Discover Rethymno, Lake Kournas & the Secrets of Cretan Olive Oil
Traveler rating
5.0/5
Based on 11 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Discover Rethymno, Lake Kournas & the Secrets of Cretan Olive Oil worth booking?
Discover Rethymno, Lake Kournas & the Secrets of Cretan Olive Oil is a 6-hour experience in Chania, Greece, from $550 per person. It scores 60 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Solid Choice”, based on a 5/5 rating across 11 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 60 / 100
- Rating
- 5/5 (11)
- Duration
- 6 hours
- From
- $550 per person
Our journey begins in Rethymno, a charming coastal city full of character, where Venetian elegance meets Eastern influence. Stroll through its picturesque alleys, admire the grand Fortezza Castle, and discover hidden gem
What you get
- Private transportation
- Local tour leader (English and German speaking)
- Public liability insurance
- On-board WiFi
- USB charging ports in van
- Cold soft drinks, beer, bottled water
About this experience
Our journey begins in Rethymno, a charming coastal city full of character, where Venetian elegance meets Eastern influence. Stroll through its picturesque alleys, admire the grand Fortezza Castle, and discover hidden gems like ancient churches, mosques, arches, and the old lighthouse. The cobblestone streets of the old town are waiting to be explored! Next, we’ll take you to the stunning Lake Kournas — the only freshwater lake in Crete. Surrounded by lush hills and offering breathtaking views of the White Mountains, this peaceful spot is perfect for a relaxing walk or a refreshing drink by the water. We end our tour at a local olive oil factory in a traditional village, where you’ll experience the heart of Cretan olive oil production. From the olive harvest to cold-pressing and bottling, you'll see every step of the process. Of course, a guided olive oil tasting is included — a perfect way to discover the rich flavor and health benefits of authentic extra virgin Cretan olive oil.
What's included
Included
- Private transportation
- Local tour leader (English and German speaking)
- Public liability insurance
- On-board WiFi
- USB charging ports in van
- Cold soft drinks, beer, bottled water
- In-vehicle air conditioning
- Guided olive oil tour & olive oil tasting
Not included
- Guided tour in Rethymno city
- Gratuities
What you'll see and do
Rethymnon Old Town
Rethymno is situated at the northern coast of Crete about in the middle between the two large cities Chania (58 km West) and Heraklion (79 km East). It is the only town on the island, which is built on a cape. There are two sides of Rethymno offering two styles of visit: the endless big beach and the old town with its mix of architecture and history. The large Venetian castle “Fortezza”, which dominates the city, countless orthodox and catholic churches, mosques, the old lighthouse, majestic mansions of Venetian architecture, arches and cobbled paths, which create a magical atmosphere, have inspired thousands of visitors to pause and take a picture.
120 minutes here
Lake Kournas
Kournas Lake is the only physical freshwater lake in Crete. It is relatively large, with a perimeter of 3.5 km. According to a legend, it has no bottom, which is not true and was based on its dark color. There are also theories about strange electromagnetic fields near the lake, making some people uneasy while others feel a very good energy. Its unique beauty preserves until today the legend about the nymph who lives into the lake of Kournas. Lake Kournas is an important wetland area with a variety of flora and fauna, and so it is included in the Natura 2000 protection program.
60 minutes here
Melissakis family has been active in the olive oil sector since the 1890s. The facilities are situated in the area of Tsivaras, Apokoronas in the east art of Chania.
45 minutes here · Admission included
Where it starts and ends
Hotel pickup
Pickup is included for all travelers. Pickup begins about 5 minutes before departure.
Options you can book
Private Group 7-12 people
Duration: 6 hours Soft drinks & bottled water 19 seater minibus Private tour 7-12 people Pickup included
Private Group 13-15 people
Duration: 6 hours Soft drinks & bottled water 19 seater minibus Private tour 13-15 people Pickup included
Private Group 1-6 people
Duration: 6 hours Soft drinks & bottled water 8 seater minivan Private tour 1-6 people Pickup included
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Languages
- de, en
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Every day
- Group size
- Up to 15 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- SeaByBus Explore Crete
Know before you go
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Specialized infant seats are available
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Photos
What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 11 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
The guide
6 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Knowledge and storytelling
6 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Food and drink
5 mentionsThe tastings and food stops are a highlight for most reviewers.
Good for families
4 mentionsReviewers traveling with kids report it landed well with their group.
Photo opportunities
3 mentionsThe views and photo stops come up again and again.
Organization
2 mentionsPickup, timing, and logistics are described as running smoothly.
Traveler reviews
11 verified traveler reviews for Discover Rethymno, Lake Kournas & the Secrets of Cretan Olive Oil. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Such A Great Tour !
I would like to state from the time I contacted Christine to receive information about the tours.Christine was easy to communicate with and very pleasant. As it was our first visit to Crete. Christine was the tour guide. She was very informative and caring and always made sure our family was comfortable and safe. Thanos was our driver and made us feel safe with his driving skills. He was such a nice guy as well. If anyone is interested in booking a tour with " SeaByBus Explore Crete ". You will not regret it. They exceeded our expectations.
