PRIVATE-Knossos-Winery-Olive Oil Factory-Traditional Villages

Explore the True Spirit of Crete with a Private Full-Day Tour

This private tour in Crete offers a comprehensive look at local traditions, history, and scenic beauty, all packed into approximately 8 hours and 30 minutes. Priced at $367.33 per person, it is designed for travelers seeking an in-depth experience of Crete’s villages, food, and ancient sites. The tour departs from several pickup points, including Heraklion port and city, Rethimno, Agios Nikolaos, and Elounda, with hotel or port pickups ensuring convenience.

What sets this tour apart is its flexibility and diversity. It includes visits to an olive oil factory, a local winery, traditional villages like Mochos, and iconic sites such as Knossos Palace. The experience is ideal for those eager to explore beyond the typical tourist spots, with optional stops for lunch and wine tasting. The tour’s personable English-speaking driver-guide enriches every step with stories, insights, and local knowledge, making it suitable for families, history buffs, and wine lovers alike.

Key Points

• Private, flexible full-day tour exploring Crete’s villages, olive oil, wine, and ancient Minoan sites
• Approximately 8.5 hours, with pickup and drop-off included from multiple locations
• Visits to Omalia Olive Press, Krasi Village’s ancient plane tree, and Lasithi Plateau windmills
• Wine tasting at the renowned Lyrarakis Winery (optional)
• Entry to Knossos Palace is optional, with guided exploration available
• Cost is $367.33 per person, with optional activities like lunch and wine tasting

Starting Point and Transportation Comfort

The tour begins at Heraklion port or city, with convenient hotel pickups available. Travelers are transported in air-conditioned vehicles, ensuring comfort during the approximately 8-hour journey. The private nature of the tour means it’s tailored to your group’s pace, avoiding crowded groups and allowing for an intimate experience.

Visiting Omalia Olive Press for Olive Oil Insights

The Olive Oil Factory, called Omalia Olive Press, is among the first stops. Here, visitors learn how olive oil is produced and taste different types of olive oil. The free 30-minute visit offers a practical look at olive oil making, along with tastings that highlight Crete’s high-quality olive oils. This stop is especially appealing for those interested in local food traditions and authentic flavors.

Discovering Krasi Village and the Oldest Plane Tree

Next, Krasi Village hosts the oldest plane tree in Crete, located in the Platanus Tree stop. This 20-minute visit provides a chance to admire this ancient natural monument and explore the village’s quaint atmosphere. It’s a brief but memorable stop that offers perfect photo opportunities and a glimpse of rural Crete’s tranquility.

Walking Through Mochos and Enjoying Traditional Cretan Cuisine

Mochos is a highlight for those wanting to see traditional village life. Travelers walk through narrow streets, visit old churches, and experience the authentic pace of Crete. The tour includes an optional traditional lunch at a family-run restaurant, where local dishes are served in a cozy setting. This one-hour stop combines culture with culinary enjoyment, offering a taste of Crete’s home cooking.

Visiting Lasithi Plateau and the Windmills

The Lasithi Plateau features ancient windmills that once pumped water for agriculture. The 30-minute visit offers stunning views and an understanding of traditional irrigation methods. The tour also passes by a monastery en route, which can be visited if desired. Later, the Windmills of Lasithi Plateau are explored—these historic structures once ground grain and are now a picturesque reminder of Crete’s farming history.

Tasting Crete’s Finest Wines at Lyrarakis Winery

A highlight for wine lovers is the stop at Lyrarakis Winery. The one-hour visit showcases local grape varieties and wine production techniques, culminating in a tasting of five local wines. While wine tasting is an optional activity costing €20, it offers a chance to savor Crete’s unique wines and learn about regional viticulture from knowledgeable staff.

Exploring Heraklion and the Minoan Palace of Knossos

For those arriving by cruise, the tour can include pick-up and drop-off at Heraklion port. Post-tour, a drive around Heraklion reveals sights like Lion Square, the Venetian Castle, and the Cathedral of Saint Titus, offering a quick cultural snapshot of the city. The main highlight is Knossos Palace, where visitors explore the Minoan ruins, see the famous Throne Room, and search for the legendary Minotaur. Entry to Knossos costs €20 and is an optional addition.

Scenic Drive Through Malia and Malia Beach

Traveling through Malia town and along Malia beach, the tour offers scenic views and photo opportunities. While passing by these locations, travelers get a sense of Crete’s lively coastal areas without necessarily stopping, unless desired.

Flexibility and Customization of the Experience

The tour’s customizable nature allows for adjustments based on your preferences. Whether you want more time at certain stops, additional visits, or specific activities like lunch or wine tasting, the guide can tailor the day to your needs. This flexibility ensures a personalized experience that aligns with your interests and pace.

Practical Details and Booking Insights

With most travelers booking 113 days in advance, the tour is popular among those planning ahead. Group discounts are available, and the tour is suitable for most ages and physical abilities, thanks to its mostly walking and seated activities. Liability insurance, bottled water, coffee, and tea are included, adding to the overall value.

Why Choose This Tour in Crete?

This private tour stands out for its diverse itinerary, high-quality sites, and personalized service. It offers a meaningful way to understand Crete’s culinary, historical, and cultural traditions. The expert driver-guide enhances the journey with stories and insights, making it more than just sightseeing.

Final Thoughts on the Crete Private Tour

This full-day experience suits travelers eager to explore Crete’s villages, the Minoan civilization, and local flavors in one seamless trip. The combination of olive oil tasting, wine visits, and historic sites makes it especially appealing to those wanting a well-rounded perspective of the island.

While the Knossos Palace visit is optional and requires an additional fee, the overall value and flexibility of this tour are clear. It’s ideal for families, history lovers, and anyone interested in authentic Crete away from crowded tourist spots.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the tour suitable for children?
Yes, the tour is designed to be flexible and is generally suitable for most ages. The guides are knowledgeable and friendly, making it a good choice for families.

Can I customize the stops or activities?
Absolutely. The tour is described as customizable, so you can request additional visits or activities like lunch and wine tasting.

What is included in the price?
The private transportation, bottled water, coffee, tea, olive oil and raki tasting, and liability insurance are included. Entrance fees for sites like Knossos and wine tasting are optional and cost extra.

How long in advance should I book?
Most bookings are made about 113 days in advance, highlighting its popularity and the importance of early planning.

Is the tour accessible for those with mobility issues?
Most activities involve walking in villages and at sites, so travelers with mobility concerns should inquire further to ensure the tour suits their needs.

This private Crete tour offers a rich, personalized way to connect with the island’s traditions, history, and cuisine—all in one well-paced, flexible day.