Rethymno 4x4 Safari: Tastes & Farm Experience

1. Rethymnon
   Pass by
   Discover the raw, untamed beauty of Crete and its world-famous authentic flavors on an exclusive semi-private 4×4 safari departing from Rethymno – a thrilling journey that perfectly combines heart-pounding off-road exploration across rugged mountain trails with intimate, mouthwatering gastronomic experiences: hand-picked local wines tasted at a family winery, extra-virgin olive oil fresh from the press, and traditional cheese still made by Cretan shepherds in a stone mountain hut, all wrapped in breathtaking panoramic views, hidden villages lost in time, and the legendary warmth of Cretan hospitality.
2. Klados Winery
   1h 5m · Admission ticket included
   Your day starts at the award-winning Klados Winery in Panormos, where the owner personally guides you through the vines and cellars, revealing the secrets of Cretan winemaking before treating you to a wine tasting of the island’s finest indigenous varieties.
   
   - Drive to Klados Winery (15 minutes)
   - Winery Tour & Tasting Stop (50 minutes)
3. Paraschakis Olive Oil - Crete
   50m · Admission ticket included
   Continue to Melidoni olive oil mill for an authentic taste of liquid gold. Discover the journey from tree to bottle – traditional stone presses alongside modern methods – and sample fresh, peppery extra-virgin olive oil that captures the pure essence of Crete.
   
   - Drive to Melidoni Olive Oil Mill (20 minutes)
   - Olive Oil Tour & Tasting Stop (30 minutes)
4. 55m · Admission ticket included
   Climb higher to the historic Halepa Monastery, beautifully perched with jaw-dropping panoramic views over mountains and valleys. Learn its dramatic past as a hideout for Cretan rebels and soak in one of the island’s most photogenic spots.
   
   - Drive to Halepa Monastery (35 minutes)
   - Monastery Visit (20 minutes)
5. Axos
   1h 45m
   The real magic happens when you leave the paved roads behind and venture deep into the mountains to a traditional shepherd’s mitato – the iconic stone hut where Cretan cheese is still made by hand. Watch shepherds craft local cheese right in front of you, hear stories of mountain life, and keep your eyes peeled for wild Cretan goats (kri-kri) and soaring eagles against a backdrop of endless peaks.
   
   Drive to Axos Gorge photo stop (off-road) (15 minutes)
   Axos Gorge Vultures photo stop (off-road) (10 minutes)
   Short drive to the Shepherd’s Hut (5 minutes)
   Shepherd’s Hut & cheesemaking stop (1 h 15 min)
6. Axos
   1h 45m
   The real magic happens when you leave the paved roads behind and venture deep into the mountains to a traditional shepherd’s mitato – the iconic stone hut where Cretan cheese is still made by hand. Watch shepherds craft local cheese right in front of you, hear stories of mountain life, and keep your eyes peeled for wild Cretan Ibex (kri-kri) and soaring eagles against a backdrop of endless peaks.
   
   - Drive to Axos Gorge photo stop (off-road) (15 minutes)
   - Axos Gorge Vultures photo stop (off-road) (10 minutes)
   - Short drive to the Shepherd’s Hut (5 minutes)
   - Shepherd’s Hut & cheesemaking stop (1 h 15 min)
7. Axos
   30m
   The adventure ends in the charming mountain village of Axos, where you’ll sit down to a hearty lunch of authentic Cretan dishes at a family-run tavern – fresh local ingredients, warm hospitality, and flavors you’ll remember long after the trip is over.
   
   - Drive to Axos Village (5 minutes)
   - Lunch Stop (1 h 25 min)
8. Rethymnon
   Pass by
   Throughout the day, breathtaking panoramic views, hidden villages untouched by mass tourism, and the genuine soul of Crete unfold before you. Travel in comfort and style with our expert local driver-guides and fully equipped 4×4 vehicles on this small-group, semi-private safari that shows you the real Crete – raw, delicious, and unforgettable.

Pickup details

* Pick-up details: 8:30 Georgioupoli / 8:35 Kavros / 9:00 Rethymnon / 9:15 Platanias / 9:25 Adelianos Kambos / 9:30 Stavromenos / 9:45 Panormos
Tour starts at 10:00 am

*The designated pick-up point is located outside the hotel. Please provide your hotel name during the booking process. If the vehicle cannot access your exact location, you will be informed by email of the nearest available pick-up point.

• Public transportation options are available nearby
• Suitable for all physical fitness levels
• The prices are for group participation with a minimum of 4 pax to start.
• Travel time is included in the total tour duration.
• Please note that this trip is not recommended for individuals with car sickness, mobility or kinetic issues, back problems, pregnant women, or children under 7 years old, as we do not provide baby seats. Additionally, individuals taller than 195 cm or heavier than 130 kg may find the trip challenging. Alcohol consumption is strictly prohibited for minors under the age of 18.