Heraklion Countryside Tour: Soap Making, Olive Oil Tasting & Winery Visit with Lunch

Your day begins with a private morning pick-up, leaving the coast behind and heading into the quieter heart of Crete. As the road winds through the countryside, stone houses, small chapels, dry-stacked walls, and endless olive groves reveal a slower, more timeless side of the island. The drive itself becomes an introduction to rural Crete, where daily life continues at its own steady rhythm.

The first stop is a family-run soap workshop, where traditional methods have been preserved across generations. Here, olive oil is transformed into natural soap using the cold-process technique, just as it has been for decades. You’ll observe how herbs such as thyme, sage, lavender, and dittany are infused into the mixtures, see hand-cut soap bars curing on wooden racks, and hear stories from the artisans who explain why this craft remains part of everyday Cretan life. The visit is simple, authentic, and focused on real craftsmanship rather than presentation.

From there, you continue to a working olive mill, one of the most important places in rural Crete. Walking through the production area, you’ll follow each step of the olive oil process, from sorting and washing the olives to cold extraction and storage. Modern equipment works alongside traditional tools, highlighting how old knowledge and new technology coexist. The visit concludes with an olive oil tasting, where you’ll learn how to recognize fruity aromas, balanced bitterness, and the distinctive peppery finish of high-quality extra virgin olive oil, enjoyed with fresh bread, rusks, and local herbs.

The journey then leads to the renowned Lyrarakis Winery, located in the heart of the Peza wine region. Known for rescuing and reviving rare indigenous grape varieties such as Dafni, Plyto, and Melissaki, the estate reflects a deep respect for Cretan winemaking heritage. After taking in the vineyard views, your guided visit begins among the vines, where you’ll learn about the local microclimate, sustainable farming practices, and the history behind these ancient grapes. Inside the winery, you’ll explore the production areas and barrel rooms, with clear explanations that make the process accessible even to first-time visitors.

A guided tasting of five Lyrarakis wines follows, each introduced with insight into its character, structure, and aromas. The wines are paired with light local accompaniments such as cheeses, rusks, and olive oil, allowing the flavors to speak for themselves in a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere.

The experience continues with a traditional lunch at a beloved local restaurant in the village of Peza. Here, Cretan hospitality takes center stage as you enjoy a generous meal prepared with locally sourced ingredients. Starters feature classic dishes like Greek salad, dakos, tzatziki, and dolmadakia, followed by a main course such as slow-cooked lamb with herbs or a vegetarian alternative. Homemade desserts, local wine, raki, and water complete the meal, served without haste, just as village lunches are meant to be.

After lunch, you settle back into the vehicle for the return journey to your accommodation. The countryside slowly passes by, and the day comes to a close with a sense of calm, connection, and a deeper understanding of Crete’s traditions – an experience shaped not by spectacle, but by authenticity, craftsmanship, and genuine local life.