Knossos, Olive Grove, Winery – Distillery With Tastings & Lunch

Discover the essence of Crete’s rich cultural heritage on this captivating tour. Marvel at the legendary Knossos Palace, then explore the island’s viticulture and olive oil production. Savor the robust flavor of raki at a traditional distillery before indulging in a delectable four-course lunch. With a seamless blend of history, gastronomy, and local experiences, this tour promises an unforgettable journey through Crete’s vibrant tapestry.

Key Points

• This private tour offers a comprehensive cultural and culinary experience, including a visit to the Knossos Palace, a raki distillery, a winery, and an olive grove farm.
• Visitors can choose between a guided or self-guided tour of the Knossos Palace, depending on their interests and budget.
• The tour includes tastings of raki, three local wines, and olive oil, providing an in-depth exploration of Crete’s traditional produce and winemaking.
• A four-course lunch at a local tavern in Archanes Village is included, allowing visitors to savor the flavors of Cretan cuisine.
• Hassle-free transportation and flexible scheduling ensure a seamless and personalized experience throughout the day’s cultural and gastronomic highlights.

Tour Overview and Inclusions

The tour includes a personal pick-up and drop-off, a visit to a Raki Distillery with a tasting, a winery visit with a tasting of three wines, an olive grove farm tour and olive oil tastings, and a four-course lunch at a local tavern in Archanes Village.

An air-conditioned vehicle is provided. The Knossos Palace admission fee of €20.00 per person isn’t included, and a certified guide for Knossos is optional.

This is a private tour, with only your group participating. Prices start from $201.15 per person, varying by group size.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the experience.

Pickup and Transportation Details

A team member will contact you via text message to provide the exact pick-up time.

Various pickup points are available, so the driver can conveniently collect you from your location.

The tour includes air-conditioned transportation throughout the day, ensuring a comfortable and enjoyable experience.

Comfortable and enjoyable transportation with air-conditioning provided throughout the day for a stress-free experience.

The private tour means only your group will participate, allowing for a personalized and flexible itinerary.

Whether you’re staying in Heraklion or elsewhere on the island, the tour provides a seamless way to explore the region’s cultural and culinary highlights without the hassle of driving yourself.

Knossos Palace: Guided or Self-Guided?

Should you opt for a guided tour of Knossos Palace, or is self-guided exploration the better choice?

The reviews recommend hiring a professional guide to enhance your experience and understanding of the ancient site. While the admission fee is included, a certified guide is not.

Self-guided visits can be rewarding, but a knowledgeable guide can bring the ruins to life, providing context and insights you may miss alone.

Consider your interests and budget when deciding. Either way, the palace’s archaeological treasures and storied history make it a must-see highlight of this comprehensive tour.

Raki Distillery: Tasting Experience

After exploring the historic Knossos Palace, the next stop on this comprehensive tour takes visitors to a traditional Raki distillery.

Here, guests gain insight into the centuries-old process of crafting this iconic Greek spirit. The distillery tour showcases the copper stills and meticulously explains the distillation method.

The distillery tour showcases the copper stills and meticulously explains the centuries-old process of crafting this iconic Greek spirit.

Visitors then get to sample the robust, fragrant raki, learning how to properly enjoy its unique flavors. This hands-on experience provides an authentic glimpse into Crete’s cultural heritage and longstanding traditions.

The raki tasting perfectly complements the tour’s exploration of the island’s renowned culinary and agricultural offerings.

Winery Visit and Wine Tasting

After exploring the rich cultural heritage at Knossos Palace, the tour continues with a visit to a local winery.

At the winery, guests embark on a guided tasting of three distinct wines. The experience highlights:

• Insight into the winemaking process

• Explanation of grape varieties and regional characteristics

• Guidance on proper wine tasting techniques

• Opportunity to savor the complex flavors and aromas

• Recommendations on food pairings

Through this engaging winery visit, travelers gain a deeper appreciation for the unique terroir and traditions that shape Crete’s vibrant wine culture.

Olive Grove Farm: Tour and Tastings

Following the enriching winery experience, the tour now turns its focus to exploring the olive grove farm.

Guests are guided through the olive groves, learning about the cultivation and harvesting processes. They witness firsthand the traditional methods used to extract the precious olive oil, including the use of a stone mill.

The tour culminates in an olive oil tasting, allowing visitors to discern the distinct flavors and aromas of the locally produced oil.

This intimate encounter with the olive oil production provides a deeper appreciation for the region’s agricultural heritage and the dedication of its farmers.

Lunch at a Local Tavern in Archanes Village

The tour then culminates with a delightful four-course lunch at a local tavern in the charming village of Archanes.

Guests are treated to a satisfying meal that showcases the region’s delectable cuisine. The menu features:

A satisfying meal showcasing the region’s delectable cuisine, featuring starters, main dishes, accompaniments, wines, and decadent desserts.

• Starters like refreshing tzatziki and savory dolmades

• Main dishes highlighting local specialties, such as moussaka or classic souvlaki

• Accompaniments of fresh salads and warm pita bread

• A selection of regional wines to perfectly complement the flavors

• Decadent desserts like baklava or yogurt with honey and walnuts

This authentic dining experience leaves travelers with a true taste of Cretan hospitality.

Guest Experiences and Reviews

What did guests have to say about their experiences on this tour?

Travelers praised the knowledge and hospitality of the drivers, Anthony and Roula.

Guests enjoyed learning about the olive oil process and wine pairing.

The lunch experiences were highlighted as delicious and satisfying.

Reviewers recommended hiring a professional guide for the Knossos Palace visit to enhance the experience.

The Sum Up

This immersive tour offers a delightful glimpse into Crete’s rich cultural heritage. Visitors can explore the iconic Knossos Palace, savor the region’s renowned olive oil and wines, and indulge in the local spirit of raki. The day is capped off with a traditional four-course lunch, providing a truly authentic Cretan experience. This tour is a must for anyone seeking to enjoy the island’s captivating culinary and historical traditions.