Private: Jeep Safari in 2 Wineries and Samaria Gorge with Lunch

Discover Crete’s Hidden Gems with a Private Jeep Safari

If you’re seeking a way to experience Crete beyond the usual tourist spots, this private Jeep Safari offers a perfect blend of scenic drives, authentic food, and local wine tasting. Starting in Chania, this 7-8 hour adventure takes you through rugged mountain roads only 4WD vehicles can handle, stopping at historic olive trees, two exceptional wineries, and the magnificent Samaria Gorge. With a knowledgeable guide, you’ll get a taste of local life, delicious Cretan cuisine, and some of the island’s best wines — all at a reasonable price of around $266 per person.

What we love most about this tour is how it combines the thrill of off-road driving in a comfortable vehicle with immersive cultural experiences — from tasting organic olive oil at Anoskeli Winery to sampling a variety of local wines at Manousakis Winery. Plus, the panoramic views from the White Mountains add a breathtaking backdrop at every turn. One thing to keep in mind is that this tour involves some physical walking (like at the gorge), so it’s best suited for active travelers. It’s ideal for anyone who appreciates good food, wine, and the outdoors, especially those eager to explore Crete’s lesser-visited countryside.

A minor consideration is the weather; this tour runs rain or shine, so packing appropriately for varied conditions is wise. Overall, it’s perfect for curious travelers who want a comprehensive day out that’s both comfortable and authentic, especially if you enjoy a bit of adventure and historical sites along the way.

Key Points

• Authentic Experiences: Taste organic olive oil and multiple local wines at renowned wineries.
• Scenic Routes: Access rugged mountain roads not reachable by standard buses, with stunning views of the White Mountains.
• Cultural Highlights: Visit the ancient Olive Tree of Vouves, centuries old and still productive.
• Culinary Delight: Enjoy a traditional Cretan lunch featuring local flavors, wines, and seasonal salads.
• Personalized Service: This is a private tour, meaning your group gets a tailored experience with a knowledgeable guide.
• Flexible & Convenient: Pickup is offered within a limited radius from Chania, making it easy to join.

A Deep Dive into the Experience

Visiting the Monumental Olive Tree of Vouves

Our journey begins with a stop at the legendary Olive Tree of Vouves. This ancient tree, believed to be between 3,000 and 5,000 years old, is still producing olives today. Standing beneath its enormous branches, you can’t help but marvel at nature’s resilience. The site is free to visit, and it’s a quick 15-minute stop. It’s a symbolic start, grounding you in Crete’s long-standing relationship with its olive cultivation. We loved the way the guide explained that this tree has weathered thousands of years and remains a vital part of local life.

Anoskeli Winery Olive Mill

Next, you’ll visit the Anoskeli Winery Olive Mill, where the real tasting begins. Here, organic extra virgin olive oil is produced on-site, and you’ll have the chance to sample it straight from the mill. The guided tasting of five different olive oils helps you understand the nuances of flavor that make Crete’s olive oil world-renowned. Following that, a wine tasting featuring five local labels complements the snacks provided — tomatoes, cheese, olives, and bread with olive oil. The hosts, whether their sommeliers or oil producers, give friendly, insightful explanations about Crete’s proud wine and olive oil traditions.

One reviewer remarked that the wine selection was excellent, praising the variety of indigenous and international grape varieties offered. This is a highlight for any wine lover, as it provides a genuine taste of Crete’s viticultural richness.

Exploring the Cretan Hinterland in a 4WD

After the winery, your private 4WD vehicle will take you into the mainland’s scenic heart. We loved how this part of the tour showcases parts of Crete inaccessible with larger buses. The route crosses through villages, forests, and mountain slopes, giving a genuine sense of the island’s rural beauty. Expect plenty of opportunities for photos, especially when you reach the White Mountains — the landscape shifts dramatically from forested slopes to rocky peaks.

