Wine & Olive Oil Tastings – Semi Private Safari Tour With Lunch

Exploring the rugged landscapes of Western Crete is an immersive experience that tantalizes the senses. Guests embark on a small-group safari tour, where they’ll savor the region’s exceptional extra virgin olive oil and five distinct wines at the Anoskeli Winery Olive Mill. But the journey doesn’t stop there – they’ll also have the chance to connect with Crete’s rich agricultural heritage by touching an ancient olive tree. Complemented by a delightful Cretan-style lunch featuring local ingredients and homemade desserts, this comprehensive culinary adventure showcases the island’s unique terroir and time-honored traditions. It’s an opportunity to dive deeper into the flavors that define this captivating corner of the world.

This experience made our list of the 20 Best Private Drivers In Chania.

Key Points

• Immersive exploration of Crete’s rugged landscapes in a small-group 4WD vehicle tour, with a maximum of 6 guests per tour.
• Tasting of premium extra virgin olive oil and five different wines at the Anoskeli Winery Olive Mill.
• Opportunity to touch an ancient olive tree, connecting with Crete’s agricultural heritage and time-honored traditions.
• Cretan-style lunch with a round of drinks and homemade desserts, showcasing the local cuisine and terroir.
• Pickup service within a 5km radius east and 25km west from Chania, ensuring a seamless and reliable start to the tour.

Tour Overview

This tour offers a unique opportunity to explore the rugged landscapes of Western Crete in a 4WD vehicle, with a maximum of 6 guests per group.

Participants can look forward to tasting premium extra virgin olive oil and 5 different wines at the Anoskeli Winery Olive Mill, as well as touching an ancient olive tree.

The experience is rounded off with a delectable Cretan lunch, including a round of drinks and a tempting dessert.

With 146 reviews and a Badge of Excellence, this semi-private safari tour provides an immersive way to discover the region’s natural beauty and culinary delights, all while enjoying the company of a small, intimate group.

Inclusions

The tour includes a small group size of up to 6 people per guide/vehicle.

Guests will enjoy a Cretan-style lunch with a round of wine or beer and dessert. Plus, the package covers olive oil and wine tastings with alcoholic beverages, as well as a choice of coffee/tea or fresh orange juice, and bottled water.

Pickup is provided within a 5km radius east and 25km west from Chania, and the tour includes liability insurance and a local driver/host.

This ensures a personalized and immersive experience exploring Western Crete’s rugged landscapes. The inclusions provide a well-rounded taste of the region’s culinary and cultural offerings, allowing travelers to fully enjoy the local traditions.

Sample Menu

Featuring a Cretan salad with extra virgin olive oil, tomatoes, cucumber, onions, and peppers as a starter, the sample menu offers an array of main plates showcasing the region’s culinary traditions – from meat and pasta dishes to vegetable options, all cooked using the distinctive local extra virgin olive oil.

These sweet treats provide a delightful conclusion to the culinary journey, allowing guests to fully enjoy the flavors of Crete.

Rounding out the meal, guests can indulge in homemade desserts like:

• Chocolate cake
• Orange pie
• Coconut cake
• Served with ice cream

Meeting and Pickup

Pickup points extend up to 3 miles (5km) east from Chania and up to 15 miles (25km) west, with a start time of 09:00 am.

This convenient arrangement ensures that guests can easily access the tour, no matter where they’re located in the area.

The early start time allows for a full day of exploration and immersion in Crete’s rich winemaking and olive oil heritage.

Participants can expect prompt and reliable transportation to the tour’s starting point, allowing them to sit back and enjoy the journey ahead.

With the pickup logistics taken care of, guests can focus on the exciting experiences that await them during this wine and olive oil tasting safari.

Rugged Landscape Exploration

How does the tour explore Western Crete’s rugged landscapes in a 4WD vehicle, with a maximum of 6 guests per group? Participants can enjoy the region’s dramatic natural scenery, venturing off the beaten path and discovering hidden corners of the island that larger tours may miss.

