Wine & Olive Oil Tour with Lunch at Milia Mountain Retreat

Crete’s Flavors and Scenery Combined: A Deep Dive into the Wine & Olive Oil Tour with Lunch at Milia Mountain Retreat

If you’re heading to Crete and want a full day that combines authentic tastes, stunning landscapes, and a touch of history, this tour is worth considering. Priced at around $172 per person, it offers a seven to eight-hour immersion into some of the island’s most cherished products—olive oil and wine—paired with an eco-friendly mountain lunch and visits to iconic sights.

What truly makes this experience stand out is the intimacy of the small group—up to six people—and the personalized attention from guides like Yannis and Dimitris, who bring their local knowledge to life. Two features we really appreciate: the chance to sample multiple local wines and organic olive oils with expert tutelage, and the beautifully preserved Milia Mountain Retreat, where lunch is served in a 17th-century setting.

One potential consideration is that the tour is quite packed, with multiple stops and a long day on rugged terrain, so it’s best suited for travelers who enjoy a mix of sightseeing, tasting, and off-road adventure. If you prefer more relaxed, less itinerary-heavy experiences, this might feel a little rushed.

Overall, it’s perfect for food lovers, history buffs, and those craving authentic Crete experiences—especially if you’re comfortable with a small-group tour that involves some off-road driving and a fair bit of walking.

Key Points

• Authentic Tastings: Sample local wines and organic olive oils with expert guidance.
• Historic Sights: Visit the 3,000-year-old olive tree and the Olive Tree Museum of Vouves.
• Eco-Friendly Mountain Lunch: Enjoy Cretan cuisine at Milia Mountain Retreat, a top eco-tourism destination.
• Scenic Drives: Explore Crete’s landscapes in a comfortable, small-group 4WD vehicle.
• Local Guides: Knowledgeable guides like Yannis, Dimitris, and Nikos enhance the experience.
• Personalized Experience: Small group size (up to 6) ensures a more intimate and flexible tour.

An In-Depth Look at the Crete Wine & Olive Oil Tour

What to Expect from the Itinerary

This tour packs in five key stops, each offering a different facet of Crete’s cultural and natural richness.

First Stop: Olive Tree Museum of Vouves — We immediately connect with the island’s ancient olive traditions. Touching the 3,000-year-old olive tree is a highlight, grounding us in millennia of olive-growing history. Here, you can enjoy a coffee or juice, and the admission is included, making it a good value. As one reviewer said, “We had a choice of coffee or juice, and it was fascinating to see such an ancient, still productive olive tree.” This stop sets the tone for the day—immersing us in age-old traditions.

Second Stop: Anoskeli Winery Olive Mill — This is where the sensory adventure begins. You’ll taste extra virgin and organic olive oils that are straight from Crete’s groves, guided by experts who explain the process. The winery experience also includes tasting five different local wines along with traditional Cretan snacks. As one guest noted, “The wine tasting was fantastic, and the place had a lovely, relaxed atmosphere.” The value here is in the depth of knowledge and the chance to taste multiple products that go beyond what you might find in a supermarket.

Third Stop: Exploring the Chania Region in 4WD — The landscape here is striking, with mountain roads offering panoramic views. The vehicle’s comfort and the ability to get off the beaten path allow you to see areas inaccessible to larger buses. Expect about an hour and a half of scenic driving, where you can marvel at the diverse terrain and take plenty of photos. As one reviewer described it, “The off-road ride was fun, and the driver was very knowledgeable about the area’s history and geology.”

Fourth Stop: Milia Mountain Retreat — This is the true highlight for many. An eco-friendly site, it’s an authentic 17th-century mountain settlement that’s been transformed into a cozy, electricity-free retreat. The setting is rustic and peaceful, giving you a taste of simple Cretan life. Here, you’ll enjoy a hearty, local-style lunch with wine and dessert. The retreat’s inclusion on National Geographic’s top eco-tourism destinations underscores its appeal. Guests rave about the food, with one saying, “The lunch was outstanding, and the setting was perfect for relaxing and soaking in the mountain atmosphere.”

Fifth Stop: Topolia Gorge — Wrapping up the day, this wild natural spot showcases Cretan wilderness at its best. The scenery is rugged, with cliffs, local mountain goats, and soaring vultures. It’s a quick stop, but one packed with views and photo opportunities, giving a sense of the island’s untamed beauty. “The scenery here is spectacular,” one reviewer shared, “and it’s a perfect place to reflect on the day.”

