Chania: Jeep Safari to the White Mountains of Crete

Embark on a thrilling off-road adventure into the White Mountains of Chania, discovering Crete’s wild beauty, traditional life, and breathtaking scenery in one unforgettable day. Your journey begins in the fertile valleys of Chania, driving through landscapes filled with orange and avocado groves before ascending along the foothills of the Lefka Ori. Our first stop is the peaceful village of Deres, where you’ll enjoy a relaxing morning coffee surrounded by nature.

From there, we travel through a series of authentic Cretan villages—Vatolakos, Alikianos, Fournes, Meskla, Zourva, and Therisso—before leaving the paved roads behind and heading deep into the mountains. Far from tourist routes, we follow rugged off-road paths to reach a traditional “mitato,” the stone shepherd’s hut that has served Cretan herders for centuries. At this altitude, panoramic mountain views unfold in every direction. With a bit of luck, you may spot wild eagles soaring overhead or graceful mountain goats climbing the rocky slopes—moments worth capturing on camera.

A rocky trail leads us to the highest point of the trip at 1350 meters, where you’ll learn about the unique lifestyle of Cretan shepherds and the ancient pastoral traditions that still survive in the mountains today. Take time to explore the mitato and soak in the pure mountain atmosphere.

Our route continues to the historic village of Therisso, where you’ll enjoy a short walk and a delicious lunch in a cozy family-run Cretan tavern—an authentic taste of local hospitality.

Your adventure concludes with a comfortable drive back to your morning pickup point, filled with memories of Crete’s untouched landscapes, genuine traditions, and exhilarating mountain vistas.

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• Hotel transfer
• Premium off-road vehicles  driven by multilingual escort-drivers
• Traditional Cretan lunch  (we can arrange vegetarian alternatives, but information is required upon reservation. This also counts for any kind of food allergies)
• A visit to an original shepherd’s hut “Mitato” 
• Liability insurance

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Pick up & drop off 

• Confirmation will be received at time of booking
• Not wheelchair accessible
• This tour/activity will have a group maximum 19 persons
  please recheck all info in booking form
• Not suitable for Children under 7 years
• Know before you go: Please provide your hotel ,villa or airbnb name and location during the booking process. Your details will be sent by email after booking

The trip is not recommended for people who have mobility or back problems, car sickness  as well as pregnant women or for children younger than 7 years old as we do not provide baby seats. It is also not recommended for people taller than 195cm and more than  130 kg.

• Wear Comfortable Clothing & Shoes:
  The terrain is rugged; sneakers or hiking shoes are ideal.

• Bring a Light Jacket:
  At 1350m the temperature is cooler, even in summer.

• Sun Protection:
  Sunscreen, hat, and sunglasses are recommended for outdoor stops.

• Hydration:
  Bring a bottle of water to stay refreshed during the off-road sections.

• Photography Ready:
  The wildlife and panoramic mountain views offer exceptional photo opportunities.

• Suitable for All Ages:
  However, guests with back issues should note that off-road driving can be bumpy.

• Respect Local Traditions:
  The mitato is a real working shepherd’s hut—please enter respectfully.

• Cash for Personal Purchases:
  Small village cafés or taverns may prefer cash payments.

• Weather Dependent:
  In rare cases of heavy rain or strong winds, routes may be adjusted for safety.

• We reserve the right to make minor changes in the program when considered necessary, for example, in case of unfavourable weather conditions. This can be done without any prior notice. 

Are dietary restrictions or food allergies accommodated? 

Yes, most dietary needs (e.g., vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, nut-free) can be accommodated. Please mention any restrictions when booking so your host can prepare suitable alternatives. 

Is this a private tour? 

Yes, tours are private—only your group and the local host will be on the tour. 

Is the cost of tastings included in the tour price? 

Typically, the price covers a set number of food and drink tastings. See the description for exact details on what is included. 

What types of food can we expect to try? 

These tours feature a range of local specialties. The host will guide you through a variety of authentic bites, though exact dishes vary by destination and season. 

Can children join the tour? 

Yes, children are welcome. The host can often adjust the pace and tastings to suit younger participants. Let them know any specific needs in advance. 

Does the tour include any sightseeing or cultural insights? 

Although the focus is on food, some tours also offer interesting background about the local culture and neighborhoods you explore. 

Is alcohol included in the tastings? 

The tours include locally made alcoholic beverages, such as wine or raki, which are traditionally enjoyed by locals. If you prefer non-alcoholic alternatives or wish to have more alcohol-focused stops, please inform your host in advance. 

Do you provide luggage storage? 

Luggage storage is generally not provided. If you’re traveling with baggage, it’s best to arrange storage at your hotel or at a local storage facility beforehand. 

Is hotel pickup included? 

Hotel pickup is not included, as this is a walking tour with a designated meeting point. However, the starting point is chosen to be central and convenient. If you need advice on how to get there, feel free to contact your host in advance. 

Can the tour accommodate prams or strollers? 

Yes, tour can accommodate prams or strollers, though some areas may be challenging (e.g., cobblestone streets). Let the host know in advance so they can plan accordingly. 

Can the tour be rescheduled if we're delayed? 

If you expect a delay (e.g., due to flight changes), please contact your host as soon as possible. While the tour schedule itself cannot be altered, we will do our best to accommodate a change of date, subject to availability. 

Can we focus on a particular type of cuisine (e.g. desserts, street food, wine)? 

Our tour is thoughtfully designed to give participants a well-rounded experience — seeing, learning about, and tasting a variety of local products. If you would like a more specialized tour focused on a particular theme (e.g., desserts, street food, wine), please contact our platform to request availability and pricing for a customized experience.