From Elounda: Small Group Tour | Taste of Crete: Soap, Olive, Wine, Raki
Flavorful Culinary Journey
- Instant confirmation
- Hotel pickup
- Guided tour in English
About this experience
๐ฟ Soap, Olive Oil, Wine, Raki & Traditional Lunch Tour in a local Tavern
๐ Small Group Tour Runs Every Monday, Wednsday & Friday - โฐ Starts at 08:30 | Duration: ~8 Hours
๐ Private Group Tour Runs Daily from Monday to Friday - โฐ Starts at 08:45 | Duration: ~8 Hours
๐ฅ Small-Group Experience | โฐ Approx. 7 Hours
๐ Departure from Elounda & Agios Nikolaos every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday: 08:30
๐งผ Stop 1: Family Soap Workshop โ Crafting Tradition by Hand
Start your day wrapped in the scent of olive oil and mountain herbs. Visit a family-run soap workshop where generations have transformed natureโs bounty into handmade treasures. Learn their story, watch the process, and create your own natural soap to take home โ a fragrant souvenir of your time in Crete.
โ Presentation of the familyโs soap-making history
โ Hands-on soap workshop experience
โ Discover the role of olive oil in traditional soap-making
โ Small gift included
๐ฒ Stop 2: Olive Grove Farm โ Tour & Olive Oil Tasting
Continue to a picturesque olive grove, where the Cretan spirit comes alive beneath ancient trees. Learn about cultivation, harvesting, and the cold-press method that produces Creteโs famous extra virgin olive oil.
โ Guided tour of the olive groves and production area
โ Tasting of premium olive oils paired with local bread and herbs
โ Admission and guided tour included
๐ถ Stop 3: Raki Distillery โ Tour & Tasting
Visit a traditional family distillery where raki โ the fiery soul of Crete โ is born. Watch the copper stills in action, hear the stories behind this age-old ritual, and taste several types of raki paired with small local bites.
โ Guided tour of the distillery and stills
โ Tasting of different raki varieties (including flavored)
โ Meze plate with local delicacies
โ Admission and tasting included
, and
๐ฝ๏ธ Stop 4: Traditional Lunch in Archanes Village
End the day in the heart of Archanes, one of Creteโs most beautiful mountain villages. Enjoy a slow, generous lunch at a family taverna โ dishes made from local ingredients, cooked with love and paired with local wine or raki.
โ Full-course meal featuring traditional specialties
โ Drinks included (local wine & raki)
โ Free time to explore the village
โ Lunch included
๐๏ธ Drop-Off & End of Tour
Relax on your scenic return drive, your senses filled with the scents and tastes of Crete.
โณ Estimated Return:
Elounda & Agios Nikolaos: ~17:30
โน๏ธ Additional Information
๐ Group Size: Small group for a personal, authentic experience
๐ถ Activity Level: Easy โ suitable for all ages
๐ What to Bring: Comfortable shoes, sunglasses, camera
๐๏ธ Operating Days:
Available every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from Elounda & Agios Nikolaos.
๐ฐ Included: All admission fees, tastings, guided tours, workshop participation, and a full traditional lunch with drinks
๐ Book Now & Experience Creteโs Spirit โ From Soap to Raki, Every Stop Tells a Story!
Next available dates
Whatโs included
- All admission fees for the soap workshop, olive grove farm, raki distillery, and winery
- Guided tours at all locations with expert insights
- Soap Production workshop
- Olive oil tasting with local bread and herbs
- Raki tasting featuring different varieties
- Wine tasting of 3 local wines
- Traditional Cretan lunch with multiple courses
- Selection of local wines and raki during lunch
- Round-trip transportation from designated pick-up points
- Small-group experience for personalized attention
Not included
- โ Not wheelchair accessible due to uneven terrain at some stops
- โ No strollers are allowed in some winery and distillery areas
- โ Not suitable for individuals with severe mobility issues due to walking on uneven surfaces
- โ Infant seats are available upon request (must be mentioned at booking)
- โ Dietary restrictions: Please inform us in advance of any allergies or special meal requests
- โ Minimum drinking age: 18 years old for wine and raki tastings
Itinerary
- 1
Olive Grove Farm - Organic Production
A visit to an olive grove farm in Crete offers a unique glimpse into the islandโs ancient olive oil tradition. Strolling among the trees, youโll learn about the cultivation and harvesting process, as well as the cultural importance of olive oil. Guided tours often showcase how modern techniques complement age-old methods to produce premium oils. The experience includes a tasting session, where youโll sample various olive oils and discover their unique flavors, from fruity to peppery. Paired with fresh bread and local herbs, the tasting highlights the quality and richness of the oil. Many farms also have shops where you can purchase oils and olive-based products, making it easy to take a piece of Crete home with you.
- 2
Raki Distillery & Meze
Upon reaching the raki distillery, visitors are greeted by the heady aroma of fermenting grapes and the rhythmic sounds of the distillation process. Knowledgeable guides provide insights into the art of crafting this iconic spirit, explaining the careful selection of ingredients and the meticulous distillation techniques employed. The highlight of the tour is, of course, the raki tasting session. Guests are invited to savor the bold and warming flavors of this local firewater, experiencing the unique taste that reflects the terroir of Crete. As the warmth of the raki spreads, so does the camaraderie among visitors, creating memorable moments that linger long after the tasting concludes. A visit to a raki distillery not only offers a glimpse into the heritage of this spirited elixir but also allows travelers to connect with the soul of Crete.
- 3
Traditional Lunch at Archanes Village
Guiding your clients to a quintessential Cretan tavern, they are welcomed by the inviting aromas of freshly baked bread, aromatic herbs, and grilled meats. The menu showcases the best of Cretan culinary traditions, featuring dishes crafted from locally sourced ingredients. Guests can indulge in classics like Tzatziki, Greek salad, stuffed vine leaves, and Cretan Dakos, all prepared with a touch of the village's unique character. The friendly ambiance of the tavern, coupled with the authenticity of the dishes, creates a dining experience that goes beyond foodโit becomes a cultural immersion. Sitting under the shade of vine-covered pergolas, surrounded by the rustic charm of Archanes, visitors enjoy a leisurely meal, savoring each bite while soaking in the laid-back atmosphere. A traditional lunch in Archanes is not just a culinary adventure; it's an opportunity for travelers to forge a connection with the local community and savor the true essence of Cretan hospitality.
Good to know
- Duration
- 8 hours and 30 minutes
- How you meet
- Hotel pickup
- Confirmation
- Instant confirmation
- Cancellation policy
- This booking is non-refundable once confirmed.
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Minimum age
- 18+ years
- Guide
- Guided tour in English
- Start times
- 08:30 ยท 08:45
Know before you go
- Hereโs a list of important information to consider before booking the ๐ Soap, Olive Oil, Raki & Wine Tour with Traditional Lunch in Archanes ๐:
- Health & Physical Requirements
- The tour involves some walking. Please note that children must be supervised while walking on uneven terrain at the olive grove and wineries, so a moderate level of mobility is required. Please note that children must be supervised during the walk. Walking on uneven terrain at the olive grove and wineries so a moderate level of mobility is required.
- Unfortunately, the tour is not fully wheelchair accessible, as some areas (such as vineyard paths and cellar tours) may have stairs or uneven surfaces.
- Infant seats are available upon request for families traveling with young children.
- The experience includes wine, raki, and olive oil tastings, which may not be suitable for individuals with dietary restrictions, allergies, or sensitivities to alcohol.
- Please inform us in advance of any food allergies or dietary preferences, and we will do our best to accommodate you during the traditional lunch.
- Additional Considerations
- Comfortable walking shoes are recommended.
- Sunscreen, hats, and sunglasses are advised, especially during the warmer months.
- This tour operates rain or shine, but in case of extreme weather conditions, adjustments may be made.
- The tour is family-friendly, but children must be supervised during tastings.
- If you have any specific concerns or accessibility needs, feel free to reach out before booking! ๐
- โ๏ธ For Comfort & Weather
- โ๏ธ Comfortable walking shoes โ some paths may be uneven
- โ๏ธ Light clothing & hat โ for warm days
- โ๏ธ Sunscreen & sunglasses โ to stay protected under the Cretan sun
- โ๏ธ Light jacket or sweater โ for cooler months or breezy afternoons
- ๐ธ Extras for a Great Experience
- โ๏ธ Camera or smartphone โ to capture beautiful vineyard and olive grove views
- โ๏ธ A reusable water bottle โ stay hydrated throughout the tour
- โ๏ธ A small backpack or bag โ to carry personal items easily
- ๐ท For Wine & Food Lovers
- โ๏ธ An appetite! โ Traditional Cretan lunch, wine, and raki tastings included
- โ๏ธ Cash or card โ for any extra purchases (local products available at stops)
- ๐ฌ Have any special requests or needs? Let us know in advance, and weโll be happy to assist! ๐
Cancellation policy
This booking is non-refundable once confirmed.
Standard Viator policy
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Frequently asked questions
How long does this experience last?
It lasts 8 hours and 30 minutes.
Can I cancel this booking?
This booking is non-refundable once confirmed.
Is this experience guided, and in what language?
Guided tour in English
Is hotel pickup included?
Yes โ hotel pickup is included.
Is there a minimum age?
Travellers must be 18 or older.
Still have a question?
Message our team on WhatsApp โ we can help with dates, group bookings and anything else before you book.
From AEDย 574 per person
