Knossos, Olive Grove, Winery - Distillery with Tastings & Lunch
Traveler rating
4.1/5
Based on 7 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Knossos, Olive Grove, Winery - Distillery with Tastings & Lunch worth booking?
Knossos, Olive Grove, Winery - Distillery with Tastings & Lunch is a 6-hour experience in Heraklion, Greece, from $211 per person. It scores 54 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Worth a Look”, based on a 4.1/5 rating across 7 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 54 / 100
- Rating
- 4.1/5 (7)
- Duration
- 6 hours
- From
- $211 per person
This tour was created for nature and wine lovers. Would you like to learn all about locally produced products such as Wine, Olive oil, and Famous Raki? This tour has been created just for you. Be open to tasting local wines, and exploring rural Crete this tour it's for you. We visit one family winery in the Heraklion area where we take a tour of the cellar of the winery, learn how different wines are made, and then taste up to 5 different indigenous varieties. We will visit a family-run olive mill, having an olive grove tour, olive mill tour, and olive oil tasting. Finally, we will drive to a small village and to an undisclosed location, not open to the public, and learn all about Raki Distillation. At the end of the tour, we will get on our 4WD SUV and head to the mountain top at 850 meters to observe the Cretan fields from the top and the beautiful colors created on Mother Earth.
What you get
About this experience
This tour was created for nature and wine lovers. Would you like to learn all about locally produced products such as Wine, Olive oil, and Famous Raki? This tour has been created just for you. Be open to tasting local wines, and exploring rural Crete this tour it's for you. We visit one family winery in the Heraklion area where we take a tour of the cellar of the winery, learn how different wines are made, and then taste up to 5 different indigenous varieties. We will visit a family-run olive mill, having an olive grove tour, olive mill tour, and olive oil tasting. Finally, we will drive to a small village and to an undisclosed location, not open to the public, and learn all about Raki Distillation. At the end of the tour, we will get on our 4WD SUV and head to the mountain top at 850 meters to observe the Cretan fields from the top and the beautiful colors created on Mother Earth.
What's included
Included
- Raki Distillery Visit Tour and Tasting
- In-vehicle air conditioning
- Winery Visit with tour and Wine Tasting of 3 wines
- Personal pick-up & drop-off
- Olive Grove Farm Visit with Tour and Olive Oil Tastings
- Four Course Lunch at a local Tavern in Archanes Village
Not included
- Any Personal Expenses
- KNoosos Certified Guide is NOT Included
- Entrance fees
What you'll see and do
The Palace of Knossos
Knossos is the main Bronze Age archaeological site at Heraklion, a modern port city on the north-central coast of Crete. The site was excavated and the palace complex found there was partially restored under the direction of Arthur Evans in the earliest years of the 20th century. The palace complex is the largest Bronze Age archaeological site on Crete. It was undoubtedly the ceremonial and political center of the Minoan civilization and culture. In order to purchase tickets online for the archeological site of Knossos visit the official e-ticketing service of the Hellenic Ministry of Culture and Sports at www.etickets.tap.gr
120 minutes here · Admission not included
Skalani
Visiting an olive grove farm in Crete offers a unique glimpse into the island’s ancient olive oil tradition. Strolling among the trees, you’ll 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 you’ll 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.
60 minutes here
Stironas
Visiting a Cretan distillery, specializing in winemaking in oak barrels and World Famous Raki. Learn all the steps of winemaking and distilling Raki, taste more than 9 different wines directly from the oak barrels, fill your own bottle of wine, and seal it with wax. Have the winemaker sign the bottle by writing a special label for you.
90 minutes here
Archanes
After indulging in Cretan craft beers, we head to the picturesque Archanes Village, known for its rich history and gastronomy. You’ll enjoy a full-course traditional lunch at a local tavern, featuring authentic Cretan flavors, local wine, and raki.
90 minutes here
Where it starts and ends
Hotel pickup
Pickup is included for all travelers.
