Chania: White Mountains Safari Tour With Lunch and Tastings

Discover the rugged beauty of Crete’s White Mountains on an exhilarating off-road safari tour from Chania. Journey through breathtaking scenery, reaching the Omalos Plateau at 1,000 meters. Along the way, marvel at a 3,000-5,000-year-old olive tree and sample award-winning local olive oils and wines. Enjoy a traditional Cretan lunch with scenic views and the opportunity to immerse in the island’s rich culinary heritage. The tour provides comfortable transportation, liability insurance, and pickup from hotels within 5-25 km of Chania. For a deeper dive into the highlights, review the tour details.

Key Points

• Explore the ancient olive trees, indulge in olive oil and wine tastings, and embark on an off-road adventure in the White Mountains during this Chania tour.
• Enjoy a traditional Cretan lunch with scenic views while tasting local cuisine, olive oil, and other products.
• Experience the rugged terrain of the White Mountains, reaching the Omalos Plateau at an altitude of 1,000 meters.
• Convenient transportation in an air-conditioned, off-road capable vehicle with pickup service from hotels within 5-25 km of Chania.
• Liability insurance ensures a safe and secure experience, making the tour accessible to most travelers.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Tour Details

The tour is an 8-hour excursion from Chania that explores Cretan villages and off-road locations in a 4WD vehicle.

Highlights include a thrilling off-road adventure into the White Mountains, visits to olive, orange, and lemon groves, and Cretan villages. Participants will also enjoy wine tastings, olive oil and cheese sampling, and a traditional Cretan lunch with scenic views.

The itinerary includes a visit to a 3,000-5,000-year-old olive tree in Ano Vouves, olive oil and wine tastings in Anoskeli village, and an off-road drive to the Omalos Plateau at an altitude of 1,000 meters.

Transportation is provided in an air-conditioned vehicle, with pickup available from hotels within 5-25 km east or west of Chania.

Highlights

The tour’s highlights include a thrilling off-road adventure into the White Mountains, where visitors can explore Cretan villages and natural landscapes.

Participants will also enjoy sampling a variety of local products, such as wines, olive oil, and cheeses, as well as a traditional Cretan lunch with scenic views.

The excursion offers the chance to visit a 3,000-5,000-year-old olive tree in Ano Vouves and learn about olive oil and wine production during tastings in Anoskeli village.

The off-road drive to the Omalos Plateau at an altitude of 1,000 meters provides stunning views of the Samaria Gorge and the White Mountains.

Itinerary

Participants begin the tour with a visit to the 3,000-5,000-year-old olive tree in Ano Vouves, a testament to Crete’s ancient agricultural heritage. Next, travelers venture to Anoskeli village to indulge in olive oil and wine tastings. The real adventure begins as the group embarks on an off-road drive to the Omalos Plateau, situated at an impressive 1,000m altitude. Here, they are rewarded with breathtaking views of the Samaria Gorge and the majestic White Mountains.

Itinerary
Visit to ancient olive tree	Ano Vouves
Olive oil and wine tastings	Anoskeli village
Off-road drive	Omalos Plateau (1,000m)
Scenic views	Samaria Gorge, White Mountains
Traditional Cretan lunch	With a view

Transportation and Pickup

The tour includes an air-conditioned vehicle for transportation, with pickup available from hotels within 5-25km east or west of Chania. This ensures a comfortable and convenient journey for all participants.

The vehicle is equipped to handle the off-road terrain, allowing visitors to fully enjoy the Cretan countryside without worrying about the driving.

The pickup service further simplifies the experience, as guests don’t have to arrange their own transportation to the starting point.

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Included and Excluded

It includes a traditional Cretan lunch with scenic views, as well as one round of wine or beer, dessert, and tastings of olive oil and local products.

The tour provides coffee, tea, and orange juice throughout the day. Liability insurance is also included, ensuring a safe and secure experience.

However, tips aren’t included, and the tour isn’t suitable for pregnant women, those with mobility impairments, or wheelchair users.

While the off-road adventure and exploration of Cretan villages are thrilling, the tour operator has carefully considered the needs and limitations of their guests, making it an accessible experience for most travelers.

3,000-5,000-year-old Olive Tree

The tour begins at an awe-inspiring 3,000-5,000-year-old olive tree in the village of Ano Vouves, a testament to Crete’s rich agricultural heritage.

This ancient tree, one of the oldest olive trees in the world, stands tall and proud, its gnarled trunk and twisted branches serving as a living connection to the island’s past.

Guests have the chance to marvel at its impressive size and age, learning about the vital role olive trees have played in Cretan culture and economy for millennia.

This stop provides a fascinating glimpse into Crete’s enduring agricultural traditions and the timeless beauty of the island’s natural landscapes.

Olive Oil and Wine Tastings

Next, visitors journey to the village of Anoskeli, where they indulge in tastings of the region’s renowned olive oil and wine.

Expertly-produced local products are showcased, allowing guests to savor the flavors that have nourished Crete for generations. Through these tastings, travelers gain a deeper appreciation for the island’s rich culinary heritage and the dedicated work of its artisanal producers.

The highlights of this segment include:

• Sampling award-winning extra virgin olive oils
• Tasting a variety of indigenous Cretan grape varietals
• Learning about the traditional methods of production
• Discovering the unique terroir that shapes these legendary products

Off-road Drive to Omalos Plateau

After savoring the regional olive oils and wines, the tour embarks on an exhilarating off-road journey to the Omalos Plateau, situated at an impressive altitude of 1,000 meters.

Navigating the rugged terrain of the White Mountains in a sturdy 4WD vehicle, guests are treated to breathtaking views that stretch as far as the eye can see. The drive offers a thrilling experience, as the vehicle traverses winding paths and tackles challenging inclines, providing a true sense of adventure.

Reaching the Omalos Plateau, visitors are rewarded with panoramic vistas of the surrounding mountain ranges and the nearby Samaria Gorge, setting the stage for the next highlight of the tour – a traditional Cretan lunch.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is There a Minimum Age Requirement for Participants?

There does not appear to be a stated minimum age requirement for participants. The tour is suitable for children, though certain physical limitations may apply. It’s best to check with the tour operator for specific details on age policy.

Can the Tour Accommodate Vegetarian or Vegan Dietary Requirements?

The tour can accommodate vegetarian or vegan dietary requirements. Guests should inform the tour operator of any dietary needs when booking, and the provider will work to ensure appropriate meal options are available during the traditional Cretan lunch.

Is the Off-Road Drive Suitable for Those Prone to Motion Sickness?

The off-road drive may not be suitable for those prone to motion sickness. The vehicle travels on unpaved, bumpy roads through mountainous terrain, which could exacerbate motion sickness. Those with this condition may want to consider an alternative tour option.

Can the Tour Be Customized or Tailored to Individual Preferences?

The tour can likely be customized or tailored to individual preferences. Customers should discuss any special needs or requests with the tour operator, who may be able to accommodate them within reason.

Is There an Option to Extend the Duration of the Tour?

The tour can be extended, though the specific duration options are not provided. Guests should inquire with the tour operator about the possibility and any associated costs for extending the standard 8-hour tour length.

Recap

The Chania: White Mountains Safari Tour With Lunch and Tastings offers an unparalleled adventure, immersing visitors in Crete’s captivating cultural tapestry and breathtaking natural landscapes.

From off-road exploration of remote villages to indulging in local delicacies, this tour provides a seamless blend of outdoor adventure and culinary delight, making it an unforgettable experience for anyone seeking to discover the true essence of this enchanting Greek island.

You can check if your dates are available here: