Land Rover White Mountains Safari

Land Rover White Mountains Safari, 7 hours, rated 4.7 across 117 traveller reviews.

Overview

Seven hours in a Land Rover Defender take you well away from the coast, into the valleys and high ground of the White Mountains. The route starts by crossing farmland with orange groves, avocado trees and vegetable gardens, then climbs through rural villages to a shepherd's hut, a mitato, sitting in a remote spot that ordinary vehicles cannot reach. There you hear about graviera cheese and mountain shepherding before the trip continues to a viewpoint at 1,350 meters.

The day is built around regular stops rather than long uninterrupted drives. The listing notes guided stops every 30 to 40 minutes, and reviewers mention photo stops, village stops and talks from guides about the landscape, buildings and history. Lunch is a three-course affair of traditional food and wine at a tavern in Therisso, which several travellers single out as a highlight of the day.

The return to Chania runs through the Therisso gorge. Hotel pickup and drop-off, the vehicle, the guide, lunch, the mitato visit, insurance and local taxes are all in the price, with only gratuities left to discretion. It suits curious travellers over eight who want scenery and village life rather than another beach day, though very tall or heavy participants may find the ride uncomfortable.

What's Included

Itinerary

1. Hotel pickupA Land Rover Defender collects you from your hotel in the Chania area, with drop-off back at the end of the day.
2. Valley driveThe route crosses a valley of orange groves, avocado trees and vegetable gardens, passing through rural villages along the way.
3. Coffee and tea breakThere is a stop for coffee or mountain tea away from the crowds before the climb continues.
4. Shepherd's hut visitThe vehicles reach a remote area to visit an original mitato, where you learn about graviera cheese and shepherd life, keeping an eye out for eagles and wild goats.
5. Mountain viewpointA rocky road leads up to panoramic vistas at 1,350 meters above sea level.
6. Lunch in TherissoThe tour stops in the village of Therisso for a three-course lunch of traditional food and wine at a family-run tavern.
7. Return via Therisso gorgeThe drive back to Chania follows the road through the Therisso gorge.

What To Expect From The Tour

A few practical points shape how this day feels, from footwear to how the group travels.

• Stops and pace. Expect a guided stop every 30 to 40 minutes rather than one long drive. Reviewers often mention frequent photo stops and short walks in villages, so the day is broken into manageable pieces.
• What to bring. The listing advises comfortable or trekking shoes, sunglasses, a sun hat, sunscreen and a camera. A jacket is also recommended.
• Food and drink. A three-course lunch with traditional food and wine at a tavern in Therisso is included in the price. Several travellers described the lunch as one of the best parts of the day, and one noted you can buy souvenirs on the spot.
• Guides and language. The tour runs with English-speaking guide drivers, and German is also offered. Reviews frequently praise guides who share history and culture at each stop, and one reviewer noted a driver explaining things in several languages for a mixed group.
• Who fits the vehicle. The listing flags that anyone taller than 195 cm or heavier than 130 kg may find the trip challenging in a Land Rover Defender. The ride includes winding mountain roads and off-road stretches, which some reviewers found a fun part of the experience.
• Weather. Mountain weather can affect the day. One reviewer rode through a day of rain after a Sahara dust storm and still enjoyed the route and lunch, though the view from the top was partly limited.

Common issues. The trip is not recommended for children under eight, and the size of the Land Rover means very tall or heavy participants may find it uncomfortable. Pets and large bags are not allowed. Views depend on the weather, and one reviewer had a cloudy summit after a storm, though the rest of the day still worked well. Gratuities are not included and are optional.

Common Questions