Begin your journey of Knossos by meeting your guide at your hotel in Heraklion, where you will be greeted by your guide who will take care of you throughout the day.  Head straight to Knossos, where you will visit the ancient Minoan Palace, an important city in antiquity that supported continuous life from the Neolithic era to the 5th century. According to tradition, Knossos was the seat of the wise king Minos. Learn about the archeological site's fascinating myths, including the famous labyrinth and the minotaur legend, and that of Daedalus and Icarus. Next, head into the Heraklion mainland, which is known for its vilana, kostifali, and vidiano indigenous Cretan grapes. Crete's winemaking tradition dates all the way back to antiquity, and Cretan winemakers have consistently produced outstanding, award-winning wines. Taste some of these flavorful wines at a family-owned organic winery, where you'll enjoy six different wines along with local nibbles. Next, tuck into a delicious local lunch in a cozy, traditional, family-owned tavern that serves home-grown and freshly made delicacies from farm to table. This is your chance to sample truly authentic Cretan cuisine. Then, explore a typical village in Archanes as you wander its narrow lanes, and discover a world concealed from time. Here, savor the local liqueur called raki before heading back to your accommodation in Heraklion.

Your day will start with a pickup from your hotel where you will travel to the Archanes region. In a small and friendly group you have the opportunity to visit one of the last olive oil family domains and learn the secrets of Cretan extra virgin oil. You'll also visit a dynamic boutique winery, take a guided tour amongst its facilities and discover more about the magic world of wine production, terroir, and local grape varietals. Partake in a sensational visit to a family estate and a traditional olive mill. The owners will lead you to their production area and introduce you to the fantastic world of extra virgin olive oil. This will be followed by some olive oil sample tasting. You will also have a chance to taste other local products. Next up, meet a promising and dynamic winemaker who will guide you through his winery and domain. Get exclusive access to the facilities and get a glimpse into the production process. Then, after a wine presentation, you will experience a wine tasting featuring 5 different varieties made on the island. After your winery tour, visit a traditional restaurant and taste true Cretan mezze cooking for lunch. Enjoy prepared plates consisting of warm and cold traditional mezzes featuring salads, grilled cheese, olive fritters, different meats and vegetable plates. Whilst here, continue your wine tasting and sample a sweet desert wine to aid digestion.

Experience an off-road journey to the mythical and sacred mountain of Giouhtas. Explore the unique Cretan landscape surrounded by vineyards and olive groves while you learn more about this regions rich history and many legends. Meet your guide and drive towards the highest peak of Giouhtas through a beautiful pine forest and past the church of Christ the Lord, built in 1443. Absorb the magnificent view of the valley of Archanes, search for herbs and observe the imposing vultures in the steep cliffs. Then enjoy a special tasting session at the Fabrika Wine Experience. Trace the full process of winemaking, from harvesting to maturation and bottling of wine, while getting acquainted with traditional wine-making methods and tools. Finally, drive through the impressive Archaniotiko Gorge to Syllamos village, where you will experience excellent Cretan cuisine in an almost fairytale landscape. Head back to Heraklion along an ancient road passing a Venetian aqueduct built in 1628. Stop for some pictures and discover the structure in all its beauty.

See Crete from a different angle on this all-day Land Rover safari tour. Begin the day in Heraklion, where you will get to know your guide and listen to a short presentation of the excursion before heading towards the Monastery of Epanosifi for a quick stop. Later head south via the provincial roads through some of the oldest and historically rich villages of Crete until you reach Vasiliki. There, have a coffee or soda before heading to Tripiti Beach. Swim in the crystal water of southern Crete, enjoy the sun, and have a drink at a small hippie-style tavern. Later, visit the isolated and lesser known Fylakas Beach, and explore the seabed with a snorkeling mask. Enjoy lunch at an authentic tavern that offers delicious, high-quality traditional Cretan food, located inside the oldest known olive tree grove. Continue the journey toward the village of Krotos, and see the wild beauty of an untouched landscape. After a short drive, reach Panagia Vithano, where you can be sure to take more photos.