Crete: White Mountains Preserve Day Tour

Discover Crete’s breathtaking White Mountains on an unforgettable day tour. Explore picturesque villages, savor authentic Cretan cuisine, and learn about the region’s rich culture and history. With comfortable off-road vehicles and knowledgeable guides, this 6.5-hour adventure promises stunning vistas and memorable experiences. Whether you’re an adventure seeker or a culture enthusiast, this tour offers a unique opportunity to uncover the hidden gems of the White Mountains.

Key Points

• The White Mountains Preserve Day Tour offers a 6.5-hour excursion featuring a scenic drive, visit to a shepherd’s hut, and lunch at a local tavern.
• The tour provides a semi-private experience with multilingual drivers and live English-speaking guides to facilitate a cultural exploration of the White Mountains.
• Participants can enjoy panoramic views of Chania and the surrounding landscapes, as well as a coffee or tea break at a traditional coffee shop.
• The tour caters to a variety of participants, with restrictions for those under 3 years old, over 6 ft 6 in, or over 287 lbs, and those with mobility impairments or recent surgeries.
• The tour is highly rated by past customers, who praise the knowledgeable and engaging guides, as well as the exceptional overall experience.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview and Pricing

The Crete: White Mountains Preserve Day Tour offers visitors an opportunity to explore the stunning landscapes of Crete’s White Mountains at a price ranging from $92.35 to $103.76 per person.

The 6.5-hour tour includes a scenic drive through valleys and villages, a visit to a shepherd’s hut at 1,350 meters, and lunch at a local tavern.

Travelers can choose from 12 pickup locations throughout the region.

Reservations can be made with a flexible cancellation policy up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Itinerary and Highlights

The tour begins with a scenic drive through the valleys and picturesque villages of Meskla, Zourva, and Therisso, allowing participants to enjoy the natural beauty of Crete’s countryside.

Participants enjoy the natural beauty of Crete’s countryside during a scenic drive through picturesque villages.

The highlights of the tour include:

• A visit to an original shepherd’s hut (Mitato) at an elevation of 1350 meters, offering a glimpse into the traditional way of life.

• A lunch at a local tavern, where travelers can savor authentic Cretan platters and enjoy the island’s culinary culture.

• A coffee or tea break at a traditional coffee shop, providing an opportunity to relax and soak in the local atmosphere.

• Panoramic views of Chania and the surrounding landscapes, showcasing the breathtaking beauty of the White Mountains.

• A chance to explore the region’s rich cultural heritage and gain a deeper understanding of the local way of life.

Vehicle and Guide Information

To transport participants in comfort and style, the tour provides off-road vehicles, either 7 or 9-seaters, driven by multilingual drivers.

The guides accompanying the tours are live, speaking English to provide a semi-private experience for groups of up to 6 or 8 persons per vehicle.

Their knowledge and engagement are praised by past customers, ensuring an informative and immersive cultural exploration of the White Mountains Preserve.

With the multilingual drivers and live tour guides, visitors can fully appreciate the scenic landscapes and unique local experiences that this Crete tour offers.

Participant Requirements and Restrictions

While the tour give you an engaging and immersive experience, there are certain participant requirements and restrictions in place to ensure the safety and enjoyment of all guests.

The tour isn’t suitable for:

Children under 3 years, pregnant women, individuals with mobility issues, tall or heavy guests, and recent surgery patients.

• Children under 3 years

• Pregnant women

• Individuals with mobility impairments, back problems, or height fears

• Those over 6 ft 6 in (200 cm) or 287 lbs (130 kg)

• Recent surgery patients

Guests are advised to bring comfortable shoes, sunglasses, sun hat, camera, sunscreen, water, jacket, and cash for any purchases.

These guidelines help maintain a safe and inclusive environment for the tour.

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Customer Reviews and Feedback

Overwhelmingly positive customer reviews and feedback demonstrate the tour’s popularity and success.

