Crete: Olive Oil Factory Tour, Dinner & Traditional Dancing

Crete, the enchanting Greek island, offers a captivating evening adventure that seamlessly blends culture and culinary delights. Travelers can explore the traditional olive oil production process, marvel at the art of beekeeping, and savor an authentic Cretan buffet dinner accompanied by local wines and lively entertainment. This four-hour experience promises an unforgettable glimpse into the island’s rich heritage, leaving guests with a deeper appreciation for Crete’s time-honored traditions. Whether you’re a foodie, a culture enthusiast, or simply seeking an unforgettable evening, this tour is sure to leave a lasting impression.

This experience made our list of the 7 Best Dinner Tours In Crete.

Key Points

• Immersive 4-hour tour of a Cretan olive oil factory, including a guided visit, traditional Cretan buffet dinner, and live music and dancing.
• Highlights include a beekeeping demonstration and the opportunity to purchase high-quality olive oil products.
• Pickup and hotel transfers are provided, and the tour is wheelchair accessible.
• Overall rating of 3 out of 5 stars, with positive feedback on the food and demonstrations, but some issues reported with pickup and long duration.
• Detailed look at the virgin Cretan olive oil production process, showcasing the traditional stone grinders and cold-press technique.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Tour Overview

The evening olive oil factory tour provides visitors with an immersive experience to learn about the production of Cretan virgin olive oil.

Lasting 4 hours, the tour includes a guided factory visit, a traditional Cretan buffet dinner with local wine, and a live music and dancing performance.

Priced from $60.99 per person, the tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Guests can reserve their spot now and pay later. Hotel transfers are included, and the tour is wheelchair accessible.

With highlights like a beekeeping demonstration and the opportunity to purchase high-quality olive oil products, this tour offers an authentic taste of Cretan culture.

Inclusions

This tour includes a hotel transfer, a guided factory tour, a buffet dinner with local wine, live music and Cretan dancing, and water.

Guests can look forward to learning about virgin Cretan olive oil production and witnessing a beekeeping demonstration for Cretan honey, all while enjoying a traditional Cretan meal in a scenic setting.

The olive oil factory tour provides an immersive experience, allowing visitors to gain insights into the process of creating high-quality virgin olive oil.

The beekeeping demonstration offers a unique opportunity to learn about the importance of bees and the production of Cretan honey.

Highlights

Visitors can expect to learn about the intricate process of producing virgin Cretan olive oil during the guided factory tour. They’ll also witness a captivating beekeeping demonstration that showcases the creation of Cretan honey.

The experience culminates in a traditional Cretan buffet meal accompanied by live Greek music and dancing performances in a scenic setting. Guests will be immersed in the rich cultural heritage of Crete as they savor the local cuisine, enjoy the melodic sounds of Greek music, and watch the mesmerizing Cretan dance troupe showcase their agility and grace.

This all-inclusive evening provides a unique opportunity to take in the authentic traditions and flavors of Crete.

Pickup Information

One of the key conveniences of this tour is the provided hotel transfers, as pickup locations span several popular resort areas across Crete.

The tour bus will collect participants from Kokkini Hani, Gournes, Gouves, Analipsi, Anissaras, Hersonissos, Stalida, Malia, Sissi, and Milatos.

To ensure a smooth start, guests are advised to be ready for pickup at least 5 minutes prior to the scheduled time.

It’s important to note that the bus can’t wait more than 2 minutes, so punctuality is key.

The tour is also wheelchair accessible, catering to the needs of all travelers.

• Pickup locations across 10 resort areas in Crete

• Be ready 5 minutes before scheduled pickup time

• Bus can’t wait more than 2 minutes for guests

• Tour is wheelchair accessible

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Customer Reviews

Reviewers provide mixed feedback on the olive oil factory tour, with an overall rating of 3 out of 5 stars based on 3 reviews. While some guests praise the great food, interesting demonstrations, and good product prices, others note issues with pickup, the long tour duration relative to information provided, and a limited Greek dancing experience.

