PRIVATE Walking Tour with Lunch and Wine Tasting by a Sommelier

Exploring Chania in Greece becomes truly special with the Private Walking Tour with Lunch and Wine Tasting by a Sommelier. Priced at $189.59 per person, this 4 to 5-hour experience offers a personalized approach, with the flexibility to tailor the itinerary to your preferences. The tour departs from locations within 3 to 10 miles east and west of Chania, with pickup service included, making logistics simple for visitors staying in the area.

This private experience is highly recommended, with a perfect 5.0 rating based on 109 reviews and a 100% recommendation rate. The tour is suitable for those looking for an authentic taste of Crete, combining scenic stops, cultural insights, and local cuisine. It is particularly popular among travelers who appreciate small group experiences, intimate guided explanations, and a balance of sightseeing, tasting, and relaxation.

While the tour involves some walking, it is designed to be manageable and comfortable, with the guide ensuring a smooth flow between stops. Expect to spend plenty of time enjoying generous tastings, including local wines, traditional Cretan dishes, and a scenic coffee break. Keep in mind that children must be at least 6 years old and the minimum drinking age is 18. The tour operates regardless of weather conditions, so appropriate attire is advised.

Key Points

• Personalized private walking tour with flexible schedule and stops
• Includes a scenic coffee break with views over Chania and the Aegean Sea
• Indigenous wine tasting led by a knowledgeable sommelier featuring 4 local Cretan wines
• Traditional Cretan lunch with dishes like kalitsounia, graviera, mizithra, and more
• Round-trip pickup service from hotels within a 10 km radius
• Tour duration spans 4 to 5 hours, perfect for a relaxed, in-depth experience

Visiting Profiti Ilia: Coffee with a View

The tour begins with a pickup and a journey to Profiti Ilia, one of Greece’s most famous cafes. Located on the hills, this spot offers an amazing view over Chania city and the Aegean Sea. Visitors enjoy a cup of coffee or herbal mountain tea with honey, soaking in the atmosphere and panoramic scenery. This stop lasts about 45 minutes, with no admission fee, setting a tranquil tone for the day.

Savoring Crete’s Indigenous Wines at Miden Agan

Next, the tour moves to Miden Agan at the Wine Center of Crete. Here, a sommelier named Maria guides a wine tasting experience featuring 4 different Cretan wines made from indigenous grape varieties. These grapes thrive due to Crete’s warm climate and sunny conditions, making these wines distinctively local—not from international varieties. The tasting lasts around 1 hour and 15 minutes, with the admission included in the tour price.

Exploring the Historic Old Town of Chania

The highlight is a guided walking tour of Chania’s Old Town, a 700-year-old neighborhood with the Venetian harbor and the 1599 lighthouse. This part of the tour offers an insider look at little secrets of the city, revealing local spots and stories behind the architecture. The group visits a local restaurant where they indulge in a bountiful Cretan lunch, featuring breads, cheeses, pastries, and traditional dishes like boureki, pastitsio, dolmathes, and meat and zucchini balls.

Indulging in a Cretan Feast

The lunch is more than just a meal—it’s a culinary journey through Crete’s flavors. Guests enjoy local olives, thyme honey, and regional wine, with the restaurant setting chosen for its authentic atmosphere. The lunch lasts about 2 hours and 30 minutes, providing enough time to savor each dish and relax in a genuine local environment.

Practical Logistics and Convenience

This is a fully private tour, meaning only your group participates, ensuring personalized attention. The pick-up service covers locations within 5 to 10 km from Chania, making it convenient for travelers staying in most nearby hotels. The start time is at 10:00 am, leaving plenty of time for a relaxed exploration.

Guide Expertise and Personal Touch

Across reviews, guides like Nasos, Dimitri, and Maria receive high praise for their knowledge, enthusiasm, and ability to make the experience engaging. The small group size fosters a friendly atmosphere where personalized stories and explanations flourish. Tour guides are noted for their ability to explain the history, culture, and local traditions while maintaining an enjoyable pace.

