Private tour of western Crete's highlights from Chania

Nat Geo Day Tour: The Millenary History of Olive Oil

Approximate itinerary and duration of activitiesIntroduction - 15 minutesWalking tour through the olive trees - 30 minutesPause for questions and raki drink - 15 minutesOlive oil factory tour - 40 minutesOlive oil tasting and questions - 55 minutesCooking demonstration and tastings - 30 minutesPlease note the order of activities may vary at your guide's discretion With millennia of experience behind them, it's no wonder the people of Crete produce some of the finest olive oil in the world. You will appreciate the timeless bond between Cretans and their revered olive trees as you trace the long heritage of olive cultivation on the island. Just outside Kritsa village in the hills of eastern Crete, you'll follow Nikos Plevritakis on a brief walk to his olive groves where some trees are 600-800 years old, and learn about olive cultivation from a true specialist. In the shade of the olive trees, you can try local raki known as ‘tsikoudia' with olives to nibble on while discussing the cultural and societal significance of olive cultivation in Crete. Then it's time to visit a local cooperative factory, to see up close how olives are processed into world-class olive oil. Back on the Olive Path, seize the chance to taste fresh figs, almonds, and grapes, see what the locals are growing, and find out all about the Cretan lifestyle and diet. Then, at an olive farm, you can sample olives, fresh tomatoes, and raki before your olive oil tasting session begins – a great opportunity to learn how to taste oils like a professional and compare the flavor profiles of different varieties. Finish off the day with a cooking lesson on various ways to use olive oil in Cretan cuisine. Authentic dishes, such as tzatziki and Greek salad will feature, and you'll find out why the traditional Cretan diet is so beneficial to health and longevity.

Elafonisi Island tour with Agia Sophia Cave and monastery visit

The uninhabited island of Elafonisi may be tiny but it's bursting with personality. This journey to this islet off southwestern Crete is steeped in myths and legends and boasts historic buildings and amazing natural scenery – making it an ideal excursion for all the family.

Full-Day Crete wine tasting and 4x4 off-road tour

This full-day guided tour is all about getting to grips with a few of Crete's most popular local products, olive oil and wine. You'll learn how both are made, and you'll get to sample some for yourself, all while travelling between stops in the back of a 4x4. Ioannis, one of our expert local guides says “in my opinion, there's no better way to understand the culture of a destination than by meeting the people who make local produce. They know the area better than anyone, and the produce is a reflection of the culture.”You'll kick things off at the Terra Creta Olive Mill. Here, you'll see how olives are turned into oil before a tasting session. Then, you'll be welcomed into a boutique winery for a tour of the grounds and, of course, to sample the wines produced here. You'll learn about the different grape varieties, including some experimental wines made from rare grapes. Next, you'll continue to the village of Ano Vouves, home to an ancient olive tree – it's thought to be between 2,000 and 4,000 years old, but it still produces olives to this day.Afterwards, you'll set off on an off-road adventure in a 4x4 towards the mountain village of Sebronas. As you zoom through the gorge, you'll see pretty chapels, vineyards and olive groves – and you'll have time to snap a few photos along the way. Then, once you've worked up your appetite, you'll stop for lunch at a small village tavern, where you'll tuck into some traditional dishes.

Southern Crete mountain 4x4 tour with lunch

Southern Crete is awash with timeless villages, magnificent gorges and unspoiled countryside. On this off-road adventure, you'll rumble down country lanes to encounter rural traditions and experience the authentic Cretan life. Christos, one of our local guides, says “It's one of the most rewarding areas to explore in Crete. And with its privileged location off the tourist track, you'll almost have it all to yourself.”We start our journey at the Peristeronas Gorge, where red butterflies flutter amidst the flowers and bushes. From there, we'll meander through timeless villages where you can savour a coffee break with the locals in a traditional 'Kafeneion' in Oreino. As we continue, prepare to be dazzled by the views from the mountains. Take in a panorama of the South Cretan Sea, framed by rocky peaks and scented with wild thyme and sage.We'll also stop for herb picking so you can taste and learn about their healing properties. Next, a walk in the ancient Pine Forest of Thripiti, where some trees are up to 1000 years old. Relax over a traditional Cretan meal with unlimited wine at a local taverna before we continue to Agia Anna, a small church at the entrance of Ha gorge, one of the most striking landscapes in the area. Lastly, we'll stop for another spectacular view - this time of the North Cretan Sea - before making our way back to base.

