Private Half Day Wine and Olive Oil Tasting-Kournas Lake

Set out on a private half-day tour in Chania, exploring Lake Kournas, Crete’s sole freshwater lake. You’ll visit a family-owned olive oil factory and winery for tastings, learning traditional production methods. Savor five distinct wines paired with olive oil and raki. Relax with a leisurely pedalo ride on the lake or simply admire its natural beauty. Private, air-conditioned transportation is provided, ensuring a stress-free and personalized journey. Comfort and convenience are emphasized throughout the experience. This immersive tour showcases Crete’s culinary heritage in depth.

Key Points

• Private half-day tour in Chania, Greece, featuring a visit to the picturesque Lake Kournas and tastings at a family-owned olive oil factory and winery.
• Guided tour of Lake Kournas, offering opportunities for pedalo rides, swimming, and relaxation, with educational insights from knowledgeable guides.
• Tasting experience at the olive oil factory and winery, including sampling of five distinct wines paired with olive oil and raki.
• Comprehensive exploration of Crete’s culinary heritage, with a focus on traditional production methods and local flavors.
• Stress-free and personalized journey with private, air-conditioned transportation and convenient pickup options to enhance the overall experience.

Tour Overview

This private half-day tour in Chania, Greece, offers an immersive experience that’s been highly recommended by 27 previous travelers, who’ve awarded it a 100% recommendation rate.

The tour has also earned a prestigious Badge of Excellence, ensuring a top-quality experience.

The highlight is a visit to Lake Kournas, the only freshwater lake in Crete, where you can enjoy swimming or pedal boat rides.

This comprehensive tour also includes a visit to a family-owned olive oil factory and winery, allowing you to indulge in tastings of five different wines as well as olive oil and raki.

Activities and Itinerary

The guided tour of Lake Kournas, the sole freshwater lake in Crete, occupies the first segment of the experience, allowing visitors to enjoy the tranquil surroundings for up to 2 hours.

This includes the option to:

• Take a leisurely pedalo ride across the serene lake
• Go for a refreshing swim in the crystal-clear waters
• Simply relax and soak in the picturesque natural scenery

Following the lake exploration, the tour proceeds to a family-owned olive oil factory and winery, where guests can indulge in a 40-minute tasting experience.

This includes sampling five distinct wines and pairing them with olive oil and traditional raki, all while learning about the local production processes.

Transportation and Pickup

To ensure a comfortable and convenient experience, the tour provides private, air-conditioned transportation.

Guests will travel in either a VIP Mercedes V class or a Jeep Renegade for smaller groups.

Pickup is available from designated locations, so participants should confirm the pickup time with the local provider.

This private transportation allows for a stress-free and personalized journey, enabling guests to fully enjoy the cultural and culinary experiences that await.

The tour’s emphasis on convenience and comfort ensures that participants can focus on enjoying the highlights of the Chania region, from the serene Lake Kournas to the family-owned olive oil factory and winery.

Lake Kournas Guided Tour

After getting comfortable in the private, air-conditioned vehicle, guests embark on a guided tour of the stunning Lake Kournas. This freshwater lake, the only one of its kind in Crete, offers a serene and picturesque setting.

During the tour, guests can:

• Admire the breathtaking natural beauty of the lake and its surrounding landscapes.
• Optionally take a relaxing pedalo ride to explore the lake from a different perspective.
• Learn about the lake’s history, ecology, and role in the local community from the knowledgeable guide.

The guided tour of Lake Kournas is a highlight of this immersive wine and olive oil tasting experience, providing a chance to connect with Crete’s natural wonders.

Olive Oil Factory Visit

Departing from the serene Lake Kournas, the tour then whisks guests away to a family-owned olive oil factory and winery for a delightful tasting experience.

At the olive oil factory, visitors learn about the traditional methods used to produce the region’s renowned olive oil. They’ll sample a variety of olive oils, savoring their distinct flavors and aromas.

The tour then transitions to the winery, where guests embark on a guided wine tasting. They’ll sample five different wines, each with its own unique character, while learning about the winemaking process.

This comprehensive experience offers a well-rounded exploration of Crete’s celebrated culinary heritage.

Wine Tasting Experience

The wine tasting experience transports guests on a sensorial journey through Crete’s renowned vintages.

Visitors can sample five different wines, each offering a unique flavor profile. The tasting includes:

• Crisp white wines that evoke the island’s coastal breezes
• Bold red wines that showcase the region’s terroir
• Aromatic rosés that capture the essence of Crete’s sun-drenched vineyards

This intimate tasting provides an opportunity to learn about the winemaking process and appreciate the dedication of the family-owned winery.

Guests can savor the flavors, ask questions, and discover the rich wine culture that thrives in this picturesque corner of Greece.

Included Meals and Tastings

Along With the wine tasting, this private half-day tour includes a delightful array of local culinary experiences. Guests will have the opportunity to visit a family-owned olive oil factory and winery, where they can sample five different wines and enjoy an olive oil and raki tasting. Lunch, coffee or tea, and bottled water are also provided, ensuring a well-rounded gastronomic journey. The following table outlines the included meals and tastings:

Item	Duration
Wine Tasting	40 minutes
Olive Oil Tasting	Included
Raki Tasting	Included
Lunch	Included
Coffee/Tea	Included
Bottled Water	Included

Availability and Cancellation

This private half-day wine and olive oil tasting tour operates Monday through Sunday from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM, running from March 1, 2024, to November 12, 2025.

Travelers can easily cancel their reservations up to 24 hours before the experience starts, allowing for flexibility in their plans.

This tour offers great value, with prices starting from $449.56 per group (up to 6 people).

Some key highlights:

• Explore the stunning Lake Kournas, Crete’s only freshwater lake, with the option to take a relaxing pedalo ride.
• Discover the secrets of olive oil and wine production at a family-owned factory and winery.
• Indulge in a tasting of five different wines, as well as olive and raki tastings.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Children Participate in the Wine Tasting?

Children cannot participate in the wine tasting portion of the tour. However, they can enjoy the other activities, such as the pedalo ride at Lake Kournas and the olive oil factory visit.

Are There Any Vegetarian/Vegan Meal Options Available?

Yes, the tour offers vegetarian and vegan meal options. Guests can inform the local provider of any dietary requirements when booking, and the team will accommodate them to ensure an enjoyable experience.

What Is the Maximum Group Size for This Tour?

The maximum group size for this tour is 6 people. The tour is priced per group, allowing up to 6 travelers to explore Lake Kournas and the olive oil factory and winery together.

Can I Customize the Itinerary to Fit My Preferences?

Yes, the tour can be customized to fit your preferences. The local provider offers flexible arrangements, allowing you to adjust the itinerary to your liking within the tour’s scope and duration.

Are There Any Discounts for Seniors or Students?

Yes, the tour provider offers discounts for seniors and students. Guests over 65 or with valid student ID can receive a 10% discount off the listed price. Simply mention your eligibility when booking the tour.

Sum Up

This private half-day tour offers a unique opportunity to discover the natural and cultural gems of Crete. From the serene Lake Kournas to the family-owned olive oil factory and winery, the experience provides an immersive journey through the island’s rich heritage. With personalized transportation, delectable tastings, and exceptional customer service, this tour promises an unforgettable day of exploration and indulgence in the enchanting Greek island of Crete.