Knossos Palace Wine Raki & Olive Oil tasting in Heraklion

Explore Heraklion’s Wines, Olive Oil & Knossos Palace in a 5-Hour Tour

This Heraklion tour costs $239.46 per person and lasts approximately 5 hours. It offers a memorable blend of wine tasting, olive oil sampling, and a visit to the iconic Knossos Palace, a highlight for anyone interested in Minoan civilization. The tour includes pickup and drop-off from your accommodation, with private Mercedes-Benz transportation and an English-speaking guide.

While the tour emphasizes Cretan wines made from indigenous grapes like Vidiano, Vilana, and Kotsifali, it also features raki and local olive oil paired with regional specialties. This experience is ideal for those who want a taste of authentic Cretan flavors combined with a cultural visit to one of Greece’s most famous archaeological sites.

Key Points

• Price: $239.46 per person for 5 hours of guided experiences.
• Includes: Pickup, private transportation, wine, raki, olive oil tasting, and local snacks.
• Highlights: Tasting award-winning Cretan wines, exploring Knossos Palace, and learning about Minoan civilization.
• Guides: Professional English-speaking driver and guide, with praise for their knowledgeable approach.
• Additional costs: Entry to Knossos Palace (20 euros) and admission fee (15 euros) not included.
• Cancellation: Fully refundable if canceled 24 hours in advance.

How the Tour Combines Culture and Flavors in Heraklion

This 5-hour experience begins with a pickup from your hotel, port, or airport in Heraklion**, ensuring a smooth start. The private Mercedes-Benz van transports your group comfortably through Crete’s scenic landscapes, setting a relaxed tone for the day.

The tour’s main focus is on Cretan wine, which is celebrated for its depth and complexity thanks to local indigenous grape varieties. You’ll taste five different wines, paired with raki and olive oil, along with local specialties. These tastings take place in a venue designed to evoke the region’s tradition, making it a perfect chance to taste Crete’s culinary treasures.

Visiting Knossos Palace: A Peek into Minoan History

One of the key highlights is the visit to Knossos Palace, a site considered among the most important Bronze Age locations in the Aegean. Recognized as the center of Minoan civilization, Knossos offers a chance to see the palatial ruins and frescoes that reveal ancient Crete’s grandeur.

The tour provides entrance tickets to Knossos for 20 euros per person, which are not included in the base price. Visitors can explore the labyrinthine ruins and imagine life in Minoan times with the help of your guide, who shares insights into the site’s history and architecture.

Tasting Cretan Wines from Indigenous Varieties

The wine tasting is curated to showcase local varietals like Vidiano, Vilana, and Kotsifali. Each wine offers a distinct expression of Crete’s terroir—from the crisp, aromatic Vilana to the full-bodied Kotsifali. The award-winning wines are selected from local vineyards known for their quality in international competitions.

This tour emphasizes learning—guides explain how to choose, serve, and store wine, as well as pairing suggestions. Whether you’re a casual drinker or a wine enthusiast, you’ll appreciate the expert insights into how Crete’s wines develop with age.

Olive Oil & Raki: Crete’s Culinary Staples

Alongside the wines, the tour offers a sampling of olive oil, highlighting Cretan production methods. You’ll taste local olive oils paired with regional specialties, emphasizing the importance of olive cultivation in Crete’s diet.

Raki, the local spirit distilled from grapes, is also included in the tasting. It provides a traditional flavor experience and complements the olive oil and wine tastings, adding a spirited touch to the day.

An Intimate Tour Experience with Expert Guides

A major strength of this tour is the private, group-exclusive setting, ensuring personalized attention. The driver and guide are professional and knowledgeable, especially praised for their explanations about wines and the history of Knossos.

The guide through Knossos Palace is especially noted for delivering engaging stories about the Minoan civilization, enhancing the visit beyond just sightseeing. The tour’s pace is well-structured, balancing tastings with cultural exploration.

Practical Details: Transportation and Flexibility

The Mercedes-Benz van provides comfortable transportation, and pickup can be arranged from hotels, ports, or airports. The tour is private, meaning it’s tailored to your group’s interests and pace.

Additional expenses include entrance fees to Knossos Palace (€15) and admission tickets (€20), which are not included in the base price. The tour offers flexibility to include or skip optional elements, and full refunds are available if canceled more than 24 hours in advance.

What Makes This Tour Stand Out in Heraklion

This experience combines culinary delights with archaeological discovery, making it suitable for travelers interested in food, history, and culture. The award-winning wines and authentic olive oils showcase Crete’s regional specialties, while the visit to Knossos offers a tangible connection to ancient Greece.

The small group setting and professional guidance ensure a personalized, informative experience. The blend of tasting sessions and cultural exploration makes this tour a well-rounded way to spend half a day in Heraklion.

Who Will Appreciate This Tour the Most

This tour appeals most to foodies, history lovers, and those eager to learn about Cretan traditions. It’s perfect for first-time visitors wanting an overview of Crete’s culinary and archaeological highlights in a single experience.

Because it’s private and includes transportation, it’s suitable for families, couples, or small groups seeking comfort and personalized service. Travelers should be prepared for a moderate pace, with some walking at Knossos, and should reserve tickets in advance for a smooth experience.

Final Thoughts on the Knossos Palace Wine Raki & Olive Oil Tour

This 5-hour tour offers a balanced introduction to Heraklion’s wines, olive oils, and archaeological sites. The private transport and professional guides ensure a hassle-free day filled with delicious tastings and cultural insights.

While the cost includes many elements, the additional fees for entry tickets should be kept in mind. The quality of the wine and olive oil tastings, along with the expert guidance, makes this experience a worthy investment for those wanting a deep dive into Cretan flavors and history.

Boldly recommend for those curious about local traditions, wine enthusiasts, and history buffs, this tour delivers value and authenticity in a compact format.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is transportation included in the tour price?
Yes, pickup and drop-off from your hotel, port, or airport are included, along with private transportation in a Mercedes-Benz van.

How many wines are tasted during the tour?
You will taste five different Cretan wines, paired with raki and olive oil and regional specialties.

Are entrance tickets to Knossos Palace included?
No, Knossos tickets cost 20 euros per person and are not included in the tour price.

What is the duration of the tour?
The full experience lasts approximately 5 hours.

Is this tour suitable for children or those under 18?
No, alcoholic beverages are not served to visitors under 18 per Greek law, but the site visit can be enjoyed by all.

Can I customize the experience?
Yes, the tour offers flexibility, and you can inform the provider if you’d like to include specific sights or experiences.

What is the cancellation policy?
Full refunds are available if canceled at least 24 hours in advance.

Is the tour suitable for people with mobility issues?
The tour involves walking at Knossos Palace, so consider mobility limitations before booking.

What makes this tour different from others in Heraklion?
Its combination of award-winning local wines, authentic olive oils, and a private visit to Knossos creates a well-rounded cultural and culinary experience in just half a day.

How do I book this tour?
Booking can be done via the Viator website, with contact details provided by the tour operator, Tours in Heraklion.