Wine & Olive Oil Tour with Lunch – Semi Private Safari Tour

Authentic Cretan Flavors on a Semi-Private Safari

This Wine & Olive Oil Tour with Lunch offers an engaging way to discover Western Crete’s rugged landscapes and legendary produce. Priced at $168.62 per person, this 7 to 8-hour experience is ideal for those craving an intimate, off-the-beaten-path adventure. With a limit of 6 guests per vehicle, the tour provides a personalized touch, guided by friendly local hosts. The tour departs at 9:00 am, including convenient pickup from Chania area addresses, ensuring a stress-free start.

What makes this tour stand out is its combination of scenic drives, culinary tastings, and cultural stops. It’s perfect for travelers who appreciate small-group experiences, quality food, and authentic wine and olive oil tastings. While the off-road driving adds excitement, the tour’s pace allows plenty of time to enjoy each stop without feeling rushed.

Key Points

• Small group size ensures a personal experience with up to 6 guests per vehicle
• Multiple stops include a cave, ancient olive tree, winery, and scenic viewpoints
• Expert-led tastings of olive oil and five local wines with guidance from a professional sommelier
• Includes a traditional Cretan lunch with drinks and dessert in a mountain setting
• Transport is in a comfortable 4WD vehicle, perfect for rugged terrain
• Full-day experience from 9:00 am to approximately 5-6 pm with included transfers

Exploring the Saint John the Hermit Cave and Belvedere

The tour begins with a visit to the Cave of Saint John the Hermit, where travelers enjoy sweeping views from a nearby belvedere. This spot offers a peaceful introduction to Crete’s natural beauty. The 30-minute stop features admission included, making it easy to focus on the scenery and history of this tranquil site.

The cave’s significance is complemented by the nearby viewpoint, giving a panoramic look at the surrounding landscapes. The stop sets a calm tone for the day and introduces visitors to the region’s spiritual and natural heritage.

Touching a 3,000-Year-Old Olive Tree at Vouves

Next, the journey leads to the Olive Tree Museum of Vouves, where travelers can touch and marvel at an olive tree over 3,000 years old. This 1-hour 10-minute stop includes admission, and offers insight into Olive cultivation that has sustained Crete for millennia.

Visitors also visit a typical Cretan farm, enjoying a coffee break amidst local agriculture. The ancient olive grove provides a tangible connection to Crete’s long history of olive oil production, setting the stage for the day’s tastings.

Olive Oil and Wine Tasting at Anoskeli Winery Olive Mill

One of the tour’s highlights is the Anoskeli Winery Olive Mill, where guests indulge in a tasting of organic extra virgin olive oil. The 1 hour 40-minute stop includes tastings of five different wine labels, paired with traditional Cretan snacks.

Guided by a professional sommelier, participants learn about the organic processes behind the olive oil and wine, gaining an appreciation for their quality and local origins. This stop blends culinary education with sensory enjoyment in a relaxed atmosphere.

Scenic Drives Through Chania Prefecture and Rugged Gorges

The tour continues with a 4 hours 40 minutes drive through Chania Prefecture, allowing visitors to see rugged gorges like Topolia or Samaria. Traveling in a full A/C 4WD vehicle, the journey provides access to areas inaccessible by regular buses or cars.

Depending on operational open restaurants, the group may stop at either Topolia Gorge or Samaria Gorge for a scenic view. These drives showcase Crete’s diverse landscape, from mountainous terrain to lush olive groves, giving a real taste of the island’s natural diversity.

Cretan Lunch with Mountain Views

The tour concludes with a lunch in a mountain restaurant, offering local Cretan dishes with a modern flair. The meal includes a first round of wine or beer, followed by dessert, and is often praised for its deliciousness and generous portions.

The setting provides breathtaking views, often overlooking the Samaria Gorge or other scenic spots. The included lunch is seen as a highlight, providing a hearty, authentic taste of Crete’s cuisine.

Olive Oil and Wine Tastings with Expert Guidance

Throughout the day, the olive oil and wine tastings are carefully guided, with knowledgeable hosts explaining the production processes and flavor profiles. The local sommelier at the winery enhances the experience with professional insights, making the tastings both educational and enjoyable.

The olive oil tasting emphasizes organic, extra virgin varieties, while the wine labels showcase local regional wines. These tastings are designed to deepen appreciation for Crete’s culinary heritage.

The Role of the Guides and Vehicles

The guides, such as Nicholas, Stavros, Vasillis, Dimitris, and George, are consistently praised for their knowledge, friendliness, and ability to balance information with free time. They share engaging stories about Crete’s history and culture, making each stop memorable.

Transport is in comfortable, fully air-conditioned 4WD vehicles, capable of tackling rough terrains. This allows access to remote scenic spots that larger buses cannot reach, adding an adventurous element to the tour.

Practical Details and Logistics

The tour departs at 9:00 am, with most bookings made about 47 days in advance. The pickup service covers areas within 5 km east and 25 km west of Chania, making it convenient for travelers staying in or near the city.

The small group size of up to 6 guests ensures a personalized experience. The tour operates rain or shine, and travelers are advised to dress smart casual and wear appropriate clothing for the weather and outdoor stops.

Food Options and Special Requests

A vegetarian option is available upon request when booking, accommodating dietary preferences. The lunch features a variety of local dishes, and drinks such as wine or beer are included in the meal.

Guests should note the minimum drinking age of 18 years and children must be accompanied by an adult. The tour provides bottled water, coffee, tea, or fresh orange juice throughout the day.

Booking, Cancellation, and Future Plans

The tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, allowing flexibility for travelers. This ensures peace of mind, especially amid unpredictable weather conditions or changing plans.

The experience is offered exclusively by Chania Adventures, with no third-party brokers, ensuring consistent quality and direct communication.

Who Will Enjoy This Tour?

This semi-private safari suits adventurous travelers who value small-group intimacy and authentic local experiences. It’s ideal for those interested in Cretan cuisine, wine, and olive oil production, as well as scenery lovers eager to see mountains, gorges, and ancient sites.

While the off-road driving adds excitement, it may be less suitable for travelers with motion sickness or mobility issues. The tour’s pace and content appeal most to adults or older children interested in learning about Crete’s natural and culinary treasures.

The Wine & Olive Oil Tour with Lunch from Chania offers a well-rounded day exploring Crete’s natural beauty and culinary heritage in a small-group setting. The expert-guided tastings, scenic drives, and delicious mountain lunch combine to create a memorable outing. The personal touches from guides like Vassilis and Dimitris ensure an engaging experience, making this a great choice for those seeking authenticity and comfort.

The tour stands out for its high-quality tastings, stunning vistas, and intimate atmosphere. It’s particularly suited for food and wine enthusiasts, adventure seekers, and those wanting to experience Crete beyond the usual. With flexible cancellation and a focus on personalized service, this adventure offers real value for anyone eager to uncover Crete’s best-kept secrets.

Is this tour suitable for children?
Children must be accompanied by an adult, and the tour is primarily designed for adults due to the wine tastings and off-road driving.

What is included in the lunch?
The lunch features local Cretan dishes, with a first round of wine or beer, dessert, and bottled water.

How physically demanding is the tour?
The tour involves rough roads and off-road driving in a 4WD vehicle; walking at stops is minimal and mostly involves outdoor sightseeing.

Can dietary restrictions be accommodated?
Yes, a vegetarian option is available if advised at booking time. Please specify dietary needs when reserving.

What should I wear?
Dress smart casual and wear appropriate clothing for outdoor stops and weather conditions, as some areas may be warm or cool.