Domaine Paterianakis- Κτήμα Πατεριανάκη Tickets and Tours

Taste the Real Crete

Great wines at family run organic winery

Lovely relaxing setting. Tried 5 lovely wines, all organic. Mostly dry wines which I prefer. Interesting tour of the grounds. Wish we were hungrier to want to eat as the food looked good. Perfect excursion for cruisers.

Private guided tour to Knossos Palace Olive Mill Pottery & Winery

From the very first...

From the very first message, Nikos set the tone for what would become one of the most memorable days of our trip. He reached out days in advance to confirm pickup details and ensure we knew exactly where to go upon disembarking — he even attempted to coordinate with port security to pick us up directly at the ship. That kind of proactive care for his guests is rare, and it told us everything we needed to know. We were traveling with a mobility scooter, as my mom is a lung cancer survivor who cannot walk long distances. Nikos planned accordingly to make loading seamless, and our guide Katerina met us at the Heraklion Port Passenger Terminal with a huge smile and a sign with our name — we felt like old friends before we’d said a word. Throughout the entire day, Katerina was extraordinary. She navigated and redirected crowds at every stop to ensure my mom could maneuver comfortably, and did so gracefully and discreetly — never making it feel like an accommodation, just excellent guiding. At Knossos Palace, Nikos dropped us as close to the entrance as possible while Katerina expertly managed the crowds so we could take in one of the ancient world’s most breathtaking sites without frustration. On our way out, she surprised us with coffees, and Nikos appeared with local pastries after we’d mentioned offhandedly that we hadn’t eaten breakfast. That’s the kind of thoughtfulness you simply can’t script. From Knossos, we wound through stunning groves of ancient olive trees to Politakis Olive Oil Mill, a family-owned operation where we learned the full process of olive oil production and participated in a tasting. The team there had quietly set up lower seating and a lower table to accommodate my mom — a small gesture that meant the world. Our guide through the tasting, Stella (our star!), was warm, knowledgeable, and genuinely fun. Next came a wine tasting at Domaine Paterianakis Organic Wines, set against breathtaking views of mountains, valleys, and orchards. We sampled several local organic wines paired with cheeses, vegetables, and the most unexpectedly incredible tomato marmalade. I know how that sounds — just trust me and try it. Woven through every stop, Katerina shared her deep knowledge of Heraklion, Crete, and Greek history — connecting threads from the Minoan civilization all the way to the present day in a way that was engaging, accessible, and genuinely fascinating. We finished the day at Likastos Tavern for a long, leisurely lunch of staka eggs, moussaka, dolmades, and tzatziki. The food was incredible and the conversation even better. Honestly, between the meal and the company, I started mentally pricing out real estate. Nikos had us back at the ship with time to spare — and somehow sweet-talked port security into driving us all the way to the boarding area, sparing us the shuttle entirely. Nikos and Katerina didn’t just meet our expectations — they redefined them. They are kind, thoughtful, knowledgeable, and genuinely passionate about sharing their culture and country with the people lucky enough to spend a day with them. We arrived as guests, were treated as friends, and left feeling like family — with hugs and smiles so warm my face still hurts. They have set an impossibly high bar for the rest of our tour stops, and I am already looking forward to returning to Crete.

Private Winery Tour with Olive Oil, Honey & Raki Distillery Visit

With Unique Greek Tours, Crete isn’t just visited—it’s experienced, embraced, and remembered forever.

Unique Greek Tours transformed our visit into an extraordinary journey of history, beauty, and heartfelt connection, leaving us with memories—and friendships—that will last a lifetime. From the very first moment we connected with Unique Greek Tours, it was clear we were in for something extraordinary. This isn’t just a tour company—it’s a passionate team who open the door to Crete’s heart, history, and hidden corners in a way that feels deeply personal and endlessly captivating. Every detail was thoughtfully and beautifully planned, yet the experience never felt scripted. Marino and Fabio’s knowledge were encyclopedic but never overwhelming—woven seamlessly with humor, storytelling, and a genuine love for Crete that was contagious. Whether we were wandering through ancient ruins, meandering through charming villages, or tasting olive oil fresh from the press, every stop was enriched by fascinating backstories and cultural insights that brought the island’s legends and traditions vividly to life. Unique Greek Tours also orchestrated one of the most important moments of our lives—a surprise wedding proposal in Santorini. They coordinated effortlessly with a local photographer, securing the perfect private location and timing so everything unfolded naturally and without a single hitch. It was seamless, intimate, and unforgettable—captured beautifully so we can relive it for years to come. They have a gift for making you feel like an honored guest rather than just another traveler. They anticipate needs before you even voice them, tailor every excursion to your interests, and somehow strike the perfect balance between adventure, relaxation, and immersion. The off-the-beaten-path moments—sharing a laugh with a village shopkeeper, watching a potter at work in his studio, or pausing to soak in a breathtaking mountain vista—were the kind of experiences you simply can’t get from a guidebook. As our journey comes to an end, we realize we aren’t just leaving Greece—we are leaving friends behind. The warmth, generosity, and genuine connection we felt will with Marino, Maria and Fabio will stay with us long after our suitcases are unpacked. Our time with Unique Greek Tours wasn’t just sightseeing; it was soul-satisfying travel. We left with a deeper understanding of Crete’s rich tapestry of myth, history, and modern life—and with memories that will be cherished for a lifetime. If you want to see Greece in all its authentic glory, guided by people who love it as fiercely as they know it, Unique Greek Tours is the ONLY way to go. ⭐ Five shining stars, and if I could give more, I would. Thank you Marino, Maria and Fabio! We will cherish our time with you forever.