Crete: Quad Safari With Monastery, Malia Palace and Lunch

Crete’s Quad Safari promises an exhilarating adventure through its stunning landscapes. Participants will uncover ancient ruins, visit a historic monastery, and savor a traditional Greek lunch – all while navigating rugged mountain trails and olive groves. With knowledgeable guides and a chance to learn about premium olive oils, this excursion offers a unique glimpse into the island’s rich history and culture. Whether a thrill-seeker or a culture enthusiast, there’s something captivating about this Cretan experience.

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Key Points

A 5-hour off-road quad safari that explores scenic mountain trails, historic sites, and olive groves in Crete.
Includes a tour of the ancient Minoa Palace, the 16th-century Monastery of Saint George Vrahassotis, and a traditional Greek lunch.
Provides a safety briefing and instruction on off-road driving techniques before the excursion.
Offers an olive oil tasting experience at a renowned estate and beach time at Potamos Beach.
Pickup from various locations, including major hotels and resorts, with transportation provided.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Overview of the Quad Safari Experience

The Crete Quad Safari offers adventurous travelers the opportunity to explore the island’s rugged landscapes on a thrilling off-road excursion.

Lasting 5 hours, the tour takes participants through scenic mountain trails and olive groves, with stops at historic sites like the Minoa Palace and the 16th-century Monastery of Saint George Vrahassotis.

The highlight includes a traditional Greek lunch at a local tavern and an olive oil tasting at a renowned estate.

A traditional Greek lunch and an olive oil tasting await at this Crete quad safari adventure.

Riders can also enjoy some beach time at Potamos Beach.

This quad safari promises an unforgettable adventure, showcasing Crete’s natural beauty and cultural heritage.

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Pickup and Safety Briefing

Participants begin their Crete Quad Safari adventure with a pickup from one of 72 locations, including major hotels and resorts across the island. After arriving at the Malia Travel office, they receive a 30-minute safety briefing to ensure a smooth and safe excursion.

| Safety Briefing Overview |

|————————–|

| ATV operation and safety |

| Off-road driving techniques |

| Communication and hand signals |

| Emergency procedures |

| Participant responsibilities |

The safety briefing equips participants with the knowledge and skills necessary to navigate the scenic mountains and off-road trails during the Crete Quad Safari.

Exploring Minoa Palace and Olive Groves

After the safety briefing, participants embark on their Crete Quad Safari journey, exploring the ancient ruins of Minoa Palace and traversing the lush olive groves that dot the island’s landscape.

They discover the remnants of this once-thriving Minoan civilization, learning about its rich history.

The ATVs navigate through the winding paths, offering panoramic views of the surrounding olive trees and distant mountains.

The guides provide insights into the significance of olive oil production in Cretan culture, adding depth to the experience.

This segment of the tour showcases the diverse natural and historical attractions Crete has to offer.

Visit to the Monastery of Saint George Vrahassotis

Next, the quad safari adventurers make their way to the 16th-century Monastery of Saint George Vrahassotis.

The guided tour offers a glimpse into Crete’s religious heritage:

Explore the monastery’s ornate chapel, adorned with intricate frescoes and iconography.
Learn about the monastery’s historical significance and its role in the island’s spiritual life.
Wander the tranquil courtyards and gardens, taking in the serene atmosphere.
Discover the monastery’s collection of religious artifacts and manuscripts.
Engage with the knowledgeable guide, who shares insights about the site’s architecture and monastic traditions.

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Traditional Greek Lunch at Latsida Tavern

Where does the quad safari adventure lead the participants next? After an exhilarating ride through the mountains and olive groves, the group arrives at the traditional Latsida tavern for a delightful Cretan lunch. The menu includes:

| Dish | Description |

| — | — |

| Main | Locally sourced, freshly prepared entree |

| Salad | Small Greek salad with local ingredients |

| Drink | Bottled water to rehydrate |

The authentic, homemade meal provides a welcome respite and chance to refuel before continuing the day’s activities. Participants savor the flavors of Crete while taking in the cozy, rustic atmosphere of the tavern.

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Olive Oil Tasting at Vasilakis Estate

Following the traditional Greek lunch, the quad safari adventure continues with an olive oil tasting at the Vasilakis Estate.

The estate offers a unique opportunity to learn about the rich history and production of Crete’s renowned olive oil. Participants can expect:

Expert-led tasting of the estate’s premium olive oils
Insight into the traditional methods of olive oil extraction
Hands-on experience in evaluating aroma, flavor, and quality
Information on the health benefits and versatility of Cretan olive oil
Time to browse the estate’s selection of olive oil-based products

The olive oil tasting is a delightful addition to the day’s activities, providing a deeper appreciation for Crete’s culinary heritage.

Beach Time at Potamos Beach

After enjoying the olive oil tasting at the Vasilakis Estate, the quad safari tour concludes with a relaxing visit to Potamos Beach.

Here, guests have an hour to swim and soak up the sun. The fine, golden sand and clear, turquoise waters provide a serene setting to unwind after the adventurous quad ride.

Participants can cool off in the refreshing Mediterranean sea before heading back. This beach stopover is a perfect way to round out the day’s diverse activities, allowing travelers to recharge and reflect on the memorable experiences of the Crete quad safari.

Participant Considerations and Restrictions

The Crete quad safari tour has certain participant considerations and restrictions to ensure the safety and enjoyment of all guests.

These include:

Not suitable for pregnant women, those afraid of heights, babies under 1 year, individuals over 70 years, and those with mobility impairments.
Participants must bring a valid driver’s license, camera, towel, swimwear, sunglasses, and sunscreen.
Alcohol and drugs are strictly prohibited during the tour.
Guests are advised to wear comfortable clothing and closed-toe shoes.
Children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult and use a child-sized ATV.

Since You Asked

Is the Quad Safari Available in Multiple Languages?

The quad safari activity provides tours in multiple languages. According to the information provided, the activity includes a safety briefing, suggesting guides are available to lead the tour in different languages.

Can Participants Switch Drivers During the Tour?

Participants can switch drivers during the tour. The details in the activity overview don’t mention any restrictions on who can operate the ATVs, so it’s likely that riders can take turns driving throughout the experience.

Are There Any Photo Opportunities During the Quad Safari?

Yes, there are several photo opportunities during the quad safari. The itinerary includes visits to scenic locations like olive groves, a 16th-century monastery, and a beach, providing participants chances to capture the picturesque Cretan landscape.

Is There a Minimum Age Requirement for Participants?

The minimum age requirement for participants is 1 year old. Babies under 1 year old are not allowed to join the quad safari tour, as it’s not suitable for them.

Can the Quad Safari Be Customized for Private Groups?

The quad safari can be customized for private groups. According to the details provided, the tour operator offers pickup from 72 locations, suggesting they can accommodate private group requests. However, the specifics of private group options aren’t explicitly stated.

Final Words

The Quad Safari in Crete offers an exhilarating adventure, exploring ancient ruins, visiting a historic monastery, savoring traditional Greek cuisine, and learning about premium olive oils. With knowledgeable guides, participants can enjoy Crete’s stunning landscapes and rich cultural heritage, making for an unforgettable day. Participants should consider any restrictions or requirements before booking this thrilling excursion.