Rethymnon 4x4 Sunset Safari with Dinner at a Traditional Taverna

This sunset safari takes you off the beaten track in more ways than one. You'll follow scenic trails in your off-roader to explore hidden landscapes that few visitors see. Get ready for panoramic views of Rethymnon as you traverse traditional villages on the way to the Amari Dam reservoir. Eleni, one of our expert local guides, says, ‘Away from the coast, Cretan traditions are still strong, and many people make a living from the land. Olive groves, fields of vines and citrus orchards represent the most important crops – though avocados are now becoming a popular fruit on our farms.'Leaving Rethymnon, you'll soon be heading towards the hills. Rumbling through the tranquil hill villages of Pigi, Adelle, Saint Dimitrios and Harkia, we swap the bright lights for unpaved off-road routes, wild vegetation, and peaceful vistas. You'll get a close-up view of the real Crete, and gain insight into the heritage of the island. Eleni says, ‘Crete is one of the few islands in Greece that would still have a self-sufficient economy without tourism. Agriculture is still a very relevant industry here.'You'll climb further into the hills to a fabulous viewpoint where your gaze will sweep from the coast to the mountains, with a lovely view over Amari Dam reservoir just below. Sunset spots don't come much better than this. To round off your tour, you'll stop at a family-owned taverna, where you'll be able to try a platter of locally sourced Cretan meze specialities with a glass of wine.

Crete food and wine tasting with wine factory visit

Crete is the cradle of wine history, with its authentic country life and indigenous grape varieties dating far back to the ancient Minoans. Veta, one of our local guides, says ‘What I like most about showing visitors around on this tour is that they meet the local producers and farmers and hear their stories.' Over the course of the day, you'll taste locally produced olive oil, enjoy a typical Cretan lunch, and sip on regional whites and reds at an award-winning winery.We'll begin our culinary adventure at the Kriti Allios olive oil producer, set among olive groves to the south of Heraklion. Here we'll tour the facilities and surrounding groves before a Cretan olive oil tasting session. ‘Olive oil has been a Cretan staple since Minoan times. Archeologists have found evidence that the Minoans, the earliest Cretan civilization, used olive oil for rituals, medicine and culinary purposes,' adds Veta. After the tasting, there's a tasty farm fresh lunch to tuck into with traditional local delicacies.Next, we'll pay a visit to family-run Titakis Winery. Its wines have won multiple awards in the past decade, especially the Kotsifali reds. After a tour of the estate and the wine production areas, you'll taste four different wines, accompanied by breadsticks and olives. Veta says, ‘There's always a bottle on the dinner table in Cretan homes – and often it'll be from this winery. The Titakis family has a strong focus on the production of rare local varieties.'

Full-day tour of Loutro Village with a typical Cretan lunch

Accessible only by boat, Loutro is an idyllic seaside village where you can completely disconnect. Journey from Sfakia to Loutro by boat for a day of exploration at your own pace, enjoying lunch at a local taverna and time to recline under the bright Cretan sun. Rena, one of our local guides, says, ‘Loutro is the hidden jewel of southern Crete, a magical place of unbelievable blue, light blue, almost green crystal-clear water – and with no sign of cars or traffic.'This exclusive excursion kickd of with a scenic drive to Sfakia, stopping along the way at Askifou plateau for a Greek coffee overlooking the majestic White Mountains. Then, you'll hop into a boat for the quick 20-minute mini-cruise to Loutro – a remote picturesque fishing village with a beautiful mountain backdrop. Here, you'll have plenty of free time to stroll along its cobbled streets, admiring whitewashed houses straight from a postcard. It's also a great opportunity to grab a souvenir and help the local economy.Plus, there's a lunch at a traditional family-owned seafront taverna overlooking the bay, savouring what Rena calls ‘the aromas of the south'. You'll enjoy tasting specialities from the region such as cheese pie, fried courgettes, Cretan salad and more, washed down with local wine. Afterwards, you can recline on the beach, take a dip in the clear waters of the Libyan Sea and watch the world go by. With no traffic, it's your chance to unwind in peaceful surroundings.

Sunset safari 4x4 tour in Crete

There are plenty of ways to enjoy a Cretan sunset, but nothing quite beats a 4x4 safari into the White Mountains as day turns to night. You'll rumble down unchartered tracks to places few visitors go – stopping for plenty of photos along the way – and toast in the evening with a wine-tasting session in a winery.

Private guided tour with Knossos Palace & Heraklion

The ancient Palace of Knossos is Crete's most popular attraction. And for good reason – it's absolutely fascinating. Exclusively for you and your party, this private tour takes you to explore the island's most-prized archaeological gem and the Cretan capital, Heraklion.

Cretan 4x4 adventure from Rethymnon

Go off-road on a 4x4 adventure that will take you well and truly off the radar. You'll bump down dirt tracks, bounce over potholes and drive through blink-and-you-miss-them villages. Plus, you'll tick off plenty of must-sees on the way. Your driver actually doubles up as a guide, giving you the insider's track on Crete's hidden gems as you go.You'll kick off this full day tour just as you mean to go on – driving along country roads and tracks to experience the real Crete. You'll head for the mountains first, stopping off for photos and a coffee in a village, before reaching Spili, home to the 25-head Lion Fountain and some gorgeous views.Now you'll really get to grips with the land as you go off-road towards the village of Kerame where you'll be treated views over the south coast. There's a beach nearby where River Kourtaliotis flows into the sea, Preveli Beach, which makes an idyllic spot to take a dip. A Cretan lunch then awaits before a walk between the vertical cliffs surrounding Kourtaliotiko Gorge.