A TASTE OF TRADITION: Exploring Authentic Crete's Culinary and Cultural Delights Through Picturesque Villages

DESCRIPTION

Welcome to our exclusive village tour, where you’ll indulge in the true essence of Crete, away from the crowds and at your own pace. Our expert driver will take you on a journey through the heart of the island, where you’ll discover the warm hospitality, beautiful landscapes, wild nature, rich history, myths, deep cultural traditions, and exquisite tastes that make Crete a unique and popular destination among travelers.

We’ll begin our journey by visiting the Aptera Fortress, where you can enjoy the stunning views of Souda Bay and Apokoronas Valley. It’s the perfect spot to take some amazing photos and immerse yourself in the natural beauty of the island.

Next, we’ll head to an olive oil mill for a tour and olive tasting. Here, you’ll learn about the production process of this precious liquid gold and sample the delicious varieties of olive oil made with pure ingredients.

Then, we’ll venture into the Folklore Museum of Gavalochori, a treasure trove of local culture. Explore everyday artifacts reflecting the charming Cretan way of life. Afterward, enjoy a cup of freshly brewed coffee at a cozy traditional spot, a perfect chance to relax and mingle with locals.

Our journey continues to the peaceful Monastery of Saint Georgios, a serene place rich in history and spirituality. Take a moment to admire the stunning architecture and learn about the monastery’s past.

Next stop – a local winery! Taste some of Crete’s finest wines, learn about grape varieties and winemaking, and indulge in rich flavors. Cap it off with a leisurely lunch in the charming surroundings, immersing yourself in the local atmosphere

This experience will leave you with unforgettable memories of Crete. Don’t miss out – click now to book your journey through the heart of the island and let the holiday vibes begin!!

DEPARTURE/RETURN LOCATION

  • Transportation to and from your accommodation.

* In the case that your accommodation is in the pedestrian zone of the old Venetian harbor, we’ll meet you at the nearest accessible location for our vehicle.

STOPS

  • Aptera Fortress
  • Olive oil mill
  • Folklore Museum of Gavalochori
  • Traditional coffee shop
  • Monastery of Saint Georgios
  • Local winery

ALL INCLUSIVE PRIVATE TOUR INCLUDES

  • Professional driver
  • Transportation to and from your accommodation in a non-shared air-conditioned vehicle
  • Cold bottled water and a refreshment
  • Local treats throughout the day
  • Olive oil mill tour and oil tasting
  • Museum Entrance
  • Monastery Entrance
  • Coffee or Mountain Tea at a traditional coffee shop
  • Wine tasting at a local winery
  • Traditional Lunch at the winery
  • Free Wifi on the vehicle
  • USB charging ports on the vehicle
  • All taxes, fees and handling charges
  • Fuel 

*If you’re not interested in visiting a local winery for wine tasting and lunch, don’t worry. You can still enjoy our lunch in the charming village square.

*Private tours can be modified to your specific needs and desires. 

   Note: Changes to these itineraries may result in a price increase.

*The pickup and dropoff is included within 20km of Chania city center. Pickup and dropoff outside of this zone until the Rethymno city center will incur an additional surcharge.

Trip Itinerary

09:00 AM - Shuttle pickup
09:30 AM - Aptera Fortress
As we set off on our exclusive village tour, our first stop will be at the Aptera Fortress, strategically positioned overlooking the stunning Souda Bay and the valley of Apokoronas. This Ottoman Fortress offers a commanding view of the surrounding landscapes, including the majestic White Mountains and the imposing Fort Intzedin below. While immersing ourselves in the area’s rich history and mythology, we will take in the awe-inspiring panoramic views, which will undoubtedly leave a lasting impression. This is just the beginning of a journey that promises to be full of unforgettable experiences and discoveries!
10:30 AM - Olive Oil mill
At our next stop, we’ll visit an authentic olive oil mill, where you’ll get an in-depth look at the process of cultivating and producing this staple of Greek life and tradition. With its roots dating back to ancient times, the olive tree is one of the most beloved and sacred trees in Greece and is steeped in mythology. On Crete, where 55% to 65% of all cultivated land is covered by olive groves, it plays a vital role in everyday life and has a significant impact on civilization. During the tour, you’ll discover the history and cultural significance of olive oil and its nutritional and health benefits. You’ll learn about the harvesting and production process, from the time the olives are picked to when they’re pressed into oil. You’ll also have the chance to sample different types of olive oil and learn how to identify their unique qualities. This experience will give you a deeper appreciation for this precious commodity and its place in Cretan culture and history. Don’t miss out on this one-of-a-kind opportunity to immerse yourself in the world of olive oil and the Cretan way of life.
11:45 AM - Folklore Museum of Gavalochori
As we step into the Folklore Museum of Gavalochori, we’ll be transported back in time to the days when life was simpler, and community values were paramount. The museum boasts an impressive collection of artifacts that tell the story of the village’s rich cultural heritage. From tools and utensils to household items and textiles, every exhibit in this museum is carefully curated to give visitors a glimpse into the past. The museum’s seven rooms are filled with unique handmade knitting artworks, and the knowledgeable guides will be on hand to answer any questions we may have. As we wander through the halls of this charming museum, we’ll feel like we’re living in a bygone era, experiencing firsthand the authentic local lifestyle of Gavalochori.
13:10 PM - Monastery of Saint Georgios
Religion is a fundamental part of the real Crete. As we explore the monastery, you’ll have the opportunity to admire the beautiful frescoes, walk through the peaceful courtyard, and soak up the serene atmosphere of this sacred site. And don’t forget to take in the breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape from the monastery’s vantage point atop a hill.
14:00 PM - Local Winery
Our next stop will be a local winery, located in the heart of the Apokoronas region. Here, we will indulge in some of the finest wines and learn about the process of winemaking from the vineyards to the bottle. We will have the opportunity to taste 5 different glasses of wine, each with its unique flavor and aroma. As we sip on the delicious wine, the experts will provide us with insights into the winemaking process, the local grape varieties, and the history of winemaking on the island. This experience will surely tantalize your taste buds and leave you with a new appreciation for Cretan wine. To make your experience even more memorable, enjoy a delicious local lunch featuring Cretan specialties as part of our tour.
16:30 PM - Shuttle drop-off
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Prices per group in total (all inclusive):

1 adults360 euros

2 adults430 euros

3 adults510 euros

4 adults600 euros

5 adults665 euros

6 adults730 euros

7 adults784 euros

8 adults850 euros

3 to 12 years old 50 euros

0 to 3 years oldFREE of charge

Payment & Cancellation policy

We kindly request full payment at the time of booking to secure your reservation. Details regarding the cancellation policy: In the event you have to cancel, a full refund will be offered unless the cancellation occurs within 7 days of the start of the tour, in which case 50% of the full amount will be refunded. The date and time of the cancellation is taken from the moment written confirmation is received by IMable Travel. Lastly, please also note that any payments are subject to transaction fees and variations in exchange rates depending on payment method, so prices may vary by a few percent.

Have a Question?

Feel free to reach out and we're happy to answer any questions you may have.

Does this look like fun? Book your tour today!

A TASTE OF TRADITION: EXPLORING CRETE’S CULINARY AND CULTURAL DELIGHTS THROUGH PICTURESQUE VILLAGES

360,00

Check-in 9:00
Adult (over 12years old)
Children (3-12years old)
Infants (1-3 years old)
Category:
"Maria is a perfect example of the graciousness and kindness of the Greek people! The sites she chose were all beautiful and informative."
Eulalia, USA

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