Rethymno: Private Olive Oil & Honey Tasting Tour With Lunch

Enjoy Crete’s culinary heritage on this private olive oil and honey tasting tour from Rethymno. You’ll visit a family-owned olive oil press, sample premium oils, and explore the Apithano Honey Museum. Indulge in a guided honey tasting and enjoy a traditional Cretan lunch with wine at a folklore taverna. The tour includes round-trip transportation, an English-speaking guide, and liability insurance. With its focus on local food and culture, this experience offers a unique window into the island’s age-old traditions. To uncover more about the tour’s inclusions and highlights, let’s dive deeper.

This experience made our list of the 4 Best Lunch Experiences In Rethymno.

Key Points

• This private 5-hour tour from Rethymno includes visits to a family-owned olive oil press and the Apithano Honey Museum for tastings.
• Participants can enjoy a traditional Cretan lunch with wine at a taverna-folklore museum as part of the tour.
• Transportation in an air-conditioned minibus or car is provided, with pickup and drop-off within 11km of Rethymno’s city center.
• The tour is suitable for travelers of all ages, with a full refund cancellation policy up to 24 hours prior.
• Dietary requirements can be accommodated, and the tour may be canceled due to inclement weather conditions.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Tour Details

This 5-hour private tour from Rethymno offers pickup and drop-off within 11km of the city center, catering to either private groups or small groups without other guests, with transportation in an air-conditioned minibus or car and infant seats available.

The tour includes a full refund cancellation policy up to 24 hours prior, and all taxes, fees, and administration charges are covered.

Highlights include visiting a family-owned olive oil press, tasting various Cretan olive oils, exploring the Apithano Honey Museum, and sampling Cretan honey and traditional rakomelo.

Guests will also enjoy a Greek coffee or tea and an authentic Cretan meal at a traditional taverna-folklore museum.

Highlights of the Tour

Visitors embark on a captivating olive oil and honey tasting journey, seeing the rich cultural heritage of Crete.

The tour begins with a visit to a family-owned olive oil press, where guests learn about the intricate process of olive oil production and savor a variety of Cretan olive oils.

Next, the group travels to the Apithano Honey Museum, where they discover the art of honey-making and indulge in tastings of traditional Cretan honey and rakomelo.

The experience is further enhanced by:

• Enjoying a refreshing Greek coffee or tea
• Savoring an authentic Cretan meal at a traditional taverna-folklore museum
• Exploring the history and traditions behind these local delicacies

Inclusions in the Tour

The tour includes a local English-speaking guide and driver, complimentary bottled water, a guided tour of the olive oil press, an olive oil tasting, a guided honey tasting, a full Cretan lunch with wine (a vegetarian option is available), and liability insurance. Guests can enjoy a variety of inclusions that enhance the overall experience:

Inclusions	Description
Local Expert Guidance	An English-speaking local guide and driver provide insights
Olive Oil Tasting	Taste a variety of Cretan olive oils at the family-owned press
Honey Tasting	Sample different types of Cretan honey at the Apithano Honey Museum
Authentic Cretan Lunch	Savor a traditional meal with wine at a folklore-style taverna

These inclusions ensure a comprehensive and immersive exploration of Rethymno’s olive oil and honey traditions.

Exclusions From the Tour

While the tour includes a wealth of inclusions, there are also a few exclusions for guests to be aware of.

Additional food and drink beyond what’s specified in the inclusions aren’t covered. On top of that, extra fees may apply if the pickup location isn’t within 11 kilometers of the Rethymno center. Guests are responsible for their personal expenses and are expected to provide their own tips.

The exclusions in this tour include:

• Additional food and drink
• Extra fees for pickup locations outside of 11km
• Personal expenses
• Tips
• Any other services not explicitly listed under the inclusions

More Great Thing To Do Nearby

Important Information

Suitable for travelers of all ages, children must be accompanied by an adult.

Alcoholic beverages are allowed only for participants aged 18 and above, in accordance with national regulations.

Guests should advise of any dietary requirements at the time of booking, as the tour can accommodate vegetarian options upon request.

