Embark on an unforgettable off-road vehicle safari from Rethymno. This 6.5-hour adventure showcases Crete’s stunning landscapes and rich culture. Discover charming villages, visit a historic monastery, and watch a live cheese-making demonstration. Savor a traditional Cretan lunch with wine at a local tavern. With a small group limited to 8 participants, this immersive experience ensures personalized attention. Uncover the natural beauty and cultural treasures that make Crete a captivating destination.
Key Points

- A 6.5-hour off-road vehicle safari from Rethymno offering panoramic views of Mount Ida and visits to traditional Cretan villages.
- Includes a stop at the historic Halepa Monastery and a cheese-making demonstration at a shepherd’s hut.
- Traditional Cretan lunch with local cuisine, grilled meats, and Cretan wines served at a tavern in Axos.
- Convenient hotel pickup and drop-off, and transportation in a premium off-road vehicle with a multilingual guide.
- Not suitable for children under 7, pregnant women, or individuals with back problems or motion sickness; group size limited to 8 participants.
Tour Overview

The off-road vehicle safari from Rethymno is a 6.5-hour excursion that takes adventurous travelers on a journey through the rugged landscapes of Crete.
Priced from €99 per person, this small-group tour is limited to 8 participants and available in multiple languages.
Guests can expect panoramic views of Mount Ida, visits to traditional Cretan villages, and a stop at the historic Halepa Monastery.
The tour also includes a cheese-making demonstration and the opportunity to spot local wildlife.
With free cancellation and no upfront payment required, this off-road safari offers a unique and flexible way to explore Crete.
Here are more experiences we've reviewed in Crete
Itinerary Highlights

Panoramic views of Mount Ida await guests as they explore traditional Cretan villages during this off-road vehicle safari. The tour visits Halepa, Garazo, Faratsi, and Veni, where participants can admire the historic Halepa Monastery, a refuge for Cretan rebels. Guests will also witness a live cheese-making demonstration at a mitato (shepherd’s hut) and have the opportunity to spot wildlife, including wild eagles and goats.
| Activity | Location |
| — | — |
| Admire panoramic views | Mount Ida |
| Visit traditional villages | Halepa, Garazo, Faratsi, Veni |
| Stop at historic monastery | Halepa Monastery |
Culinary Experience

As part of the tour, guests savor a traditional Cretan lunch served with wine at a tavern in Axos.
The menu features local cuisine, showcasing the flavors of the island. Diners can expect dishes made with fresh, seasonal ingredients, like grilled meats, Greek salads, and homemade breads.
Throughout the meal, guests enjoy sipping on Cretan wines, which complement the robust flavors of the food.
Cretan wines complement the robust flavors of the traditional lunch served during the off-road adventure.
This culinary experience allows participants to enjoy the authentic culinary traditions of the region as part of the off-road adventure.
Transportation and Logistics

This off-road vehicle safari includes hotel pickup and drop-off for the convenience of participants.
Guests will be transported in a premium 7 or 9-seater off-road vehicle driven by a multilingual guide. The meeting point is provided in the email confirmation, and passengers should arrive 5-10 minutes before the scheduled pickup time.
The transportation ensures a comfortable and seamless experience as travelers explore the Cretan countryside and villages.
With the logistics handled, participants can focus on taking in the stunning panoramic views and seeing the cultural and culinary highlights of the tour.
More Great Tours NearbyParticipant Restrictions

While the off-road safari offers an immersive Cretan adventure, certain participant restrictions apply. The tour isn’t suitable for children under 7 years old, pregnant women, or those with back problems or motion sickness. This ensures the safety and comfort of all participants.
Plus, the small group size is limited to 8 people, creating a more intimate and personalized experience. The multilingual guide will provide detailed instructions and support throughout the journey, addressing any participant concerns.
Here are more experiences we've reviewed in Crete
- Dia Island : Small Group Sailing Trip to Dia Island With Lunch
- Heraklion: Luxe Catamaran Sailing Cruise to Dia Island With Lunch
- Full Day 4×4 Self-Drive Safari Tour in Crete With BBQ Lunch
- Heraklion: Cretan Private Cooking Lesson With Lunch in Arolithos
- Heraklion Wine Tour & Cretan Meze Lunch
- South Crete: Private 5-7hrs Snorkeling & Sailing With Lunch
Customer Reviews

How have previous participants experienced this off-road safari in Rethymno? According to reviews, the tour has an impressive 4.9/5 rating based on 7 reviews. Customers highlight the friendly guides and informative experiences. The tour seems to deliver on its promises, with one reviewer stating, "The guides were great, the drive was exciting, and the cultural stops were truly interesting." The following table provides more details on the key customer feedback:
| Metric | Rating |
| — | — |
| Overall Experience | 4.9/5 |
| Guide Knowledge | 5/5 |
| Vehicle Comfort | 5/5 |
| Value for Money | 4.8/5 |
| Recommendation Likelihood | 5/5 |
What to Expect

