Knossos Palace, Olive Oil, Winery & Raki Distilery with Lunch
Active
7h - 8h
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Instant confirmation
Mobile or paper ticket accepted
About this experience
What sets this journey apart is that nothing here is staged, polished, or dressed up for show. You move through the island the way Cretans have always done — from the ruins where legends took their first breath, to farms where people still work with their hands, to tavernas where lunch is not an item on a menu but a small ritual. It’s a day stitched together by real voices and real craft, the kind you don’t find in places built for tourists.
And because the group stays small, the experience breathes. You hear the stories that don’t make it into guidebooks, you taste olive oil poured by the producer himself, you clink glasses with winemakers who measure life in harvests, not deadlines. It’s a simple recipe — history, land, people — but in Crete, those three have always been enough to turn a day into a memory that lingers.
Available options
Elounda & Agios Nikolaos Rate
Pick-up Areas: Elounda, Agios Nikolaos, Amoudara, Kalo Chorio, Milatos, Sisi<br/>Small Group: Maximum 8 people<br/>Duration: 8 hours<br/>Lunch: Starters, Salad, BBQ, and wine are included<br/>Elounda to Heraklion<br/>Premium Minivan<br/>Pickup included
What's included
English-speaking guide throughout the tour
Guided tours at Micro Winery - Raki Distilery with wine and raki tastings
Knossos Palace Visit. (Knossos its a self guided Visit), no admition tickerts are included
Traditional Cretan lunch in Elia Village (includes a selection of local dishes)
Comfortable transportation with an experienced driver
Pick-up & drop-off from customers Hotel
Guided tour and olive oil tasting at the Olive Grove Farm
OLive Mill & Olive Grove Tour with Olive Oil tastings
Detailed itinerary
1
Stop 1
09:30 – Arrival at Knossos Palace (Self-Guided Visit)
Welcome to the legendary Palace of Knossos — the cradle of Europe’s first civilization. Walk through the ancient halls where King Minos once ruled, and the myth of the Minotaur was born.
✅ Explore the Throne Room and the restored frescoes
✅ Discover Minoan ingenuity in architecture and design
✅ Wander the storerooms and mysterious corridors of the Labyrinth
Entrance ticket (€20) and certified guide are not included. A private licensed archaeologist can be arranged upon request.
2
11:15 – Olive Grove Farm Tour & Tasting
Next, we trade myths for the timeless craft of olive oil making. Visit a family-owned olive grove outside Skalani village — a true working farm, not a commercial showroom.
✅ Learn about traditional and modern olive oil production
✅ Stroll through ancient olive trees with their silver-green leaves
✅ Enjoy a guided tasting of extra virgin olive oil, olives, tapenade, and sundried tomatoes served with warm bread
This is authentic Crete — raw, honest, and heartwarming.
3
12:40 – Winery & Raki Distillery Visit with Tastings
In nearby Kounavoi village, we visit a local estate where two Cretan passions meet: wine and raki.
✅ Vineyard walk and cellar tour
✅ Wine tasting of 3 Cretan varieties (Vilana, Vidiano, Mandilari, and probably more)
✅ Short distillation demo and tasting of tsikoudia (raki)
✅ Local meze pairing — graviera cheese, paximadia, and spoon sweets
Here, stories are shared over glasses, and laughter flows freely.
4
14:00 – Lunch at Elia Village
We end the journey in the tranquil village of Elia, famous for its charm and authentic flavors. Enjoy a slow, traditional Cretan lunch at a family-run taverna where everything tastes like home.
✅ Dishes made with local ingredients: lamb with stamnagathi, stuffed vegetables, chickpeas with lemon
✅ Wine, raki, and homemade desserts like kalitsounia or xerotigana
✅ Time for a short stroll through the cobbled lanes
This is not just a lunch — it’s a celebration of the Cretan table.
5
15:30 – Return Transfer
After a full day of flavors, stories, and sunshine, we head back to Elounda and Agios Nikolaos. Expect to return by around 16:30, with a happy heart and perhaps a small bottle of olive oil or wine as a keepsake of the day.
What's not included
Personal expenses & additional beer or drinks beyond the tastings
Extra food or drinks not included in the set menu for lunch
Available languages
Guide guide
EN
Important information
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Important notes
Ticket Message – Important Information for Your Tour
Dear Guest,
Thank you for booking the Small Group: Knossos Palace, Olive Oil, Winery & Raki Tour with Lunch at Archanes Village.
Tour Day & Time: Every Tuesday, Thursday & Saturday, starting at 08:30
Pick-Up Area: From Plaka, Elounda & Agios Nikolaos (exact location and time will be confirmed a day before)
Small Group Tour: Maximum of 8 guests per vehicle
A member of our team will contact you via WhatsApp or email the day before your tour, providing all final details — pick-up time, vehicle description, and driver information.
Please remember to bring your Knossos Palace entrance ticket (€20) or purchase it on-site, as it’s not included in the tour price.
Wear comfortable walking shoes, sun protection, and bring your camera — the day will be full of memorable moments!
We look forward to sharing a wonderful day of Cretan history, flavors, and hospitality with you.
Warm regards,
The LocalTrips4U Team – Crete, Greece
About Peloponnese
The Peloponnese is a peninsula in southern Greece that is steeped in history and natural beauty. Known for its ancient ruins, stunning beaches, and picturesque villages, it offers a rich tapestry of cultural and outdoor experiences. From the ancient theater of Epidaurus to the medieval ruins of Mystras, the Peloponnese is a treasure trove for history enthusiasts and nature lovers alike.
Top Attractions
Ancient Olympia
The birthplace of the Olympic Games, Ancient Olympia is a UNESCO World Heritage site featuring the ruins of the ancient stadium, temple of Zeus, and the archaeological museum.
Historical
Half to full day
€12 for the archaeological site and museum
Mystras
A medieval fortress town with Byzantine churches, palaces, and a monastery, Mystras offers a fascinating glimpse into Greece's medieval past.
Historical
Half to full day
€12 for the archaeological site
Epidaurus
Famous for its ancient theater with exceptional acoustics, Epidaurus is a UNESCO World Heritage site dedicated to the god of healing, Asclepius.
Historical
Half day
€12 for the archaeological site and museum
Navplio
A charming seaside town with a Venetian fortress, Palamidi, and a picturesque old town, Navplio is a popular destination for history and architecture lovers.
Historical
Full day
€8 for the Palamidi Fortress
Monemvasia
A medieval fortress town built on a rocky island, Monemvasia is a unique destination with narrow streets, Byzantine churches, and stunning sea views.
Historical
Full day
Free to explore the town, €2 for the Church of Christ in Chains
Must-Try Local Dishes
Souvlaki
Grilled meat skewers, typically made with pork or chicken, served with pita bread, vegetables, and tzatziki sauce
Lunch/Dinner
Can be made vegetarian with grilled vegetables
Dolmades
Grap leaves stuffed with rice, herbs, and sometimes meat, served with lemon and olive oil
Appetizer
Vegetarian and vegan-friendly
Moussaka
A baked dish made with layers of eggplant, minced meat, and béchamel sauce
Dinner
Can be made vegetarian with a lentil or mushroom filling
Greek Salad
A refreshing salad made with tomatoes, cucumbers, onions, olives, and feta cheese, dressed with olive oil and oregano
Lunch/Dinner
Vegetarian and vegan-friendly (without feta)
Popular Activities
Hiking in the Taygetos Mountains
Kayaking in the Navarino Bay
ATV tours in the countryside
Sunbathing at the beaches of Kalamata
Yoga retreats in the countryside
Spa treatments in luxury resorts
Visiting archaeological sites and museums
Attending local festivals and events
Best Time to Visit
June to August
This is the peak tourist season with warm weather and plenty of sunshine. It's ideal for beach activities and exploring historical sites. However, it can be quite crowded, and prices for accommodation and flights are higher.
25°C to 35°C
77°F to 95°F
Practical Information
Language
- Official: Greek
- Widely spoken: English, French, German
- English: Moderately spoken in tourist areas, limited in rural areas
Currency
Euro (EUR)
Time Zone
GMT+2 (EET - Eastern European Time)
Electricity
230VV, 50HzHz
Safety Information
Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe
The Peloponnese is generally safe for travelers, with low crime rates and a welcoming local population. However, as with any destination, it's important to take precautions and be aware of your surroundings.
Important Precautions:
- • Keep valuables secure and out of sight
- • Be cautious of pickpockets in crowded areas
- • Use licensed taxis or ride-sharing apps
Getting there
By air
- Kalamata International Airport • 5 km from Kalamata city center
- Araxos Airport • 45 km from Patras
By train
Patras Station, Korinthos Station
By bus
KTEL Bus Terminals in Athens, Patras, and other major cities
Getting around
Public transport
KTEL buses are the primary mode of public transport, connecting major towns and villages. They are affordable and frequent, but schedules can be irregular in rural areas.
Taxis
Available • Apps: Beat
Rentals
Car, Bike, Scooter
Neighborhoods
Kalamata
Sparta
Patras
Day trips
Ancient Corinth
1.5 hours from Athens • Half to full day
Ancient Corinth is a UNESCO World Heritage site featuring the ruins of the ancient city, including the Temple of Apollo, the Agora, and the Fountain of Peirene.
Mycenae
2 hours from Athens • Half to full day
Mycenae is an ancient city known for its impressive fortifications, including the Lion Gate and the Treasury of Atreus. The site is a UNESCO World Heritage site and offers a fascinating glimpse into ancient Greek history.
Ancient Nemea
1.5 hours from Athens • Full day
Ancient Nemea is known for its ancient ruins and wine production. The area is home to the Temple of Zeus and several wineries offering tastings and tours.
Festivals
Kalamata International Dance Festival • July
Nafplia Wine Festival • September
Patras Carnival • February and March
Pro tips
- Visit archaeological sites early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid the heat and crowds
- Try local specialties like olive oil, feta cheese, and fresh seafood for an authentic culinary experience
- Explore the region's natural beauty by hiking in the Taygetos Mountains or kayaking in the Navarino Bay
- Learn a few basic Greek phrases to show respect for the local culture and enhance your interactions with locals
- Respect religious customs and traditions, such as covering shoulders and knees when visiting churches or monasteries
From $25
per person
Price varies by option
Secure booking
Free cancellation available
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