Samaria Gorge National Park

The highlight for many is the visit to Samaria Gorge, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. Here, you’ll have around 1.5 hours for lunch at a restaurant near the gorge entrance, with views of the White Mountains in the background. The meal features traditional Cretan dishes, including salads, local wine, and dessert — enough to fuel your walk through the gorge if you choose to hike part of it. Though the gorge is famous for hiking, you can also simply enjoy the panoramic vistas from the restaurant.

One guest commented, “Lunch overlooking the gorge was a memorable highlight,” emphasizing how this combination of natural beauty and local cuisine makes the day extra special.

Scenic Mountain and Village Drives

Driving downhill from around 1200 meters (about 4000 feet), the tour offers stunning vistas of the changing landscape. You’ll pass through villages such as Omalos, Lakki, and Alikianos, each with their own character. The scenery is a vibrant mosaic of cypress forests, lemon and orange groves, and olive orchards. It’s a visual feast, and these villages offer a glimpse into authentic mountain life.

Final Stop at Manousakis Winery

The last winery stop at Manousakis Winery allows you to taste five more local wines. As one reviewer noted, the wine selection is excellent, and the setting is relaxed and welcoming. It’s the perfect way to round out the day, reflecting on the variety and quality of Crete’s wine-producing heritage.

The Drive Back to Chania

As you head back to your hotel, your guide will point out scenic spots and share stories about Crete’s history and culture. Expect to arrive around sunset, with plenty of photos and memories in hand.

The Practical Side: What to Expect

This private tour strikes a good balance between guided discovery and personal space. The pickup within a 5 km radius of Chania makes it quite accessible, and the group size is limited to your party, ensuring a more intimate experience.

The price of approximately $266 includes all tastings, lunch, and entrance fees for the olive tree and the gorge. This makes it a good value considering the variety of experiences packed into one day.

The tour operates rain or shine, so dress in smart casual attire suitable for varied weather conditions. Be prepared for some walking, especially if you opt to explore parts of Samaria Gorge, and bring sunscreen, water, and a hat for protection.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This experience is ideal for active travelers who want to see diverse aspects of Crete in one day. Wine and foodies will appreciate the tastings and local flavors, while nature lovers can revel in the mountain scenery and the historic olive tree. It’s particularly suited for those who prefer a private, tailored experience over crowded group tours and enjoy learning about local traditions firsthand.

If you’re interested in combining cultural, culinary, and outdoor adventures with a comfortable and personalized touch, this tour ticks all those boxes.

FAQs

Is this tour suitable for children?
Children must be accompanied by an adult, and the tour is best suited for those capable of walking and staying engaged throughout the day.

What is included in the price?
The fee covers all tastings of olive oil and wines, a traditional Cretan lunch, entrance fees to the olive tree and gorge, bottled water, and transportation in a private 4WD vehicle.

Are there vegetarian options available?
Yes, vegetarian options are available if requested at the time of booking.

What should I wear?
Dress smart casual with comfortable shoes suitable for walking. Bring layers for mountain weather and sun protection.

How long is the time spent at each stop?
Expect approximately 15 minutes at the olive tree, 1.5 hours at the wineries and lunch, 2 hours exploring the mountains in the vehicle, 1.5 hours at Samaria Gorge, plus time for photos and scenic drives.

Can I skip walking in the gorge?
Yes, you can enjoy the views from the restaurant without hiking through the gorge if you prefer a more relaxed experience.

What makes this tour stand out?
The combination of off-road exploration, authentic wine and olive oil tastings, and a delicious traditional lunch makes it a well-rounded, memorable day — especially if you’re looking to get beyond the typical tourist trail.

Final Thoughts

This private Jeep Safari in Crete offers a well-balanced mix of natural beauty, culinary delights, and local culture. It’s an excellent choice for travelers who value intimate experiences, authentic flavors, and scenic adventures all in one day. With knowledgeable guides, personalized service, and the chance to taste some of Crete’s finest products, this tour makes for a memorable way to see and savor the island’s rich offerings.

Whether you’re a wine enthusiast, a nature lover, or simply eager to discover Crete’s countryside away from crowded tours, this experience delivers a genuine taste of what makes this island special. It’s a day packed with discovery, deliciousness, and stunning vistas — a true highlight for your Crete itinerary.