Winery Tour and Kournas Lake From Rethymno

Exploring Crete’s natural wonders and wine culture is an experience that captivates the senses. On this winery tour and Kournas Lake excursion from Rethymno, visitors embark on an immersive journey that showcases the island’s scenic beauty and rich culinary heritage. From a serene pedal boat ride on the island’s largest freshwater lake to an intimate wine tasting at a local winery, this tour offers a well-rounded introduction to Crete’s vibrant traditions. As participants savor the flavors of the region, they’ll uncover the unique stories and techniques that give these Cretan delicacies their distinct character.

This experience made our list of the 24 Best Wine Tours In Chania.

Quick Points

• Small-group tour from Rethymno that combines a pedal boat ride at Lake Kournas and a winery visit with wine tastings and a light lunch.
• Opportunity to immerse in Crete’s natural beauty, wine culture, and regional culinary delicacies.
• Guided winery tour showcasing the production process and history, followed by a tasting of five distinct Cretan wines paired with a light lunch.
• Personalized experience with a maximum group size of 15, allowing for an intimate and interactive exploration of the region.
• Highly rated by previous guests who appreciated the guide’s expertise, the combination of activities, and the insights into Cretan culture and flavors.

Tour Overview

This small-group tour from Rethymno offers visitors the opportunity to explore Lake Kournas and a local winery over the course of a half-day experience.

The tour’s activities include a pedal boat ride on the lake, a winery tour, a light lunch, and wine tastings.

The group size is limited to a maximum of 15 travelers, ensuring a more personalized experience.

The tour provides an immersive look at Crete’s natural beauty and local wine culture, with the chance to learn about the region’s delicacies and sample the area’s renowned vintages.

Lake Kournas Experience

Lake Kournas, Crete’s only freshwater lake, serves as the morning activity for this tour.

Travelers will enjoy a pedal boat ride around the serene body of water nestled in the island’s mountainous landscape. This leisurely activity allows guests to admire the picturesque scenery and spot the native wildlife that inhabits the lake’s shores. The calm waters provide an idyllic setting for this relaxing experience.

After the boat ride, the group will continue on to explore a local winery, where they’ll learn about Crete’s winemaking traditions and sample the region’s renowned vintages paired with a light lunch.

Winery Visit

After the relaxing pedal boat ride on Lake Kournas, the tour continues to a local winery.

Here, guests will explore the winery’s courtyard, botanical gardens, and production areas.

The wine experience includes pairing a light lunch with five wine tastings, allowing visitors to learn about Cretan delicacies and the region’s renowned wines.

Bottles of wine are available for purchase, providing an opportunity to bring a taste of the local terroir back home.

The winery visit is an integral part of this comprehensive tour, offering a well-rounded exploration of Crete’s natural and cultural heritage.

Inclusions and Logistics

The tour includes coffee or tea, a pedal boat ride, a light lunch, and wine tastings. Pickup points are available, but extra charges may apply for distant locations. The tour is not wheelchair accessible, and infants must sit on laps. Guests receive confirmation upon booking and can cancel up to 24 hours before the experience free of charge.

Inclusions	Duration	Group Size	Accessibility	Cancellation
Coffee/Tea	Half-day	Max 15 travelers	Not wheelchair accessible	Free up to 24 hours before
Pedal Boat Ride			Infants must sit on laps
Lunch
Wine Tastings

Customer Feedback

Guests have overwhelmingly praised this tour, with an impressive overall rating of 5.0 based on 4 reviews.

Positive comments highlight the charm, friendliness, and informative nature of the tour guide. Travelers appreciated learning about Cretan delicacies and wine during the winery visit.

One reviewer described the experience as "a wonderful way to discover the local culture and flavors." Another noted that the guide’s passion for the region enhanced the overall enjoyment.

Guests seem to have thoroughly enjoyed the combination of activities, from the peaceful pedal boat ride to the wine tastings paired with a light lunch.

Pricing and Availability

The winery tour and Lake Kournas experience is priced from $419.58 per person, though the exact cost may vary depending on the group size.

The tour operator offers a lowest price guarantee, ensuring guests get the best deal. Travelers can reserve their spot now and pay later, providing flexibility in planning and budgeting.

The half-day excursion accommodates a maximum of 15 participants, allowing for an intimate group experience.

Pickup points are available, though additional charges may apply for travelers located further away.

With a 5.0-star rating based on positive reviews, this tour provides an excellent value for those seeking a memorable exploration of Crete’s natural and cultural highlights.

Explore Cretan Delicacies

Beyond the picturesque scenery of Lake Kournas and the winery’s grounds, this tour offers an immersive experience into Cretan culinary delights.

Guests will savor a light lunch, expertly paired with a selection of five distinctive Cretan wines. The menu showcases the region’s fresh, locally-sourced ingredients and traditional recipes, providing an authentic taste of the island’s vibrant food culture.

Whether it’s the rich olive oil, fragrant herbs, or the bold flavors of the wine, this experience allows travelers to truly enjoy the gastronomic traditions that have defined Crete for generations.

Discover Winery’s Secrets

This small-group tour provides an in-depth exploration of a local Cretan winery, unveiling its rich history and unique production methods.

Guests will tour the winery’s courtyard, botanical gardens, and production areas, gaining insight into the traditional winemaking practices.

The highlight of the experience is a guided wine tasting, where visitors can sample five distinct Cretan varietals paired with a light lunch.

Knowledgeable staff share their expertise, educating guests on the distinctive flavors and aromas of the region’s celebrated wines.

Visitors can also purchase bottles to bring home, ensuring they can savor the flavors of Crete long after the tour has ended.

Since You Asked

Can I Customize the Tour to My Preferences?

Yes, the tour can be customized to your preferences. The tour provider offers flexibility, allowing you to tailor the itinerary and activities to match your interests and needs for a personalized experience.

Are Children’s Discounts Available for the Tour?

Yes, there are children’s discounts available for this tour. The tour operator offers reduced pricing for children, making it an affordable option for families. However, the tour may not be suitable for infants as they must sit on laps.

What Is the Dress Code for the Winery Visit?

There’s no strict dress code for the winery visit. Guests are encouraged to wear comfortable, casual clothing suitable for a short, leisurely walk through the winery’s grounds and facilities.

Can I Purchase Wine Directly From the Winery After the Tour?

Yes, visitors can purchase bottles of wine directly from the winery after the tour. The tour includes a wine tasting experience, and any bottles visitors wish to take home can be purchased on-site.

Is There an Option to Extend the Tour Duration?

Yes, the tour allows guests to purchase bottles of wine directly from the winery after the tastings. However, the standard tour duration is a half-day and there doesn’t appear to be an option to extend it.

The Final Verdict

This immersive tour offers a unique opportunity to explore Crete’s natural wonders and vibrant wine culture. Enjoy a serene pedal boat ride on the island’s only freshwater lake, followed by an in-depth winery visit with five exquisite wine tastings and a light Cretan lunch. With personalized insights and a small group size, this experience promises an unforgettable glimpse into the region’s rich heritage.