Explore the rich cultural heritage and captivating natural beauty of Crete on this unique ecobike tour. Pedal through picturesque villages, learn about the region’s agricultural legacy, and indulge in the finest local flavors. From the iconic Knossos Palace to the artisanal olive oil and wine tastings, this immersive adventure offers a well-rounded experience that showcases the best of Crete. Whether you’re a history buff, a foodie, or simply seeking an eco-friendly way to discover the island, this tour promises to leave a lasting impression. Embark on this journey and uncover the enchanting treasures that await.

Good To Know

Ecobike-Knossos Palace-Wine Tasting-Olive Oil Tasting - Good To Know

  • The tour includes e-bike use, visits to an olive oil factory and a winery for tastings, and an optional guided tour of Knossos Palace.
  • Taxi service is available from select locations, with varying costs depending on the departure point.
  • The tour has a maximum group size of 4 travelers and offers local experiences like village visits and home-cooked food tasting.
  • The olive oil factory visit includes a guided walkthrough of the production process and an interactive tasting session to sample different varieties.
  • The winery visit allows guests to sample a variety of the region’s finest wines and learn about local wine-making traditions.

Tour Overview

Ecobike-Knossos Palace-Wine Tasting-Olive Oil Tasting - Tour Overview

The tour experience includes the use of a bicycle, snacks, and bottled water.

It also features visits to an olive oil factory for a tasting, and a winery for a wine tasting.

Travelers have the option to join a guided tour of the Knossos Palace, though the palace entry tickets aren’t included in the tour price.

The maximum group size is 4 travelers, and the tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, though most travelers can participate.

The local experiences include visiting villages and tasting home-cooked food, providing an authentic taste of the region.

Pickup Information

For pickup, taxi service is available from select locations.

Travelers can catch a taxi from Heraklion city, port, or hotel for €15 one-way (maximum 4 persons).

Alternatively, taxis from Hersonisos, Anisara, Stalida, or Malia cost €50 one-way.

Guests staying in Gouves or Agia Pelagia can get a taxi for €40 one-way.

The meeting point is at ecobikegreece.gr, Ilias 25, Xeropotamos 713 03, Greece.

Visitors can also take the free blue line bus from Heraklion city center to Pancreta stadium, then walk 5-10 minutes to the office.

Free parking is available at the stadium.

Booking and Cancellation

Ecobike-Knossos Palace-Wine Tasting-Olive Oil Tasting - Booking and Cancellation

Confirmation is received at booking, and free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the experience starts. Customers can reserve now and pay later for the ecobike and tasting tour.

The booking process includes:

  • Confirmation received at the time of booking
  • Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience
  • Reserving the tour now and paying later
  • Availability for a maximum of 4 travelers per tour

This flexible booking policy allows customers to plan their trip with ease and confidence, ensuring a hassle-free experience.

Tour Experience

Ecobike-Knossos Palace-Wine Tasting-Olive Oil Tasting - Tour Experience

A maximum of 4 travelers can participate in the ecobike and tasting tour. The tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, but most travelers can join.

The local experiences include visiting villages and tasting home-cooked food. Participants will explore the region’s natural beauty on e-bikes, stopping to sample olive oil and wine.

An optional guided tour of the Knossos Palace is available for an additional 100 euros per group.

The tour offers an authentic local experience, with feedback praising the delicious homemade food and wine. The ecobike and tasting tour provides a well-rounded culture in the Cretan countryside.

Olive Oil Factory & Tasting

Ecobike-Knossos Palace-Wine Tasting-Olive Oil Tasting - Olive Oil Factory & Tasting

Participants’ first stop on the ecobike and tasting tour is the olive oil factory, where they’ll learn about the region’s rich olive-growing heritage.

The tour includes:

  • A guided walkthrough of the olive oil production process, from harvesting to bottling
  • An interactive tasting session, where visitors sample different olive oil varieties and learn to identify their unique flavor profiles
  • Insights into the health benefits of extra virgin olive oil and its central role in the Mediterranean diet
  • The opportunity to purchase premium olive oil products directly from the producer at factory-direct prices.

Winery & Wine Tasting

After exploring the olive oil production process, the tour moves on to the next highlight – the winery and wine tasting experience.

At the winery, travelers can expect to learn about the local wine-making traditions and sample a variety of the region’s finest vintages. The knowledgeable guides will provide insights into the unique terroir and explain the intricate steps involved in crafting these exceptional wines.

Guests can look forward to savoring the rich flavors and aromas, gaining a deeper appreciation for the art of winemaking. This hands-on experience allows visitors to enjoy the local culture and discover the region’s gastronomic delights.

Knossos Palace

Although the entry tickets to Knossos Palace aren’t included in the tour, travelers have the option to add a guided tour of this ancient Minoan archaeological site for an additional 100 euros per group.

The guided tour provides an opportunity to explore the ruins and learn about the fascinating history of this once-thriving civilization.

Visitors can:

  • Wander through the remains of the grand palace, marveling at the intricate architecture and artwork
  • Discover the legendary Labyrinth and learn about the myth of the Minotaur
  • Gain insights into the daily life and rituals of the Minoan people
  • Appreciate the stunning natural setting, with the palace overlooking the Aegean Sea.

Reviews and Ratings

Ecobike-Knossos Palace-Wine Tasting-Olive Oil Tasting - Reviews and Ratings

The tour has garnered overwhelmingly positive reviews, with a perfect 5.0 rating across a total of 5 reviews.

Guests rave about the e-bike experience, the guided tour of Knossos, and the visits to local villages where they sampled delicious home-cooked meals.

Reviewers highlight the authentic local experience, praising the opportunity to taste homemade food and wine.

The tour’s focus on sustainable and immersive encounters with Cretan culture and cuisine has resonated strongly with previous participants, establishing it as a must-do activity for those seeking a well-rounded and memorable exploration of the region.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Bring My Own Bicycle on the Tour?

No, the tour does not allow participants to bring their own bicycles. The tour provides e-bikes for the group to use during the activity. Bringing your own bike is not an option for this particular tour.

Is It Possible to Customize the Tour Itinerary?

The tour itinerary can likely be customized, though specific details are unclear. Guests should contact the tour operator directly to inquire about customization options and any additional costs associated with modifying the standard tour program.

Are There Any Age Restrictions for the Participants?

The tour doesn’t have any age restrictions, and most travelers can participate. However, the maximum group size is 4 people, and the tour may not be suitable for those who can’t ride a bicycle.

Can I Opt-Out of the Wine Tasting and Olive Oil Tasting?

Yes, travelers can opt-out of the wine and olive oil tastings. The tour allows participants to customize their experience and participate in the activities they’re most interested in, such as the bicycle ride and Knossos Palace tour.

Is There a Discount for Booking the Tour as a Group?

Yes, there’s a group discount for this tour. If you book with 3 or more travelers, you’ll receive a 10% discount on the total cost. This makes the tour more affordable for groups.

The Sum Up

This ecobike tour offers a unique blend of Cretan culture, gastronomy, and natural beauty. Pedal through picturesque villages, enjoy home-cooked meals, and learn about the region’s agricultural heritage. Visit an olive oil factory and a charming winery for tastings, then explore the historic Knossos Palace. It’s an immersive adventure that shouldn’t be missed by any traveler to Crete.