Options you can book
Pick-up Rethimno Area
Pick-up Areas: All Rethimno and surrounding areas and Bali Village Olive & Distillery Visit: Distiller Tour Wine Tasting of more than 9 different wines from the barrel Olive Mill and Olive Grove Tour Olive Oil tasting Private Tour Duration: 9 hours Lunch: Lunch with local meze during raking tasting 4WD Vehicles: VW Tuareg V8 Mitsubishi Pajero V6 Pickup included
Pick-up Elounda & Ag. Nik Area
Pick-up Areas: Elounda Area Agios Nikolaos Port Passenger Station Amoudara Ollive Mill and Winery visit: Distillery Tour Wine Tasting and Raki Tasting Olive Mill, Olive Grove Tour Olive Oil tasting Private Tour Duration: 7 hours Lunch: Traditional Cretan Lunch at a village tavern Suv or Minivan Pickup included
Pick-up Heraklion Area
Pick-up Areas: Agia Pelagia, Lygaria, Amoudara, Heraklion, Karteros, Kokkini Hani, Gouves, Analipsi, Anisaras, Hersonissos Area Private Tour Duration: 7 hours Lunch: Four-course traditional Meal Minivan or SUV Pickup included
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Languages
- en
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat
- Group size
- Up to 7 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Heraklion Wine Tours
Know before you go
- 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 7 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
5 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
3 mentionsReviewers traveling with kids report it landed well with their group.
Small groups
2 mentionsThe group size is repeatedly described as intimate rather than packed.
Traveler reviews
7 verified traveler reviews for Knossos, Olive Grove, Winery - Distillery with Tastings & Lunch. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
No integrity
We booked this tour for a day trip while on a cruise. Unfortunately do to weather, the stop was cancelled. I contacted the owner 23 hours prior to the scheduled excursion and asked for a refund. He agreed in writing and in a voice message to 50% refund. However, he changed his mind and only refunding 25% of our group's payment. It was very frustrating the the operator did not keep his word.
Response from the operator: Dear Guest, Thank you for sharing your feedback. However, we feel it is necessary to clarify several important facts, as your review does not accurately reflect the circumstances surrounding your booking. First, **you did not contact us 23 hours before the scheduled excursion.** It was our team that proactively contacted you to reconfirm your pick-up time and arrangements. During that conversation, it became apparent that you were uncertain about which port your cruise ship would be docking at. We would also like to clarify that **the weather conditions in Crete were perfectly suitable for operating the excursion.** Our tour was scheduled to operate as normal, and our driver and vehicle arrangements were in place. Any changes to your cruise ship's itinerary or port of call were entirely outside our control and did not constitute a cancellation by Heraklion Wine Tours. **Regarding the refund, there is an important distinction that your review overlooks.** The final 25% refund was determined by the booking platform's cancellation and refund policy, not by Heraklion Wine Tours. We do not directly collect or hold customers' payments. All bookings and refunds are processed through the platform, and our company does not receive payment for completed bookings until approximately 30 days after the tour date. While we understand your frustration regarding the difference between the initially discussed 50% refund and the final 25%, the amount ultimately refunded was governed by the platform's policy and payment procedures, rather than a decision by our company to withhold your money. We take our reputation, professionalism, and commitments to our guests very seriously. We are always willing to assist travelers when unexpected circumstances arise, but it is equally important to distinguish between an operator cancelling a tour and a cruise ship changing its itinerary. We regret that your cruise arrangements prevented you from joining us. However, **it is neither fair nor accurate to suggest that Heraklion Wine Tours deliberately withheld your refund or failed to operate the excursion.** We remain committed to transparency, fairness, and providing authentic Cretan experiences to all our guests. Kind regards,
via Tripadvisor
Enjoyable experience...
Enjoyable experience especially the olive oil tour it was very informative. Angela was a great driver who really appreciated the local atmosphere. The winery was a unique small family friendly place, owned by generations.
Response from the operator: Thank you for sharing your experience! We're so glad to hear that you found the tour enjoyable, and it's wonderful that the olive oil tour stood out as especially informative—it really is a highlight for so many guests. We'll be sure to pass along your kind words to Angela. Knowing that she helped you appreciate the local atmosphere will mean a lot to her. And we're thrilled that you enjoyed the winery as well; those small, family-run places with generations of history truly offer something special that you just can't find anywhere else. We hope to welcome you back on another tour soon. Thanks again for taking the time to leave such thoughtful feedback!
via Viator
An amazing Crete shore excursion.
