From Rethymno to Knossos Palace Olive Oil and Winery Tour & Lunch

5 to 6 hours (approximately)
Pickup offered
Offered in: English

Explore the rich culture and heritage of Crete with a visit to the legendary Knossos Palace, the heart of Minoan civilization. This immersive tour includes a delightful olive oil tasting and a visit to a local winery, where you can savor authentic Cretan flavors. Enjoy a traditional lunch in the charming village of Melesses, surrounded by picturesque landscapes. This experience is designed for small groups, ensuring personalized attention and a deeper connection to local traditions.

- Visit the iconic Knossos Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage Site
- Enjoy olive oil tasting and a winery visit for local flavors
- Savor a traditional lunch in the scenic village of Melesses
- Ideal for small groups seeking an authentic Cretan experience

What's Included

Local Driver-Guide (English-speaking, knowledgeable, friendly)
Olive Grove Farm Tour & Olive Oil Tasting
Full Traditional Lunch at a family-run taverna in a nearby Village
Winery & Raki Distillery Tour with Tastings (3 wines & tsikoudia samples)
Visit to Knossos Palace (self-guided)
Hotel Pickup & Drop-off (Rethimno & nearby areas)
Knossos Palace Entrance Ticket (€20 per person, paid on-site or online)
Licensed Tour Guide for Knossos Palace (available on request at extra cost)
Personal expenses (e.g., souvenirs, extra purchases at the farms/wineries)

Meeting and pickup

Pickup points
You can choose a pickup location at checkout (multiple pickup locations are available).
Pickup details:

The evening before your tour, we will text or email you detailed information about your exact pickup time, location, and pickup procedure.

Itinerary

Duration: 5 to 6 hours (approximately)
  • Rethymnon (Pass by)

    Starting from Rethimno, Areas driving towards Heraklion

    Admission ticket free
  • 1

    Poltakis Olive Mill offers visitors an authentic introduction to Crete’s long tradition of olive oil production. Guests can learn how olives are transformed into extra virgin olive oil, discover the differences between various types of Cretan olive oil, and enjoy a guided tasting of locally produced oils. It is a simple, genuine experience that connects visitors with one of the most important ingredients of Cretan life and cuisine.

    1 hour 10 minutes • Admission ticket free
  • 2
    Stironas

    Stironas Raki Distillery offers visitors a genuine taste of one of Crete’s oldest traditions. Guests can discover how **tsikoudia (raki)** is produced, learn about the traditional distillation process, and enjoy local flavors in a warm, village atmosphere. It is an authentic Cretan experience where hospitality, tradition, and the aromas of the *kazani* come together.

    1 hour 30 minutes • Admission ticket free
  • 3

    Caffe Ουζερί **«Η Μουρνιά»** is a traditional Cretan café-ouzeri where visitors can enjoy simple local dishes, meze, coffee, wine, and raki in a relaxed village setting. It offers an authentic glimpse into everyday Cretan life, with homemade flavors, warm hospitality, and the unhurried atmosphere of a true local gathering place.

    1 hour 30 minutes • Admission ticket free
  • 4
    The Palace of Knossos

    Walk through the gates of **Knossos Palace** and step into the world of the Minoans, where history and mythology still seem to share the same corridors. More than 3,500 years ago, this extraordinary palace was the heart of one of Europe’s earliest civilizations and later became forever linked with the legends of **King Minos, the Minotaur, and the Labyrinth**. Explore the Throne Room, vivid frescoes, royal apartments, grand staircases, and ancient storerooms while imagining the ceremonies, trade, and daily life that once filled this remarkable place.

    1 hour 30 minutes • Admission ticket not included

Additional info

  • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
  • Service animals allowed
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Supplied by LocalTrips4U "Experience True Crete"

Tags

Wine Tastings
Half-day Tours
Bus Tours
Private and Luxury
Cultural Tours
Archaeology Tours
Wine Tours
Car Tours
Small Group
Food & Drink
Additional fees
Short term availability

Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

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