tourist crowds, with the comfort of a private vehicle.

This part of the tour emphasizes adventure and discovery, as the vehicle climbs into the mountains and crosses villages. It’s suitable for most participants, though some walking or standing may be required during stops. The experience is ideal for those who enjoy nature, photography, and off-road travel.

Lunch at the Samaria Gorge Restaurant

The tour’s highlight is a delicious traditional Cretan lunch at a restaurant near the entrance of Samaria Gorge. The meal includes season salads, local wines, and desserts, all served at an elevation of around 1200 meters. The lunch lasts about 1 hour 30 minutes and provides a panoramic view of the White Mountains.

The restaurant setting offers a relaxed atmosphere to enjoy authentic Cretan flavors, pairing well with the local wines sampled throughout the day. It’s an excellent moment to unwind and appreciate the landscape.

Exploring the White Mountains and Surrounding Villages

After lunch, the tour continues with a drive downhill from 1200m to 1000m, where travelers can enjoy vistas from above and take photos. The route then takes you through Omalos, Lakki, Fournes, and Alikianos, showcasing the diversity of Crete’s landscape—forests, valleys, and orchards.

This segment emphasizes scenery changes as the landscape transitions from mountain forests to fertile valleys filled with lemon, orange, and avocado trees. The drive offers multiple opportunities for photos and appreciating Crete’s agricultural richness.

Visit to the White Mountains (Lefka Ori)

A short stop at 1000 meters altitude offers spectacular views of the White Mountains. This section allows for photo opportunities and appreciating the mountain range’s grandeur. The stop is brief but memorable, providing a perfect vista before heading back toward Chania.

Concluding at Manousakis Winery

The final stop is at Manousakis Winery, where guests taste five different labels of local wine, including indigenous and international varieties. The one-hour tasting takes place in a relaxed setting, offering another chance to experience Crete’s wine craftsmanship.

This winery visit complements the earlier tasting at Anoskeli and rounds off the day with more local wine flavors. The winery’s knowledgeable staff help explain the unique characteristics of each label, making it a fitting conclusion to a day of gastronomic exploration.

Practical Details and Booking Information

The tour is offered as a private activity, ensuring only your group participates. Pickup service is available within a 5 km radius east and 25 km west of Chania. Travelers should note the smart casual dress code and prepare for all weather conditions, as the tour operates year-round.

Booking is typically made about 104 days in advance, and the tour can be canceled free of charge up to 24 hours beforehand. Most travelers can participate, with children needing to be accompanied by an adult, and a minimum drinking age of 18.

Final Thoughts on the Private Jeep Safari in Crete

This 7 to 8-hour private tour offers a balanced mix of adventure, culture, and gastronomy. The focus on local wines and olive oils, combined with visits to notable sites like Vouves Olive Tree and Samaria Gorge, makes it ideal for those interested in authentic Cretan experiences. The private setting ensures a relaxed pace and the ability to customize the day.

While the tour involves some off-road driving and outdoor walking, it remains accessible for most visitors seeking a comprehensive day exploring Crete’s scenic and culinary treasures. It is especially recommended for wine lovers, foodies, and those eager to see Crete’s diverse landscapes from the mountains to the coast.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this tour suitable for children?
Children must be accompanied by an adult, and the tour is generally suitable for most participants, though some walking and outdoor activities are involved.

What is included in the price?
The price covers visits to two wineries, olive oil tasting, a traditional lunch with wine, bottled water, and transportation in a private 4WD vehicle.

Can I cancel the tour if my plans change?
Yes, full cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

What should I wear for this tour?
Dress smart casual and be prepared for all weather conditions. Comfortable shoes are recommended for walking and exploring.

Are dietary restrictions accommodated?
A vegetarian option is available; please advise at the time of booking if needed.

How far in advance should I book?
Booking is generally made around 104 days in advance, especially during peak seasons.