Response from the operator: Thank you so much Vito for your wonderful review! It truly means a lot to all of us at SeaByBus Explore Crete. Christine will be especially happy to hear your kind words about her care, knowledge, and attention to your family’s comfort and safety. And of course, we’ll make sure Thanos knows how much you appreciated his safe driving and friendly company. It was a real pleasure showing you around Crete, especially on your first visit to our beautiful island. We’re delighted that you enjoyed discovering Rethymno, Lake Kournas, and the secrets of Cretan olive oil with us. Thank you for choosing SeaByBus Explore Crete and for recommending us so warmly. We hope to welcome you and your family back to Crete one day for another unforgettable adventure! 🙏🇬🇷
via Tripadvisor
Best Crete Tour
Christine and her driver took amazing care of us. They arranged a tour of olive oil farm, lake visit, wine tour Gave us an information and recommendations for restaurants, a Greek lesson, and history of Crete. They took their time and were over the top professional and easy going.
Response from the operator: Thank you Holly for your great review! We are really happy that you loved your experience with SeaByBus and can't wait to have you back for another tour! Efharisto poli!!
via Tripadvisor
A fabulous day trip!
Crete (Chania): Christina and Thanos treated us like family from the time they met us at the port until the moment they dropped us back off. The van was air conditioned and they provided water, beer and soft drinks, as well as phone chargers. The drive to the olive oil mill was scenic and Christina provided us with a wonderful history of Crete. The olive oil mill tour was wonderful, complete with an explanation of how they harvest the olives and turn it into oil using machinery. We got to try several of their olive oils, olive paste, and balsamic vinegar. Everything was incredible. Next we went to Kournas Lake, where we were treated to Greek coffee drinks as well as sampling the local delicacy, sfakianes. Beautiful scenery and overall a lovely stop. Made friends with a calico cat. “Who’s hungry” works yet again! From there we went to Rethymno and took a beautiful walk around the old city which offers many cafes, restaurants and shops. We stopped and had lunch and then continued our walk along the harbor. A wonderful tour. 10 out of 10.
Response from the operator: Thank you dear Lorraine for this lovely review! We are so happy to hear, you had such a great experience with us! Guest satisfaction is our top priority. We are constantly looking for opportunities to exceed expectations. We hope to come visit us again soon! Efharisto poli :):)
via Tripadvisor
Fabulous Tour off the beaten path
Christina and Thanos treated us like family from the time they met us at the port until the moment they dropped us back off. The van is air conditioned and they provide water, beer and soft drinks, as well as phone chargers. The drive to the olive oil mill was scenic and Christina provided us with a wonderful history of Crete. The olive oil mill tour was wonderful, complete with an explanation of how they harvest the olives and turn it into oil using machinery. We got to try several of their olive oils, olive paste, and balsamic vinegar. Everything was incredible. Next we went to Kournas Lake, where we were treated to Greek coffee drinks as well as sampling the local delicacy, sfakianes. Beautiful scenery and overall a lovely stop. From there we went to Rethymno and took a beautiful walk around the old city which offers many cafes, restaurants and shops. We stopped and had lunch and then continued our walk along the harbor. A wonderful tour. 10 out of 10.
via Viator
Christina and Thanos were...
Christina and Thanos were very pleasant and informative. They were also happy to vary the program as we had already visited the olive factory a couple of days earlier, taking us to the botanical gardens instead. We had a very good time.
Response from the operator: Dear Martin, we are incredibly grateful for your wonderful feedback! Your satisfaction is our top priority, and having guests like you and your beautiful wife brings us immense joy. We eagerly anticipate the chance to meet and guide you again in the future!! Thank you very much!!
via Viator
Good to know
- Duration
- 6 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Price range
- $550 to $850
- Hotel pickup
- Included for all travelers
- Booked in 30 days
- 4
- Verdict
- Solid Choice
Who runs this experience
Operated by SeaByBus Explore Crete, who run 6 experiences we rank across 1 city, with an average Outty Ranking of 69.7 and 1 in the 90+ Club.
See everything SeaByBus Explore Crete runsWhy this scores 60
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Discover Rethymno, Lake Kournas & the Secrets of Cretan Olive Oil: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Chania.
How much does Discover Rethymno, Lake Kournas & the Secrets of Cretan Olive Oil cost?
+
Prices start at $550 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Chania usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.
How long does Discover Rethymno, Lake Kournas & the Secrets of Cretan Olive Oil take?
+
Plan for about 6 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Chania is not rushed.
Is Discover Rethymno, Lake Kournas & the Secrets of Cretan Olive Oil worth it?
+
It holds an Outty Ranking of 60 out of 100, which we label "Solid Choice". That score blends traveler sentiment (5/5 across 11 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable most popular in Chania, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule Discover Rethymno, Lake Kournas & the Secrets of Cretan Olive Oil?
+
Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.
Is Discover Rethymno, Lake Kournas & the Secrets of Cretan Olive Oil suitable for kids and families?
+
Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 6-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Discover Rethymno, Lake Kournas & the Secrets of Cretan Olive Oil?
+
Around 4 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Chania can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.
What should I bring or wear?
+
Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Chania and add a light layer if any part of the 6-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Discover Rethymno, Lake Kournas & the Secrets of Cretan Olive Oil start and how do I get there?
+
The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Chania within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.
What are the best things to do in Chania?
+
On Outty we rank every Chania experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Half-Day Rethymno Quad Safari, Elafonisi & Falasarna Small Group Tour from Chania w/snacks, Balos & Falassarna Beach - Jeep Tour with Loungers and Lunch. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.
When is the best time to visit Chania?
+
Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.
How many days do you need in Chania?
+
Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.
Do I book through Outty or through the operator?
+
Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.
Ready to lock in your spot?
Pick a date, choose your group, and see the exact price for Discover Rethymno, Lake Kournas & the Secrets of Cretan Olive Oil.
Pick your date
