Sunset Jeep Safari, Heraklion

Explore Crete's rural landscapes by 4WD, ending with spectacular sunset views and dinner in a village taverna.

Overview

Experience the beauty of a Cretan sunset with this guided off-road adventure through the island's unspoiled hinterland. Your expert driver and guide will wind through authentic villages and rugged landscapes as you stop to meet a local shepherd and their goats, glimpse the submerged village of Sfendili, and stroll around the historic lanes of Avdou. After bumping along dirt tracks through the dramatic Embasa Gorge, take a break at the ancient Minoan ruins of Karfi to watch the sunset as you sip sparkling wine. Your evening winds down at a village taverna for a hearty Cretan meal with island wines.

Highlights

Visit a traditional homestead in Potamies to help milk goats and pick vegetables
See the haunting shapes of the submerged village of Sfendili at the Aposelemis Dam
Go off-road as you wind through the rugged Embasa Gorge
Sip sparkling wine as you watch the sunset over the ancient Minoan ruins of Karfi
End with a hearty traditional dinner of Cretan favorites at a local village taverna

Know before you go

Duration
5 hours

Recommended for
All ages

Group
Small group, 8 people or less

Food & Drink
Dinner Included. Prosecco, fruit, and a taverna dinner with wine

What you'll do

Your evening adventure begins when your driver picks you up at your hotel in a rugged 4WD vehicle and sets off for the charming village of Potamies. Stop for a while to visit a traditional shepherd's farm for a delightful glimpse of rural Cretan life, and lend a hand as you learn how to milk a goat or pick ripe produce in the vegetable garden. Continue just south of the village to marvel at the Aposelemis Dam, the largest water supply project in Crete, and learn about the submerged village of Sfendili as you glimpse the remains rising from the waters.

Your next stop is Avdou, a quintessential Cretan village. Here, you'll explore streets lined with preserved buildings, each marked with informational signs that tell the story of the village's historical evolution. Get back in the 4WD and follow narrow dirt roads through the rugged terrain of the Embasa Gorge, watching as the landscape shifts to arid mountains dotted with plentiful wildlife. This is an excellent opportunity to stop to collect some local herbs as your guide shares stories about the region's flora and fauna.

You'll arrive at the ruins of the ancient Minoan settlement of Karfi, perfectly timed for a memorable sunset. Sip on chilled Prosecco and enjoy fresh seasonal fruits as you watch the sun dip behind the ancient hills, then make your way to a local taverna for a relaxed meal of Cretan classics accompanied by island wines. After dinner, you'll make one final stop in the nearby mountain village of Krasi to see its 2,400-year-old plane tree, one of the largest and oldest trees in Europe. Then, it's time to sit back and enjoy the return journey to your hotel as darkness falls over the rural island landscapes.

Start times

Monday

5:30 pm
Tuesday

5:30 pm
Wednesday

Not available
Thursday

Not available
Friday

5:30 pm
Saturday

Not available
Sunday

Not available

What's included

Land Rover Defender / Toyota Landcruiser vehicle & fuel
Experienced and informative drivers
Dinner with wine and water
Prosecco and seasonal fruits
Hotel pickup and drop off

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