Small Group: Knossos Palace, Olive Oil, Winery & Raki with Lunch at "Elia" Village

This full day tour in Crete offers a unique combination of history culture and gastronomy. The day begins with a hotel pickup and scenic drive through the Heraklion region with a friendly local driver guide who shares stories and insights about the island. The first stop is Knossos Palace where guests explore the ancient Minoan civilization walking through the throne room frescoes and royal quarters at their own pace. Afterward the tour heads to a family run olive grove near Skalani village where participants learn about traditional and modern olive oil production stroll among centuries old trees and enjoy a guided tasting of extra virgin olive oil tapenade sundried tomatoes olives and warm village bread.

Next the tour visits a family owned winery and raki distillery in Kounavoi village. Guests walk through the vineyards tour the production areas and cellars taste five local wines including Vilana Vidiano and Mandilari and sample tsikoudia with small meze. The day concludes with a traditional slow cooked lunch in Archanes village featuring seasonal dishes local wine raki and homemade desserts. Moderate walking on uneven terrain is required and the tour is not wheelchair accessible.