THE ADVENTURE COLLECTIVE® · Independent discovery and booking for outdoor travel
Step off the beaten path with SeaByBus to uncover Crete’s countryside treasures—visit a 3,000-year-old olive tree, a stunning monastery, and a local brewery all in one immersive 5-hour tour.
Step off the beaten path with SeaByBus to uncover Crete’s countryside treasures—visit a 3,000-year-old olive tree, a stunning monastery, and a local brewery all in one immersive 5-hour tour.
Book with SeaByBus
Verified experiences and guided adventures in the surrounding area.
Operated by SeaByBus · Rethymno
Just beyond the sparkling coastlines of Crete, SeaByBus invites travelers to journey into the island’s rural heart with their Olive Route Private tour. This 5-hour experience starts near Rethymno and winds through a landscape where centuries-old olive groves meet soaring mountain views. The first stop is the Transfiguration Monastery at Kastelos, perched atop a rocky hill, offering sweeping vistas of the White Mountains and the Aegean Sea. This striking Orthodox monastery is not only an architectural gem but also a quiet refuge that reveals the spiritual side of Cretan heritage.
From there, the tour moves toward Vouves, where one of the oldest olive trees in the world commands attention. This ancient, gnarled olive tree—thousands of years old—anchors the local Olive Tree Museum, a fascinating spot that contextualizes the tree’s role in Cretan agriculture and culture. Walking amid these twisted trunks and educational exhibits, visitors gain a tangible sense of the island’s deep relationship with this iconic tree.
The journey continues through picturesque villages and groves, culminating at the Cretan Brewery. Here, the focus shifts from the land to the craft of brewing. Guests get to taste the Charma Cretan beer while a guide explains the brewing process, connecting traditional island flavors with modern techniques. Throughout the tour, local delicacies such as Greek coffee and olive oil tastings enhance the sensory experience.
SeaByBus offers a unique blend of history, culture, and flavorful adventures beyond Chania’s popular beaches. The use of a luxurious, air-conditioned mini-van with onboard USB charging and free Wi-Fi ensures visitors remain comfortable and connected. This excursion stands out on Crete by combining natural beauty, ancient heritage, and contemporary craftsmanship in an accessible, intimate format. For anyone looking to connect with authentic Cretan life through its land, food, and history, this tour is an essential experience.
easy.
5 hours.
Suitable for most fitness levels with light walking and short uphill areas
Yes, SeaByBus provides pick-up and drop-off service in a luxury air-conditioned 9-seater van.
Children of all ages are welcome; baby car seats are available on request for those under 3 years.
Yes, the tour includes tastings of Greek coffee, local olive oil, and Cretan beer at the brewery.
There is light walking involved, mostly on uneven surfaces at the monastery and olive museum.
Yes, restroom facilities are available at the monastery, museum, and brewery stops.
The Olive Route Private tour operates throughout the year, but it's best to check availability and weather conditions.
The ancient olive tree in Vouves is believed to be over 3,000 years old, making it one of the oldest known olive trees on the planet with uninterrupted fruit production.
Local efforts protect the ancient olive groves and surrounding habitats to preserve both cultural heritage and biodiversity in the region.
SeaByBus is a tour operator based in Rethymno, Crete, offering curated day trips and private routes across western and southern Crete. The company organizes a range of experiences that highlight beaches, archaeological sites, traditional villages, natural landmarks, and local gastronomy. Popular shared routes include the Blue Route (Elafonisi, Falasarna, Vouves), Yellow Route (Rethymno, Plakias, Kournas Lake), Orange Route (Spili, Matala, Kournas Lake), Green Route (Chora Sfakion, Frangokastello, Imbros Gorge), and Sunset Route to Falasarna Beach. Private routes mirror shared options and add exclusive stops such as the Maroon Route to Knossos and Heraklion, the Lime Route on the Akrotiri Peninsula, and the Olive Route visiting monasteries, the ancient olive tree, and a local brewery. Many itineraries include multi-hour beach stops, olive oil tastings, local snacks, Greek coffee, and complimentary refreshments; select private tours mention luxury transport and complimentary snacks and flexibility. SeaByBus departures are centered on Rethymno, providing convenient access to western Crete attractions and southern coastal sites. Each trip summary specifies approximate durations ranging from roughly four hours for sunset excursions up to around ten hours for full-day archaeological and coastal explorations. The operator emphasizes straightforward itineraries that pair swimming and sunbathing with cultural visits such as the Transfiguration Monastery, Knossos palace, and the Ancient Olive Tree in Vouves. Travelers can choose shared group rides or private bookings to match pace and privacy preferences while exploring Crete’s beaches, gorges, and heritage. Booking information and on-trip logistics are provided in each trip description for clear pre-departure planning and customer support.
Book with SeaByBus