Kournas Lake Argiroupolis and Olive Oil Factory

Nestled near the charming village of Argiroupolis, Kournas Lake is a true gem of Crete. Renowned for its crystal-clear waters and serene landscapes, the lake beckons visitors to dive in and soak up the tranquility. But the allure of Kournas doesn’t stop there. Just a stone’s throw away, an olive oil factory offers a unique opportunity to uncover the rich history and traditions behind one of Crete’s most celebrated exports. From exploring the olive oil-making process to indulging in local Cretan delicacies, this experience promises to immerse you in the island’s captivating culture. Prepare to be enchanted as you discover the hidden wonders that await.

Key Points

• The tour includes a visit to an olive oil factory to learn about the production process of high-quality Cretan olive oil.
• Visitors can swim in the crystal-clear waters of Kournas Lake and enjoy the scenic surroundings.
• The tour explores the beautiful Argyroupolis waterfalls, set in a lush, green environment.
• Participants can savor traditional Cretan delicacies, such as olive oil, cheeses, and local dishes, at nearby taverns.
• The tour provides a personalized experience with a maximum group size of 49 and lasts approximately 3.5 hours.

Tour Overview and Highlights

The tour takes travelers to the picturesque region of Crete, Greece, where they’ll explore the serene Kournas Lake and the captivating Argyroupolis waterfalls.

Highlights include a visit to a local olive oil factory to learn about the production process, followed by a stop at the Argyroupolis waterfalls to soak in the lush surroundings.

The tour concludes with a swim in the crystal-clear waters of Kournas Lake and an opportunity to savor Cretan delicacies at nearby taverns.

With a maximum group size of 49, the tour offers a personalized experience.

The tour duration is approximately 3.5 hours, providing ample time to fully immerse in the natural beauty and rich cultural heritage of Crete.

Itinerary and Meeting Point

The tour begins with a visit to a local olive oil mill, where travelers learn about the production process and history of olive oil in Crete.

Next, the group travels to Argyroupolis to explore its beautiful waterfalls and lush surroundings.

The final stop is Kournas Lake, where participants have the opportunity to swim and enjoy Cretan delicacies at nearby taverns.

The meeting point for the tour is Markidis Travel, located at Sofokli Venizelou 42 in Rethymno.

Pickup is available from select points, excluding the Grand Rimondi.

The tour is approximately 3.5 hours in duration, with 2 hours spent at Kournas Lake and 1.5 hours at Argyroupolis.

Exploring Argyroupolis Waterfalls

After exploring the olive oil mill, the tour proceeds to the charming village of Argyroupolis.

Situated amidst lush greenery, Argyroupolis is home to a series of beautiful waterfalls. The group wanders along the paths, taking in the sights and sounds of the cascading waters.

The waterfalls tumble over rocks, creating a serene and tranquil atmosphere. Visitors can walk right up to the falls, feeling the cool mist on their skin.

The surrounding area is lush with vegetation, adding to the natural beauty of the setting.

After spending time admiring the waterfalls, the tour continues on to the final destination, the stunning Kournas Lake.

Swimming in Kournas Lake

With the picturesque Argyroupolis waterfalls now behind them, the tour group arrives at the serene Kournas Lake. They are greeted by the tranquil waters and lush surrounding landscapes. The group has the opportunity to swim in the lake and enjoy the refreshing coolness. Afterward, they can explore the nearby traditional Greek taverns, sampling Cretan delicacies and soaking in the local culture.

Experience	Duration	Price
Swimming in Kournas Lake	2 hours	Included
Exploring local taverns	As desired	Varies
Shopping at nearby stores	As desired	Varies

The tour concludes with a memorable experience at Kournas Lake, allowing the travelers to enjoy the natural beauty and traditional charm of Crete.

Tasting Cretan Delicacies

Visitors wrap up their time at Kournas Lake by delving into the rich culinary traditions of Crete. At nearby taverns, they savor an array of Cretan delicacies, from fragrant olive oils to robust cheeses and hearty breads.