Positive	Negative
Great food	Issues with pickup
Interesting demonstrations	Long tour duration
Good product prices	Limited Greek dancing

Olive Oil Production

The tour provides an in-depth look at the production of virgin Cretan olive oil, showcasing the traditional methods and expertise passed down through generations of local olive farmers. Guests witness the entire process firsthand, from the harvesting of olives to the extraction of the prized oil.

The highlights include:

• Seeing the mill’s stone grinders that crush the olives into a paste

• Observing the innovative cold-press technique that preserves the oil’s natural flavors and aromas

• Learning about the strict quality control measures that ensure the olive oil meets the highest standards

• Exploring the storage facilities where the oil is meticulously cared for prior to bottling and distribution.

This immersive experience offers a captivating glimpse into Crete’s centuries-old olive oil heritage.

Beekeeping Demonstration

The tour also includes a captivating beekeeping demonstration, where guests learn about the traditional art of Cretan honey production.

Visitors witness the skilled apiarists extract honey directly from the hive, providing insight into the region’s longstanding beekeeping practices.

Guests have the chance to observe the buzzing activity within the hive and gain an appreciation for the vital role bees play in the island’s agricultural ecosystem.

The demonstration highlights the meticulous care and attention required to cultivate Crete’s renowned honey, which is renowned for its rich, floral notes.

Through this engaging experience, travelers deepen their understanding of Cretan food and farming traditions that have endured for generations.

Cretan Buffet Meal

What awaits visitors at the olive oil factory tour is a traditional Cretan buffet meal, featuring an array of local delicacies that showcase the region’s rich culinary heritage.

The spread includes:

• Authentic dishes like dakos (barley rusk with tomatoes, feta, and olives)

• Fresh salads with garden-grown greens and Cretan olive oil

• Hearty stews and casseroles made with slow-cooked meats and vegetables

• Sweet pastries and desserts infused with honey from the on-site beekeeping demonstration

Diners can pair these flavorful bites with local Cretan wines, creating a truly immersive dining experience that complements the olive oil factory tour.

This bountiful buffet allows visitors to savor the essence of Crete’s culinary traditions.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Types of Olive Oil Are Sold at the Factory?

The olive oil factory sells a variety of Cretan olive oils, including extra virgin, virgin, and refined varieties. They highlight the distinct flavors and health benefits of their locally-produced, high-quality olive oils during the factory tour.

Is There a Souvenir Shop On-Site to Purchase Products?

Yes, there is typically a souvenir shop on-site at olive oil factories where visitors can purchase products like virgin olive oil, honey, and other local specialties. These shops allow guests to bring home a taste of the local culture.

Can I Request a Vegetarian or Gluten-Free Meal Option?

Yes, the tour provider offers vegetarian and gluten-free meal options. Guests can request these dietary requirements when booking the tour, and the staff will accommodate them during the included buffet dinner.

How Much Time Is Allocated for the Olive Oil and Honey Tastings?

The olive oil and honey tastings are typically 30-45 minutes, allowing visitors to sample the products and learn about their production. The schedule provides ample time for these demonstrations within the overall 4-hour tour experience.

Are Children’s Tickets Available, and What Is the Pricing?

Children’s tickets are available for this tour. The price for children is $40.99 per child. The tour includes the full olive oil factory experience, traditional Cretan dinner, music and dancing, just like the adult ticket.

Recap

This enchanting Cretan experience offers a unique opportunity to take in the island’s rich cultural heritage.

Guests can witness the traditional olive oil production process, enjoy a captivating beekeeping demonstration, and savor a delicious Cretan buffet dinner accompanied by live music and traditional dancing.

With convenient hotel transfers and wheelchair accessibility, this tour promises an unforgettable cultural experience for everyone.

You can check if your dates are available here: