Chania: Olive Grove & Mill Visit, Tasting & Cooking Class

Highlights

• Discover the story of olive oil through mythology, history, and production
• Learn about the sacred connection between Athena and the olive tree
• Explore a real working olive mill and learn about the production process
• Taste premium extra virgin olive oils and learn to recognize quality oil
• Hands-on Guided Cretan-style Greek Salad Workshop

Description

Immerse yourself in the authentic flavors and traditions of Crete with a unique olive oil experience set among the island's picturesque olive groves. From ancient cultivation methods to modern production techniques, this hands-on tour takes you on a journey through the fascinating world of extra virgin olive oil. Begin your visit with a walk through Pallada Kèpos, a small botanical park surrounded by olive trees. Explore Cretan herbs, a traditional vegetable garden, and selected Greek olive varieties while learning about the olive tree, its fruit, sustainable cultivation, harvesting methods, and the remarkable biodiversity that makes Cretan olive oil so distinctive. Continue to the modern olive mill, where you'll follow every step of the production process. Discover how freshly harvested olives are transformed into premium extra virgin olive oil and learn how each stage influences its quality, aroma, flavor, and nutritional value. Next, enjoy a guided olive oil tasting led by an expert. Sample four carefully selected extra virgin olive oils and learn the professional tasting techniques used to evaluate fruitiness, bitterness, pungency, and aroma. You'll gain the skills to recognize exceptional olive oil long after your visit. Then it's time to experience Crete's culinary heritage with a hands-on Cretan Dakos workshop. Guided step by step, you'll prepare your own authentic Dakos using traditional barley rusks, freshly crushed tomatoes, feta cheese, Kalamata olives, oregano, sea salt flakes, and the extra virgin olive oil of your choice. As you experiment with different olive oils, you'll discover how each one transforms the flavor of the same traditional recipe—knowledge you can easily recreate at home. To conclude your experience, taste our signature Spread, served on freshly baked bread. Made with 95% extra virgin olive oil, it delivers a rich, buttery flavor while offering a healthier alternative to conventional spreads. After the tasting, you'll have the opportunity to purchase it and bring a taste of Crete back home. Whether you're an olive oil enthusiast, a food lover, or simply curious about authentic Cretan culture, this experience offers the perfect combination of nature, tradition, education, and unforgettable flavors.

Includes

Expert guide A short guided 2-minute walk to a botanical garden with Cretan herbs and Greek olive varieties Tour of a Modern Olive Mill Tasting of 4 olive oils Hands-on Guided Cretan-style Greek Salad Workshop Pallada Spread with Pallada Honey Water

Excludes

Personal Expenses Hotel Pick up & Drop Off Tips

Important Information

• The experience is suitable for all ages The tour is 90 minutes long

Easy cancellation

Cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund