Rethymno, a captivating region in Crete, beckons visitors to enjoy its rich viticultural heritage. Set out on a private wine tour of Dafnes Valley, where you’ll savor ten exquisite locally produced wines across two renowned wineries. This enchanting 8.5-hour journey promises a scenic drive through picturesque valleys and charming villages, culminating in a delightful Cretan lunch. Guided by a wine diploma holder, you’ll deepen your appreciation for the area’s culinary traditions. But what makes this experience truly remarkable is the chance to uncover the valley’s hidden gems and…
Key Points
- This private wine tour in Dafnes Valley near Rethymno offers tastings of 10 locally produced wines across two wineries, Diamantakis and Silva Daskalaki.
- The tour includes a scenic drive through Heraklion’s valleys and villages, showcasing the natural beauty of the Cretan countryside.
- Guests will enjoy an exclusive lunch featuring local Cretan delicacies and a glass of wine at a traditional tavern in the rolling hills.
- The tour is guided by a knowledgeable wine diploma holder, providing insights into winemaking traditions, grape varietals, and pairing recommendations.
- The tour offers comprehensive amenities, including private transportation, pick-up/drop-off, and a flexible cancellation policy of up to 24 hours for a full refund.
Tour Overview
This private wine tour of Dafnes Valley in Rethymno offers an 8.5-hour experience that visitors can reserve now and pay later, with a flexible cancellation policy up to 24 hours for a full refund.
The tour includes visits to two local wineries, Diamantakis and Silva Daskalaki, where guests will sample a total of 10 locally produced wines.
The price per person ranges from £210.98 to £189.89, with up to 10% savings available.
This private tour provides an intimate experience, allowing time for questions and exploration as visitors are guided through the scenic Heraklion valleys and villages during the drive.
Itinerary Highlights
The tour’s itinerary highlights include visiting Diamantakis Winery and Silva Daskalaki Winery, where guests will taste 5 native varieties at Diamantakis and 5 special wines at Silva Daskalaki.
The scenic drive through Heraklion’s valleys and villages offers a glimpse into the region’s natural beauty.
Lunch at an exclusive tavern on the hills features local Cretan delicacies, complemented by a glass of wine.
The tour emphasizes both wine tasting and the picturesque journey, providing an immersive experience for guests.
With the knowledgeable wine diploma holder as a guide, the private tour offers an intimate setting for questions and exploration.
Wine Tasting Experiences
Guests can look forward to tasting 5 distinct native wine varieties at the Diamantakis Winery, as well as 5 specially curated wines at the Silva Daskalaki Winery.
At Diamantakis, they’ll sample the region’s signature grapes, uncovering the unique flavors that thrive in Dafnes Valley’s terroir.
The Silva Daskalaki experience showcases the winery’s commitment to innovation, offering a selection of special blends and limited-production wines.
Throughout the tastings, a knowledgeable wine diploma holder will guide participants, sharing insights into the winemaking process and the distinct characteristics of each varietal.
This immersive wine journey allows guests to fully appreciate the rich viticultural heritage of the Rethymno region.
Scenic Drive Through Valleys
Beyond the wineries, the scenic drive through Heraklion’s valleys and villages offers breathtaking vistas of the Cretan countryside.
Winding roads lead guests past rolling hills, olive groves, and charming local settlements, providing a glimpse into the region’s natural beauty and traditional way of life.
The journey takes visitors through picturesque landscapes, offering a chance to appreciate the island’s rugged terrain and lush vegetation.
Along the way, guests can spot traditional Cretan architecture, family-run farms, and locals going about their daily activities.
This scenic drive is an integral part of the wine tour, allowing participants to enjoy the authentic essence of Crete beyond the tasting rooms.
Exclusive Lunch at Tavern
A highlight of the wine tour is the exclusive lunch served at a traditional Cretan tavern nestled amidst the rolling hills.
Guests will enjoy a full-course menu featuring locally-sourced Cretan delicacies. The meal includes a glass of wine to complement the flavors.
The tavern offers stunning views of the surrounding Dafnes Valley, providing a picturesque setting to savor the regional cuisine. The staff takes pride in showcasing the best of Cretan culinary traditions.
This intimate dining experience allows visitors to enjoy the local culture and hospitality. It’s a chance to indulge in the flavors that make Cretan food so celebrated while taking in the picturesque countryside backdrop.
Knowledgeable Wine Diploma Holder
The tour is guided by a knowledgeable wine diploma holder who shares their expertise on the local wines and vineyards. This ensures a more enriching and informative experience for guests. The guide’s deep understanding of the region’s winemaking traditions and techniques enhances the tasting experience, providing valuable insights into the unique flavors and characteristics of the local varieties.
| Wine Knowledge Shared | Benefit to Guests |
|---|---|
| Grape varietals | Understand origin and profiles |
| Winemaking processes | Appreciate production methods |
| Terroir influences | Recognize regional distinctions |
| Pairing recommendations | Enhance food and wine experience |
| Winery histories | Connect with local heritage |
Inclusions and Amenities
This private wine tour includes a comprehensive set of amenities to enhance the overall experience.
Pick-up and drop-off services from customers’ hotels, private transportation in a premium 4WD SUV, and bottled water are all provided.
Guests will also enjoy a full-course lunch featuring local Cretan delicacies, accompanied by a glass of wine, at an exclusive tavern on the hills. All fees and taxes are included in the tour price.
The tour offers a seamless and comfortable journey, allowing guests to focus on the wine tastings and scenic drive through the Dafnes Valley.
With these inclusions, the private wine tour is designed to provide a truly immersive and well-rounded experience for participants.
Booking and Availability
In Rethymno, customers can check availability for starting times of the private wine tour. They can then select the desired number of participants and the tour date. Assistance is available to help customers arrange or plan the entire tour experience.
The tour offers flexible cancellation up to 24 hours before the start for a full refund, allowing customers to book with confidence.
Pricing for the 8.5-hour private wine tour starts from £210.98 per person, with potential savings of up to 10%. Customers can reserve the tour now and pay later, making it a convenient option.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Private Tour Suitable for Families With Children?
The private tour may not be the best choice for families with children. The tour focuses on wine tasting and visiting wineries, which may not be an engaging experience for children. A family-friendly tour option would likely be more suitable.
How Accessible Is the Tour for Individuals With Mobility Limitations?
The tour is moderately accessible for those with mobility limitations. The wineries and tavern have some wheelchair-friendly facilities, but the scenic drives and walking between sites may present challenges. Guests should inquire about specific accessibility needs.
Can the Tour Be Customized to Accommodate Specific Dietary Requirements?
The tour can be customized to accommodate specific dietary requirements. The provider is happy to cater to any dietary needs, such as vegetarian, vegan, or gluten-free, upon request at the time of booking.
What Is the Dress Code or Attire Recommended for the Tour?
The tour has a casual, relaxed dress code. Comfortable, weather-appropriate clothing and closed-toe shoes are recommended. No formal attire is required, as the focus is on enjoying the wine tasting and scenic drive in a laid-back atmosphere.
Is There an Option to Extend or Shorten the Tour Duration?
The tour duration is flexible and can be extended or shortened upon request. Customers can discuss their preferences with the tour provider to customize the experience to their needs.
Recap
This private wine tour of Dafnes Valley offers a captivating glimpse into Rethymno’s viticultural heritage.
Guests will indulge in tastings of ten local wines, explore picturesque valleys, and savor a traditional Cretan lunch – all while guided by a knowledgeable wine diploma holder.
This immersive 8.5-hour experience promises to deepen one’s appreciation for the region’s exquisite culinary and oenological traditions.
