Wine & Olive Oil Tour with Lunch – Semi Private Safari Tour

This semi-private safari tour in Chania offers a wonderful way to see the rugged beauty of Western Crete while indulging in its famous wines and olive oils. For those looking for an authentic, small-group experience that combines scenic views, cultural insights, and delicious tastings, this tour ticks all the boxes. With just up to six travelers per vehicle, it promises an intimate and personalized journey into Crete’s culinary and natural treasures.

One of the standout features of this experience is the expert guidance of local guides and sommeliers. Their passion for Crete’s products and history shines through during tastings and storytelling, making the day both educational and enjoyable. However, the tour involves some rough roads and off-road driving, which might not suit everyone, especially those prone to motion sickness or seeking a purely relaxed sightseeing trip.

Ideal for food lovers, wine enthusiasts, and curious travelers eager to explore beyond typical tourist spots, this tour offers a balanced mix of scenic drives, flavorful tastings, and cultural discovery—all wrapped into a full-day adventure.

Key Points

• Small-group experience with up to 6 guests for personalized attention
• Tastings of five wines and organic extra virgin olive oil with expert guidance
• Visits to historical and natural sites like the Cave of Saint John and the Olive Tree Museum of Vouves
• An authentic Cretan lunch with local flavors, drinks, and dessert at a mountain restaurant
• Scenic off-road drives with stunning views of gorges and ancient olive groves
• Convenient pickup and round-trip transfers from Chania area

An In-Depth Look at the Crete Wine & Olive Oil Tour

Setting the Scene: What to Expect

This tour offers a full-day peek into Crete’s natural beauty and culinary delights. Starting at 9:00 am, you’ll be picked up from your Chania accommodation, setting the tone for a seamless, stress-free day. The small group size — limited to six people — ensures plenty of space for questions, conversation, and personal touches from your guides.

Throughout the day, you’ll visit a handful of thoughtfully selected sites that combine history, nature, and flavor. Expect to see rugged gorges, ancient olive groves, and local farms, all while enjoying the comfort and agility of a luxurious 4WD vehicle. The driving routes are designed to take you off the beaten track, revealing parts of Crete that larger buses simply can’t access.

First Stop: Cave of Saint John the Hermit

Your adventure begins with a visit to the Cave of Saint John the Hermit, a site steeped in local lore and history. From the cave, you’ll get sweeping views of the surrounding landscape, which immediately sets the tone for a day of natural beauty. The cave’s admission is included, and most reviewers mention that it offers a peaceful, contemplative start. Dena_C, a reviewer, appreciated the “breathtaking views from the nature belvedere” following this stop, setting a scenic mood for the day.

Second Stop: Olive Tree Museum of Vouves

Next, you’ll make your way to the Olive Tree Museum of Vouves, home to one of the world’s oldest olive trees, still productive after nearly 3,000 years. Touching an olive tree of such age is a humbling reminder of Crete’s long-standing olive-growing tradition. Visitors often comment on how special it is to see an ancient living organism that’s still bearing fruit. The visit lasts about an hour and ten minutes, giving ample time for photos, a coffee break, and a quick stroll through a typical Cretan farm.

Third Stop: Anoskeli Winery Olive Mill

The highlight for many is the Anoskeli Winery Olive Mill, where you’ll taste organic extra virgin olive oil and five different local wines. Guided by a sommelier, you learn about the production processes, flavors, and what makes Cretan wine unique. Reviewers like Thuthuy_H praised the “delicious olive oil and very nice wines,” noting how engaging and knowledgeable the guide was. The tasting experience is relaxed, set against the backdrop of a picturesque vineyard, making it a true feast for the senses.

The Off-Road Scenic Drive

After the tastings, the vehicle takes you on a rough, scenic drive through the Chania region, with views of the White Mountains, Topolia, and optionally, the Samaria Gorge (depending on accessibility). This part of the tour lasts around four hours and forty minutes, and it’s here that the true magic of Crete’s landscape comes alive. From reviewers, we learn that the roads are rough but manageable, and the vistas are spectacular — perfect for snapping photos or simply soaking in the scenery.

Lunch at a Mountain Restaurant

The tour culminates in a mountain lodge or restaurant where you enjoy a hearty, authentic Cretan lunch. Reviewers like Rebecca_S and Jodytanner5 rave about the quality and abundance of the food, describing it as “delicious,” “divine,” and with a “beautiful view of the gorge.” The meal generally includes local dishes with a modern twist, served with a round of wine or beer, and finished with a traditional dessert. The setting is relaxed, with most remarking on how well the lunch complements the scenic views.