With an impressive 4.9 out of 5 rating based on 41 reviews, the Crete: White Mountains Preserve Day Tour has earned high praise from travelers. Guests highlight the knowledgeable and engaging guides, the breathtaking scenic views, and the immersive cultural experiences.

Many recommend the tour for families and those seeking unique adventures in Crete. The reviews underscore the tour’s ability to deliver an exceptional experience that allows visitors to explore the region’s natural beauty and traditional way of life.

Scenic Drive Through Valleys and Villages

As the tour begins, guests embark on a scenic drive through the picturesque valleys and charming villages of Crete’s mountainous landscape.

The journey takes them through:

• Meskla, a quaint village nestled among olive groves and vineyards

• Zourva, a traditional settlement with its iconic whitewashed buildings

• Therisso, a historic town known for its role in the island’s revolutionary past

Along the way, travelers are treated to breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding countryside, including the majestic White Mountains.

This immersive experience allows guests to appreciate the natural beauty and cultural heritage of Crete’s rural areas.

Visit to a Shepherd’s Hut at High Altitude

After passing through the charming villages, the tour takes guests to an original shepherd’s hut (known as a "mitato") situated at an impressive altitude of 1,350 meters.

Here, visitors can step inside this traditional structure and learn about the daily lives of Cretan shepherds. The guide shares insights into the region’s pastoral heritage, explaining how these huts were essential for grazing livestock and sheltering during harsh mountain conditions.

Guests can appreciate the rustic, yet functional design of the mitato and the breathtaking panoramic views that surround it, offering a unique glimpse into Crete’s rich cultural and natural landscapes.

Lunch at a Local Tavern With Traditional Cretan Cuisine

Following the tour of the shepherd’s hut, the group then heads to a local tavern to savor the flavors of traditional Cretan cuisine.

At the tavern, they’re greeted with a variety of authentic Cretan dishes, including:

• Dakos – a rustic salad with barley rusk, tomatoes, feta, and oregano

• Dolmades – grape leaves stuffed with rice and herbs

• Moussaka – a layered eggplant casserole with ground meat and béchamel sauce

• Tzatziki – a refreshing yogurt-cucumber dip

• Raki – the local firewater, served as a digestif

Guests enjoy a leisurely lunch, immersed in the vibrant ambiance and local culture.

Since You Asked

Is There Any Special Dietary Accommodation Available for the Tour?

According to the tour information, the lunch includes traditional Cretan platters. While specific dietary accommodations aren’t mentioned, guests with dietary restrictions should contact the tour operator to inquire about available options.

Can We Purchase Souvenirs or Local Products During the Tour?

The tour doesn’t specifically include time for shopping, but visitors can often find opportunities to purchase souvenirs or local products from the shepherd’s hut, traditional coffee shop, or during the lunch stop at the local tavern.

Is There Any Opportunity to Interact With the Local Shepherd?

The tour includes a visit to an original shepherd’s hut (Mitato) at 1350 meters, providing an opportunity to interact with the local shepherd and learn about traditional Cretan shepherding practices firsthand.

What Is the Level of Difficulty for the Hike to the Shepherd’s Hut?

The hike to the shepherd’s hut is at an elevation of 1,350 meters and may be challenging for some. It’s not suitable for those with mobility issues, back problems, or a fear of heights.

Can We Customize the Tour Itinerary Based on Our Interests?

Customers can’t fully customize the tour itinerary, but the provider offers flexibility to accommodate individual interests. They’ll work with guests to prioritize activities and sights within the overall tour program.

Final Words

The Crete: White Mountains Preserve Day Tour offers an exceptional opportunity to take in the stunning landscapes and rich cultural heritage of Crete. From the scenic drive through picturesque villages to the authentic Cretan dining experience and insights into traditional shepherding, this tour provides an unforgettable adventure for both nature enthusiasts and culture lovers alike.

You can check availability for your dates here: