An amazing tour you must not miss - An amazing tour with a driver named Spyro who was very knowledgeable professional and hospitable we highly recommend the tour

An authentic look at Cretan life - My family and I took this outstanding tour on July 13th, 2024, and I am so glad that we did! Our tour guide, Stavros, arrived on time to meet us at the port. He drove us to the mountains while telling us all about his island and its people. We had a fantastic visit to an olive oil factory, where we learned how olive oil is made, and were able to try different types/flavors of olive oil, as well as honey, and purchase what we wanted. Then we proceeded up a rural mountain and we stopped along the way at a strawberry farm, where we were allowed to pick and eat the most delicious strawberries I think I have ever had. From there, we unbelievably went to Stavros’ family’s ancestral home in a small village, (he no longer lives there) where he showed us his garden and gave us all some of his home grown cucumbers, tomatoes and herbs. Next he showed us the original basement kitchen with an old wood burning stove as well as some old timey kitchen utensils and explained how each was used. From there, he actually brought us into the main part of the house, to a modern kitchen where he sat us down at the kitchen table and proceeded to share some delicious Cretan white wine, some ouzo and some wonderful Cretan cheese. After leaving his family home, we went to a small bar (?) where we were able to try some Raki, which is a Cretan alcoholic drink, some very smooth Greek coffee and some cookies. We continued on through the countryside, admiring the grazing farm animals, and Stavros pointed out some ruins of 200 year old windmills on the side of one of the mountains. After stopping for some pictures, we continued on to a fantastic restaurant located on top of one of the mountains where we had the most delicious feast of Cretan delicacies (at our expense). The food was absolutely delicious, and very reasonably priced. And the views! The spectacular views! After our lunch, we proceeded to drive back towards Heraklion, and stopped at Knossos palace where we took a self-guided tour (as I think outside tour guides are forbidden from giving tours of the palace). Afterwards, we had a short bit of time to buy a few souvenirs, and then Stavros brought us back (on time) to the port so we could board our ship. As he was saying goodbye, he gave us a small bottle of olive oil as a parting gift. I have to say that this was one of my and my family’s favorite tours that we took while in Greece. Stavros was an amazing tour guide; he was warm, knowledgeable and patient with any questions we had. You can tell just how proud he is of his island and culture. Rather than spending a ton of time in touristy areas, my family and I were actually able to see how real Cretans live, and what a beautiful life it is for them. We all loved Crete, and truly want to go back and spend more time in this incredibly special place. Thank you so much, Stavros, and to all the other warm, welcoming people who we were able to meet on this tour! You made our visit to Crete so memorable and special! I cannot recommend this tour enough to others! Go. Just go- you will not be disappointed!!

Engaging, informative, and downright unforgettable experience - I would do this tour 10 times over again if I could. I already loved Crete when I had arrived the day before both with my parents, but we only had one full day on the island and decided to spend it on a tour with Spiros after reading so many wonderful reviews about him. We saw windmill ruins, an olive oil factory, LOTS of wild flora and fauna, an amazing restaurant, Zeus’s Cave, and the palace. There were so many breathtaking views and interesting stories. Spiros exceeded all expectations. He was kind, funny, informative, and responsible. The tour was clearly planned precisely and with care. Down to every detail, even telling us every time we passed an herb/fruit/vegetable growing in the wild what it was and sometimes even letting us stop to try them. He pulled out all the stops and made sure that we were completely engaged the entire time. As an admittedly phone-addicted 23 year old, I didn’t go on my phone once during this tour because I was so mesmerized by everything he said and showed us. All I had was my digital camera to capture the beautiful sights of the wonderful island, and boy was I not disappointed. I could not recommend this enough. If you can fit just one thing into your trip to Crete- make it this. Better yet, book with Spiros.

Spiro is the absolute best! - I was originally not looking forward to this tour. It was our last day in Greece and I wanted a beach day after several other tours on other islands. Then we met our guide Spiro. He was so enthusiastic, fun, funny, interesting and entertaining! We had the best day of our 10 days island hopping in Greece thanks to him. He is so proud of home of Crete and was just so informative fun and wonderful. We learned so much more than we thought we would. Just simply an absolutely amazing experience and tour.

Lost in Time and Tradition with Spiro - My husband and I, along with our 23 year old daughter, had the most magnificent tour we’ve ever had with Spiro leading the way. Nothing about this tour was rushed. From pick up at our hotel to the return drop off we felt comfortable, safe, and as if we were with family. Spiro’s mother was born on Crete, as was he and his children so he literally knows everything about the island. And it is amazing. Spiro would stop along our drives to show us herbs, trees. He took us to the city where his mother’s home is. Showed us her olive trees. We learned about the agriculture and windmills. We picked strawberries, ate fresh picked tomatoes and cucumbers. He took us to an olive processing plant, to a pottery place, to multiple places for a traditional meal or coffee and at each stop we met the owners. The pride each resident has is wonderful and their kindness unlike any other place. We of course saw the cave of Zeus and Knossos - which are remarkable, but learning the history of the island and feeling its warmth is something no other tour has given us. This is a tour not to miss. You will fall in love with Crete. Thank you Spiro and to all whom we met.

Loved our day with Spiros! - We had a fantastic day traveling with Spiros! He was a warm and engaging guide, whose love for Crete shined through. We highly recommend this tour.

Unique tour of Crete - This was the best tour I can remember taking. Stavros was very hospitable and entertaining. In addition to the highlights, he took us to delightful places off the beaten track that we'd never come across ourselves. Fantastic food, pastries and coffee. I can't recommend this tour enough!

Wonderful day! - This tour was a highlight of our vacation. Our guide Spyros went above and beyond to ensure we had a wonderful day. Our kids ages 7 & 9 also really enjoyed the day as well. We would highly recommend this tour to anyone visiting Crete.

This experience is a MUST for anyone traveling to Crete - Spyros makes the experience magical for all ages. You see the tourist sites but more importantly you get an opportunity to immerse yourself in the culture and history of the area. The strawberry picking, pottery and cave tour were the highlights of our kids’ vacation (ages 7-10).

Just an overall great experience - We did the private Tour with Stavros and had a wonderful time. We were worried, that our two daughters (6 years old) would not enjoy spending a long time in a car, but as it turned out we needn't have worried. The tour features a nice balance of sights and activities that can be appreciated by grown-ups and children alike (+ lots of opportunities for bathroom breaks). We gained a lot of insight in cretan culture and history. The tour was definitely the highlight of our vacation.