From the Hills to the Gulf Cretan Adventure

• Duration: 7 hours
• Tour Type: Private (min 2 people)
• Ages: All ages
• Activity Type: Beyond the city, Family-friendly, Food, Water
• Time: 9.00AM
• Language: English

Highlights:

• Walk through one of Crete’s prettiest off-the-beaten-path villages with a local by your side.
• Catch a speedboat to explore a spectacular Venetian fortress islet Spinalonga in the Gulf of Elounda.
• Participate in a hands-on cooking class, making your own traditional Greek dolmades and enjoying a mouthwatering traditional Greek lunch.
• Enjoy a coffee under the shaded square of Kritsa village
• Learn about the ‘green gold’ in a local olive farm and participate in an olive oil tasting session.

Meeting point:

Departure Point, Traveler pickup is offered. We will pick you up form your Hotel or Cruise Ship.

Pick-up from Elounda/Agios Nikolaos hotel is included in the tour price. We can offer pick up/drop off transfer to any other location at an extra charge.

Immerse yourself in the Cretan countryside

Experience an action-packed day by walking, swimming, eating, and cruising your way around the island! Admire astonishing scenery, taste the traditional Cretan cuisine, soak up the sun and sea, and conquer Spinalonga, a tiny island with an old fortress. Be prepared to fall in Love with the Cretan countryside, all in one day!

Local impact — How you help the local community by joining this tour

• You support a local, family-owned business by visiting them and learning about making the traditional Greek dish of dolmades.
• During this tour, you sample locally sourced food from Crete’s villages, farmers, and stock-breeders.

Full Itinerary

Your adventure into the Cretan countryside will start with a drive away from the coast, through green olive groves and an ancient forest. The first stop of your tour will be at the traditional village of Kritsa, located near the entry of the dazzling Kritsa Gorge.

Known for its rich history and traditional way of life, Kritsa offers a glimpse into the past while still providing modern comforts. As you wander through the narrow streets, you’ll be captivated by the charming stone houses adorned with vibrant flowers. The village is famous for its skilled artisans, and you can explore their workshops to witness the creation of intricate embroidery and pottery. Don’t miss the opportunity to visit the Panagia Kera Church, known for its stunning frescoes dating back to the 14th century.

From here, you’ll take a drive out to a traditional Cretan olive oil farm where you’ll participate in an olive oil tasting session paired with some delicious local wine. While the farm’s expert will show you around the place, learn all about the high-quality Cretan green gold, such as how to cultivate it and what to look for when tasting olive oil’s different varieties.

Next, you’ll participate in a hands-on experience by learning the art of making the traditional Greek dolmades, one of the Greek-favourite dishes.  Wrap the vine leaves stuffed with rice and then, enjoy a delicious Greek-style lunch including Cretan Dako (rusks with dressing), salad,  tzatziki, and other small seasonal plates, accompanied with a glass of wine or a shot of local raki.

After this mouthwatering lunch, you’ll head to the seaside village of Plaka where you’ll hop on a speedboat to explore the Gulf of Elounda and the fortress island of Spinalonga.

The outstanding fortress islet of Spinaloga has a turbulent story starting in the 16th century as an important Venetian fortified spot against the Ottomans. Immerse in islet’s quirky mystery by strolling around the alleys of the abandoned village. A walk around Spinaloga can lavishly offer you some of the finest views of the clear blue sea surrounding the island.

After an hour, the speedboat will pick you up for a fun spin around Spinalonga where you’ll have the chance to jump in for a swim. Alternatively, you can have a quick swim at the beach in Plaka village where there are cabins to change into your swimwear.

After soaking up the sun and sea, your speedboat will bring you back to your starting point. Before we part ways, don’t forget to ask us for more hints and tips on how to get the best of your trip to amazing Crete.