Knossos, Olive Mill, Winery – Distillery With Tastings & Lunch

Crete’s rich cultural heritage comes alive in this comprehensive tour, taking visitors on a journey through the island’s history and gastronomy. From the iconic Knossos Palace to a hands-on olive mill experience and a tasting at a local winery, this tour immerses participants in the traditions that have shaped Cretan life for generations. With over nine wine samples and a delicious meze-style lunch, the day promises to be a delightful exploration of the island’s renowned flavors. Whether a first-time visitor or a seasoned traveler, this tour offers an opportunity to uncover the captivating essence of Crete.

This experience made our list of the 25 Best Lunch Experiences In Heraklion.

Key Points

• Comprehensive tour including visits to Knossos Palace, an olive mill, and a winery/distillery with tastings and a traditional Cretan lunch.
• Tour located in Heraklion, Greece, with personal pick-up/drop-off and transportation in an air-conditioned vehicle.
• Knossos Palace showcases the rich cultural heritage and Minoan civilization of Crete, with iconic architecture and vibrant frescoes.
• Olive mill experience provides an informative and engaging demonstration of traditional olive oil production and tasting.
• Winery and distillery tour offers guided tastings of local wines and spirits, complementing the immersive agritourism experience.

Tour Overview

The Knossos Olive Mill and Winery tour offers a comprehensive experience, taking visitors through the historical Knossos Palace, a traditional olive mill, and a local winery and distillery.

Located in Heraklion, Greece, the tour is priced from $206 per person, varying by group size. As a private activity, only your group participates, with confirmation received at booking and free cancellation up to 24 hours prior.

The tour includes personal pick-up and drop-off, an air-conditioned vehicle, winery and olive mill visits with tastings, a local meze lunch, and palace admission fees.

Location and Pickup

The tour takes place in Heraklion, Greece, a city located on the northern coast of the island of Crete.

The tour includes personal pick-up and drop-off from multiple locations. A team member will contact guests via text message with the exact pick-up time.

Travelers will be transported in an air-conditioned chauffeured 4WD vehicle throughout the day’s activities. This private tour ensures that only your group participates, providing a more personalized experience.

With confirmation received at booking and free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, this tour offers flexibility and convenience for visitors exploring the historic and culinary delights of Crete.

Knossos Palace

Knossos Palace stands as a testament to Crete’s rich cultural heritage, inviting visitors to explore the captivating history of the Minoan civilization.

As a highlight of the tour, guests have the opportunity to explore the site and discover:

• Majestic architectural features like the iconic Throne Room and lustral basin
• Vibrant frescoes that offer glimpses into the daily life and rituals of the ancient Minoans
• The impressive system of aqueducts and drainage that showcased the ingenuity of Minoan engineers
• The legendary Labyrinth, rumored to have housed the mythical Minotaur

The guided tour provides context and insights, enhancing the experience and allowing visitors to fully enjoy the grandeur of this remarkable archaeological site.

Olive Mill Experience

As part of the tour, visitors explore the centuries-old olive oil production process at the Knossos Olive Mill.

They’re guided through the traditional methods used to harvest and press the olives, learning about the region’s thriving olive industry.

Guests sample a variety of flavorful olive oils, comparing the nuanced tastes and aromas.

The olive mill visit provides a hands-on understanding of this integral component of Cretan cuisine and culture.

Travelers consistently praise the informative and engaging nature of this stop, which offers a memorable glimpse into the olive oil production that’s central to daily life on the island.

Winery and Distillery

After exploring the olive mill, visitors make their way to the Knossos Winery and Distillery. Here, they embark on a guided tour, learning about the winemaking and distillation processes.

The highlight of the visit is the tasting, where guests sample a variety of wines straight from the barrels. The experience also includes:

• A tour of the production facilities
• Tastings of over 9 different wines
• Opportunity to purchase wines and spirits
• Knowledgeable staff providing insights into the local viniculture

The winery and distillery visit completes the immersive agritourism experience, allowing travelers to savor the flavors of Crete’s rich culinary heritage.

Tastings and Lunch

Following the tour of the olive mill, visitors eagerly anticipate the next highlight of their agritourism experience – the tastings and lunch.

At the winery, guests embark on a guided tasting of over nine wines straight from the barrels, learning about the region’s unique varietals and production methods.

Afterward, they’re treated to a meze-style lunch at a local restaurant, sampling traditional Cretan dishes made with the fresh olive oil and wine they’ve just experienced.

The meal provides a delightful opportunity to savor the flavors of the land and appreciate the culmination of their culinary journey through Crete’s agricultural heritage.

Guest Experiences

Guests who embark on this agritourism experience consistently praise the knowledgeable drivers for their insightful commentary on Crete’s rich history.

The olive oil production process and tastings also receive positive remarks, with visitors appreciating the opportunity to learn about this local industry.

While the winery and distillery tours are frequently mentioned as a highlight, some guests recommend hiring a professional guide for the Knossos Palace tour to fully appreciate the ancient site.

Overall, visitors highlight the memorable meals enjoyed at local restaurants, which further enhance the immersive cultural experience.

• Informative drivers share Crete’s history
• Engaging olive oil production and tastings
• Recommendations for guided Knossos tour
• Enjoyment of local cuisine

Booking and Cancellation

Customers can easily book this private tour and activity online, with confirmation received at the time of booking.

The tour’s flexibility allows for free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience starts, providing customers with the option to adjust their plans if needed.

The tour includes personal pick-up and drop-off, ensuring a seamless and convenient experience.

With the choice of multiple pickup points, the tour caters to the diverse needs of its participants.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is the Duration of the Tour?

The tour duration is not explicitly provided in the given information. However, the tour includes visits to several sites and activities, suggesting it likely lasts a full day or several hours. The exact duration may be available upon booking.

Is the Tour Available on Specific Dates?

The tour is available on specific dates, as it’s a private tour/activity. Customers can book the experience and receive confirmation at the time of booking. The tour operator will provide the exact pick-up time closer to the tour date.

Can I Customize the Tour to My Preferences?

The tour is customizable, allowing guests to tailor the experience to their preferences. Travelers can discuss any modifications with the tour provider, who’ll work to accommodate their needs within the tour’s structure.

What Is the Dress Code for the Tour?

The tour has a casual dress code. Comfortable clothing and walking shoes are recommended to ensure a comfortable experience during the various activities and tastings throughout the day. No formal attire is required.

Are There Any Additional Fees or Taxes?

The tour price includes all admission fees and taxes. Travelers don’t have to pay any additional fees, as the cost covers personal pick-up, transportation, tastings, and lunch. The total price is the final amount charged per person.

The Sum Up

This comprehensive tour offers a deep dive into Crete’s rich cultural heritage. Visitors will explore the iconic Knossos Palace, experience an authentic olive mill, and indulge in wine and meze-style lunch at a local winery, all while seeing Cretan history and gastronomy. It’s an opportunity to discover the essence of this captivating island.