Wine & Olive Oil Tour with lunch at the White Mountains

A Detailed Look at the Wine & Olive Oil Tour with Lunch at the White Mountains

If you’re eyeing a way to see a different side of Crete beyond its beaches, this Wine & Olive Oil Tour with lunch at the White Mountains might be just what you need. With glowing reviews and a solid 5-star rating from 67 travelers, it’s clear many have found this experience memorable. It’s an all-day excursion that combines scenic landscapes, cultural insights, and delicious local flavors — all tailored for small groups of up to six people, which means it’s intimate and flexible.

What truly stands out about this tour are two things: first, the personalized experience thanks to the small group size and dedicated guides; second, the variety of tasting stops that showcase Crete’s top-quality olive oils and wines. One potential consideration is the price—at just over $170 per person, the experience isn’t the cheapest option out there, but the consistent praise suggests it’s a strong value for those who want depth and quality. This tour is perfect for curious travelers who love food, wine, scenic drives, and discovering local culture away from crowded bus routes.

Key Points

• Small group experience: Up to 6 travelers, allowing for relaxed, personalized interaction with your guide.
• Diverse itinerary: From ancient olive trees to mountain scenery, there’s a lot packed into one day.
• Cretan flavors: Tasting five local wines and organic olive oils gives genuine insight into the island’s culinary pride.
• Stunning mountain views: Lunch at 1200 meters offers spectacular scenery you won’t forget.
• In-depth local culture: Visits to farms, gorges, and mountain villages deepen your understanding of Crete’s traditions.
• Highly rated guides: Multiple reviews praise knowledgeable, friendly guides who make the day special.

What to Expect from the Itinerary

Starting with a Touch of History at the Olive Tree Museum

The tour kicks off with a visit to the Olive Tree Museum of Vouves, where you’ll see a 3,000-year-old olive tree still bearing fruit. It’s a quiet, almost poetic start that sets the tone for the day. As one traveler shared, “The oldest olive tree was incredible, and the coffee break here was a lovely touch.” Visiting this ancient tree is a neat reminder of how long olives have been woven into Cretan life—something you can actually touch and photograph.

This stop is fairly relaxed and not just about static history. The museum is small, but the opportunity to stand next to such age-old living history is pretty special. Plus, the visit includes a peek at a typical Cretan farm, giving a taste of traditional rural life.

Olive Oil and Wine Tasting at Anoskeli Winery

Next, the tour heads to the Anoskeli Winery Olive Mill, where the focus shifts to tasting. Here, you’ll sample organic, extra virgin olive oils, straight from a family-owned operation. This is a highlight for many, especially since the oils are organic and produced locally. Reviewers rave about the quality, with one saying, “The olive oil tasting was fantastic, and the snacks perfectly complemented the flavors.”

Following that, you’ll taste five different labels of local wine, paired with traditional Cretan snacks. The wines are carefully selected and offer a genuine taste of the region’s viticulture. Guests often note the knowledge of their guides, like “Nickolas gave us great insight into the wine-making process” and “the wines were really good, even for a novice like me.” It’s a chance to learn about Crete’s wine varieties and appreciate what makes the island’s wines unique.

Scenic Drive into the White Mountains and Gorges

The journey then takes you into the White Mountains (Lefka Ori), with a drive through rugged terrain that offers striking views. Traveling in a full A/C 4WD vehicle—something that many larger buses can’t manage—adds comfort and access to remote spots. Expect to cross Sebronas Gorge and approach the White Mountains from the west, with plenty of photo opportunities.

One of the most impressive spots visited is the Omalos Plateau at 1000 meters altitude. This vast, open space is a favorite among travelers for its scenery and rural charm. You’ll see shepherds herding sheep and goats, an authentic slice of mountain life. As one reviewer noted, “The scenery was outstanding, and the shepherds’ presence made the experience genuine.”

The Spectacle of Samaria Gorge

The highlight for many is the entrance to Samaria Gorge, Europe’s longest gorge at 16 km (10 miles). While many visitors might think of hiking the gorge itself, this tour keeps it simple: you’ll stop at the entrance, enjoy breathtaking views, and have lunch at 1200 meters altitude. The meal here, with White Mountain vistas as a backdrop, is described as “spectacular,” especially when paired with local wines and desserts.

