Knossos, Olive Mill, Winery Review

Setting out on a cultural odyssey through Crete’s storied past, the tour of Knossos Palace, the Olive Mill, and the Winery offers travellers a chance to enjoy the island’s rich heritage. From the ancient Minoan ruins to the artisanal production of olive oil and wine, this experience provides an insightful glimpse into the traditions that have shaped Crete’s identity. While the itinerary promises a captivating journey, the true delight lies in the opportunity to savor the flavors, textures, and stories that make this corner of Greece truly remarkable.

Key Points

• The tour offers a comprehensive experience, including visits to Knossos Palace, a family-run olive mill, and a winery with guided tastings and cultural insights.
• Knossos Palace, an ancient Minoan site, showcases intricate architecture, vibrant frescoes, and unique artifacts, allowing visitors to explore its historical grandeur.
• The olive mill visit provides an informative and hands-on experience, highlighting the traditional olive oil production process and offering tastings of diverse varieties.
• The winery experience features a personalized wine tasting of over 9 different wines, accompanied by knowledgeable staff and the option to pair the wines with local Meze.
• Culinary highlights, such as the delectable lunch at a hilltop restaurant and the high-quality food served during the olive mill and winery visits, elevate the overall tour experience.

Tour Overview

The tour includes a personal pick-up and drop-off, a chauffeured 4WD vehicle, a winery visit with a guided tour, and a wine tasting featuring more than 9 different wines straight from the barrels.

Admission fees for Knossos Palace are included, with reduced and full-price options. This is a private tour, so only your group participates.

Prices start at $203.96 per person, varying by group size, and there’s free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience.

Pickup points are available, and a team member will confirm the exact time via text message.

Most travelers can participate, though it’s not wheelchair accessible.

Pickup and Communication

Pickup points are available for this tour, and a team member will contact guests via text message to confirm the exact pick-up time.

Confirmation is received at booking, and infant seats are available. Most travelers can participate, but the tour isn’t wheelchair accessible.

The tour includes personal pick-up and drop-off, so guests don’t have to worry about transportation.

The communication from the team ensures a seamless start to the tour, allowing guests to relax and enjoy the experience ahead.

Customer Reviews

Overwhelmingly positive customer reviews paint a picture of a truly exceptional tour experience. Reviewers consistently awarded the tour a perfect 5-star rating, praising the driver’s knowledgeability and friendliness.

Highlights included visits to the Cretan Dragon Olive Farm, Titankis Winery, and the Traditional Cooking restaurant, where guests savored the local cuisine. Despite the hot weather, the culinary aspects of the tour – from the winery tastings to the olive oil samplings – were particularly well-received, enhancing the overall experience.

With pickup points available and confirmation received at booking, the tour’s seamless logistics impressed travelers.

Whether visiting Knossos Palace or exploring the family-run olive mill, this tour offers an immersive, personalized journey through Crete’s rich cultural and culinary heritage.

Knossos Palace

Visiting the awe-inspiring Knossos Palace is a must-do during this tour, where travelers can explore the ancient Minoan site at their own pace.

The palace, dating back to 1900 BC, offers a glimpse into the sophisticated Minoan civilization, with its intricate architecture, vibrant frescoes, and unique artifacts.

Visitors are encouraged to opt for a self-guided tour, which allows them to enjoy the rich history and uncover the mysteries of this remarkable archaeological site.

Though a professional guide is recommended for an in-depth experience, the self-guided tour provides ample opportunity to wander through the labyrinthine corridors and imagine the grandeur of Knossos’ heyday.

Olive Mill Visit

The family-run olive mill is a highlight of the tour, offering an informative and immersive experience for visitors.

Guests learn about the traditional olive oil production process, from harvesting to pressing. The mill’s owners passionately explain the history and significance of olive oil in Cretan culture, engaging participants with their deep knowledge.

Visitors have the opportunity to sample the mill’s diverse olive oil varieties, noting the distinct flavors and aromas. This hands-on activity allows travelers to truly appreciate the care and craftsmanship involved in creating high-quality olive oil.

The olive mill visit provides an authentic glimpse into Crete’s agricultural heritage, enriching the overall tour experience.

Winery Experience

Touring the family-run winery on the itinerary provides guests with an enjoyable tasting experience.

The winery offers tastings of more than 9 different wines straight from the barrels, allowing visitors to sample a variety of Cretan wine styles. The staff is knowledgeable and passionate, guiding guests through the tasting and providing insight into the winemaking process.

Visitors appreciate the opportunity to pair the wines with local Meze, enhancing the flavors and creating a well-rounded culinary experience.

The intimate setting and personalized attention make the winery visit a highlight of the tour, complementing the earlier olive oil tasting and Knossos Palace exploration.

Culinary Highlights

Although the tour includes a visit to the Knossos Palace, the culinary highlights truly elevate the experience.

Guests are treated to a delectable lunch at a hilltop restaurant, where they savor local Cretan cuisine. The food served during the olive mill and winery visits also receives high praise, complementing the tastings beautifully.

Despite the hot weather, the culinary aspect of the tour enhances the overall experience, leaving visitors thoroughly satisfied.

The family-run establishments provide an authentic and enjoyable gastronomic journey, seamlessly integrating the rich cultural heritage of the region.

Since You Asked

What Is the Maximum Group Size for This Tour?

The tour group size is flexible, with the price varying based on the number of participants. The tour is private, so only your group will take part in the experience.

Can the Tour Be Customized to Accommodate Dietary Restrictions?

The tour can be customized to accommodate dietary restrictions. The team will work with you to ensure your dietary needs are met, from arranging alternate lunch options to modifying the winery and olive mill tastings.

Are There Any Additional Fees or Taxes Not Included in the Price?

The tour price includes pickup, transport, admission fees, winery visit, olive mill tour, and lunch. There don’t appear to be any additional fees or taxes not covered by the listed price.

Is There an Option to Extend the Tour Duration or Add Extra Activities?

The tour provider does not explicitly mention an option to extend the duration or add extra activities. However, guests can likely request customization or modifications to the standard itinerary by contacting the tour operator directly.

Does the Tour Provide Any Photography Services or Recommendations?

The tour doesn’t provide any dedicated photography services, but it encourages guests to take photos throughout the experience. The guide can offer recommendations on the best spots for capturing memorable shots during the winery, olive mill, and other stops.

The Sum Up

The tour of Knossos Palace, the Olive Mill, and the Winery offers an unparalleled experience, blending Crete’s captivating history, vibrant culture, and exceptional gastronomy. Travelers are immersed in the grandeur of Minoan architecture, the time-honored traditions of olive oil production, and the rich flavors of the island’s award-winning wines, creating an unforgettable journey through the heart of Cretan heritage.