Wine & Olive Oil Tour with lunch at the White Mountains

Exploring Crete beyond its famous beaches is a true delight, and this Wine & Olive Oil Tour with lunch at the White Mountains offers just that. Priced at $171.81 per person, it spans approximately 7 to 8 hours and features a carefully curated itinerary that immerses travelers in the island’s rich agricultural traditions. The tour is limited to just six participants, ensuring an intimate experience with personalized attention from knowledgeable guides.

The tour departs from Chania with included round-trip transfers, making logistics hassle-free. It’s ideal for those who want to combine scenic views, cultural insights, and delicious tastings in a single day. The consistently high reviews — a perfect 5.0 out of 5 from 67 reviews — reflect its popularity and the quality of the experience. While it’s most suitable for adults and those who enjoy small-group adventures, it’s accessible for most travelers, with vegetarian options available.

Key Points

• Small-group experience with a maximum of 6 travelers for personalized service
• Includes tastings of five different local wines and extra virgin olive oil
• Visit the Olive Tree Museum of Vouves and experience the world’s oldest olive tree
• Explore White Mountains and Samaria Gorge, with scenic views at Omalos Plateau
• Enjoy a traditional Cretan lunch with wine, honey, cheese, and olives
• Pickup is offered from Chania hotels, simplifying transportation

Starting at the Olive Tree Museum of Vouves and Its 3000-Year-Old Olive Tree

The tour begins at the Olive Tree Museum of Vouves, where visitors can touch the remarkably productive olive tree that has been alive for around 3000 years. This ancient tree continues to produce olives today, making it a fascinating symbol of Crete’s long-standing olive-growing tradition.

This stop also includes a visit to a small Cretan farm, giving a glimpse into local farming life. It’s an excellent chance to stretch your legs, enjoy some coffee or tea, and appreciate the significance of olive cultivation in Crete’s culture. The admission to the museum is included, ensuring no extra cost.

Tasting Crete’s Finest Olive Oil and Local Wines at Anoskeli Winery

Next, the tour takes guests to the Anoskeli Winery Olive Mill, a family-owned hotel renowned for organic, extra virgin olive oil. Visitors get to sample organic olive oil straight from the press, savoring its freshness and purity.

After exploring the olive oil process, the focus shifts to wine. The winery experience includes tasting five different labels of local wines, each paired with Cretan snacks like cheeses and olives. This stops highlights Crete’s thriving wine scene and artisanal olive oil production, both integral to the island’s culinary identity.

Crossing the Rugged Sebronas Gorge and Approaching the White Mountains

Traveling in full A/C 4WD vehicles, the tour navigates the Sebronas Gorge, a rugged natural feature that showcases Crete’s dramatic landscape. This route offers a different perspective than standard buses, as the vehicles are capable of tackling rougher terrain.

The drive provides panoramic views of the White Mountains, also known as Lefka Ori, from the west side. This approach offers an immersive experience of Crete’s diverse terrain and helps visitors appreciate the impressive scale and beauty of the mountains.

Omalos Plateau and the Entrance to Samaria Gorge

The journey continues to the Omalos Plateau, situated at an altitude of 1,000 meters (3,300 feet). Shepherds tend their sheep and goats here all year, and the scenery includes open pastures and mountain vistas.

From this vantage point, the tour offers photo opportunities at the entrance to Samaria Gorge, the longest gorge in Europe at 16 km (10 miles). The scenery at Omalos and the gorge entrance make for a memorable stop, even if some may not undertake the full hike.

Lunch at 1200 Meters with Spectacular Views

At around 4000 feet (1200 meters) altitude, the tour pauses for a delicious lunch with Cretan flavors. The meal includes local wines or beers, along with honey, cheese, olives, and tea, providing a true taste of the island’s produce.

The lunch setting offers spectacular views of the White Mountains and the highest summit, Pachnes (2453 meters / 8048 feet). Many reviews highlight this meal as a highlight, praising its authenticity and stunning scenery.