This was an amazing tour. Our guide, Angela, was truly gifted and incredibly knowledgeable. Having lived in Heraklion her entire life, she offered a unique perspective on the region’s history and culture that we simply wouldn’t have experienced otherwise. The tour was perfectly balanced and never felt rushed. We had plenty of time to take in the sights, along with some personal time to explore at our own pace. The Heraklion area is incredible, and without a guide like Angela, we would have missed so much. Before the tour, communication with Angela via WhatsApp was excellent. She clearly coordinated all pickup and meeting details, making the start of the day completely stress-free. In addition to visiting the archaeological site, the stops at the Raki distillery, winery, and olive grove made for a truly unique and memorable experience. And a special thank you to Angela for the delicious Cretan lunch — absolutely fantastic. This wasn’t our first visit to Crete, but Angela made it truly unforgettable. In fact, we’re already planning to come back. Thank you, Angela, for such a wonderful experience!
Response from the operator: There’s a quiet kind of satisfaction in reading this—because this is exactly how Crete should be experienced: not rushed, not staged, but lived through someone who actually belongs to it. Thank you for taking the time to describe it so clearly. Aggeliki (our “Angela” in international mode) has that rare ability to turn a simple itinerary into something that feels personal, almost like being shown around by a longtime friend rather than following a guide with a script. You touched on something important—the balance. That’s the hard part. Anyone can fill a schedule, but giving space to breathe, to taste, to wander a little… that’s where the real experience happens. The raki, the wine, the olive grove, the table at lunch—these aren’t just stops, they’re pieces of a way of life that hasn’t changed much over the years, thankfully. Next time you’re back—and it sounds like you will be—we’ll make sure to take it a step further. Though fair warning… in Crete, “unforgettable” has a bad habit of becoming the minimum standard.
via Viator
This tour offered a...
This tour offered a fascinating glimpse into Crete's rich history and traditions, hitting several key highlights in a single day. The included visits to the magnificent Knossos Palace, a traditional olive orchard, and a local raki distillery provided a well-rounded experience of the island's cultural and agricultural heritage. The lunch provided was a definite highlight – plentiful and absolutely delicious, showcasing the fresh flavors of Crete. The visit to Knossos Palace was undoubtedly the centerpiece, and while the tour doesn't automatically include one, I strongly recommend investing in a separate, licensed guide at the site. While it adds to the cost, the sheer historical significance and intricate details of the palace truly come alive with expert commentary. Without a knowledgeable guide, you risk wandering through the ruins without fully understanding their context and importance. The stops at the olive orchard and raki distillery offered a more intimate look at local production. It was interesting to learn about the olive oil-making process and the traditional distillation of raki. These stops provided a nice contrast to the ancient history of Knossos and offered a taste of modern Cretan life. However, the primary reason for the 4-star rating, rather than a perfect 5, lies with our tour guide. While she was undoubtedly a safe and careful driver, her role as a guide was virtually nonexistent. There was a complete lack of any commentary or information shared throughout the day, whether during the drives between locations or even brief introductions at each site. This significantly detracted from the overall experience. A good guide can weave together the different elements of a tour, providing context, insights, and engaging stories. Unfortunately, this crucial aspect was missing. In conclusion, this Viator tour offers a worthwhile itinerary, showcasing important historical sites and local traditions, capped off by a fantastic lunch. However, be prepared to hire a separate guide at Knossos for a richer experience and don't expect any guiding from the tour operator's driver. With a more engaging guide, this tour could easily be a 5-star experience.
Response from the operator: "Thank you for your thoughtful review! We’re thrilled you loved the itinerary and lunch. Your feedback about guiding is invaluable—we’re working to enhance this. Hope to welcome you back!"
via Viator
touring Create
Knossos palace was ok standard self guided tour, that we set up for ourselves, the remainder of the tour was exceptionally Great, Anthony our driver was fantastic, he took us through Crete and explained the basics of the island, then took us to the Cretan Dragon Olive Farm A bio dynamic farm, we had olive, dragon fruit, and some preserves, which set us up for the Titankis winery tour, where our guide showed us their production facility and then took us for an exception wine tasting of there products and how to pair them with foods,, Anthony ten drove us to a wonderful restaurant "Traditional Cooking" where we were treated to a great meal
Response from the operator: Thank you for your wonderful review! We're glad to hear that you had an exceptional experience on the tour, especially with Anthony as your guide. It’s great that you enjoyed learning about Crete, visiting the Cretan Dragon Olive Farm, and indulging in the wine tasting at Titankis winery. We're happy the day ended with a delicious meal at "Traditional Cooking." We hope to welcome you back for more fantastic tours in the future!
