Cretan Wines & Olive oil tour – The treasures of Crete

Explore Crete’s Finest: Wines, Olive Oil, and More in a Full-Day Tour

For those eager to experience Crete’s celebrated flavors, the Cretan Wines & Olive Oil Tour offers a comprehensive journey through the island’s most iconic products. Priced at $138.29 per person, this 6 to 7-hour experience departs from Crete and is perfect for lovers of authentic food, wine, and crafts. Guided by knowledgeable hosts, the tour combines visits to olive groves, organic vineyards, a traditional raki distillery, and a pottery studio—giving a well-rounded taste of Crete’s cultural and culinary heritage.

The tour’s small group size—limited to 8 travelers—ensures a personal and relaxed atmosphere. Well-rated with a rating of 5.0 based on 83 reviews, it’s clear that visitors find this experience engaging, educational, and delicious. The tour includes pickup, guided tours at each stop, and tastings of wine, olive oil, and raki, along with a traditional lunch. It’s a day designed to highlight Crete’s agricultural pride and artisanal craftsmanship, making it ideal for those who want an authentic, hands-on experience.

Key Points

• Authentic Crete experience with visits to olive groves, vineyards, a distillery, and pottery studio
• Includes five wine tastings, olive oil tasting, and raki sampling at a traditional distillery
• Small group size of 8 ensures personalized attention and an intimate atmosphere
• Tour lasts approximately 6-7 hours, starting at 9:30 am with optional pickup
• All visits are free of additional admission fees, with food and drinks included
• Visit key locations like Skalani, Meleses, Stironas, and Thrapsano, each rich in local heritage

The Tour Begins at Skalani Olive Mill and Grove

The tour kicks off at Skalani, where a guided walk through an olive mill and grove reveals the process of olive oil production. Visitors observe how fresh olives are pressed and, after the tour, get to taste pure, freshly extracted olive oil paired with a breakfast offering. This stop highlights the importance of olives in Crete’s landscape and cuisine, offering a sensory introduction to the island’s agricultural roots.

The 1-hour stop is free of charge and provides an authentic glimpse into traditional olive farming, emphasizing the use of high-quality, fresh oil. It’s an engaging start for those interested in Crete’s farming techniques and culinary staples.

Visiting Meleses: A Certified Organic Vineyard

Next, the tour visits Meleses, a family-owned winery committed to organic cultivation. Here, the focus is solely on Cretan grape varieties, with a tour of the vineyards and wine cellar revealing how these grapes are crafted into wine using sustainable methods.

Guests enjoy tasting five different wines while relaxing under the shade of the vines, gazing at the olive groves and surrounding landscape. This stop lasts about an hour and is free to access, making it a memorable moment to savor authentic, organic Crete wine in a peaceful setting.

Exploring Raki at Stironas Distillery

The third stop takes travelers to Stironas, a traditional raki distillery with an ancient wine press. Visitors tour the distilling area, where raki, Crete’s famous spirit, is produced using classic methods. The display of the distilling process offers insight into this age-old craft.

A tasting session follows, pairing wine and raki, complemented by a traditional lunch at the distillery. The 2-hour stop provides a deep dive into local spirits and culinary traditions, with the opportunity to taste freshly distilled raki in a rustic, authentic environment.

Pottery Making in Thrapsano Village

The final destination is Thrapsano, a traditional village renowned for its pottery. Here, visitors can observe pottery-making demonstrations and, if desired, try their hand at creating pieces themselves.

The pottery art dates back to the Minoan era, and this stop offers a tangible connection to Crete’s ancient craft traditions. The pottery lab is an optional activity, unavailable on Sundays, and lasts about an hour. It provides a tactile, artistic ending to the day’s journey through Crete’s artisanal culture.

Logistics and Comfort

The tour starts at 9:30 am, with the option of pickup from your location, facilitated by an air-conditioned vehicle. Bottled water accompanies the group throughout the day, ensuring refreshment during visits and tastings. The tour is designed for most travelers, with service animals allowed and easy access near public transportation.

With a maximum group size of 8, the experience maintains an intimate feel, allowing guests to ask questions and engage closely with guides and hosts. The entire day is paced comfortably, balancing active exploration with moments to relax and enjoy the scenery.

Food, Drink, and Tastings

Included in the tour is a traditional lunch at the raki distillery, featuring local flavors and food pairing with olive oil. Throughout the day, wine tastings, olive oil tasting, and raki sampling (adults 18+) are provided at each relevant stop. Bottled water, as well as alcoholic beverages, are part of the experience, ensuring guests stay refreshed while savoring local drinks.

There are no additional charges for tastings or visits, offering solid value for the all-inclusive nature of this journey. The lunch is thoughtfully paired with the olive oil, enhancing the tasting experience.

Flexibility and Cancellation Policy

The tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, providing peace of mind for last-minute changes. If canceled due to bad weather or insufficient minimum travelers, guests are offered alternative dates or full refunds. This flexibility makes it a low-risk choice for travelers planning in advance.

Why This Tour Stands Out

What makes this experience exceptionally appealing is its focus on Crete’s authentic products, delivered through guided visits and interactive tastings. The combination of olive oil production, organic wine, and traditional raki reflects the island’s rich culinary traditions.

The small group size and personalized attention foster a relaxed environment, making it suitable for those seeking an intimate, educational experience. The inclusion of a pottery demonstration adds a craft element that complements the food and drink focus, providing a well-rounded cultural outing.

Who Will Appreciate This Tour?

This tour suits anyone interested in Crete’s food and drink heritage, especially those who love wine, olive oil, spirits, and handicrafts. It’s ideal for couples, small groups, and families who prefer a more personalized, authentic experience. The duration and pacing are perfect for travelers who want a full but manageable day exploring the island’s culinary treasures.

Final Thoughts on the Crete Food & Craft Tour

The Cretan Wines & Olive Oil Tour offers a genuine taste of Crete’s traditional industries, paired with delicious food and drink and guided by knowledgeable hosts. The all-inclusive price covers tastings, lunch, and transport, making it a straightforward option for those wishing to explore local flavors and crafts.

While the tour is comprehensive and well-rated, it’s best suited for those comfortable with walking and tasting throughout the day. The small group size guarantees attentive guides, ensuring a rich, meaningful experience that highlights Crete’s agricultural and artisanal pride.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the tour duration?
The tour lasts approximately 6 to 7 hours, starting at 9:30 am.

Are food and drinks included?
Yes, the experience includes lunch, olive oil tasting, wine, and raki samples, with bottled water provided.

Is the tour suitable for children?
Most travelers can participate, but note that adult beverages are only for guests 18 and older.

What stops are included in the tour?
Stops are at Skalani olive mill and grove, Meleses organic winery, Stironas raki distillery, and Thrapsano pottery studio (not available on Sundays).

Can I cancel the tour?
Yes, cancellations are free if made 24 hours in advance.

Is transportation provided?
Yes, an air-conditioned vehicle is included, with pickup options available.

What should I wear or bring?
Comfortable clothing suitable for walking, plus a sense of curiosity for tasting and exploring.

Is the pottery activity optional?
Yes, the pottery studio in Thrapsano is an optional stop and may not be available on Sundays.

Are there any extra fees?
No, all tastings and visits are covered in the tour price; personal expenses are not included.

Who is the tour provider?
The tour is operated by Cretan Vioma.