Combining inland Crete's rugged landscapes, ancient villages and a visit to a typical shepherd's hut, this small-group 4x4 tour leads you into the landscape surrounding Mount Psiloritis. You'll kick things off at Klados Winery, where the owner shares a few Cretan wine-making secrets before pouring two of the island's finest varieties for you to sample. Georgios, one of our expert local guides, says, “when you taste the wine and cheese where they're made, you understand them in a whole new way.”
After this, you'll roll on to an olive oil mill in Melidoni for a tasting of the island's famous liquid gold and a look at how it's crafted, from tree to bottle. You'll then wind your way up the slopes of Mount Psiloritis to the ruins of Halepa Monastery, once a refuge for Cretan rebels but now a peaceful spot restored to its former beauty.
As your off-road adventure continues, your guide will share the island's history and traditions, introduce you to the locals and point out the wildlife that calls this region home. You‘ll then pause for views over Axos Gorge, and if lucks on your side, you might spot eagles and wild goats nearby, too. Then, it's time to see an original shepherd's hut – known as ‘mitato' – where you'll watch a live cheese-making demo and enjoy fresh tastings. The day wraps up in the village of Axos where you'll sit down and tuck into a spread of authentic Cretan dishes at a family-run taverna.
