Milia Mountain-Safari tour with Wine - Olive Oil Tastings & Lunch

Embarking on the 4WD Wine & Olive Oil Tasting Safari Tour in Western Crete was an unforgettable adventure that combined culinary delights with the rugged beauty of the island. Here’s a detailed recount of our experience:

Pickup and Meeting Point

We were promptly picked up from our accommodation in the Chania area by our friendly guide in a comfortable 4WD vehicle. The group size was intimate, with a maximum of six guests per vehicle, ensuring a personalized experience.

Olive Tree Museum of Vouves

Our first stop was the Olive Tree Museum of Vouves, home to a 3000-year-old olive tree that is still productive. Touching this ancient tree was a humbling experience. We also enjoyed a coffee break and explored a small, typical Cretan farm, getting a glimpse into local agricultural practices.

Anoskeli Winery Olive Mill

The highlight of the tour was the visit to the Anoskeli Winery Olive Mill. Here, we tasted organic extra virgin olive oil and learned about the production process. This was followed by a professional sommelier guiding us through a tasting of five different labels of local wine, accompanied by delicious Cretan snacks. The olive oil and wine tasting experience was both educational and delightful.

Exploring Chania Prefecture

The 4WD vehicle allowed us to traverse rugged gorges and ancient olive groves that regular vehicles couldn’t access. We enjoyed breathtaking views from the Topolia or Samaria gorge, depending on the route. The off-road experience added an adventurous element to the tour.

Milia Mountain Retreat

After an adventurous off-road Jeep Safari experience, we arrived at Milia Mountain Retreat. Time seemed to stop here: there is no electricity, and cozy stone houses bring us close to the philosophy “back to the basics.” The place is an authentic 17th-century mountain settlement transformed into an eco-friendly tourist complex, one of the top 50 worldwide choices of National Geographic magazine concerning eco-tourism and agro-tourism. We spent our lunch time there, enjoying Cretan cuisine and local wine.

Cretan Lunch

We stopped at a local restaurant for a traditional Cretan lunch. The meal included a variety of dishes such as:

• Starter: Cretan salad with extra virgin olive oil, tomatoes, cucumber, onions, peppers, rusk, goat cheese, and oregano.
• Main Course: A buffet with meat, pasta, and vegetables, all cooked in extra virgin olive oil.
• Dessert: Homemade chocolate cake, orange pie, and coconut cake served with ice cream. The first round of wine or beer was included, making the meal even more enjoyable.

Topolia Gorge

The wild scenery of Topolia Gorge is worth seeing. It is a unique example of wild Cretan nature. We admired and took plenty of photos of the wild landscape. We had the opportunity to see local mountain goats and watch the vultures fly from their nests up to the sky. It was truly a safari time!

Conclusion

The 4WD Wine & Olive Oil Tasting Safari Tour was an exceptional way to explore the culinary and natural treasures of Western Crete. The combination of intimate group size, knowledgeable guides, delicious food, and stunning landscapes made for a memorable experience. Whether you are a foodie, a wine enthusiast, or an adventure seeker, this tour offers something special for everyone. It’s a must-do activity that perfectly blends the flavors and beauty of Crete.