Rethymnon Olive Tree Sponsorship Protect and Plant Tour

If you’re looking for an experience that combines giving back to the land with a touch of personal connection, the Rethymnon Olive Tree Sponsorship Protect and Plant Tour offers just that. This tour isn’t your average sightseeing trip; it’s a chance to directly support Crete’s ancient olive trees or even plant a new one. Whether you want to protect a historic tree or contribute to future generations of olive groves, this activity makes it easy to turn a typical visit into something meaningful.

What we really like about this experience is its emphasis on environmental sustainability and personal involvement. You get to attach your name to a tree or plant a fresh sapling, creating a tangible link to the land. Plus, it’s a smooth, well-organized activity that lasts about two and a half hours, perfect for adding a meaningful touch to your trip without taking up your whole day.

That said, there are a few considerations to keep in mind. The tour involves some driving and being mobile, so if you’re not comfortable with that, it’s worth arranging the meeting point ahead of time. Also, the experience is weather-dependent, so check the forecast if you’re planning to go during rainy or stormy days.

This tour suits travelers who value ecological causes, want a hands-on activity, or are looking for a unique way to connect with Crete’s natural beauty. It’s especially appealing if you’re interested in supporting local efforts to preserve ancient trees or are seeking a heartfelt gift or memory to take home.

Key Points

• Environmental Impact: Support the preservation of old olive trees on Crete and contribute to combating climate change.
• Personal Connection: Attach your name to a sponsorship tree or plant a new one, creating a lasting memory.
• Flexible Options: Choose between protecting an old tree or planting a young sapling from the Cretan Lazarus project.
• Authentic Experience: The tour includes photo and video opportunities, plus a toast to your sponsorship for a personal touch.
• Convenient Setup: The tour is private, allowing for a tailored experience, with pickup options available.
• Cost-Value Balance: At around $137, it’s a meaningful investment in nature and local heritage.

An Honest Look at the Tour Experience

From the start, this tour feels like an authentic chance to leave a positive mark. You meet at the designated spot in Rethymno, and from there, your journey begins with a drive to the olive grove. That initial part is practical—if mobility is an issue, you can arrange a different meeting point, which makes the experience more accessible. Once there, the real connection begins.

The core of the tour involves personalizing your sponsorship—you attach your name tag to your chosen tree, be it an old olive with a story or a new sapling from the gene pool of ancient trees. This is a highlight, as it offers a visual and emotional link to the land. Many reviewers mention how meaningful they found this, describing the experience as “beautiful,” or calling it “a perfect combination of vacation, adventure, and sustainability.”

Alongside the sponsorship, you are encouraged to take photos and videos, which are often shared by the organizers and make great keepsakes. Afterward, there’s a celebratory toast, adding a convivial moment to the activity. If you opt to plant a new olive tree instead, you’ll be involved in pulling cuttings from threatened old trees, contributing to the preservation of genetic diversity.

The Planting Element

Planting a new olive tree is a special aspect of this tour. The trees are carefully cultivated from cuttings taken from monumental and endangered varieties, ensuring that each new sapling is part of a broader effort to save genetic diversity. You’ll plant from these cuttings, which are only two generations removed from the original trees, giving you a true sense of contributing to the future of Crete’s olive landscape.

What You Get

Participants receive a sponsorship package if they choose to sponsor a tree. Plus, the company produces photos and videos of your involvement, which many find delightful. The experience lasts about 2.5 hours, making it a manageable yet impactful addition to your trip.

Reviews and Feedback

Feedback from previous participants is glowing—rating at a perfect 5 out of 5. Comments highlight how the experience deepens their understanding and appreciation of olive trees. One reviewer calls it “a beautiful day with the team,” adding that they felt very proud to be a keeper of an old olive tree. Others mention how the team is sympathetic and knowledgeable, making the activity feel warm and genuine.

Price and Value

At roughly $137.66 per person, this experience is a good value considering the emotional and environmental impact. It offers a chance to do something tangible and meaningful—supporting local conservation efforts—while also gaining insights into traditional olive heritage.

The Practicalities

The tour starts at Dimitrakaki 2 in Rethymno and operates daily from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM, giving you plenty of flexibility. It’s a private activity, meaning only your group will participate, allowing for a more personal experience. Service animals are allowed, and the activity is suitable for most travelers who are mobile and comfortable spending some time outdoors.

The tour’s cancellation policy is flexible—full refunds are available if canceled 24 hours in advance—making it a low-risk choice if your plans change. Keep in mind, the weather needs to cooperate; if bad weather cancels the tour, you’ll be offered an alternative date or a full refund.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This experience is perfect for eco-conscious travelers, nature lovers, or anyone wanting to add a meaningful story to their trip. It’s especially attractive if you enjoy hands-on activities and want to learn about Crete’s olive heritage. If you’re traveling with someone who appreciates sustainable causes or is interested in environmental issues, this tour offers an authentic way to support those passions.

It’s also a good pick for couples celebrating a special occasion or for groups of friends wanting a shared, memorable activity rooted in local tradition.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I choose whether to protect an old olive tree or plant a new one?
Yes, when booking, let the organizers know if you’d like to sponsor an old tree or plant a young sapling.

Is this tour suitable for people with mobility issues?
You need to be mobile, as the tour involves some driving and outdoor walking. Arrangements can be made for different meeting points if needed.

How long does the activity last?
The tour is approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes, including driving, sponsorship, and planting activities.

Is there a photo or video service?
Yes, the organizers produce photos and videos of your involvement, which you can take home as memories.

Can I participate with children?
The experience is generally suitable for most travelers, but specific age restrictions aren’t specified. Check with the provider if traveling with young children.

What should I wear?
Dress comfortably for outdoor activity—closed shoes and sun protection are advisable.

What is included in the sponsorship package?
It typically includes a name tag for your sponsorship tree and photos and videos of your participation.

What if I cancel?
You can get a full refund if you cancel at least 24 hours before the tour. Less than that, and the payment is non-refundable.

Is the tour eco-friendly?
Absolutely. The focus is on protecting old trees and planting new ones from threatened gene pools, directly supporting environmental sustainability.

How do I book?
You can book through their website or via Viator, with options to specify your preferences for the sponsorship.

Final Thoughts

If you’re the kind of traveler who seeks a genuine connection with the land and wants to do something meaningful, the Rethymnon Olive Tree Sponsorship Protect and Plant Tour offers a unique way to engage with Crete’s olive heritage. It’s a thoughtful blend of environmental action, culture, and personal involvement—an activity that leaves a lasting impression.

While it might not be suitable for everyone—especially if you prefer a more passive sightseeing experience—it’s ideal for those who want to turn their visit into a heartfelt contribution. Whether you choose to protect an ancient tree or plant a new one, you’ll leave with more than just photos—you’ll carry a story of sustainability and hope for future generations.