Participants can expect an exhilarating off-road adventure that takes them through Crete’s stunning natural landscapes and traditional villages.
They’ll ride in a premium 7 or 9-seater vehicle, driven by a multilingual guide, to remote locales like the Halepa Monastery.
Along the way, they’ll witness live cheese-making at a shepherd’s hut and spot wildlife like wild eagles and goats.
The tour includes a tasty traditional Cretan lunch with wine at a tavern in Axos.
While not suitable for certain groups, the safari promises an informative and enjoyable experience, as evidenced by its 4.9/5 rating from past participants.
Frequently Asked Questions

What Is the Maximum Weight Capacity of the Off-Road Vehicle?
The tour’s off-road vehicles can accommodate up to 7 or 9 passengers, depending on the model. The specific weight capacity isn’t stated, but the vehicle size suggests it can handle a typical group comfortably.
Can We Bring Our Own Food and Drinks on the Tour?
Participants can’t bring their own food and drinks on the tour. The tour includes a traditional Cretan lunch and wine at a local tavern, so outside food and beverages aren’t allowed. The tour provides the culinary experience as part of the package.
Are There Any Restrictions on Photography During the Tour?
There don’t appear to be any explicit photography restrictions during the tour. As long as it doesn’t disrupt the experience for others, participants are likely free to take photos throughout the off-road safari and visiting the villages and sites.
Can We Purchase Additional Food or Drinks During the Stops?
Yes, travelers can purchase additional food or drinks during the stops. The tour includes a traditional Cretan lunch, but participants are free to buy extra local cuisine and wine at the tavern in Axos.
Is There a Dress Code or Recommended Attire for the Tour?
There’s no strict dress code, but comfortable, casual clothing and sturdy, closed-toe shoes are recommended. Layers may be helpful as the weather can change during the outdoor excursion.
The Sum Up

This off-road vehicle safari from Rethymno offers an immersive and unforgettable experience. Guests can enjoy stunning views, explore charming Cretan villages, and indulge in a traditional Cretan lunch. With a small group size and personalized attention, this adventure provides a unique opportunity to explore the rich culture of Crete. It’s an ideal choice for those seeking an adventurous and authentic exploration of the island.
You can check availability for your dates here:More 1-Day Tours in Crete
- Crete: Day Trip to Elafonisi Beach with Hotel Transfers
- Crete: Balos Beach Viewpoint and Falassrna Beach Day Trip
- Crete: Full-Day Trip to Santorini from Chania
- SANTORINI 1 day Guided Excursion with HIGHSPEED from CRETE
- From Crete: Chrissi Island Day Trip by Boat with Swim Stop
- Agios Nikolaos: Lasithi Plateau Day Trip
More Full-Day in Crete
- Crete: Full-Day Trip to Santorini from Chania
- Crete: Full-Day Cretan Wines, Olive Oil, Raki and Food Tour
- Private Full-Day Adventure: Knossos, Museum & Melidoni Cave
- Preveli Beach & Palm Forest :Full-Day Tour with Lunch Box
- Crete: Richtis Waterfall Full-Day Tour with Olive Tasting
- VIP Full-Day Private Tour (See the best with Professionals)
More Tour Reviews in Crete
- From Chania: Olive Oil, Wine, Cheese & Honey Tasting Tour
- From Heraklion/Rethymno: Santorini Cruise(Pickup Extra Cost)
- Crete: Day Trip to Elafonisi Beach with Hotel Transfers
- Archaeological Museum & Knossos Palace Guided Tour Half Day
- Chania Evening Tour From Rethymno
- Chania: Sunset Boat Cruise with Guide
Still browsing? Here are more Crete experiences we've covered recently
- The Top 6 Crete Workshops & Classes
- The 11 Best Private Driver Services In Crete
- 12 Best Wine Tours In Crete (With Prices)
- 4 Fantastic Walking Tours In Crete
- The 3 Top Snorkeling Experiences In Crete: Which Is Best?
- Discover 11 Great Hiking And Trekking Tours In Crete
- The Top 14 Crete Tours
- You’ll Love These 14 Tours & Experiences In Crete
- Crete’s 14 Best Sailing Experiences: Which To Choose?
- Which Crete Full-Day Tours To Choose? Our Best 9 Picks
- You’ll Love These 4 Food Tours In Crete
- What Are The Best Cruises And Boat Tours In Crete? Our Top 14 Picks
