In Crete Discover the miracle of Olive Oil and Organic Fruits

Discover the Natural Wonders and Ancient Olive Trees of Crete

This full-day private tour in Chania, Crete offers a deep dive into the island’s olive oil heritage, priced at $179.43 per person. Spanning 6 to 7 hours, it takes you through multiple stops, including modern and traditional olive oil mills, organic farms, and a visit to possibly the oldest olive tree in the world. The tour features pickup from central Chania, guided commentary from a licensed historian and professional olive oil producer, and access to scenic viewpoints across the region.

Designed for those curious about olive oil production and Cretan rural life, this tour is ideal for travelers who appreciate authentic experiences and beautiful landscapes. While it covers a lot of ground and includes many stops, it’s a full-day excursion that involves some walking and outdoor exposure. The group size is small, enhancing the personal experience, and the free cancellation policy adds flexibility to your plans.

Key Points

• Comprehensive exploration of olive oil history from ancient to modern methods
• Visits to both modern and traditional mills for a clear understanding of production phases
• Tasting fresh organic olive oil straight from the source
• Sightings of the possibly oldest olive tree in the world in an undisclosed location
• Beautiful views and scenic villages such as Vamos, Vryses, and Malaxa
• All transportation and expert guidance included, with optional pickup from Chania

Starts in Chania with a Focus on Olive Oil Processing

This tour departs from Chania city at 8:30 am, with free hotel pickup available from all central areas. Its structure ensures a full-day journey through various locations connected by the theme of olive oil, consistently guided by a licensed historian and olive oil producer. The small group approach helps keep the experience intimate and informative.

A mobile ticket system facilitates easy access, and the cost of $179.43 per person reflects the depth and quality of the experience. The tour’s schedule is well-paced, with seven stops designed to balance learning, tasting, and sightseeing without feeling rushed.

Visiting the Modern Olive Oil Factory in Vamos

The first stop is at a state-of-the-art olive oil factory in Vamos, where the process of producing extra virgin olive oil is explained thoroughly. Visitors get to observe the full processing cycle and taste fresh, organic olive oil. The one-hour visit provides insight into quality traits and the byproducts of olive oil production.

This stop serves as a perfect introduction to Crete’s contemporary oil-making techniques, highlighting how modern methods maintain high standards. It’s an engaging start that appeals to food lovers and those interested in agricultural processes.

Exploring Traditional Olive Oil Mills in Vryses

Next, the tour visits a traditional old olive oil mill in Vryses. Here, the historic machinery reveals how olive oil was extracted in past centuries. The 30-minute stop offers a hands-on view of manual and early mechanical methods, contrasting with the modern process just experienced.

Visitors learn about the tedious and meticulous procedures used historically, appreciating how craftsmanship and patience shaped olive oil production in Crete’s past. It’s a captivating glimpse into rural life and agricultural history.

Sampling Organic Fruits at Kalyves Farm

At a private farm in Kalyves, the focus shifts to olive varieties and organic fruits. This one-hour visit allows participants to pick fresh fruits from the trees and learn about different olive oil varieties. The farm is run by a professional farmer who shares insights into daily routines and sustainable farming practices.

This stop emphasizes the connection between agriculture and local life. It also offers a tangible experience of picking your own fresh produce and understanding the diversity of olive oils, making it a memorable part of the tour.

Visiting the Oldest Olive Tree in the World in Tsivaras

One of the tour’s most remarkable highlights is the visit to a more than 2,500-year-old olive tree located in an undisclosed location in Chania. Standing in awe of this massive living relic, visitors can touch and appreciate its age and size.

This extraordinary tree is believed to be the oldest olive tree in the world, offering a rare opportunity to connect with a living piece of history. The one-hour visit combines reverence and fascination, making it a truly unique experience.

Exploring the Olive Oil Monastery in Apokoronas

In the region of Apokoronas, the tour visits a monastery with deep historical ties to olive oil production. Inside the monastery’s olive oil factory, the role of olive oil in local tradition and livelihood is explained. Visitors learn about monastic practices related to olive cultivation and pressing.

This stop lasts about an hour and offers a blend of religious history and agricultural significance. It highlights how olive oil has been intertwined with local culture over centuries.

Scenic Break in Vryses Riverside Village

A 50-minute stop in Vryses provides an opportunity to relax and enjoy the peaceful riverside setting. The village’s romantic ambiance makes it a perfect spot for a short rest, offering scenic views and a chance to reflect on the morning’s visits.

While this stop does not include food or drinks, it’s appreciated for the relaxing atmosphere and the opportunity to soak in local scenery before the final sightseeing stops.

Breathtaking Views from Malaxa Valley

The tour concludes with a 45-minute sightseeing stop in Malaxa, where visitors enjoy stunning panoramic views of the valleys and regions of Chania. This photo opportunity captures the vivid landscapes and the diverse terrain of western Crete.

The vantage point is ideal for taking memorable photos and appreciating the natural beauty that surrounds the island’s agricultural heartland.

All-Inclusive Experience with Expert Guides

Throughout the day, the professional guide—a licensed historian and olive oil producer—provides engaging narration about Crete’s olive oil heritage, regional history, and local customs. The small group setting ensures a personalized experience and the ability to ask questions freely.

The tour also includes free hotel pickup and drop-off in Chania, making logistics straightforward. While lunch and drinks are not included, the focus remains on tasting and learning, with plenty of opportunities to sample fresh organic olive oil at each stop.

Practical Tips and Considerations

This tour is most suitable for travelers of most physical abilities, but it involves some walking and outdoor exposure. It is designed to be accessible and comfortable, with ample opportunities to engage with the environment. The timing is well-structured to cover all stops without feeling rushed, and the cancellation policy allows for full refunds if canceled at least 24 hours in advance.

Given the price and inclusions, the experience provides excellent value for those interested in olive oil, local traditions, and scenic landscapes. It’s a private tour, so booking in advance—typically 79 days ahead on average—is recommended.

Crete’s Olive Heritage: A Unique and Educational Day

In essence, this tour offers a comprehensive journey through Crete’s olive oil culture, from ancient trees to modern processing. It combines educational stops, tasting opportunities, and scenic views in a well-paced, informative package.

The emphasis on unknown regions and unusual sites like the ancient olive tree makes it stand out. The expert guides and carefully curated stops ensure an authentic and enriching experience for anyone passionate about olive oil and Cretan rural life.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this tour suitable for all ages?
Yes, the tour is designed to be accessible for most travelers interested in outdoor activities and sightseeing, with some walking involved.

Do I need to bring anything special?
Comfortable shoes and sun protection are recommended, especially for outdoor stops. No specific equipment is required.

Are meals included in the tour?
No, lunch and drinks at the stops are not included, but plenty of tasting opportunities of fresh olive oil are provided.

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

How long is the entire tour?
The tour lasts approximately 6 to 7 hours, making it a full-day experience.

What makes this tour stand out?
Its focus on both ancient and modern olive oil production, visits to historical mills and the oldest olive tree, and scenic viewpoints make this a truly unique experience in Crete.

Is hotel pickup included?
Yes, free pickup and drop-off from all central Chania areas are included.

Can this be booked as a shore excursion?
Absolutely, the tour is available as a shore excursion for cruise guests visiting the Chania port.

What is the price point for this experience?
The cost is $179.43 per person, offering good value given the depth and variety of stops and experiences.

Is this tour suitable for people with mobility issues?
While designed to be accessible, some outdoor walking is involved, so individuals with mobility concerns should assess their comfort accordingly.