Participants are expected to dress in smart casual attire.

Please be aware that the tour may be canceled due to inclement weather conditions, in which case an alternative date or full refund will be offered.

The tour is designed to provide a comprehensive and enjoyable experience, with liability insurance in place.

Guests are encouraged to let the tour guide know of any special needs or preferences to ensure a seamless and memorable exploration of Rethymno’s olive oil and honey traditions.

Olive Oil Production Insight

One of the highlights of this tour is the opportunity to visit a family-owned olive oil press and gain insider knowledge about the intricate process of producing high-quality Cretan olive oil.

During this guided tour, you’ll learn about:

• The careful selection and harvesting of olives, ensuring only the ripest and most flavorful fruits are used.

• The traditional cold-pressing method, which preserves the oil’s natural aroma and health benefits.

• The meticulous filtering and storage techniques that maintain the oil’s purity and freshness.

• The expert tasting and evaluation process, where subtle nuances in flavor and acidity are assessed.

• The enduring cultural significance of olive oil in Cretan cuisine and its role in the island’s culinary heritage.

Honey Production Exploration

Along With the insights into olive oil production, the tour also grants visitors an exclusive look into the intricate world of Cretan honey-making at the Apithano Honey Museum.

Here, guests learn about the fascinating process of honey extraction, from the buzzing activity of the beehives to the careful handling and bottling of the golden nectar. The expert guide shares the rich history and cultural significance of Cretan honey, known for its exceptional quality and unique flavors.

Visitors have the opportunity to sample a diverse array of honey varieties, savoring the subtle nuances that distinguish each type. This immersive honey experience complements the olive oil tasting, offering a well-rounded appreciation of Crete’s prized agricultural heritage.

Traditional Cretan Lunch

The tour culminates with a delightful Cretan lunch at a traditional taverna-folklore museum, where visitors savor authentic local cuisine and enjoy the region’s vibrant cultural heritage.

The family-style meal features a variety of traditional Cretan dishes, including:

• Dakos – a classic Cretan barley rusk topped with tomatoes, olive oil, and feta cheese
• Dolmades – grape leaves stuffed with rice, herbs, and minced meat
• Moussaka – a hearty eggplant and ground meat casserole
• Tzatziki – a refreshing yogurt-based dip with cucumbers, garlic, and olive oil
• Cretan wine – to complement the flavorful dishes

The meal is served in a cozy, rustic setting, allowing guests to fully experience the essence of Cretan hospitality and culinary traditions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can We Adjust the Tour Duration or Start Time?

The tour duration and start time can typically be adjusted to meet the client’s needs, subject to availability. Customers should discuss any desired changes with the tour provider when booking to ensure the tour can accommodate their preferences.

Are There Any Additional Stops or Activities We Can Include?

Yes, there are additional stops and activities that can be included. The tour operator may offer visits to traditional villages, historical sites, or other cultural attractions based on the client’s interests and preferences. They can customize the itinerary to suit the customer’s needs.

How Accessible Is the Tour for Guests With Mobility Issues?

The tour accommodates guests with mobility issues. It provides pickup and drop-off service, accessible transportation, and infant seats. The olive oil press, honey museum, and taverna-folklore museum are all wheelchair-friendly. Advanced notice of any special needs is recommended.

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

No, guests cannot bring their own food and drinks on the tour. The tour includes a guided tasting of olive oil and honey, as well as a full Cretan lunch with wine, so bringing outside items is not permitted.

What Are the COVID-19 Safety Protocols for the Tour?

The tour provider follows COVID-19 safety protocols, which may include mandatory face masks, social distancing, and sanitization measures. Participants should check the latest guidelines and requirements prior to the tour.

Recap

This private olive oil and honey tasting tour from Rethymno offers an immersive journey into Crete’s rich culinary heritage.

Visitors will discover the intricate processes behind the production of these iconic Cretan delicacies, accompanied by tastings and a traditional Cretan lunch.

The tour provides a perfect blend of cultural exploration and gastronomic delight, allowing travelers to uncover the flavors that make Crete a renowned culinary destination.

You can check if your dates are available here: