Crete Wine and Olive Oil Tour

Exploring Crete’s culinary traditions becomes a vivid experience with the Crete Wine and Olive Oil Tour, priced at $139.03 per person. This 6-hour journey from Chania combines scenic drives through mountain villages with visits to two family-run wineries and a historic olive mill. The tour is highly rated, earning a perfect 5.0/5 from 232 reviews, and is recommended by 97% of participants. It’s suited for those interested in authentic local flavors, scenic countryside, and expert-led tastings. With small group sizes—a maximum of 20 travelers—the experience feels intimate yet comprehensive.

This tour provides a balanced mix of guided explanations, tastings, and scenic drives, making it ideal for visitors who want a relaxed but informative day. It includes hotel pick-up and drop-off in Chania and along the coast, as well as transport in air-conditioned vehicles. While the focus is on wine and olive oil, the tour also offers a glimpse into Crete’s landscape and traditional villages. The main limitation is that not all stops operate every day, and the tour includes light meals and snacks but excludes additional food and drinks for purchase.

Key Points

• Price and Duration: The tour costs $139.03 per person and lasts approximately 6 hours.
• Main Stops: Visits include Anoskeli Winery, the Monumental Olive Tree of Vouves, and Manousakis Winery.
• Highlights: Tasting regional wines and extra virgin olive oils in authentic, family-run settings.
• Transport: Two-way transfers from hotels in Chania and along the coast to Maleme.
• Expert Guides: Knowledgeable wine specialists and English-speaking drivers lead the day.
• Small Group: Limited to 20 guests for a relaxed, engaging experience.

Scenic Drive through Cretan Villages and Mountains

The tour begins with a hotel pickup in Chania by air-conditioned minibus around 8:45 am. You’ll travel through traditional Cretan villages and mountain roads in the Kissamos region. This scenic drive offers views of the countryside and sets the stage for a day immersed in local culture. The relaxed pace ensures plenty of opportunity to enjoy the landscape and ask questions about rural life in Crete.

The drive itself is part of the charm, with the guides sharing insights about the region’s history and agriculture, making the journey both informative and visually appealing. This part of the tour is suitable for most travelers, including those with limited mobility, as long as they are comfortable with a few hours on the bus.

Visit to Anoskeli Winery and Olive Mill

The first stop is Anoskeli Winery in the picturesque village of Anoskeli. This olive mill and winery is set in beautiful surroundings, emphasizing nature and tradition. Visitors get to learn about olive oil production and wine making firsthand, with free tasting sessions of award-winning regional wines and extra virgin olive oils. The tours include a walk through vineyards, weather permitting.

This location offers an authentic look at family-run operations and local craftsmanship. Guests appreciate the friendly guides and the opportunity to taste fresh oils and wines, although the availability of olive oil production may vary, as some reviews mention it not operating on certain days.

The Monumental Olive Tree of Vouves

A highlight of the tour is standing before the Monumental Olive Tree of Vouves. Estimated to be one of the oldest olive trees in the world, this 20-minute stop is a unique chance to see a living piece of history. The ancient tree has contributed branches to the modern Olympics, adding to its significance.

Visitors can enjoy short walks around the tree, appreciating its massive trunk and age-old branches. The site offers a quiet atmosphere ideal for photos and reflection on Crete’s agricultural heritage. Entry is included, and the stop requires minimal walking, making it accessible for most.

Exploring Manousakis Winery in Vatolakkos

The day continues with a visit to the family-run Manousakis Winery in Vatolakkos. Here, guests are welcomed into a scenic vineyard setting for wine and olive oil tastings that last around 1.5 hours. The winery’s informative guides explain winemaking techniques and the regional varieties used.

This location offers a relaxed atmosphere with ample tastings of Cretan wines, complemented by olive oils. Visitors can appreciate the vintage wines and handcrafted oils, often with pairings of local cheeses and mezes. The family atmosphere and scenic surroundings make this a memorable end to the day.

Tasting Regional Wines and Extra Virgin Olive Oils

Throughout the day, tasting is a core element. The wineries serve multiple varieties of local wines, often described as superb in reviews. The olive oils are also highly praised, with some feedback requesting even more olive oil tastings, as this is a key part of Crete’s culinary identity.

The light meal provided at the end of the tour features local flavors and serves as a fitting conclusion to the tasting experiences. Water and fresh orange juice are available for guests under 18 or those avoiding alcohol.

Expert Guides and Personalities

The tour is led by knowledgeable guides such as Alex and Andreas, who are praised for their passion and expertise. Their engaging storytelling, combined with friendly personalities, creates an inviting atmosphere. Several reviews highlight the guides’ ability to share insights into Crete’s history, wine production, and olive oil craftsmanship.

One guide, Andreas, is also a wine sommelier, adding additional depth to the tastings. Guests mention feeling included regardless of whether they are part of a group or traveling solo, thanks to the warm and personable approach of the guides.

Accessibility, Logistics, and Practical Tips

The tour starts at 8:45 am with hotel pickups in Chania and nearby areas, including Old Town and Venetian Harbor. The transportation is in air-conditioned minivans, making the journey comfortable. The maximum group size of 20 ensures a personalized experience without feeling crowded.

Guests should note that the tour is not suitable for children under 18 if they wish to participate in wine tastings, but non-alcoholic options like water or orange juice are available. Cancellation policies are flexible, with free cancellation possible up to 24 hours before the tour.

Customer Feedback and Notable Highlights

Most reviews praise the knowledgeable guides, stunning scenery, and excellent tastings. Many highlight Andreas’ charm and expertise, as well as the authenticity of the family-run wineries. The ancient olive tree and beautiful countryside drives are frequently mentioned as memorable aspects.

Some feedback notes that not all stops may operate daily, and some participants wish for more olive oil tastings or visits to vineyards and wine cellars. The overall impression is highly positive, with many calling it the best experience of their trip to Crete.

Crete Wine and Olive Oil Tour: Final Thoughts

The Crete Wine and Olive Oil Tour offers a well-rounded look at local produce with visits to authentic wineries and a historic olive tree. The expert guides, scenic drives, and generous tastings make it a value-rich experience for those interested in Cretan flavors and scenery.

While some stops may vary depending on production schedules, the core experience remains engaging and informative. The small group size and personalized approach ensure that guests feel comfortable and included.

This tour is best suited for adults who appreciate wine, olive oil, and local traditions and prefer a relaxed pace with professional guidance. For foodies and culture enthusiasts, it provides a taste of Crete’s culinary heart—not just through flavors but through stories of history and craftsmanship.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the price of the tour?
The tour costs $139.03 per person, including tastings, transport, and light meals.

How long does the tour last?
The experience lasts approximately 6 hours, starting at 8:45 am with hotel pickups.

Which stops are included?
Guests visit Anoskeli Winery, the Monumental Olive Tree of Vouves, and Manousakis Winery.

Are children allowed on the tour?
Children must be accompanied by an adult, but wine tastings are only for those over 18. Non-alcoholic drinks are offered to minors.

What should I bring?
Comfortable clothing and shoes for walking, a hat for sun protection, and a camera for photos. All tastings and water are provided.

Can I cancel the tour?
Yes, free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the start time. Cancellations later than that are non-refundable.

Is the tour accessible for all?
The tour accommodates most travelers, with minimal walking involved at key stops. If you have specific needs, contact the provider in advance.

How do I book the tour?
Reservations are recommended at least 12 hours in advance to secure your spot.

What makes this tour stand out?
The combination of family-run wineries, ancient olive trees, expert guides, and scenic countryside drives creates a memorable, authentic taste of Crete’s culinary heritage.