Authentic Cretan Flavours & Traditions – Discover Crete through its wine, olive oil, cheese, and rich heritage.
General information
Discover the authentic side of Crete through a unique journey into the island’s traditions, gastronomy, and rural life. During this immersive excursion, you will visit local producers, explore traditional villages, and experience the genuine flavors of the Cretan countryside.
Your experience begins with a visit to a traditional winery, where you will learn about the island’s long winemaking history, which dates back to the Minoan era. Walk through the production areas and aging cellars before enjoying a guided tasting of 6–7 different wines, discovering the unique aromas and indigenous grape varieties of the Cretan vineyard.
You will then visit a local olive oil mill, where you will discover the production process of extra virgin olive oil—one of the most important products of Crete and a cornerstone of the famous Cretan diet. During the visit, you will take part in an olive oil tasting, learn about local honey production, and sample different varieties. The experience is accompanied by a small traditional treat with local products such as cheese, rusks, cherry tomatoes, and olives.
Your journey continues with a stop at a traditional wood-fired bakery, where you will see how fresh bread, rusks, and traditional kaltsounia are prepared, offering a glimpse into everyday life in rural Crete.
The excursion also includes a visit to a local cheese factory, where (depending on the season) you will learn about the production of traditional Cretan cheeses such as Graviera, highlighting the island’s long tradition of livestock farming and cheesemaking.
Before the tour concludes, you will stop at two remarkable historical landmarks: the Cave of Saint John the Hermit and the Monumental Olive Tree of Vouves, one of the oldest olive trees in the world.
This excursion combines culture, gastronomy, and tradition, giving you the opportunity to connect with the authentic spirit of Crete and its renowned hospitality.
Included
- Guided visits to local producers
- Wine tasting (6–7 wines)
- Olive oil tasting
- Honey tasting
- Traditional snack with local products
- Visits to historical landmarks
Not included
- Personal expenses
- Additional food or drinks not mentioned
Indicative Time-Table
- 09:00-10:15 Pick up from your hotel
- 10:30 Arrival to the winery – tour and wine tasting
- 11:30 Departure from the winery
- 11:40 -13:40 Arrival to the olive oil mill, traditional wood-fired bakery and cheese factory (tour and tasting traditional snacks and local products included)
- 14:15 Arrival to Vouves -visit the ancient Olive Tree
- 14:30 Departure from Vouves
- 15:00-16:00 Arrival to your hotel
Trip days and duration
- Every Wednesday
- Approximately 6-7 hours
Highlights
- Visit a traditional Cretan winery and enjoy a guided tasting of 6–7 wines
- Discover the production of extra virgin olive oil and taste local varieties
- Learn about honey production and sample authentic Cretan honey
- Experience a traditional wood-fired bakery and see local delicacies being prepared
- Visit a local dairy farm and learn about traditional Cretan cheese making
- See the famous Monumental Olive Tree of Vouves, one of the oldest olive trees in the world
Prices
- Adults (12+): 35€
- Children (4-12): 18€
Pick up times
| Halepa | 8:40 |
| Dikastiria | 8:40 |
| Kumba Hostel | 8:40 |
| Irida Hotel | 8:40 |
| Hyperion City | 8:40 |
| Kríti Hotel | 8:45 |
| Samaria Hotel | 8:40 |
| Agora | 9:00 |
| Pizza Mafioza | 9:00 |
| Talos Square | 9:00 |
| Chania Flair Boutique | 9:00 |
| Selinou Pak / Sunny Rent a Car | 9:00 |
| Ag. Apostoloi | 9:15 |
| Kalamaki | 9:20 |
| Ag. Marina | 9:30 |
| Stalos | 9:25 |
| Platanias | 9:40 |
| Maleme | 10:05 |
| Gerani | 10:00 |
| Tavronitis | 10:10 |
| Kolymbari | 10:15 |
| Almyrida | 8:20 |
| Kalyves | 8:30 |
| Kyani Beach | 8:40 |
| Stavros | 8:25 |
| Kounoupidiana | 8:40 |