The 7 History Tours That Earn Their Price

1.Zeus Cave & Knossos History, Villages & Olive Oil

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 89 reviews · 1 day · from $129Our pick

Spend a full day with guides such as Nikos, Marinos, or Angie, visiting Knossos, an olive press, Zeus Cave, Lasithi Plateau, Krasi, and Mochos. Hotel pickup, a comfortable minivan, local snacks, and flexible small-group or private touring are included.

“We had a daylong private tour with Niklos from our Oceania cruise ship. We originally booked a small group tour but were informed by Maria that our ship was arriving too late and we’d need a private tour. This resulted in a cost of approximately $500+ although another guide from the company had a small group From our ship. . . Nikolaus is a charming man who knows Greek history and myths to an amazing level, but we didn’t hear as much about country life out on the Lasithi Plain. . . We enjoyed a nice leisurely lunch at Seli Ambolou taverna on the saddle of the plain (our expense)…”

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2.Olive Oil Guided Tasting and History in Pula

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 34 reviews · 1 hour 30 minutes (approx.) · from $36

At Pula’s House of Istrian Olive Oil, an expert guide leads you through Roman oil-making, traditional and modern production, and a sensory tasting of premium Istrian oils. Compare them with supermarket oil, learn about polyphenols, and finish with olive oil paired with dessert.

“Museum is smaller than expected and lay out was strange. However the guide for the olive tasting was incredible. Really enjoyed it!”

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3.Zadar Olive Oil & Wine with Dalmatian Views & History

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 34 reviews · 10 hours · from $64Top rated

Join guide Neil and a small group of up to eight for a 5.5 to 6-hour trip from Zadar into Dalmatia’s hinterland. Visit Benkovac, taste five award-winning olive oils and three Croatian wines, share a local lunch, and finish above Lake Vrana at Kamenjak.

“It was exelent! It was wonderful day for us. Our guide are doing everything that we had wodendurl experence and tasting of the oil day!!! We recomend it for all! Thanks.”

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4.Šibenik: Croatia in a Day, Vistas, History, Olive Oil, Wine

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 30 reviews · 6 hours · from $64

Join Dr. Neil from Šibenik for a six-hour small-group trip through Dalmatia’s countryside. Visit Okit, Kaštel Benković, and Lake Vrana, then tour Uljara Lepur for five olive oil tastings, Croatian wine, local bites, and an optional €20 lunch.

“bsolutely amazing tour! Neil was super friendly and informative about the history of croatia during the siteseeing element. However the star of the show was the olive farm, execptional, food, wine, hospitality and of course, olive oil! We went as a birthday trip of 7 and it really made our holiday!”

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5.Classical guitar concert in a historic olive press

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 23 reviews · 2.5 hours · from $70

Meet Nikos Karavias for a 2.5-hour classical guitar recital in a historic olive press on a Venetian farm near Naxos Town. Hear Bach, Granados, Paco de Lucia, Theodorakis, and Nikos’s own Naxos-inspired music, with wine, lemonade, local cheese, tomatoes, and olives during the break.

“A wonderful evening at a fantastic place, with an exceptional guitarist. We were very touched by the wonderful music and Nikos personality. Thank you for this unforgettable evening.”

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6.Douro Valley: A Sensory Experience in the Douro: Wines, Olive Oil, and History

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 15 reviews · 1 hour · from $34Best value

Spend about an hour at Quinta de Santa Júlia with a guide such as Rafaela or Paolo, touring French-style gardens, vineyards, and 200-year-old Port cellars before tasting Douro wines, Port, olive oil, and bread. Afterward, stay for a stroll, photos, or pool time.

“Rafaela was an excellent tour guide! She shared a lot of her knowledge with us and was able to respond to any question. She also personalized the experience and was very fun to talk to, she fit with our group very well. We had a lovely time and the wine and olive oil is very tasty as well.”

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7.Private Tour in Historic Estate in Monemvasia with wine-olive oil tasting & meal

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 4 reviews · 2 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $449

Visit Liotrivi Organic Estate with a private guide, including Tina when available, for four olive oils, three table olives, five local wines, and a traditional Greek meal. Pickup is offered from your hotel, port, or Monemvasia castle gate.

“Your could not have been better as conducted by owner. She was gracious and everyone was great. Tastings were amazing and lunch was terrific and much better than going with big group”

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