Olive Oil – Wine – Beer Private Tour (price per group of 6)

This Olive Oil – Wine – Beer Private Tour in Chania, Greece offers an engaging full-day experience that combines cultural discovery with tasting sessions. Priced at approximately $523.60 per group of up to 6 people, this 7-hour tour is perfect for those interested in deepening their understanding of Crete’s traditional crafts while enjoying personalized guidance. The tour is hosted by Niriis Tours and includes private transportation and guided services, making it a smooth and intimate way to explore the island’s culinary heritage.

While the tour offers an array of stops—including visits to a historic olive tree, a winery, a beer brewery, and a 13th-century monastery—its standout feature is the combination of cultural sites and tastings, making it suitable for foodies, history enthusiasts, and anyone curious about local traditions. The experience also includes a local lunch and optional visits to WWII sites, offering a well-rounded day.

A key point to consider is that tastings are paid separately, with wine and olive oil tastings costing 10 euro per person, and beer tasting 5 euro per person. This adds flexibility but requires a bit of planning for additional costs. The tour’s strength lies in its personalized approach and the authentic insight provided into Crete’s production methods, making this a worthwhile choice for those wanting a detailed and leisurely exploration.

Key Points

• Private 7-hour experience tailored for groups of up to 6 people
• Visit a 4,500-year-old olive tree with free admission
• Includes visits to a winery and a local beer brewery with tastings paid separately
• Explore a 13th-century monastery and WWII German military cemetery
• Enjoy a traditional local lunch during the day
• Transportation and guiding services are included, ensuring a personalized tour experience

Visiting the Monumental Olive Tree of Vouves

The tour begins with a visit to the Monumental Olive Tree of Vouves, which is over 4,500 years old. This tree is a true symbol of Crete’s ancient agricultural traditions. Admission is free, and the stop lasts about 30 minutes, providing an excellent photo opportunity and a chance to appreciate a living piece of history. An optional lunch nearby offers a chance to relax amidst beautiful olive groves.

This site showcases Crete’s long-standing olive oil heritage, with many visitors appreciating the imposing size and age of the tree. The stop is brief but impactful, perfect for those wanting to see a historic natural monument without feeling rushed.

Olive Oil Production at the Vouves Site

Although the tour does not include an entrance fee, visitors can learn about olive oil production techniques during the site visit or at other stops. The focus here is on understanding how traditional and modern methods blend to produce high-quality olive oil in Crete.

Wine Tasting at Anoskeli Winery

The Anoskeli Winery offers a private tour of their olive mill combined with wine tasting. The winery produces its own wine, which adds a personal touch to the tasting experience. The tour lasts around 1 hour, giving visitors a chance to see the wine-making process firsthand.

A wine tasting costs 10 euro per person and is paid separately, but the guided explanation of the process and the local wines make this stop especially worthwhile. The winery’s setting provides scenic views and a chance to sample a range of Crete’s wine varieties.

Beer Tasting at Harma Brewery

Next, the tour visits the Harma Brewery for beer tasting. As the producers of their own beers, the brewery offers a 40-minute tour that covers their brewing techniques. The beer tasting costs 5 euro per person and includes the opportunity to sample several local brews.

Visitors appreciate the chance to see how modern technology is used in craft beer production while enjoying a relaxed, friendly environment. The brewery’s location adds a contemporary contrast to the older sites visited earlier.

Exploring the Odigitria Gonia Monastery

The Odigitria Gonia Monastery, dating back to the 13th century, provides a peaceful glimpse into Christian Orthodox traditions and medieval architecture. The visit lasts around 45 minutes, with free admission.

Inside, visitors can explore historic relics and learn about the monastery’s role in local history. The tranquil setting offers a moment of reflection amid the journey’s more lively tasting stops.

WWII History at Maleme Airfield and German Military Cemetery

The tour concludes with a visit to the German WW2 cemetery at Maleme. This site marks the location of the first airborne attack in history, adding historical depth to the day. The 45-minute stop is free to enter and provides context about the wartime significance of the area.

This stop appeals to history enthusiasts interested in military history and the battle of Crete. The site’s respectful atmosphere offers a poignant end-note to the day’s exploration.

Optional Local Lunch and Additional Costs

A local Cretan lunch is included in the day’s schedule, allowing guests to taste traditional dishes. The lunch is exquisitely prepared and offers a genuine sampling of Crete’s cuisine.

Additional costs include lunch (~25 euro per person), paid separately, and costs for tastings—10 euro for wine and olive oil, and 5 euro for beer. These are optional but enhance the overall experience by allowing guests to indulge in local flavors.

Logistics and Comfort

Transportation is handled via an air-conditioned vehicle, ensuring comfort throughout the approximately 7-hour day. The tour is private, meaning only your group participates, providing a personalized and flexible schedule.

Meetings take place within standard business hours, from 8:00 AM to 1:00 PM, and confirmation is received at the time of booking. The tour is suitable for most travelers, with no specific physical requirements mentioned, making it accessible and convenient.

Strengths and Considerations

The key strength of this tour lies in its combination of cultural sites, informative guides, and tasting experiences. The personalized attention and private transportation make for an intimate exploration of Crete’s culinary traditions.

A notable consideration is that tastings are paid separately, so guests should budget accordingly. Also, the duration of each stop is designed to balance sightseeing with tasting, but those seeking a more relaxed pace might find some stops slightly quick.

Final Thoughts on the Olive Oil – Wine – Beer Private Tour

This tour offers a well-rounded look at Crete’s agricultural and historical heritage, wrapped in a personalized private experience. The stops are thoughtfully selected to showcase both ancient traditions and modern techniques, with tastings adding flavor to the journey.

Ideal for families, couples, or small groups wanting a customizable day that combines culture, history, and gastronomy. The price point reflects the personalized service and comprehensive itinerary, making it a solid choice for those eager to explore Crete with expert guidance.

While it involves some additional costs for tastings and lunch, the experience’s quality and diversity justify the price for many visitors seeking an authentic and educational day out.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the tour suitable for children or seniors?
Yes, the tour is accessible for most guests and includes sites that are suitable for a wide age range. No specific physical requirements are noted.

Are tastings included in the price?
Tastings are paid separately—10 euro per person for wine and olive oil, and 5 euro for beer. The tour fee covers transportation, guiding, and site visits.

What should I bring for the tour?
Comfortable clothing, a camera, and some cash for additional tastings or lunch are recommended. The tour provides air-conditioned transportation and guidance.

Can I customize the stops or duration?
As a private tour, it offers flexibility within the scheduled stops. Specific customizations are best discussed directly with Niriis Tours.

Is lunch included?
A local Cretan lunch is included in the itinerary, providing a relaxed break with authentic cuisine.

What is the cancellation policy?
Guests can cancel free of charge up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. Changes made less than 24 hours before are not accepted.

This Olive Oil – Wine – Beer Private Tour in Chania offers a vivid taste of Crete’s traditions, history, and flavors, all wrapped in a comfortable, personalized setting. It stands out for its authentic stops, engaging guides, and the balance of cultural and culinary discovery.