Olive Farm Visit and Traditional Greek Lunch at Archanes, Heraklion

Experience the Cretan's home staple, olive oil, with a half-day private tour and tasting at an organic olive oil mill near Heraklion. 

Your hosts will greet you as you arrive at the local olive farm and olive oil mill. The tour starts outside in the groves, where you'll learn about harvesting the olives and the importance of timing in the process. As you stroll through the fields, you'll discover organic farming techniques and how the farmers cultivate the trees.

Next, you'll head inside into the mill's factory, where you'll learn how to extract the oil from the olives. There are two methods, a traditional technique of pressing the olives and a modern procedure using cold extraction. Enjoy watching the process in action and see how extra virgin olive oil is made in the mill. 

Now it's time to taste. Your hosts will teach you about the acidity of olive oil as you taste the farm's two qualities. You can also taste some of the flavored varieties, enjoying them with fresh bread. After your tour and tasting, you'll have some free time to walk amongst the groves and ask the farmers questions.

Next, you'll make your way to the colorful and traditional village of Archanes. Enjoy a relaxed stroll through this charming hamlet, following its stone streets as they twist and turn. As you walk, you'll get a sense of what life is like in Crete's smaller and more rural towns.

When ready, sit down for a traditional Greek lunch in the main square (called plateia) at a local kafenio. Enjoy the authentic and social atmosphere as you savor delicious Cretan cuisine. Chat with the locals, sip a Greek coffee, and relax in this hilly village's slower pace of life.

This is a family-friendly tour suitable for children of all ages.

Please inform your travel specialist in case of any dietary intolerances or allergies.