Jeep Safari Wine Tour and South sea swimming

The Jeep Safari Wine Tour and South Sea Swimming in Heraklion, Greece, offers an engaging way to explore Crete’s diverse landscape in just 8 hours, all for $106.39 per person. This tour balances local wine tasting at a traditional winery, a thrilling off-road adventure through Portela Gorge, and relaxing moments at Kastri Beach with swimming in the deep blue waters of the South Sea. Highly rated with a perfect 5.0/5 from 29 reviews, it’s clear that guests appreciate the mix of nature, culture, and leisure packed into this full-day experience.

The tour is perfect for those who want to see Crete beyond the usual sights, combining scenic drives with cultural stops, and ending with some well-deserved relaxation on the beach. With pickup and drop-off included, as well as the use of a 4WD vehicle, this experience provides a comfortable and exciting way to enjoy the island’s natural beauty. The tour is suitable for most travelers, though it involves some walking and outdoor activity, making it ideal for those with moderate mobility.

Key Points

• Comprehensive day trip including wine tasting, gorge exploration, and beach time
• Price of $106.39 per person, with pickup and drop-off included
• Duration of around 8 hours, with multiple stops, all led by experienced drivers
• Visit to a local winery with an optional entrance fee of €8 to explore wine production
• Off-road descent through the Portela Gorge with stunning waterfalls and scenic views
• Swimming and relaxing at Kastri Beach, with plenty of time to enjoy the deep blue waters
• Magnificent panoramic photo stop overlooking the South Sea before returning

Starting Point and Tour Logistics in Heraklion

This tour begins promptly at 8:00 am, with hotel pickup and drop-off available. The tour makes use of 4WD vehicles, which are well-suited for navigating the off-road sections and rugged terrain. The group size is capped at 15 travelers, ensuring a comfortable and personalized experience.

Travelers are advised to bring water, walking shoes, sunscreen, hats, sunglasses, swimsuits, flip-flops, and sea towels. The tour provider offers child seats upon request, making it family-friendly, but it’s not recommended for those with serious medical conditions due to the physical activity involved.

Visiting the Traditional Winery in Avli Village

The journey kicks off with a visit to a local winery in Avli village, where you learn about Cretan wine production from ancient methods to modern techniques. The admission fee of €8 is optional if you wish to explore the winery more closely; otherwise, you can enjoy a walk around the entrance area free of charge.

This stop offers a taste of Crete’s rich wine culture and provides insight into the island’s long-standing tradition of viticulture. The guides are knowledgeable and eager to share stories about the different wines you sample, making this a highlight for wine enthusiasts.

Off-Road Adventure to Portela Gorge

After the winery visit, the tour takes you on an impressive off-road descent to reach the Portela Gorge. The drive through unspoiled landscapes offers continuous spectacular views of nature, cliffs, and lush flora. The terrain is rugged and provides an exhilarating experience while traveling amidst Crete’s natural beauty.

This part of the tour is designed to showcase the diverse geography of South Crete, with the gorge itself being an untouched landscape with a river passing through cliffs and culminating at the Richtra Waterfall. The entire gorge area is rich in flora and fauna, offering ample opportunities for picturesque scenery.

Walk to the Richtra Waterfall

The highlight of the gorge exploration is the short walk to the Richtra Waterfall, where water flows until early summer, depending on the weather. The walk takes about 10 minutes, with a total time of around 1 hour for the visit, including the walk.

Visitors get close to flowing water and enjoy nature’s tranquility. The waterfall’s beauty varies with the season, but it remains a powerful natural feature that enhances the sense of adventure and discovery.

Relaxing at Kastri Beach and Lunch

Following the gorge, the tour moves to Kastri Beach, a peaceful and welcoming spot perfect for swimming. The deep blue waters of South Crete invite travelers to cool off after the active morning. The beach offers enough time—about 1 hour 30 minutes—for swimming, sunbathing, and enjoying lunch.

A delicious BBQ lunch with local wine and water is served by the sea, providing a satisfying break. The setting is tranquil, and the picturesque landscape makes it an ideal place for photos and relaxation.

Panoramic Photo Stop over the South Sea

Before heading back to Heraklion, the tour makes a 15-minute stop at a great sea view apartment in Kokkini Hani. Here, travelers enjoy a panoramic view of the South Crete Sea, perfect for photo opportunities. This spot offers an expansive vista, capturing the vastness of the sea and the rugged coastline.

It’s a fitting way to end the day, providing a moment of reflection and appreciation of the landscape’s beauty.

Included and Optional Extras

The tour includes a BBQ lunch with wine and water, pick-up and drop-off at your hotel, and the use of a 4WD vehicle with fuel included. The drivers are experienced and share informative commentary throughout the trip.

The only extra cost is the €8 entrance fee to the winery if you choose to visit the winery’s interior. Private expenses are not included. The tour is designed for most travelers, with a minimum of 15 participants, but it’s advisable to wear walking shoes, sunscreen, and swimwear.

Reviews and Ratings

With a perfect 5.0/5 rating from 29 reviews, the experience is highly praised. Reviewers mention knowledgeable guides, stunning scenery, delicious wine, and refreshing beach time as key highlights. One review specifically notes how the guide Mario made the experience engaging, and the beach at Kastri is celebrated for its beauty.

Guests also appreciate the flexibility of the tour and the opportunity to see a less touristy side of Crete. The tour’s well-paced structure and small group size help create an intimate and personalized atmosphere.

Final Thoughts on the Jeep Safari Wine Tour

This full-day Crete adventure offers a compelling mix of cultural insights, outdoor exploration, and seaside relaxation. The off-road drive, wine tasting, and waterfall walk make for an active yet scenic experience, while the beach stop allows for restful swimming and a tasty BBQ.

The tour’s value of $106.39, including transport, food, and activities, makes it a strong choice for those wanting to experience Crete’s natural beauty and local traditions. Its high ratings and positive reviews confirm its appeal to adventurers and culture seekers alike.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the tour suitable for children?
Yes, the tour provides child seats upon request, and children can enjoy the outdoor activities and beach time.

What should I bring for the tour?
Water, walking shoes, sunscreen, hat, sunglasses, swimsuit, flip-flops, and sea towels are recommended.

How long is the walk to the waterfall?
The walk is about 10 minutes and depends on seasonal weather conditions.

Is the tour physically demanding?
Moderate. The tour involves some walking and off-road vehicle rides, but it’s accessible for most travelers with reasonable mobility.

What is included in the price?
The BBQ lunch, wine and water, hotel pickup and drop-off, and use of a 4WD vehicle are included.

Are there any hidden costs?
The only additional expense is the €8 winery entrance fee if you choose to visit the winery’s interior.

What happens in case of bad weather?
The tour can be canceled or rescheduled; you will be offered a different date or full refund if the experience is canceled due to weather.

How far in advance should I book?
On average, the tour is booked 34 days in advance but can be booked closer if available.

Can I customize the tour?
The routes and stops may change for safety or weather reasons, but customization options are not specified.

What is the maximum group size?
The group is limited to 15 travelers, ensuring a more personalized experience.

Who is the tour provider?
Safari Experts Crete organizes and guides this adventure, providing informative and experienced drivers.

This Jeep Safari Wine Tour combines the best of Crete’s scenic landscapes, local wine culture, and seaside relaxation, making it a memorable and well-rounded day on the island.