RTH01. Rethymno 4x4 Safari: Tastes & Farm Experience

**Highlights
Enjoy Cretan Villages and the best panoramic view of Psiloritis Mountain
Visit a winery for tour and tasting
Visit an olive mill for tour and tasting
Visit an original shepherd’s hut “Mitato”, experience a live cheese-making process and taste local cheese
Lunch with traditional Cretan platters
Embark on semi-private safari tour for up to 6 or 8 persons per vehicle

Discover Cretan Wine Secrets: Your day starts at the award-winning Klados Winery in Panormos, where the owner personally guides you through the vines and cellars, revealing the secrets of Cretan winemaking before treating you to a wine tasting of the island’s finest indigenous varieties.

Melidoni Olive Oil Mill – Tasting Tradition: Continue to Melidoni olive oil mill for an authentic taste of liquid gold. Discover the journey from tree to bottle – traditional stone presses alongside modern methods – and sample fresh, peppery extra-virgin olive oil that captures the pure essence of Crete.

Halepa Monastery – Scenic Splendor: Climb higher to the historic Halepa Monastery, beautifully perched with jaw-dropping panoramic views over mountains and valleys. Learn its dramatic past as a hideout for Cretan rebels and soak in one of the island’s most photogenic spots.

Shepherd’s Life, the Enigmatic ‘’Mitato’’ Hut: The real magic happens when you leave the paved roads behind and venture deep into the mountains to a traditional shepherd’s mitato – the iconic stone hut where Cretan cheese is still made by hand. Watch shepherds craft local cheese right in front of you, hear stories of mountain life, and keep your eyes peeled for wild Cretan goats (kri-kri) and soaring eagles against a backdrop of endless peaks.

Axos Village Tavern: The adventure ends in the charming mountain village of Axos, where you’ll sit down to a hearty lunch of authentic Cretan dishes at a family-run tavern – fresh local ingredients, warm hospitality, and flavors you’ll remember long after the trip is over.

Throughout the day, breathtaking panoramic views, hidden villages untouched by mass tourism, and the genuine soul of Crete unfold before you. Travel in comfort and style with our expert local driver-guides and fully equipped 4×4 vehicles on this small-group, semi-private safari that shows you the real Crete – raw, delicious, and unforgettable.

RTH01. Rethymno 4x4 Safari: Tastes & Farm Experience, Itinerary
08:30 – 09:45: Pick-ups (1 h 15 min)
09:45 – 10:00: Drive to Klados Winery (15 minutes)
10:00 – 10:50: Winery Tour & Tasting Stop (50 minutes)
10:50 – 11:10: Drive to Melidoni Olive Oil Mill (20 minutes)
11:10 – 11:40: Olive Oil Tour & Tasting Stop (30 minutes)
11:40 – 12:15: Drive to Halepa Monastery (35 minutes)
12:15 – 12:35: Monastery Visit (20 minutes)
12:35 – 12:50: Drive to Axos Gorge photo stop (off-road) (15 minutes)
12:50 – 13:00: Axos Gorge Vultures photo stop (off-road) (10 minutes)
13:00 – 13:05: Short drive to the Shepherd’s Hut (5 minutes)
13:05 – 14:20: Shepherd’s Hut & cheesemaking stop (1 h 15 min)
14:20 – 14:25: Drive to Axos Village (5 minutes)
14:25 – 15:50: Lunch Stop (1 h 25 min)
15:50 – 16:50: Drive back to pick-up points (1 hour)
*Time schedules may vary depending on group size and weather conditions

**Pick up times per area
8:30 Georgioupoli
8:35 Kavros
9:00 Rethymnon
9:15 Platanias
9:25 Adelianos Kambos
9:30 Stavromenos
9:45 Panormos
Tour starts at 10:00 am
*The pick-up point is directly outside your hotel. If your hotel is not accessible by car, we will arrange a nearby meeting point for your convenience.

**Price Includes
Free hotel pick-up and drop-off
4×4 off-road vehicles or 4×4 minivans (7 or 9 seater) driven by multilingual escort-drivers
Lunch with traditional Cretan platters
All entrance fees and tastings at the winery, olive oil mill, and farm
A visit to an original shepherd’s hut “Mitato” and cheese making process
Liability insurance and local taxes

**Price Does Not Include
Coffee or beers or refreshments in tavern
Purchases at the winery or olive mill
Gratuities

**Don't Forget
Essential Items for Your Journey: Remember to pack comfortable shoes, such as trekking shoes or sandals, a camera to capture memorable moments, and sun protection. During spring and autumn, consider bringing a jacket to stay comfortable.

Important Considerations: Please note that this trip is not recommended for individuals with car sickness, mobility or kinetic issues, back problems, pregnant women, or children under 7 years old, as we do not provide baby seats. Additionally, individuals taller than 195 cm or heavier than 130 kg may find the trip challenging. Alcohol consumption is strictly prohibited for minors under the age of 18.

Flexibility in Program: Uncharted Escapes prioritizes your safety and comfort. We reserve the right to make minor adjustments to the program if necessary, especially in the case of unfavorable weather conditions. Such changes may occur without prior notice, ensuring the best possible experience for our guests.

Activity info