This intimate, small-group format allows for a more personalized and adventurous experience as guests traverse the diverse terrain.

The excursion takes guests through:

• Sweeping valleys
• Towering mountains
• Winding mountain roads
• Remote villages

This semi-private safari tour provides an unparalleled opportunity to experience Crete’s untamed wilderness in a comfortable, yet thrilling manner.

Olive Oil and Wine Tastings

As part of the tour, guests are treated to an in-depth exploration of Crete’s renowned olive oil and wine offerings at the Anoskeli Winery Olive Mill.

There, they’ll have the opportunity to sample five different wines and taste the region’s exceptional extra virgin olive oil, all while connecting with the island’s agricultural heritage by touching an ancient olive tree.

The tasting experience provides travelers with a deeper appreciation for Crete’s unique terroir and time-honored winemaking and olive oil production methods.

With expert guidance, guests will learn to discern the subtle flavors and aromas that make these local products so special, making for a truly immersive and memorable culinary journey.

Ancient Olive Tree Experience

During the tour, guests have the unique opportunity to touch an ancient olive tree, connecting directly with Crete’s agricultural heritage that has endured for centuries. These ancient olive trees, some over 1,000 years old, stand as silent witnesses to the island’s rich history and the resilience of its people.

Visitors can:

• Run their hands along the gnarled, twisted trunks, feeling the weathered bark that has withstood the test of time.
• Admire the twisted, sculptural forms of the trees, shaped by the elements over countless generations.

Visitors can also:

• Breathe in the earthy, robust aroma of the olives, a scent that has permeated Cretan culture for millennia.
• Reflect on the generations of farmers who’ve tended these ancient groves, passing down the traditions of olive cultivation.

Additional Information

According to the tour details, the experience isn’t wheelchair accessible and isn’t recommended for pregnant travelers. Children must be accompanied by an adult, and the minimum drinking age is 18 years. Guests are expected to dress in smart casual attire, and a vegetarian option is available. The tour operates in all weather conditions, and infant seats are provided upon request. The maximum group size is 6 travelers.

The tour includes pickup from locations up to 5km east and 25km west of Chania, and a confirmation is provided within 48 hours of booking. Guests will enjoy a Cretan-style lunch, including a first round of wine or beer, and dessert. The tour also includes olive oil and wine tastings, as well as a cup of coffee, tea, or fresh orange juice.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is the Maximum Number of People per Group?

The maximum number of people per group is 6. The tour is a small-group experience, allowing for a more personalized and intimate exploration of the destination.

Is There a Cancellation Policy for This Tour?

The tour has a cancellation policy that allows full refunds for cancellations made at least 24 hours in advance. Last-minute cancellations may incur fees. Customers should check the policy details when booking to understand the terms.

Can I Customize the Lunch Menu to My Dietary Needs?

The tour offers a customizable lunch menu to accommodate dietary needs. Guests can request vegetarian, vegan, or other dietary options when booking the tour, and the provider will accommodate them.

What Type of 4WD Vehicles Are Used for the Tour?

The tour uses 4WD vehicles, typically SUVs or jeeps, to accommodate up to 6 guests per guide/vehicle. These rugged vehicles are well-suited to navigate the rugged landscapes during the semi-private safari experience.

Are There Any Discounts Available for This Tour?

The tour company does not appear to advertise any discounts for this experience. However, they may offer occasional special offers or promotions, so it’s best to check their website or contact them directly for the latest information on any available discounts.

Recap

This immersive tour offers a unique exploration of Western Crete’s rugged landscapes, complemented by exceptional olive oil and wine tastings and a delightful Cretan-style lunch.

Guests will connect with the island’s rich agricultural heritage by touching an ancient olive tree, providing a comprehensive culinary journey that showcases Crete’s distinct terroir and time-honored traditions.