Wine Tasting: A Highlight for Connoisseurs

The wine tasting is frequently praised for being educational and detailed. Maria, the sommelier, shares profound knowledge about local wines and their unique production methods. Many guests consider this the most memorable part of the tour, especially given the chance to try four indigenous wines and learn how to taste, smell, and see wine in new ways. Some even purchase bottles directly from the sommelier, adding a tangible souvenir to the experience.

Food Experience: Generous and Authentic

The lunch at the restaurant is consistently described as plentiful and authentic. Guests enjoy a variety of traditional dishes, with no one leaving hungry. The food is praised for its quality, flavor, and regional authenticity, making this a true culinary highlight.

Tour Flexibility and Family Friendly Nature

The tour operates rain or shine, ensuring you experience Chania regardless of weather. It is suitable for most travelers, with a minimum age of 6 years and children must be accompanied by an adult. The smart casual dress code applies, aligning with the relaxed yet respectful atmosphere.

Why Choose This Tour?

This tour is ideal for those seeking a personalized, relaxed exploration of Chania. The combination of scenic views, guided wine tasting, and a traditional lunch offers a well-rounded introduction to Crete’s cultural and culinary treasures. The private format ensures a more intimate experience than larger group tours, making it perfect for couples, families, or small groups wanting undivided attention.

Limitations to Keep in Mind

While the tour includes plenty of tastings and a scenic coffee stop, some reviews indicate that guests expecting more food-focused visits to multiple food venues may find the experience slightly different from their expectations. The food tasting is integrated into the lunch stop rather than occurring at numerous locations. The tour involves some walking but remains manageable, making it accessible for most visitors.

Exploring the Unique Aspects of the Tour

What sets this experience apart is the combination of a scenic hilltop cafe, indigenous wine tasting, and a private walk through Old Town. The knowledgeable guides and local hosts, like Maria and Nasos, provide insights that deepen the appreciation of Crete’s wine, cuisine, and history. The timing of each stop is carefully balanced so guests enjoy ample time to relax, sample, and see.

The Perfect Balance of Sightseeing and Tasting

This tour offers enough variety—a viewpoint, wine cellar visit, historic walking tour, and traditional lunch—without feeling rushed. The 4 to 5 hours allow guests to absorb the atmosphere without fatigue. It’s a great choice for anyone wanting a comprehensive, yet intimate introduction to Chania.

Who Will Love This Tour?

Food lovers, wine enthusiasts, and those eager to experience local life will enjoy this experience most. It suits travelers looking for a personalized guide and authentic Cretan flavors in a scenic setting. Plus, the high ratings and glowing reviews reassure that the tour consistently meets expectations.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this tour suitable for children?
Yes, children must be at least 6 years old and must be accompanied by an adult. The experience focuses on food, wine, and culture suitable for family participation.

What is included in the tour price?
The tour includes a scenic coffee stop, wine tasting of 4 local wines led by a sommelier, a traditional Cretan lunch, bottled water, liability insurance, and pick-up from nearby locations.

How long does the tour last?
The full experience spans approximately 4 to 5 hours, allowing ample time for each stop and a relaxed pace.

What should I wear?
Smart casual attire is recommended. Since the tour operates in all weather conditions, dress appropriately for the forecast.

Is transportation provided?
Yes, round-trip transportation from hotels within 3 to 10 miles of Chania is included, making logistics easier for visitors.

Can I customize the itinerary?
The tour is private and tailored to your preferences, allowing some flexibility within the scheduled stops.

What makes this tour stand out from others?
The personalized service, knowledgeable guides, indigenous wine tasting, and the combination of scenic views with authentic local cuisine make this experience a comprehensive introduction to Chania.

Is this tour suitable for those with mobility issues?
The tour involves walking through Old Town and some uneven surfaces, so please consider mobility requirements before booking.

What is the cancellation policy?
Cancellations are free up to 24 hours in advance, with full refunds available if canceled within this window. The tour operates in all weather, but cancellations due to poor weather are fully refunded or rescheduled.

This Private Walking Tour with Lunch and Wine Tasting offers a balanced mix of scenic relaxation, cultural insight, and culinary delight. It’s a solid choice for those who want an intimate, guided exploration of Chania’s hidden gems and local flavors.