Afternoon: Tour Soap, Olive Oil, Wine Stories of Peza Valley

The afternoon tour through Peza Village offers a sensory journey into the heart of Crete’s traditional crafts. Beginning with a hotel pickup in Heraklion, the drive through the countryside sets a relaxing tone as olive groves and vineyards pass by. The first stop is a family soap workshop, where guests learn the art of handmade soap, watch demonstrations, and even create their own aromatic bar. The workshop highlights the importance of olive oil in soap-making and the blending of herbs and natural oils, offering a fragrant introduction to Cretan tradition. The tour then continues to the olive mill, where participants walk among centuries-old trees, learn about cold-press extraction methods, and taste premium olive oils paired with local bread, fresh tomatoes, and sea salt.

The final stop is a family-run winery in Kounavoi Village. Guests stroll through the cellar, meet the winemaker, and sample four indigenous Cretan wines including Vidiano, Thrapsathiri, Kotsifali, and Mandilari, paired with local delicacies. The experience combines learning with enjoyment, revealing how the island’s soil and sun shape the flavors of each bottle. The tour concludes with a scenic drive back to Heraklion or Agia Pelagia, offering a peaceful end to a day immersed in Cretan culture, flavors, and craftsmanship. Moderate walking is involved, and the tour is suitable for adults and families, with wine tastings for participants over 18 years old. Guests are advised to bring comfortable walking shoes, sun protection, a camera, and a light jacket if visiting in spring or autumn.