Welcome to our village tour, where you’ll discover the essence of Crete at your own pace. Our expert driver will guide you through the heart of the island, unveiling its warm hospitality, scenic landscapes, rich history, myths, deep traditions, and exquisite flavors.
Our journey begins at the Aptera Fortress with breathtaking views of Souda Bay. Next, we’ll visit an olive oil mill for a tour and tasting, learning about Crete’s precious “liquid gold.” We’ll continue to the Folklore Museum in Gavalochori, where artifacts showcase the charming Cretan way of life.
Enjoy a coffee break at a traditional spot, then explore the serene Monastery of Saint Georgios. Our final stop is a local winery for wine tasting and a leisurely lunch, surrounded by the island’s vibrant ambiance.
Create unforgettable memories with this authentic Cretan experience. Book now to start your journey!
Inclusions & Exclusions
✔ Museum Entrance
✔ Private transportation
✔ Wine tasting
✔ Lunch
✔ Bottled water and a refreshment throughout the day
✔ In-vehicle air conditioning
✔ All fees and/or taxes
✔ Professional English speaking driver
✔ Cretan snacks
✔ Coffee at a traditional coffee shop
✔ Olive oil mill tour and oil tasting
✖ Personal expenses
Pickup Locations
1. Porto Platanias Beach Luxury Selection
2. Panorama
3. Eden Beach Hotel
4.
5. Hotel Stellina Village
6. Hotel Aegli
7. Lagon - Life Spirit Boutique Hotel
8. La Maison Ottomane
9. Samaria Hotel
10. Triton Apartments
11. Domes Zeen Chania, A Luxury Collection Resort, Crete
12. Hotel Christina
13. Hotel Lissos
14. Royal Sun Hotel
15. Hotel Belmondo
16. Tina Hotel
17. Hotel Irene
18. Elektra Beach Hotel
19. Gaia Kreta Hotel
20. Kalimera
Additional Info: * 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.
* 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.
Itinerary
1
Ottoman Fortress
The day starts with a visit to the strategically located Ottoman Fortress, and its commanding position overlooking Souda and the valley of Apokoronas. While we learn about the historical significance of the fortress and the myths about the area, we will enjoy the breath-taking views of the White Mountains, Souda Bay and Fort Intzedin below.
Duration: 30 minutes
2
Kalyves
Our next stop will be at an olive oil mill, where we will discover everything there is to know about this staple of Greek life and tradition! We will look at how it’s cultivated and processed, its nutritional and health benefits, and its role in our everyday life and impact on our civilization. The olive tree is one of the most beloved and sacred trees since Ancient Greece, and is a deep part of our mythology. On Crete it is believed that 55% to 65% of all cultivated land is covered by olive groves, which hold approximately 30 million trees! After the tour, we will try different olive oils and learn how to identify the different qualities.
Duration: 45 minutes
3
Historical & 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. 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.
Duration: 30 minutes
4
Gavalochori
Coffee at a local traditional coffee shop.
Duration: 30 minutes
5
Agios Georgios Monastery
Religion is a fundamental part of the real Crete. So, at our next stop we will visit the Monastery of Saint Georgios at Karydi. The monastery is unique not only for its history, but also for the local Venetian-influenced architecture. However, the real hidden treasure here are the stunning 12 stone-built arches in the ruins of the monastery’s old olive oil factory.
Duration: 30 minutes
6
Winery Dourakis
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.
Duration: 1.5 hours
Additional info
• Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
• Service animals allowed
• Public transportation options are available nearby
• Suitable for all physical fitness levels