Even if the weather isn’t perfect, guests like one reviewer mentioned, “Despite the chilly, windy weather, the views at Samaria were still incredible.” It’s a reminder that the mountain scenery and the experience of being in such a wild landscape are rewarding in every condition.

Driving Through Villages and Down the Mountain

The trip continues downhill through villages like Lakki, Fournes, and Alikianos, showcasing varied landscapes—from forests of cypress trees to lush valleys filled with citrus and olive groves. The last stretch offers more stunning views at 1000 meters altitude from a vantage point overlooking the White Mountains. As one guest put it, “The changing scenery was remarkable, from mountain forests to lush orchards.”

A Final, Delicious Mountain Lunch

The tour concludes with a meal at a mountain restaurant at 1200 meters, offering traditional Cretan dishes and local wines. Guests rave about the quality of the food and the atmosphere. “The lunch was beyond expectations—delicious, filling, and with a view that’s hard to beat,” shared a traveler. The meal includes local cheeses, honey, olives, and tea, rounding out a full sensory experience of Crete’s flavors.

What Makes This Tour Stand Out

This experience’s real strength lies in the balance between scenic exploration, cultural insight, and tasting. Many reviews mention the guides’ knowledge and friendliness, which elevates the trip from just sightseeing to a more engaging, educational experience. The small group size ensures you’re not just a face in the crowd; you get personalized attention and the chance to ask questions.

The tour’s value can be appreciated when considering the included tastings, the private transport, and the authentic experiences—especially compared to larger, bus-based tours that often rush through sights. The price tag of $171.81 per person reflects this personalized approach, and many guests agree it’s worth every euro.

Reliability and Practical Details

The tour runs for about 7 to 8 hours, starting at 9:00 am with pickup from many Chania area hotels. You’ll be riding in a comfortable, air-conditioned vehicle, which is essential considering Crete’s rugged terrain. The group size caps at six, so expect a quieter, more relaxed day that allows for conversation and flexibility.

Most travelers can participate, and children are welcome if accompanied by an adult—though it’s worth noting the minimum drinking age is 18. The tour operates rain or shine, so dress appropriately for the weather.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

If you’re someone who appreciates small-group experiences, loves wine and olive oil tastings, and enjoys scenery with a side of local culture, this tour suits you well. It’s ideal for travelers who want a taste of Crete’s rural heart, away from crowded tourist spots, but still with comfortable logistics and a well-planned route.

It’s especially good for those interested in food and wine, as the tastings are genuine and plentiful. If you’re traveling with friends or a partner and prefer a more intimate, personalized experience, this tour hits the mark.

However, if your main goal is a rigorous hike or purely beachside relaxation, this might not be the best fit. The focus here is on scenic drives, cultural stops, and tasting, rather than physical exertion.

Practical Questions & Answers

Is pickup included?
Yes, the tour offers pickup from many Chania area hotels within 5 km east and 25 km west, making it quite convenient.

How long does the tour last?
It runs approximately 7 to 8 hours, starting at 9:00 am, so plan for a full day out.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the tour. For full refunds, just cancel early enough.

Is this tour suitable for children?
Children must be accompanied by an adult, and while not explicitly marketed as family-friendly, the experience is generally suitable for older kids interested in scenery and tasting.

What should I wear?
Smart casual is recommended; dress appropriately for weather conditions, especially since you’ll be outdoors much of the day.

Are vegetarian options available?
Yes, vegetarian options can be arranged if advised at the time of booking.

Final Thoughts

This Wine & Olive Oil Tour at the White Mountains offers a genuine and intimate taste of Crete’s rural treasures. The combination of scenic drives, cultural insights, and authentic tastings makes it stand out from more generic tours. It’s best suited for travelers who value quality over quantity, appreciate good guides, and want to experience the island’s flavors firsthand.

With consistently high reviews praising the guides’ knowledge and the scenic beauty, this tour seems to deliver on its promises. The small group size makes for a relaxed, personalized day that feels more like visiting friends than being on a bus. If that sounds like the kind of Crete adventure you’re after, this tour deserves a spot on your itinerary.

Enjoy your trip and savor every moment — Crete’s landscapes, flavors, and stories are waiting to be discovered.