Why This Tour Is Worth It

Value-wise, this experience offers a lot. For $168.62 per person, you get a full day of personalized attention, multiple tastings of quality products, scenic drives, and a satisfying meal. The guided element, especially by guides like Nicholas and Vassilis, ensures you’re not just ticking off sights but actually understanding the context and stories behind what you’re tasting and seeing.

The small-group aspect is a major plus — it makes the experience feel intimate, allowing for genuine conversations and tailored service. Plus, round-trip transfers mean you don’t have to worry about navigating rough roads or finding your way; everything is handled for you.

Authentic Experiences and Highlights

One element that keeps coming up in reviews is the knowledgeable guides. Guests repeatedly mention how guides like Nasos, Stavros, and Dimitris bring the tour to life with their stories, insights, and friendliness. Their passion for Crete’s history, culture, and products shines through, making the tastings more meaningful.

The quality of tastings is another highlight. Olive oil is described as “organic” and “delicious,” while the wines come in a variety of labels, giving a good sense of regional diversity. The lunch at the mountain retreat receives universal praise; many say it’s one of the best meals they had during their holiday.

Practical Considerations

• The tour runs rain or shine, so dress appropriately for weather — smart casual attire is recommended.
• It’s suitable for most travelers, including families (children must be accompanied by adults), but note the minimum drinking age of 18.
• The tour is limited to just six guests, which means you get more personalized attention and a quieter, more relaxed environment.
• The duration, approximately 7 to 8 hours, makes it a full-day commitment, but most find it well worth the time for the variety and quality of experiences.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This experience appeals to food and wine lovers looking for a deeper connection with Crete’s local products. It’s perfect if you want to combine scenic drives with tastings, rather than a straightforward sightseeing trip. The off-road sections are suitable for those who enjoy a bit of adventure but are comfortable with bumpy roads.

The tour’s small size and personalized approach make it ideal for travelers wanting a more intimate, relaxed, and authentic experience. If you’re traveling with family or friends who enjoy good food, beautiful vistas, and engaging guides, this tour is a safe bet.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is pickup included?
Yes, pickup is offered from addresses within 5 km east and 25 km west of Chania, making it easy to join the tour without extra hassle.

How long does the tour last?
It’s approximately 7 to 8 hours, starting at 9:00 am, including site visits, tastings, and lunch.

Is the tour suitable for children?
Children can participate if accompanied by adults, but the minimum drinking age is 18. The itinerary involves some rough roads and outdoor activities, so consider this for younger kids.

What languages are guides available in?
Guides are fluent in English, ensuring clear explanations and engaging storytelling.

What should I wear?
Smart casual attire is recommended. Dress appropriately for weather conditions, as some parts of the tour are outdoors and in varying climates.

Are vegetarian options available?
Yes, vegetarian options can be requested at the time of booking.

Can I cancel the tour?
Yes, free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the start, with a full refund.

Is this tour weather-dependent?
The experience operates in all weather conditions. However, poor weather may lead to adjustments in the itinerary or rescheduling.

How many people are in the group?
The maximum is six guests, ensuring an intimate experience with personalized attention.

What makes this tour different from larger bus excursions?
The small size, personalized guides, and off-road routes provide a more authentic, relaxed, and immersive experience, far from crowded tourist spots.

Final Thoughts

This Wine & Olive Oil Safari Tour in Crete is a fantastic way to combine scenic beauty, culture, and culinary delights. The attention to detail by guides like Nasos, Stavros, and Vassilis makes each stop engaging and meaningful. The tastings are not just about sampling but about understanding what makes Crete’s products so unique.

The included lunch is a highlight for many — hearty, fresh, and beautifully presented with views of the gorge or mountain landscape. The off-road drives reveal parts of Crete few visitors see, making it a truly authentic experience. The small-group setting ensures you won’t feel lost in a crowd, and the logistical ease of pickup and drop-off makes it highly convenient.

If you’re seeking a day of flavorful exploration, scenic drives, and personal stories from local guides, this tour hits all those marks. It’s best suited for curious, food- and wine-loving travelers who want an authentic taste of Crete beyond the usual. Prepare for a full day of discovery, delightful bites, and breathtaking scenery that will stay with you long after the trip ends.

Note: Given the positive reviews and small-group setup, booking this tour well in advance — around 47 days ahead on average — is advisable to secure your spot.