Nat Geo Day Tour: The Millenary History of Olive Oil
Excursions & day trips

Nat Geo Day Tour: The Millenary History of Olive Oil

4.8/5
Excellent
Based on 87 reviews
from
£96.00
Free cancellation
Language: German, English
Mobile voucher accepted
Duration: from 4 hours to 8 hours
Why you’ll love this…
  • Explore the living legacy of the enduring relationship between the olive tree and human civilization, which permeates daily life in the Mediterranean.
  • Join Nikos Plevritakis, olive oil taster, resident of Crete, and agricultural specialist, who will share a rare, behind the scenes perspective on sustainable farming, and his favorite Cretan recipes.
  • Visit a local olive oil cooperative, discovering first-hand how olives become world-class oil and participate in a professional olive oil tasting session, experimenting with your palate, and sharing your impressions.
  • Enjoy a scenic walk among local gardens, tasting regional fruit and learning about Cretan dietary habits.
  • Participate in a cooking lesson on various ways to use olive oil in Cretan cuisine and find out why the traditional Cretan diet is so beneficial to health and longevity.
What to expect

Approximate itinerary and duration of activities

Introduction - 15 minutes

Walking tour through the olive trees - 30 minutes

Pause for questions and raki drink - 15 minutes

Olive oil factory tour - 40 minutes

Olive oil tasting and questions - 55 minutes

Cooking demonstration and tastings - 30 minutes

Please note the order of activities may vary at your guide's discretion

With millennia of experience behind them, it's no wonder the people of Crete produce some of the finest olive oil in the world. You will appreciate the timeless bond between Cretans and their revered olive trees as you trace the long heritage of olive cultivation on the island.

Just outside Kritsa village in the hills of eastern Crete, you'll follow Nikos Plevritakis on a brief walk to his olive groves where some trees are 600-800 years old, and learn about olive cultivation from a true specialist.

In the shade of the olive trees, you can try local raki known as ‘tsikoudia' with olives to nibble on while discussing the cultural and societal significance of olive cultivation in Crete.

Then it's time to visit a local cooperative factory, to see up close how olives are processed into world-class olive oil. Back on the Olive Path, seize the chance to taste fresh figs, almonds, and grapes, see what the locals are growing, and find out all about the Cretan lifestyle and diet.


Then, at an olive farm, you can sample olives, fresh tomatoes, and raki before your olive oil tasting session begins – a great opportunity to learn how to taste oils like a professional and compare the flavor profiles of different varieties.


Finish off the day with a cooking lesson on various ways to use olive oil in Cretan cuisine. Authentic dishes, such as tzatziki and Greek salad will feature, and you'll find out why the traditional Cretan diet is so beneficial to health and longevity.

Read more
What's included
  • check Transport
  • check Guide
  • check Walking tour
  • check Demonstration
  • check Guided tour
  • check Snack
  • check Welcome drink
What to remember
  • Not suitable for wheelchairs
  • Not suitable for guests with reduced mobility
  • Bring suitable footwear
  • Bring a hat
  • Bring money for extras or gratuities
  • English-speaking guide for all nationalities
Read more
Provider
TUI Hellas Travel, Tourism and Airlines SA, with Tax Number 094469778 and Travel License Number 0261Ε60000126100
Booking fee
Good news! No extra fees are applied to this booking.
Cancellation policy
Receive a 100% refund if you cancel up to 1 day before the experience begins.

What people say about this experience

Excellent

4.8/5

Based on 87 reviews from verified customers

92%
7%
1%
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Review categories

Value for money

4.6/5

Staff

4.6/5

Service

4.6/5

Safety

4.6/5

  • Luc Dewitte

    From United States of America - June 2025

    Travelled as a couple

     

    55 - 64 years old

    Excellent

    Overall rated

    5/5

    Zeer aangename ontvangst en uiteenzetting door Nicos. Leerrijk. Leuke activiteit rond olijfolie en kookideeën. De rondleiding in de Coöperatie iets t ...

  • Karin

    From United States of America - June 2025

    Travelled as a couple

     

    35 - 44 years old

    Excellent

    Overall rated

    5/5

    Die Tour war sehr interessant. Viel über das Olivenöl gelernt. Die reiseleitung war echt super. Nikolas und Janis haben es sehr gut erklärt. Sie liebe ...

  • Strohmeyer

    From United States of America - June 2025

    Travelled with family

     

    25 - 34 years old

    Excellent

    Overall rated

    5/5

    Wir waren sehr begeistert ?? alle Personen die für den tollen Tag gesorgt haben gaben ihr Bestes. Alle Fragen wurden beantwortet und es herrschte ein ...

  • Jens

    From United States of America - June 2025

    Travelled as a couple

     

    35 - 44 years old

    Excellent

    Overall rated

    5/5

    Sehr gut war das gesamte Team. Die Reiseleiterin gebürtig aus Krefeld . Name ? Ich glaube Lena oder Elena. Der Factory man Yannis, der Meister der Oli ...

  • Zlatka

    From United States of America - June 2025

    Travelled with a group of friends

     

    45 - 54 years old

    Excellent

    Overall rated

    5/5

  • Noreen & Christian

    From United States of America - June 2025

    Travelled as a couple

     

    18 - 24 years old

    Excellent

    Overall rated

    5/5

    Rena die Reiseführerin hat diese Tour einfach super erklärt mit ihrer herzlichen und lustigen Art. Nikos und Jannes sind einfach super herzliche Mensc ...

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