Lunch
We had a superb day with Vassilis, whose friendliness was only surpassed by his knowledge. We were collected from our villa in Platanias and the tour started! Vassilis started by explaining the plan for the day - starting with the startling St. John's cave, then olive oil & wine at Anoskeli. Then off-roading to the beautiful mountain retreat for a late lunch. I would recommend this to anyone looking for an insightful, relaxing (and fairly alcohol infused) day in a small group. We'd go again...
Only local guides, driving 7-seater 4wd, full A/C vehicles, will allow you to explore a part of the mainland of Crete which other vehicles, buses or mini buses can't offer. So it is not just a tasting tour driving you from one to another winery, but an adventurous semi-private exploring tour with lunch and not just snacks and beverages.
You will see the 3000-5000 years old olive tree and a few minutes later will be at Anoskeli's olive mill and winery for your tastings. Taste the organic extra virgin olive oil on warm bread with oregano, salt and lemon juice. Continue with a winery experience by trying 5 different labels of local wine, accompanied by Cretan snacks. Professional sommeliers and expert wine and olive oil producers will inform you about the wine and olive oil.
After an adventurous off-road Jeep safari experience, you arrive at Milia Mountain Retreat. Time stops here: there is no electricity, and cozy stone houses bring you close to the philosophy of "back to the basics". The place is an authentic 17th-century mountain settlement that has been transformed into an eco-friendly tourist complex, one of the top 50 worldwide choices of National Geographic magazine for eco-tourism and agro-tourism. You will enjoy Cretan cuisine and local wine, beer or homemade soft drinks. Heading back to Chania you will also have the chance to see the Topolia Gorge.
