This 6-hour small group experience in Crete immerses you in the island’s rich cultural heritage. You’ll explore wineries, learn about olive oil production, and create your own Cretan souvenir at a pottery workshop. Your knowledgeable guide will lead you through tastings of authentic Cretan wines and olive oils, and you’ll enjoy a traditional Cretan lunch. With pickup from your accommodation, this tour offers a unique opportunity to fully learn about Crete’s vibrant traditions. Continue reading to discover more about this comprehensive cultural exploration.
Key Points
- Small group experience (limited to 7 participants) exploring Crete’s winemaking heritage, olive oil production, and pottery-making in a 6-hour tour.
- Visits to two wineries for wine tasting, learning about the winemaking process, and appreciating Crete’s wine culture.
- Observing traditional olive oil harvesting and production, with the opportunity to taste local Cretan olive oil.
- Witnessing a live pottery demonstration or creating one’s own Cretan souvenir, providing a hands-on experience in traditional pottery-making.
- Enjoying an authentic Cretan lunch at a family-owned taverna, immersing participants in the island’s culinary heritage.
Activity Details
The activity lasts 6 hours and is limited to a small group of 7 participants. Pickup from the customer’s accommodation, port, or airport is included.
During this small group experience, guests will visit two wineries in the Peza region to learn about winemaking. They’ll also discover the process of local olive oil harvesting and production. Plus, you will either witness a live pottery demonstration or have the chance to make their own souvenir.
The day culminates with a lunch of authentic Cretan cuisine at a family-run taverna. The tour includes a professional English-speaking driver/guide, tastings of 10 Cretan wines and local cheeses and olive oil, as well as liability insurance.
Taste buds happy? More delicious discoveries we love in Skalani
Highlights of the Tour
During the 6-hour small group experience, guests will visit two wineries in the Peza region to learn about local winemaking. They’ll also discover the process of Cretan olive oil harvesting and production.
Participants will either witness a live pottery demonstration or have the chance to make their own souvenir to take home.
The highlight of the day will be enjoying a traditional Cretan lunch at a family-run taverna, where guests can savor the region’s finest cuisine.
This immersive experience provides a unique opportunity to:
- Explore Crete’s rich winemaking heritage
- Gain insight into the olive oil production process
- Unleash your creativity through pottery making
Inclusions and Exclusions
Typically, the tour includes a professional English-speaking driver/guide, tastings of 10 authentic Cretan wines, Cretan cheese and olive oil tastings, as well as liability insurance.
However, there are a few exclusions to be aware of. Unaccompanied minors aren’t permitted on the tour, and smoking and consuming food in the vehicle are prohibited. Littering is also not allowed. The tour isn’t suitable for wheelchair users.
Cancellation and Payment Policies
Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance, allowing flexibility for participants. Guests can reserve their spot now and pay later, providing a convenient booking experience.
However, the tour isn’t suitable for wheelchair users, as stated in the policies.
The cancellation policy offers guests peace of mind, ensuring they can adjust their plans if needed. The pay-later option streamlines the booking process, making it easier for travelers to secure their spot.
While the tour caters to a wide range of guests, it’s important to note the accessibility limitations for those in wheelchairs.
- Flexible cancellation up to 24 hours prior
- Reserve now, pay later for convenient booking
- Not suitable for wheelchair users
Winery Visits and Wine Tasting
The tour includes visits to two wineries in the Peza region, where participants can learn about the winemaking process and sample a total of 10 authentic Cretan wines, with 5 wines tasted at each winery.
Guests will have the opportunity to see the vineyards and explore the winery facilities, gaining insight into the local wine production. The tasting session allows participants to savor the unique flavors and aromas of the Cretan wine varieties.
This hands-on experience provides a deeper understanding and appreciation of the region’s winemaking traditions. The winery visits are a highlight of the tour, offering a chance to take in the rich wine heritage of Crete.
Olive Oil Harvesting and Production
Along With the winery visits, the tour also provides participants with the opportunity to learn about the local olive oil harvesting and production processes. Guests will gain insights into the traditional methods used to extract and refine Cretan olive oil, a staple ingredient in the region’s acclaimed cuisine. The tour includes a tasting of Cretan olive oil, allowing visitors to appreciate its distinct flavors and aromas.
Some key aspects of the olive oil experience include:
- Observing the harvesting of olives by hand or with specialized equipment
- Understanding the process of cold-pressing to extract the highest-quality oil
- Discovering the importance of olive oil in Cretan culinary traditions and daily life
Pottery Demonstration and Souvenir Making
As part of the activity, participants can either witness a live pottery demonstration or have the opportunity to create their own souvenir piece.
The pottery workshop allows visitors to gain firsthand experience in the traditional Cretan art of pottery-making, learning from skilled local artisans. Participants can observe the intricate process of shaping clay into beautiful and functional pieces, gaining an appreciation for the craftsmanship involved.
For those who choose to make their own souvenir, the experience offers a unique and memorable way to take home a tangible piece of Cretan culture.
Whether observing or actively creating, the pottery component of the tour provides a fascinating glimpse into this enduring artistic tradition.
Cretan Cuisine Lunch
After exploring the art of pottery-making, participants can look forward to savoring the flavors of traditional Cretan cuisine during a lunch at a family-owned taverna.
The menu features a selection of Cretan dishes made with locally-sourced ingredients, allowing visitors to enjoy the island’s culinary heritage. The lunch includes:
- Authentic Cretan dishes, such as dakos (barley rusk with tomatoes, olives, and feta) and stifado (beef stew)
- Fresh Cretan cheeses, including graviera and mizithra
- An opportunity to sample traditional Cretan wine and learn about its rich history and production methods
This culinary experience complements the earlier activities, providing a well-rounded introduction to the cultural traditions of Crete.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Many Wineries and Olive Oil Producers Are Visited?
The activity involves visiting two wineries in the Peza region to learn about winemaking and includes a tasting of 10 authentic Cretan wines. Plus, participants learn about local olive oil harvesting and production.
Can I Purchase Wines and Olive Oil During the Tour?
Yes, participants can purchase wines and olive oil during the tour. The activity includes tastings at two wineries, allowing visitors to sample and purchase their preferred Cretan wines and olive oils directly from the producers.
What Is the Duration of the Pottery Demonstration?
The activity includes a live pottery demonstration, though the exact duration is not specified. Participants may also have the opportunity to make their own souvenir piece during the tour.
Will the Lunch Include Traditional Cretan Music or Entertainment?
The activity’s description does not mention if traditional Cretan music or entertainment will be included during the lunch at the family taverna. The focus seems to be on experiencing the local cuisine.
Are Any Dietary Requirements Accommodated During the Lunch?
The tour operator accommodates dietary requirements during the included lunch at the family taverna. Participants can inform the guide of any dietary needs, such as vegetarian or gluten-free, which will be communicated to the restaurant.
Recap
This immersive Cretan experience blends the island’s renowned winemaking, olive oil production, and artistic pottery traditions.
Guests will savor the region’s finest vintages, learn about olive harvesting, and create their own pottery souvenir – all while enjoying a traditional Cretan lunch.
With personalized attention in small groups, this tour offers an unforgettable opportunity to connect with Crete’s rich cultural heritage.
You can check if your dates are available here: