Savoring Crete

(Option: Customized Itineraries)
Crete, Greece - 7 nights
Available April to October - Monday to Monday

Visit the island of Crete and discover why this destination is so very unique. Learn about the famous Cretan diet and why this way of eating is so admired. Through hands on cooking classes taught in English by a renowned chef from Crete, you will create wonderful recipes using the finest ingredients from this island, considered by some to be one of the healthiest places in the world. You will stay at a rustic traditional cottage in a quaint and authentic village. 

In addition to cooking classes at an old olive mill, you will learn about the Cretans' way of life through visits to a winery and an olive mill. You will also learn about the importance of the delicious bread and cheeses of Crete through foodie visits to local producers who have dedicated their life to these important traditions.

This week long tour provides you with plenty of free time to explore some other areas of Crete on your own, or just relax on a beach with a good book.   

SAMPLE ITINERARY

DAY ONE - MONDAY

ARRIVAL DAY - WELCOME TO CRETE

You will be picked up at either Chania International Airport or the port of Chania and transferred to your cottage which will be your home for the next week.

Enjoy welcome drinks followed with some free time to settle in and discover your new surroundings.

Tonight's welcome dinner features contemporary Cretan cuisine which will be served by your hosts at a local tavern close to your accommodation.

Overnight at the cottage. 

DAY TWO - TUESDAY

FREE MORNING TIME - AFTERNOON COOKING CLASS

Enjoy a lovely breakfast made of local ingredients, followed by some leisure time. Might we suggest taking a stroll around this charming village or even take a bus or taxi to another village closeby?

Lunch is on your own and we can make some recommendations.

In the afternoon you will have your first cooking lesson at an old olive mill in the Cretan countryside with our popular Cretan chef. The cooking classes are a 5 minute walk from your accommodation. You will have a great time whether you want to participate or just observe, but either way you will be enjoying the fruits of your labor with dinner following the lesson. 

Overnight at the cottage.

DAY THREE - WEDNESDAY

HERB WALKING TOUR & FREE AFTERNOON

Spend a half-day walking tour with a local agriculturalist. Discover the importance of Crete's aromatic plants in the island's tradition stemming from the ancient times, as mentioned in the texts of ancient authors who attributed to them exceptional therapeutic properties. Learn about oregano, basil, linden, Marjoram, thyme,mint, rosemary, laurel, chamomile, sage and dittany.
 

Enjoy lunch followed by a free afternoon to do what you'd like. We would be happy to make suggestions whether you wish to relax on a beach or take a trip to the beautiful town of Rethymno

Dinner tonight is on your own.

DAY FOUR - THURSDAY

OLIVE OIL, WINE TASTING & AFTERNOON COOKING CLASS

After breakfast, you will learn about the Cretan local olive oil from a specialist who will demonstrate the olive oil producing process at the pressing factory. The taste of pure local oil is followed by the explanation of secrets of Cretan virgin olive oil. 

Then it's on to a Cretan winery where you will explore the surroundings and enjoy a wine tasting where you will sample quality Cretan wines that will be served with some traditional "meze" (appetizers) for lunch. 

In the afternoon, you will have your second cooking lesson with our awarded chef, enjoying for dinner what you have prepared. 

Overnight at the accommodation. 

DAY FIVE - FRIDAY

VISITS TO LOCAL FOOD PRODUCERS

We start from an olive factory where the specialist will demonstrate the olive oil production process.The owner of the factory responds to all questions guests may have such as: what does virgin olive oil mean? How do the villages and families cultivate and produce their own olive oil? Why olive oil? Why the Cretan olive oil is better than the Spanish and Italian one? 

Then we drive to another village to visit Vasilis, the last person in western Crete to makesheep and goat bells. We watch Vasillis working and we learn how to recognize the difference between the sound of sheep and goat bells!

We continue to Lemonia tavern! We visit an authentic, old olive-press, the last one left nowadays in western Crete where Leonidas still produces his bio olive oil! We see his wild goats known worldwide as "kri-kri" (a unique chance, because these animals are rarely seen) and we have a magnificent 3 course Cretan meal at his tavern, cooked by his wife. 

Dinner tonight is on your own.

DAY SIX - SATURDAY

FREE DAY

Today is a free day to enjoy yourself on your own. If you'd like we can organize a guided walking tour in the mountains in the morning. We can suggest and organize different options upon request such as a visit to the southern part of Crete in the Lybian Sea, or to Samaria Gorges or to Knossos Palace in Heraklion.

Today you will enjoy lunch on your own.

Dinner tonight is on your own.

DAY SEVEN - SUNDAY

FREE MORNING & AFTERNOON COOKING CLASS

After breakfast, enjoy the rest of the morning which is yours free to relax, read or explore on your own.

In the afternoon you will have your third and last cooking class with your fantastic chef.

Enjoy a fabulous farewell dinner and savor the memories of your last night in Crete, with hopes of a return visit!   

DAY EIGHT - MONDAY

DEPARTURE DAY

Enjoy your final breakfast at your accommodation. Check out by 12pm. Transfer to the airport or port of Chania.

*Transfers to and/or from the Airport or Port of Heraklion will be at extra cost. 

*The content or order of the itinerary may change depending on dates, availability of services or activities, local festivals/holidays, weather constraints, etc.

*Menus are samples and may vary according to the season

GROUP SIZE

A minimum of 2 participants is required to run this tour and the tour is limited to a maximum of 12 participants.

(The number of participants refers to how many persons are required to run the tour, not to how many persons you must have in your party. Please inquire.)

HOW TO ARRIVE

The closest airport is Chania Airport and closest port is Chania Port. (45 minutes from accommodation)

BOOKING INFORMATION

For further inquiries or to register, click here.

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CANCELLATION POLICY

Please contact us for cancellation policy information. Travel insurance is highly recommended.

CLIENT REMARKS

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MAP*

This exciting region is depicted below. You can also access Google MapsTM by clicking HERE.

*In some cases mapping may give clients a general sense of location due to changes in venue. Please inquire about specific location.

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