Wine Tasting-Olive Oil Factory-Traditional Villages- Small Group

Craving an authentic taste of Crete? This small-group tour’s got you covered. You’ll dive into the island’s rich culinary heritage, from award-winning wines to the finest olive oils. Imagine strolling through quaint mountain villages, uncovering their captivating histories. But the real eye-opener? Seeing how that top-notch olive oil is produced at a family-run factory. With a max of seven travelers, you’re in for a personalized experience that’ll engage all your senses. So, if you’re after an immersive Greek adventure that’s a cut above the rest…

Key Points

Small-group tour from Heraklion exploring Cretan culinary traditions, including olive oil tasting at a family-owned factory and wine tasting of 5 local vintages.
Visit charming mountain villages on the Lasithi Plateau to discover local culture and sample traditional Cretan delicacies.
Transportation provided by a friendly guide, allowing travelers to fully enjoy the olive oil, wine, and village experiences.
Stroller and infant seat options available, and most travelers can participate with some mobility required.
Positive reviews highlight the immersive Cretan experience, excellent communication and service from guides, and the stunning landscapes.

Tour Overview

This small-group tasting tour from Heraklion, Greece promises to immerse visitors in the rich culinary traditions of Crete, with a focus on olive oil, wine, and the charming rural villages that dot the island’s mountainous landscapes.

You’ll start at a family-owned olive oil factory, where you’ll learn about the production process and sample a variety of Cretan olive oils.

Then, you’ll explore traditional mountain villages and enjoy a lunch on the picturesque Lasithi Plateau.

In the afternoon, you’ll get to indulge in a local wine tasting, sampling five different vintages.

With a maximum of 7 travelers, this tour offers a personalized and authentic Cretan experience.

Included Experiences

The tour includes a tasting of Cretan olive oils at the family-owned factory, where visitors can explore the production process and sample a variety of the island’s renowned oils.

Complementing the olive oil experience, the tour provides complimentary bottled water, coffee, and tea throughout the day.

After the olive oil tasting, the group will have the opportunity to indulge in a traditional Cretan lunch at their own expense, providing a chance to savor the local cuisine and enjoy the region’s culinary culture.

In the afternoon, the tour shifts its focus to wine, with a tasting of five local vintages available for an additional 18 euros per person, allowing participants to discover Crete’s vibrant winemaking heritage.

Pickup Logistics

Pickup is available from Heraklion city and other pre-arranged points in the Heraklion area, including Malia, Hersonisos, Anissara, and Stalida.

Additional charges apply for transfers from Agia Pelagia, Fodele, or Sisi.

With this convenience, you don’t have to worry about driving yourself or finding parking. Just sit back, relax, and let your friendly guide handle the transportation.

You’ll receive your confirmation details at booking unless it’s within a day of your tour. This ensures you’re all set to go and can focus on enjoying the incredible olive oil, wine, and local village experiences ahead.

Accessibility and Cancellation

Though the tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, it offers stroller and infant seat options, making it accessible to most travelers.

Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the experience starts, providing flexibility for participants.

The tour’s accessibility and cancellation policy cater to a wide range of travelers. Whether you’ve got little ones in tow or just need the freedom to change plans, this experience has got you covered.

Here are 5 key things to know:

Strollers and infant seats are available for families
Most travelers can participate, with some mobility required
Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the tour
Flexibility to adjust your plans without penalty
A personalized experience for up to 7 travelers

Olive Oil Factory Visit

One of the highlights of this tour is the visit to a family-owned olive oil factory, where travelers get an inside look at the traditional production process and have the chance to sample a variety of high-quality olive oils. The knowledgeable guide leads guests through the factory, explaining each step and sharing insights into how the olives are harvested, pressed, and bottled to create the rich, flavorful oil. Guests can’t help but be impressed by the care and attention to detail that goes into every drop. After the tour, they’ll have the opportunity to purchase their favorite varieties to take home as a taste of authentic Cretan culture.

Olive Oil Varieties	Tasting Notes	Acidity Level	Price per Bottle
Koroneiki	Robust, peppery	0.3%	€12
Tsounati	Delicate, fruity	0.2%	€14
Manaki	Mild, nutty	0.4%	€10
Throumbolia	Intense, grassy	0.5%	€15

Traditional Village Exploration

After exploring the intricacies of olive oil production, the tour moves on to immersing guests in the traditional mountain villages of Crete.

The guide leads the group through charming streets lined with whitewashed buildings and colorful bougainvillea, providing insights into the local way of life. Visitors can’t help but feel transported back in time as they wander past quaint shops, tavernas, and historic landmarks, gaining a deeper appreciation for Crete’s enduring cultural heritage.

The experience offers:

Glimpses into the rhythms of daily village life
Opportunities to interact with friendly local residents
Visits to centuries-old churches and monasteries
Invitations to sample traditional Cretan delicacies
Breathtaking vistas of the rugged Cretan landscape

Wine Tasting Experience

Capping off the immersive olive oil experience, travelers indulge in an afternoon of local wine tasting, exploring the renowned vineyards of Crete and sampling a diverse selection of the island’s celebrated vintages. The wine tasting takes place at a charming family-owned winery, where an expert guide leads the group through a tasting of five carefully curated Cretan wines. Participants swirl, sip, and savor the distinct flavors, learning about the unique terroir and winemaking traditions that give these wines their distinctive character. It’s a chance to delve deeper into Crete’s rich viticultural heritage and appreciate the art of winemaking alongside the olive oil culture.

Winery	Wine 1	Wine 2
Lyrarakis	Dafni	Vidiano
Domaine Paterianakis	Kotsifali	Mandilari
Douloufakis	Liatiko	Thrapsathiri

Traveler Reviews and Feedback

Travelers rave about the immersive Cretan experience this tour offers, praising the excellent communication and accommodating service from the knowledgeable guides.

Visitors highlight the unique insights into local culture and lifestyle, from the fascinating olive oil production process to the scenic vineyard visits. Many recommend the tour for those seeking an authentic taste of Crete, with one reviewer calling it ‘the highlight of our trip.’

The feedback emphasizes the tour’s strong points:

Informative and engaging guides who bring the local traditions to life
Exclusive access to family-owned businesses for a genuine experience
Stunning mountain landscapes and charming traditional villages
Perfect blend of food, wine, and culture
Comfortable small-group setting for a personalized adventure

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is the Dress Code for the Tour?

There’s no strict dress code for the tour, but it’s best to wear comfortable, casual clothing that’s suitable for walking around the countryside. Opt for closed-toe shoes and bring layers in case the weather changes during the day.

Are Children Welcome on the Tour?

Yes, children are welcome on the tour. The tour provider offers stroller and infant seat options, so families can bring along little ones for an authentic Cretan experience. Just be sure to let the company know if you’re bringing kids along.

Can We Purchase Olive Oil or Wine During the Tour?

Absolutely! Participants can purchase olive oil and wine during the tour. The family-owned olive oil factory offers samples and allows guests to buy their top-quality oils. Plus, the afternoon wine tasting includes the chance to purchase the featured local wines.

Are Restrooms Available During the Tour?

Restrooms are available during the tour. You’ll find them at the olive oil factory and at the traditional villages you visit. The tour guide can point out the restroom locations along the way, so you won’t have to worry about that.

Is Gratuity for the Driver Guide Included?

No, gratuity for the driver guide isn’t included in the tour cost. It’s customary to tip the guide if you’re satisfied with their service – around 10-15% of the tour price is standard. The guide will appreciate the extra gesture.