Enjoy the charming countryside of Crete with the ‘From Makry Gialos: Cretan Villages and Olive Oil Farm Tour.’ This comprehensive 7-hour adventure promises to unveil the rich heritage and traditions of the island, from the tranquil olive groves to the picturesque villages that dot the landscape. Explore local artisan crafts, savor freshly pressed olive oil, and gain a deeper understanding of Crete’s vibrant culture. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned traveler, this tour offers a unique opportunity to uncover the essence of this captivating Greek island. Prepare to be enchanted as you discover the hidden gems that make Crete truly special.
Key Points
- 7-hour tour exploring an olive oil farm and traditional Cretan villages near Agios Nikolaos, starting from $48.06 per person.
- Features hotel pickup/drop-off, air-conditioned bus transfers, and visits to Kritsa, Prina, and Kalamafka.
- Includes guided tours, olive oil tasting, and opportunities to interact with local artisans.
- Offers a convenient and flexible experience with 22 pickup/drop-off locations across the region.
- Provides insights into Cretan culture, heritage, and the importance of olive oil production.
Tour Overview and Pricing
The Cretan Villages and Olive Oil Farm Tour from Makry Gialos offers visitors a comprehensive 7-hour experience, with prices starting from $48.06 per person.
Travelers can take advantage of the tour’s free cancellation policy, allowing them to book their spot without upfront payment.
The tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off, air-conditioned bus transfers, and an experienced guide.
Visitors will explore an olive oil farm, taste fresh virgin olive oil, and discover the traditional Cretan villages of Kritsa and Prina.
The final stop in Kalamafka provides the opportunity to visit The Holy Cross and enjoy a local lunch, though this isn’t included in the tour price.
Itinerary and Activities
The tour’s itinerary and activities offer visitors a well-rounded exploration of Crete’s cultural heritage.
Travelers will first visit an olive oil farm near Agios Nikolaos, where they can taste fresh virgin olive oil and learn about its production.
Next, they’ll explore the traditional Cretan village of Kritsa for 75 minutes, wandering its local streets, visiting an old church, and enjoying Greek coffee.
The tour then moves to Prina, where a guided tour provides insights into the village’s history and a photo stop with sea views.
The final stop is at Kalamafka, where they can visit The Holy Cross and have lunch (not included).
Pickup and Drop-off Locations
With pickup and drop-off locations spanning 22 spots across the region, the tour conveniently caters to travelers staying at various accommodations.
These include popular beachfront hotels like Enorme Santanna Beach, Sunshine Crete Beach & Village, as well as inland resorts such as Astron Hotel, and the central town of Gialos.
The voucher will specify the exact time and place for each passenger’s pickup and drop-off, ensuring a seamless start and end to their Cretan adventure.
This wide array of convenient access points makes the tour accessible to a diverse group of visitors, allowing them to explore the region’s cultural gems with ease.
Tour Inclusions and Exclusions
This tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off, as well as an air-conditioned bus transfer and an experienced tour guide to lead participants through the Cretan villages and olive oil farm.
However, it excludes the entrance fee to the olive oil farm, which costs €2 per person, and any lunch options in Kalamafka, though these can be arranged upon request.
The tour provides:
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A visit to a traditional olive oil farm to learn about production and taste fresh virgin olive oil.
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Exploration of the charming Cretan villages of Kritsa and Prina, with guided tours and photo opportunities.
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A stop at the historic Holy Cross church in Kalamafka.
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Comfortable transportation throughout the day.
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Knowledgeable guidance from an experienced local tour guide.
Important Information
According to the tour information, this activity isn’t suitable for wheelchair users.
Participants should wear comfortable shoes, bring a hat and camera, and apply sunscreen. Plus, pets (except assistance dogs), smoking, alcohol, skateboards, and fireworks aren’t allowed during the tour.
This one-day excursion takes visitors to an olive oil farm, traditional Cretan villages, and a final stop at Kalamafka, where they can visit the Holy Cross and have lunch on their own.
The tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off, air-conditioned bus transportation, and an experienced guide.
Entrance to the olive oil farm costs an additional €2 per person, and lunch in Kalamafka is available upon request.
Customer Reviews
Customers have provided an overall rating of 5 out of 5 stars for this tour based on 2 reviews, indicating a high level of satisfaction with the experience.
Reviewers have highlighted several key aspects that contributed to their positive impressions:
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The knowledgeable and engaging tour guide who brought the local culture and history to life.
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The opportunity to enjoy the charming Cretan villages and learn about traditional olive oil production.
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The convenience of the door-to-door transportation and flexibility to accommodate different pickup locations.
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The perfect balance of structured activities and free time to explore at their own pace.
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The breathtaking scenery and memorable moments captured through their camera lenses.
Olive Oil Farm Experience
A highlight of the tour is the visit to a local olive oil farm near Agios Nikolaos, where visitors can enjoy the rich tradition of Cretan olive oil production.
During this 45-minute experience, guests will have the opportunity to taste freshly pressed virgin olive oil and learn about its intricate production process.
The knowledgeable staff will guide them through the farm, sharing insights into the heritage and importance of olive oil in Cretan culture.
Visitors can appreciate the care and attention that goes into each step, from harvesting the olives to bottling the final product.
This hands-on experience provides a unique glimpse into the heart of Crete’s agricultural legacy.
Exploring Cretan Villages
The tour explores two picturesque Cretan villages, offering visitors a glimpse into the traditional way of life on the island.
First, they’ll wander through the charming streets of Kritsa, a well-preserved settlement with whitewashed houses, narrow alleyways, and an old church that dates back centuries. Visitors can:
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Admire the intricate architectural details of the buildings
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Interact with local artisans and craftspeople
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Visit a quaint cafe for a traditional Greek coffee
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Explore the small shops selling handmade products
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Capture the essence of Cretan village life through photography
Next, the group will discover the village of Prina, where they’ll embark on a guided tour and learn about the local history and culture while enjoying stunning sea views.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are There Any Discounts or Group Rates Available?
The tour information doesn’t mention any discounts or group rates. However, customers can take advantage of the free cancellation policy and the option to reserve their spot without upfront payment.
Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks on the Tour?
Passengers can bring their own food and drinks on the tour, but lunch in Kalamafka is not included. The tour provider recommends comfortable shoes, a hat, and sunscreen for the day-long excursion.
Is There an Option to Extend the Tour Duration?
Yes, there may be options to extend the tour duration. Customers can check with the tour operator about adding extra time or activities to the itinerary for an additional fee. The tour’s standard duration is 7 hours.
Can the Tour Be Customized to My Preferences?
Yes, the tour can typically be customized to the customer’s preferences. Many tour operators offer flexibility to accommodate special requests, such as adding or removing activities, adjusting the schedule, or customizing the experience to match the customer’s interests.
Are There Any Additional Fees or Taxes Not Mentioned?
The tour price of $48.06 per person appears to cover the core activities and transportation. However, there may be additional fees for optional services like lunch or entrance to the olive oil farm, which are mentioned as excluded.
Recap
The ‘From Makry Gialos: Cretan Villages and Olive Oil Farm Tour‘ offers an immersive experience that showcases Crete’s rich heritage.
Visitors can savor freshly pressed olive oil, explore picturesque villages, and gain insights into local culture and artisan crafts, all while enjoying comfortable transportation and convenient pickup/drop-off options.
This tour provides a well-rounded and authentic way to discover the charm of Crete.
You can check if your dates are available here: