Crete Tours

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.'

Sprinkle some magic on those holiday memories with this relaxing sunset cruise. Set sail mid-afternoon and we bob leisurely towards the stunning shores of Dia Island. Drop anchor and there's plenty of time to swim, snorkel and sunbathe before the main event – a fabulous sunset over the Aegean.You'll come aboard in the afternoon and be greeted by the crew with a welcome drink. Set sail along the coastline so that you can soak up every inch of Crete's beauty as you leave the shore behind. Relax, unwind and catch some rays out on deck as we take a leisurely cruise towards Dia Island.Legend has it that the gods created Dia Island and there's certainly something heavenly about it. There's time to swim, snorkel or even try your hand at a spot of fishing or paddle boarding before a light dinner is served. Then, you'll sit back, admire the views and – with luck – an incredible sunset too.

If sun on your face and a cool sea breeze in your hair really give you that holiday feel, then our Ultimate Catamaran Cruise is for you. You'll call by the island of Dia and snorkel in the Aegean before a tasty lunch. And with a maximum of just 10 passengers per trip, this day on the waves is all about relaxing.

Cretans are renowned for throwing a great party night. And there's no better way to find out just how good they are than by dropping into one at a local taverna. You'll enjoy rousing live music and dancing, with free-flowing wine and dancers in folk dress. A full-on Greek night.

Discover the timeless tradition of olive cultivation at Kleanthi Olive Farm. Immerse yourself in guided tours, learn sustainable practices, witness olive oil production, and indulge in a sensory tasting experience.

Troy is an edge-of-your-seat adventure brought to you by Alar – Crete's very own specialists in spectacular entertainment. Be transported through years of Greek history as you're wowed by performances from dancers, artists, acrobats and more. With the exclusive use of a QR code, you'll feel part of the story. And to top it off, a delicious three-course feast is included.

This late-afternoon catamaran trip is the very definition of sun-soaked relaxation. . Casting off from Rethymnon, you'll sail the cool and clear waters off the coast of Crete to the village of Panormo. A welcome drink of Cretan wine will be served along locally-sourced fruits and cheese, as you settle in to catch a glimpse of a sizzling sunset across the Aegean.

Make holiday memories with an experience that the world will thank you for. This evening out at Lyrakis Family Estate showcases the very best of Cretan products and produce. Discover the secrets of sustainable and traditional olive oil soap, before munching your way through a menu of local goodies, with a side order of Greek entertainment. Your journey into the heart of Crete's rich heritage starts with a look into the art of olive oil making. Join your guide at the olive oil mill, where you'll learn the tricks behind production, before watching a demonstration of olive oil soap making. See the creation first-hand and taste freshly-pressed oil, with a chance to buy the products, too.Then, it's time to party. Tuck into an open buffet of quality Cretan dishes, all cooked in wood ovens and open fire. And as the drinks flow, the entertainment starts. Groove the night away with an all-singing, all-dancing show to end a night that not only celebrates the natural resources of the island, but gives back to the locals, too.

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.

Troy is an edge-of-your-seat adventure brought to you by Alar – Crete's very own specialists in spectacular entertainment. Be transported through years of Greek history as you're wowed by performances from dancers, artists, acrobats and more. With the exclusive use of a QR code, you'll feel part of the story. And to top it off, a delicious three-course feast is included.

If you're after a great night out, then Alar's Spectacular Show takes some beating. A theatre production focused firmly on fun, you'll enjoy an evening of side-splitting entertainment, talented acrobats and professional singers taking the stage. And to top it off, a delicious four-course feast is included, as well as the chance to meet the performers after the show.

Boutari's Wineries have been producing some of the finest Greek wine for over 140 years. With six different locations, the distinct flavours keep wine-lovers flocking to its vineyards. Head to Scalarea, Crete's Boutari estate where you'll taste a selection of top quality Cretan vino. You'll learn all about the production process, and pair your tastings with a traditional three-course meal.

Falassarna isn't just a beach; it's a slice of paradise where relaxation isn't just promised – it's guaranteed. This sandy stretch is celebrated not only as the best beach in Crete but also as one of the top 10 best beaches in Europe. And on this night out you'll get to experience it in all of its glory. Take a stroll, watch a Mediterranean sunset, and tuck into dinner with a view at a beachside restaurant. What's not to love?

Make holiday memories with an experience that the world will thank you for. This evening out at Lyrakis Family Estate showcases the very best of Cretan products and produce. Discover the secrets of sustainable and traditional olive oil soap, before munching your way through a menu of local goodies, with a side order of Greek entertainment. Your journey into the heart of Crete's rich heritage starts with a look into the art of olive oil making. Join your guide at the olive oil mill, where you'll learn the tricks behind production, before watching a demonstration of olive oil soap making. See the creation first-hand and taste freshly-pressed oil, with a chance to buy the products, too.Then, it's time to party. Tuck into an open buffet of quality Cretan dishes, all cooked in wood ovens and open fire. And as the drinks flow, the entertainment starts. Groove the night away with an all-singing, all-dancing show to end a night that not only celebrates the natural resources of the island, but gives back to the locals, too.

Boutari's Wineries have been producing some of the finest Greek wine for over 140 years. With 6 different locations, the distinct flavours keep wine-lovers flocking to its vineyards. Head to Scalarea, Crete's Boutari estate, where you'll taste five of its premium vinos paired with typical snacks. There's a tour of the grounds and the history of production process, too.

Here's a night of Greek dancing with a difference. Go on a journey through time at Anopolis, where myths, legends, and folklore are brought to life through dance, theatre, and live music. You'll dine on a delicious spread of local dishes – washed down with unlimited wine – and watch a fascinating show on a fun-filled night for all the family.

If you're after a great night out, then Alar's Spectacular Show takes some beating. A theatre production focused firmly on fun, you'll enjoy an evening of side-splitting entertainment, talented acrobats and professional singers taking the stage. And to top it off, a delicious four-course feast is included, as well as the chance to meet the performers after the show.