Cook, learn, laugh, feel and travel to the cradle of the Minoan civilization. By the time you’re back home, you’ll be a true ambassador of Cretan food and tradition!
In Greece, people don’t eat to live, they live to eat! It seems that the Greeks have a very different relationship with food than the average European. Happy and sad moments, celebrations and mourning, all take place around a table laden with food. Therefore, the question, “What is there to eat?” is heard everywhere, all the time.
The kitchen in any modern house is inseparable from the living room, and in older village houses the kitchen was the living room!
Obviously, food is an essential part of Greek culture and therefore a subject of cultural interest.
Itinerary
DAY 1: City of origin - Crete
Arrival at Crete airport. Transfer to the hotel.
At the agreed time, introductions, review of the week’s activities, welcome dinner at a tavern overlooking the sea.
Accommodation in 4* villa.
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DAY 2: Kissamos
Morning free to rest and settle into your “new home”.
In the early afternoon we will drive to the area of the Roropou peninsula, where we will enjoy the breathtaking views of the coast, the beauty of its beaches, a spectacular sunset and a delicious dinner in a typical tavern by the sea.
The tavern that will welcome us will introduce us to our first Cretan recipes, all made with ingredients from the owner’s garden.
Accommodation in 4* villa.
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DAY 3: Elafonissi Beach
After breakfast we will head to the famous Elafonissi beach, where we can enjoy its crystal clear waters and pink sand, a product of the decomposition process of thousands of shells. Elafonissi is actually an island that can be reached on foot.
We will then return to the mainland and visit a monastery, a cave and a mountain village (1.5 hours). The path is short, easy and safe. You will cross a gorge with an imposing and wild landscape, the vertical walls reach a height of 300 meters.
In the afternoon you will have the opportunity to participate in an authentic Cretan cooking class.
Accommodation in a 4* villa.
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DAY 4: Chania
After breakfast, a private cultural tour based on tasting typical dishes and wine tasting awaits us to immerse ourselves in the local traditions, people, history and modern lifestyle of Crete.
Afterwards, you will have the option of a guided visit to the Archaeological Museum or you can explore the city at your own pace.
Return to the hotel for rest and/or time on the beach.
At the end of the afternoon, you can test your language skills by attending a short two-hour Greek lesson (in English). You will learn the Greek alphabet, how to pronounce some words and recognize some Greek words used in other languages.
Accommodation in 4* villa.
(B/L/-)
DAY 5: At your leisure
After breakfast, today you’ll be free day to enjoy the island at your leisure.
It’s ideal for a good swim in the pool or on the sandy beach in front of our hotel. We can also continue to enjoy the local cuisine in a fish tavern near our accommodation, known to be one of the best on the island. Or take a walk along the beach and visit all the coastal villages in the area.
If biking is your thing, you can also explore the island on a two wheels.
Accommodation in 4* villa.
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DAY 6: Paleochora
After breakfast, we’ll start our day learning about local beekeeping and the amazing world of bees. We’ll drive to a village near Paleochora, a small town overlooking the Libyan Sea.
You’ll have free time to enjoy the beauty of the beaches and the town.
Vegetarian dinner at a local restaurant.
Accommodation in 4* villa.
(B/-/D)
DÍA 7: Vouves
After breakfast, we’ll dedicate our day to the olive tree with olive oil tasting included.
We will visit a traditional olive press, the oldest olive tree in Crete and the Olive Oil Museum. We will taste the famous Cretan olive oil and learn why it is unique in the world.
After the tour, you’ll have free time to enjoy the beach.
Farewell dinner.
Accommodation in 4* villa.
(B/-/D)
DAY 8: Crete - City of origin
At the agreed time, transfer to the airport to catch the flight to our city of origin.
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* Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
**Minimum group size: 4 people
Important notes
✔ Roundtrip airport transfers
✔ Seven nights oceanfront accommodation in a villa resort
✔ Half board basis. Breakfast prepared by you with ingredients provided by us. Lunch or dinner served in restaurant.
✔ Authentic cultural experiences.
✔ Five day-excursions with private guide.
✔ Cooking classes on a farm.
✔ Gastronomic tour of Chania and wine tasting.
✔ Early morning yoga sessions.
✔ Travel insurance.
Not included:
✘ International flights.
✘ Meals and dinners not listed on the itinerary.
✘ Personal expenses.
✘ Gratuities.
✘ Any service not specified in the above itinerary.