Tucked away in the heart of Crete, Heraklion’s agricultural heritage is a well-kept secret. But not for long. The ‘From Heraklion: Meet Local Products‘ excursion promises to change all that, offering visitors a chance to uncover the region’s artisanal treasures. From the serene Monastery of Selinari to the historic Vasilakis fabrica, this full-day adventure takes you on a sensory journey through the essence of Cretan culture. What’s in store? Prepare to be swept away by the captivating stories behind the island’s most prized exports. It’s an experience that’ll leave you hungry for more.
Key Points
- Immersive full-day excursion from Heraklion showcasing the region’s agricultural heritage and artisanal traditions.
- Exploration of olive oil production, essential oil extraction, and visits to local landmarks like the Monastery of Saint George.
- Guided tours with tastings of premium extra virgin olive oils and organic cosmetics/fragrances at family-run businesses.
- Flexible booking with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance and multilingual support for international travelers.
- Comprehensive itinerary covering traditional practices and local flavors, with accessibility for wheelchair users.
Activity Overview
This full-day excursion, titled ‘From Heraklion: Meet Local Products,’ offers visitors a chance to enjoy the rich cultural and agricultural heritage of the region.
Spanning 7 hours, the activity is priced at a reasonable $390.24 per group of up to 6 participants. The best part? You can book your spot without any upfront payment and enjoy a full refund if you cancel at least 24 hours in advance.
Throughout the day, you’ll get to witness the production of olive oil, learn about essential oil extraction, and explore the beautiful Monastery of Saint George and the charming town of Agios Nikolaos.
It’s an experience that truly showcases the local flavors and traditions of Heraklion.
Tour Highlights
First, visitors will venture to the Monastery of Selinari, known for its good luck traditions among travelers.
Next, they’ll explore the Vasilakis fabrica in Neapolis village, a family-run business with over 150 years of history that’s a leading producer and exporter of superior extra virgin olive oil. The guided tour includes tastings of olive oils and local products.
Afterward, the group will visit Bioaroma in Agios Nikolaos, which focuses on organic cosmetics and fragrances. Here, they’ll learn about the steam distillation process, the primary method for extracting essential oils from plants, and explore a 100-acre botanical area preserving diverse aromatic herbs and plants.
Throughout the day, travelers will enjoy the region’s rich agricultural heritage and artisanal traditions.
Olive Oil Experience
The tour kicks off with a visit to the Monastery of Selinari, where travelers can soak up the good luck traditions that have drawn visitors here for generations.
From there, the group heads to the Vasilakis fabrica in Neapolis village, a long-running family business and leading producer of premium extra virgin olive oil.
The guided tour includes:
- A behind-the-scenes look at the olive oil production process
- Tastings of the fabrica’s signature blends
- Insights into the region’s olive-growing heritage
- Opportunities to sample other local delicacies like honey and herbs
- The chance to purchase bottles of the coveted olive oil to take home
This immersive experience provides a true taste of Crete’s renowned culinary traditions.
Essential Oil Distillation
After exploring the olive oil production process, the tour moves to the town of Agios Nikolaos, home to Bioaroma, a company focused on organic cosmetics and fragrances.
Here, visitors explore the fascinating world of essential oil extraction through steam distillation, the primary method for deriving these aromatic compounds from plants.
They’ll learn how the steam’s gentle heat separates the oils from the plant material, leaving behind a pure, concentrated essence.
Wandering through Bioaroma’s 100-acre botanical area, guests discover the diversity of aromatic herbs and plants that are the source of these precious oils.
It’s a captivating sensory experience, as the aromas of nature fill the air.
Cancellation Policy
With free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, guests can book this tour without worrying about unexpected changes in their plans. A full refund is provided if they need to cancel their reservation before the cutoff time, making it a flexible and hassle-free experience.
Some key advantages of the cancellation policy include:
- No upfront payment required to secure your spot
- Easy-to-understand terms with a clear deadline
- No penalties or fees for last-minute changes
- Ability to rebook at a later date if needed
- Peace of mind knowing you can get a full refund if plans shift
This considerate cancellation policy reflects the tour provider’s commitment to customer satisfaction and accommodating the needs of travelers.
Reservation Details
You can reserve your spot on this immersive local products experience without having to pay upfront.
Simply book your preferred date and group size through the online platform, and you’ll secure your place without any immediate charges.
This pay-later option allows you to finalize your plans with flexibility, ensuring a hassle-free booking process.
Once your reservation is confirmed, you can focus on getting excited for your upcoming adventure.
Whether it’s a solo trip or a group outing, this stress-free booking method makes planning your Heraklion exploration a breeze.
With the freedom to change your plans up to 24 hours in advance, you can book with confidence and look forward to discovering the region’s exceptional local products.
Language Options
This tour offers a diverse language selection, catering to an international audience. A live tour guide is available in German, English, French, and Greek, ensuring a seamless and engaging experience for all participants.
Regardless of your native tongue, you’ll be able to fully learn about the local culture and traditions. The multilingual support allows for a deeper understanding of the olive oil production process, the art of essential oil extraction, and the rich history of the visited sites.
Whether you’re fluent in multiple languages or prefer to stick to your mother tongue, this tour caters to your linguistic needs.
- Guided tours available in German, English, French, and Greek
- Live tour guide ensures clear communication and cultural insights
- Multilingual support fosters a more personalized and enriching experience
- Suitable for international travelers with diverse linguistic backgrounds
- Language options facilitate a deeper appreciation of local traditions and practices
Accessibility and Inclusions
The tour is wheelchair accessible, ensuring that all travelers can fully participate in the immersive experience.
Along With the guided tours, the activity price includes hotel pickup and drop-off, as well as entrance fees to the olive oil fabrika and Bioaroma facilities, providing a seamless and comprehensive itinerary.
Whether you’re interested in learning about the traditional olive oil production or the captivating process of essential oil distillation, the tour has a lot to offer.
With live guides available in multiple languages, including German, English, French, and Greek, you’ll be able to fully engage with and understand the rich cultural heritage behind these local products.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Customize the Tour to Suit My Dietary Needs?
The tour can likely accommodate dietary needs. Travelers should let the tour provider know about any special requirements, like vegetarian or gluten-free options, when booking. The provider may be able to tailor the experiences to suit individual needs.
Are There Any Opportunities to Purchase the Local Products?
Yes, there are plenty of opportunities to purchase the local products during the tour. The visits to the olive oil fabrica and Bioaroma allow travelers to browse and buy the various olive oils, essential oils, and other regional specialties.
What Is the Typical Group Size for This Activity?
The typical group size for this activity is up to 6 participants. According to the activity overview, the price is $390.24 per group, which indicates that the group size can be as large as 6 people.
Is There an Option to Extend the Duration of the Tour?
The tour’s standard duration is 7 hours, but there doesn’t seem to be an option to extend it. The activity overview doesn’t mention any flexibility in the tour length. Travelers would need to book a separate activity if they want a longer experience.
Can I Take Photographs During the Visit to the Fabrica and Bioaroma?
Yes, you can take photographs during the visits to the olive oil fabrica and the Bioaroma facility. The tour allows participants to capture images of the production processes and the local products to document their experience.
Recap
Enjoy Heraklion’s rich agricultural heritage on this unforgettable full-day excursion.
Venture to a historic monastery, discover the art of olive oil and essential oil production, and savor the region’s artisanal flavors.
With flexible booking, multilingual guides, and a focus on local traditions, this tour offers an enriching adventure for up to six participants, showcasing the very best of Heraklion’s bountiful bounty.