Transportation and Group Size

The use of a full A/C 4WD vehicle makes getting to these diverse locations comfortable and practical, especially since buses or mini-buses wouldn’t reach some sites. Small groups—limited to six—mean more personalized attention, flexible pacing, and opportunities for questions. Guides like Dimitris and Nikos are frequently praised for their knowledge and friendliness, which significantly enhances the experience.

Value and Cost Analysis

At roughly $172, this tour offers a lot: multiple tastings, a scenic mountain lunch, private transportation, and time in several interesting spots. Many reviews mention that the experience feels intimate and well-paced, with some noting that the price is reasonable considering the quality and variety of activities. Since most guests had only a small group or even a private experience, it feels like good value—especially compared to larger, more commercial tours.

Authentic, Small-Group Focus

One of the biggest perks is how personalized this experience is. Guests have reported that the guides are well-informed, friendly, and eager to share local knowledge, making the day both educational and fun. Having only a few companions allows for lively conversations and a relaxed atmosphere—ideal if you enjoy smaller, more intimate tours.

Potential Drawbacks

Given the busy schedule, some travelers might find the day a bit full, especially with the off-road driving and multiple stops. If you prefer a more relaxed pace or less driving, this might feel rushed. Also, since the tour operates in all weather, you should dress appropriately for mountain and outdoor conditions.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This tour is best suited for foodies, history buffs, and nature lovers who enjoy a bit of adventure. If you’re keen to learn about Crete’s olive and wine traditions, appreciate scenic drives, and want a taste of local mountain life, this tour hits all those notes. It’s also perfect for small groups or couples who prefer personalized attention and a relaxed, friendly vibe. Families with older children can find this engaging, but younger kids might find the day slightly long and busy.

Final Thoughts: Why You’ll Love This Experience

We found this tour to be a well-rounded journey into Crete’s culinary and natural heritage. The expert-led tastings provide a genuine taste of local products, while the scenic drives and historic sites deepen your appreciation of the island’s rich culture. The visit to Milia Mountain Retreat offers a unique, eco-conscious dining experience that’s both rustic and memorable.

What truly makes this tour appealing is how it balances educational moments with fun, off-road exploration. Guides like Yannis and Dimitris are clearly passionate and knowledgeable, making the experience feel personal and authentic. The small-group format ensures your day is flexible, relaxed, and packed with meaningful encounters.

For travelers who want to combine culinary delights with scenic vistas and a touch of history, this tour hits all the marks. If you’re looking for a full-day adventure that’s both enriching and enjoyable, it’s a trip you’ll likely remember fondly.

FAQ

Is transportation provided?
Yes, the tour includes round-trip pickup from hotels or rentals within approximately 5 km east and 25 km west of Chania, in a comfortable, full A/C 4WD vehicle.

What’s included in the price?
Your fee covers all tastings of olive oil and wine, a hearty mountain lunch with wine or beer and dessert, bottled water, coffee or juice, and the services of a knowledgeable guide.

How large are the groups?
The tour operates with a maximum of six travelers, offering a more intimate and personalized experience.

Can children participate?
Most travelers can participate, but children must be accompanied by an adult, and the minimum drinking age is 18. The experience is suited for those comfortable with a full day of activity.

What should I wear?
Smart casual is recommended, and since the tour operates in all weather conditions, bring layers, sunscreen, and comfortable shoes suitable for outdoor and mountain walking.

Is the tour suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, vegetarian options are available if advised at the time of booking.

How long does the tour last?
The experience lasts approximately 7 to 8 hours, from 9:00 am until late afternoon.

Do I need to book in advance?
Yes, especially during peak seasons. Confirmations are quick, and free cancellation up to 24 hours prior provides flexibility.

Is this tour good value for money?
Considering the inclusions—tastings, lunch, expert guides, and transportation—it offers solid value, especially given the small group size and personalized experience.

What happens if the weather is bad?
The tour operates in all weather conditions, but if canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

Final Words

This wine and olive oil tour marries culinary pleasure, scenic beauty, and cultural insight into a single memorable day. It suits those who want a taste of authentic Crete in a relaxed setting with a small group, guided by passionate locals. Whether you’re a dedicated foodie, a nature lover, or simply curious about the island’s traditions, this experience promises a good dose of genuine Crete—served with a smile and a splash of mountain air.