Exploring the White Mountains and the Surrounding Villages

Driving downhill, the group stops at an altitude of 1000 meters, where the views encompass forests of cypress trees and the valley filled with citrus and olive trees. The tour passes through several villages, including Omalos, Lakki, Fournes, and Alikianos, showcasing traditional architecture and local life.

This section emphasizes the scenic diversity of Crete’s interior, from lush orchards to mountain forests, making it a visually rich part of the journey.

Scenic Views from the White Mountains and Omalos Plateau

One of the tour’s key moments is at 1000 meters altitude when travelers enjoy panoramic views of the White Mountains. The dramatic landscape includes the highest summit, Pachnes, and a variety of natural features.

This stop also offers an opportunity for photography and absorbs the changing scenery as the tour heads toward Chania. The landscape transitions from mountain forests to valleys with lemon, orange, avocado, and olive trees.

The Final Drive: From Omalos to Chania Villages

As the tour concludes, the scenic drive takes visitors through Omalos, Lakki, Fournes, and Alikianos before heading back to Chania. The journey showcases Crete’s natural beauty and small villages, with informative commentary from the guide highlighting local history and culture.

The entire drive is about 1 hour and 10 minutes, and the changing landscape offers a fitting finale to a full day of exploration.

Practical Details and What’s Included

This tour features pickup from many Chania hotels, making the start seamless. The small group size ensures a relaxed atmosphere, and the full A/C 4WD vehicles are perfect for navigating the mountain roads.

Included in the price are olive oil and wine tastings, lunch with local wine or beer, coffee or tea, bottled water, and liability insurance. The tour operates in all weather conditions, so dress appropriately, especially for the mountain stops.

Children are welcome if accompanied by an adult, but the minimum drinking age is 18. Vegetarian options are available if requested during booking, adding flexibility for dietary preferences.

What Sets This Tour Apart From Others

The small-group size of up to 6 people ensures personalized attention from the local driver and host, often praised for their knowledge and friendliness. The mix of scenic drives, cultural insights, and tasting experiences offers a rounded impression of Crete’s interior.

Unlike larger bus tours, this experience allows for more intimate stops and flexibility. Many reviews mention excellent guides like Dimitris, Nicolas, Vassilis, and Nikolas, who are noted for their enthusiasm, knowledge, and engaging personalities.

Final Thoughts on the Crete Wine & Olive Oil Tour

This tour provides a rich combination of scenic beauty, cultural insights, and culinary delights. The highlighted stops — the ancient olive tree, winery tastings, and Samaria Gorge entrance — are balanced with delicious local cuisine.

The small-group format and personalized service make this an ideal choice for those who want a relaxed, immersive experience in Crete’s mountain heartlands. The high praise in reviews confirms that the tour lives up to expectations, especially for food and wine lovers or those interested in local traditions.

While the focus isn’t on undertaking the full Samaria Gorge hike, the viewpoints and stops still leave a lasting impression. This tour is best suited for adults, families with older children, and anyone eager to explore Crete’s interior away from the tourist crowds.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the tour include hotel pickup?
Yes, pickup is offered from many hotels within 5 km east and 25 km west of Chania.

Are vegetarian options available?
Yes, vegetarian options can be arranged if advised at the time of booking.

How long is the total tour?
The tour lasts approximately 7 to 8 hours, including all stops, tastings, and lunch.

Is this tour suitable for children?
Children are welcome if accompanied by an adult, but the minimum drinking age is 18. The experience is best suited for adults and older children with an interest in food and scenery.

What is included in the price?
The price covers olive oil and wine tastings, lunch, coffee or tea, bottled water, and liability insurance. Pickup from designated hotels is also included.

What should I wear?
Dress smart casual and wear appropriate clothing for outdoor stops, as the tour operates in all weather conditions.

Can I cancel the tour if my plans change?
Yes, full cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. Cancellations less than 24 hours before the start are non-refundable.

Who is the tour provider?
The tour is operated by CHANIA ADVENTURES SINGLE MEMBER P.C, delivering personalized and knowledgeable service.