The local olive oil, pressed at the earlier factory visit, dazzles the palate with its fruity notes and peppery finish. Traditional Cretan cheeses, like tangy mizithra and creamy graviera, pair perfectly with crusty breads.

Guests also indulge in dolmades, grape leaves stuffed with rice and herbs, and moussaka, a beloved eggplant and ground meat casserole. This culinary exploration provides a fitting conclusion to the tour, leaving visitors with a deeper appreciation for Crete’s vibrant food culture.

Olive Oil Production in Crete

Crete’s rich tradition of olive oil production is showcased at the local olive oil mill visited during the tour.

Guests are guided through the process of extracting high-quality olive oil, from harvesting the olives to the final bottling. They learn about the unique terroir and climate that contribute to Crete’s acclaimed olive oils.

The mill’s expert staff explains the different grades of olive oil and the factors that determine their quality. Visitors have the opportunity to sample a variety of Cretan olive oils, allowing them to appreciate the subtle nuances in flavor and aroma.

This hands-on experience provides a deeper understanding of the importance of olive oil in Cretan cuisine and culture.

Tour Amenities and Accessibility

The tour provides an air-conditioned vehicle for the journey, ensuring a comfortable experience.

Lunch is included, allowing guests to sample local Cretan delicacies during the tour.

Unfortunately, the tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, and infants must sit on laps.

The tour’s amenities include:

• Air-conditioned transportation
• Included lunch featuring Cretan cuisine
• Proximity to public transportation

The tour’s accessibility is limited, as it isn’t suitable for wheelchair users, and infants must be held by their guardians throughout the experience.

Booking and Cancellation Information

Confirmation is received at the time of booking for this tour. Travelers have the flexibility to cancel their reservation up to 24 hours before the experience starts, without incurring any penalties. This allows for last-minute changes in plans or unforeseen circumstances.

Booking Details
Confirmation	Received at booking
Cancellation Policy	Free cancellation up to 24 hours before start
Tour Operator	Markidis Travel
Meeting Point	Markidis Travel, Sofokli Venizelou 42, Rethymno 741 33, Greece
Pickup	Available from select points, excluding Grand Rimondi

The tour is operated by the trusted Markidis Travel, ensuring a seamless and enjoyable experience for all participants.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can We Stop at Additional Locations During the Tour?

The tour itinerary doesn’t indicate any additional stops beyond the olive oil factory, Argyroupolis, and Kournas Lake. However, travelers may have the opportunity to explore other local shops or attractions during the free time provided at each location.

Is There a Vegetarian/Vegan Option for the Included Lunch?

The tour offers a vegetarian/vegan option for the included lunch. Travelers can notify the tour operator of any dietary restrictions when booking, and the staff will accommodate their needs during the meal.

Are There Any Age Restrictions for the Tour Participants?

The tour has no age restrictions, allowing participants of all ages to join. Children are welcome, though infants must be held on laps during the van transportation portions of the excursion.

Can We Bring Our Own Food and Drinks During the Tour?

Participants can bring their own food and drinks during the tour. The itinerary includes opportunities to enjoy local cuisine at nearby taverns, but there’s no restriction on bringing personal snacks or beverages.

How Long Is the Total Travel Time for the Tour?

The total travel time for the tour is approximately 3.5 hours. Visitors will have 2 hours at Kournas Lake and 1.5 hours at Argyroupolis, in addition to the time spent at the olive oil factory and traveling between locations.

Recap

Kournas Lake and the nearby olive oil factory offer visitors an immersive experience in Crete’s natural beauty and cultural heritage. Guests can enjoy swimming in the lake’s crystal-clear waters, learn about traditional olive oil production, and savor local Cretan delicacies, making for an enriching day exploring the island’s captivating landscapes and renowned culinary traditions.