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
- Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat
- Price range
- $211 to $220
- Hotel pickup
- Included for all travelers
- Booked in 30 days
- 2
- Verdict
- Worth a Look
Who runs this experience
Operated by Heraklion Wine Tours, who run 5 experiences we rank across 1 city, with an average Outty Ranking of 48.7.
See everything Heraklion Wine Tours runsWhy this scores 54
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Knossos, Olive Grove, Winery - Distillery with Tastings & Lunch: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Heraklion.
How much does Knossos, Olive Grove, Winery - Distillery with Tastings & Lunch cost?
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Prices start at $211 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Heraklion usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.
How long does Knossos, Olive Grove, Winery - Distillery with Tastings & Lunch take?
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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 Heraklion is not rushed.
Is Knossos, Olive Grove, Winery - Distillery with Tastings & Lunch worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 54 out of 100, which we label "Worth a Look". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.1/5 across 7 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in Heraklion, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule Knossos, Olive Grove, Winery - Distillery with Tastings & Lunch?
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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 Knossos, Olive Grove, Winery - Distillery with Tastings & Lunch suitable for kids and families?
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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 Knossos, Olive Grove, Winery - Distillery with Tastings & Lunch?
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Around 2 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 Heraklion 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?
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Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Heraklion and add a light layer if any part of the 6-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Knossos, Olive Grove, Winery - Distillery with Tastings & Lunch start and how do I get there?
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The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Heraklion 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 Heraklion?
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On Outty we rank every Heraklion experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Knossos - Zeus Cave - Old Traditional Villages-Olive Oil Factory, Knossos & Lasithi Plateau: Zeus Cave, Villages, Olive Oil Tour, Quad Safari: Off-Road Day Tour with Dinner & Transfers. 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 Heraklion?
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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 Heraklion?
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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?
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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.
What is included in Knossos, Olive Grove, Winery - Distillery with Tastings & Lunch?
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Included: Raki Distillery Visit Tour and Tasting; In-vehicle air conditioning; Winery Visit with tour and Wine Tasting of 3 wines; Personal pick-up & drop-off; and Olive Grove Farm Visit with Tour and Olive Oil Tastings. Not included: Any Personal Expenses; KNoosos Certified Guide is NOT Included; and Entrance fees. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Does Knossos, Olive Grove, Winery - Distillery with Tastings & Lunch include hotel pickup?
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Yes, pickup is offered for every traveler from 977 listed pickup locations in and around Heraklion. You can also enter a custom pickup address when booking.
What languages is Knossos, Olive Grove, Winery - Distillery with Tastings & Lunch offered in?
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It runs in English. Pick your language when choosing a date and time, as not every departure runs in every language.
Will I get instant confirmation and a mobile ticket for Knossos, Olive Grove, Winery - Distillery with Tastings & Lunch?
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Confirmation is sent by the operator after booking, usually within 48 hours; if it is not confirmed you are not charged. Mobile tickets are accepted, so you can show the voucher on your phone.
Is Knossos, Olive Grove, Winery - Distillery with Tastings & Lunch wheelchair or stroller accessible?
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The operator notes: Specialized infant seats are available. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.
What happens to Knossos, Olive Grove, Winery - Distillery with Tastings & Lunch if the weather is bad?
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It generally runs rain or shine, so dress for the forecast in Heraklion. Standard cancellation terms apply: free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start.
What do travelers say about Knossos, Olive Grove, Winery - Distillery with Tastings & Lunch?
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Across 7 reviews averaging 4.1 out of 5, recurring themes include the guide, knowledge and storytelling, food and drink. Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
What booking options are available for Knossos, Olive Grove, Winery - Distillery with Tastings & Lunch?
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There are 3 options to choose from, including Pick-up Rethimno Area, Pick-up Elounda & Ag. Nik Area, Pick-up Heraklion Area. Prices and start times differ by option, so compare them on the booking screen.
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