Rethymno, the picturesque city on the island of Crete, offers a unique gastronomic experience with the ‘Cretan Herbs and Wine Tasting with Lunch’ tour. This private group excursion takes visitors on a journey through the local culinary traditions, where they’ll explore the flavorful herbs, savor exceptional Cretan wines, and indulge in a delightful traditional meal. From the quaint village of Agouseliana to the renowned Zouberakis winery, this tour promises to immerse guests in the rich cultural heritage of Crete, leaving them with a newfound appreciation for the island’s vibrant gastronomy.
Key Points
- This 5-hour experience takes visitors on a journey through Crete’s rich culinary and winemaking traditions, including herb exploration, winery tour, and authentic Cretan lunch.
- Guests will visit Agouseliana village to learn about local herbs, then travel to Zouberakis winery for a guided tour and wine tasting.
- The tour includes an authentic Cretan meal with traditional dishes and desserts served in the village of Armenoi.
- The experience is led by an English-speaking local guide and includes transportation, bottled water, tea tasting, and liability insurance.
- The tour is not suitable for pregnant women, those with mobility issues or food allergies, and children under 18.
Activity Overview
The title of this activity is ‘Rethymno: Cretan Herbs and Wine Tasting with Lunch,’ and it’s priced from €150.00 per person for a private group experience lasting approximately 5 hours.
The experience is available in English, and there’s free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. Participants don’t need to pay upfront, as they can reserve their spot and pay later.
During the 5-hour excursion, guests will explore Cretan herbs, visit a family winery, and enjoy an authentic Cretan meal with traditional desserts, wine, and raki.
Itinerary and Highlights
The activity starts from Rethymno, where guests will travel to the village of Agouseliana to explore Cretan herbs. There, they’ll enjoy coffee amidst the local plants and animals.
Next, the group will visit the Zouberakis family winery in Kali Sykia for a tour and wine tasting.
To conclude the experience, they’ll head to Armenoi village for an authentic Cretan meal, traditional desserts, wine, and raki. The tour includes tasting varieties of Cretan tea and four wines, providing a comprehensive introduction to the region’s rich culinary and viticulture heritage.
The key highlights of the tour are:
- Exploring Cretan herbs in Agouseliana village
- Touring and tasting wines at the Zouberakis family winery
- Enjoying an authentic Cretan lunch with local delicacies in Armenoi
Transportation and Pickup
For this experience, pickup and drop-off are available within 11km of the Rethymno city center or at specific points within the city.
The guide will hold a sign that says ‘Rithyland’ to assist guests in identifying the meeting point. Guests should wait in their hotel lobby 10 minutes before the scheduled pickup time.
Transportation will be provided via an air-conditioned minibus or car. This ensures a comfortable and convenient journey to the various locations on the tour itinerary.
The transfer service is included in the overall experience, allowing guests to sit back, relax, and fully enjoy the Cretan herbs and wine tasting activities without worrying about navigating the roads themselves.
Inclusions and Exclusions
This experience includes a comprehensive package of services and amenities.
The local English-speaking guide, professional driver, complimentary bottled water, tea tasting, coffee or tea, and an authentic Cretan meal with wine are all covered under the price. Plus, liability insurance and all applicable taxes and fees are included.
The experience excludes:
- Any additional food or drinks beyond what’s included.
- Personal expenses.
- Tips for the guide and driver.
Guests are advised to bring their passport/ID, comfortable shoes, sunglasses, sun hat, sunscreen, and cash for any additional purchases or tips.
Important Information
Notably, this experience may not be suitable for certain groups, including pregnant women, people with back problems, mobility impairments, heart conditions, wheelchair users, children under 18, and those with food allergies.
Guests should come prepared with their passport or ID, comfortable shoes, sunglasses, sun hat, and sunscreen, as well as some cash for any additional expenses.
The dress code is smart casual.
Dietary requirements should be communicated at the time of booking, as a vegetarian option is available.
In case of bad weather, the experience may be canceled, and refunds or rescheduling will be offered.
Free umbrellas are provided in case of unforeseen weather conditions during the excursion.
Exploring Cretan Herbs
The Agouseliana village, nestled amidst the Cretan flora and fauna, serves as the starting point for the herb exploration experience. Upon arrival, guests are treated to a warm cup of coffee or tea while seeing the captivating world of Cretan plants and animals.
The herb exploration includes:
- Guided walks through the lush local gardens, where the expert guide shares insights on the diverse array of Cretan herbs and their traditional uses.
- Hands-on demonstrations on how to properly identify and harvest various herbs, with an opportunity to gather and bring home a selection of these fragrant botanicals.
- Tastings of traditional Cretan herbal tea blends, showcasing the unique flavors and health benefits of the region’s natural bounty.
Visiting Zouberakis Winery
After exploring the vibrant Cretan herbs, the experience continues with a visit to the Zouberakis family winery in Kali Sykia.
Guests are invited to join a guided tour of the winery, where they’ll learn about the time-honored traditions and modern techniques employed in crafting the region’s acclaimed wines.
The tour culminates in a tasting session, during which you will sample a selection of the winery’s finest offerings.
From crisp whites to bold reds, each wine showcases the unique terroir and the winemaker’s skill.
This immersive experience allows visitors to explore the rich wine heritage of Crete, appreciating the care and dedication that goes into every bottle.
Authentic Cretan Meal
Concluding the immersive experience, guests are treated to an authentic Cretan meal in the charming village of Armenoi.
Featuring traditional Cretan dishes, the lunch showcases the region’s rich culinary heritage and celebrates the flavors of locally-sourced, seasonal ingredients.
The meal includes:
- A selection of Cretan meze, or small plates, such as dolmades (stuffed grape leaves), tzatziki (cucumber-yogurt dip), and kolokythokeftedes (zucchini fritters).
- A main course of Stifado, a classic Cretan beef and onion stew, served with aromatic, herb-infused rice.
- For dessert, guests indulge in traditional Cretan sweets like galatopita (milk pie) and karidopita (walnut cake), accompanied by local raki, the island’s signature spirit.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Time Will the Pickup Be?
Pickup time is 10 minutes before the scheduled start time. The guide will be holding a sign with "Rithyland" written on it, and guests should wait in the hotel lobby for the pickup.
How Long Is the Drive to the First Location?
The drive to the first location, Agouseliana village, is not specified in the information provided. However, the activity overview indicates that the experience starts from Rethymno and travels to the village, suggesting a reasonable drive time.
Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks?
No, bringing your own food and drinks is generally not allowed on these types of experiences. The tour includes a Cretan meal, wine, and other complimentary refreshments as part of the package. Participants are advised to advise any dietary requirements when booking.
Is Photography Allowed During the Tour?
Photography is generally allowed during the tour. Participants are encouraged to capture the scenic landscapes, cultural experiences, and activities. However, it’s polite to ask permission before photographing other people.
Can I Purchase the Wines Tasted During the Experience?
Yes, visitors can typically purchase the wines tasted during the experience. The wine tasting is often held at a local winery, allowing guests to buy bottles of their favorite Cretan wines to take home.
Recap
This immersive Cretan experience offers a unique opportunity to explore the island’s rich culinary heritage.
From exploring local herbs to savoring award-winning wines and indulging in a traditional Cretan lunch, it’s a delightful way to take in the flavors that define this enchanting Mediterranean destination.
