Island of Crete Culinary and Cultural Exploration

Welcome to Crete. The English speaking private driver will meet you at Heraklion airport. Just a short drive to the villa where you will feel at home. You can relax and explore your surroundings before your welcome dinner tonight.

After you settle into your room a Welcome Dinner based on top Cretan products and authentic homemade recipes. A variety of wild greens, Cretan pancakes with cauliflower, smoked lean pork, escargot, meats and pasta and many more specialties. You will be welcomed by your tour hostess who will overview the week, answer any questions and give you all the detailed information to make this your best vacation ever. (D)

Each morning, relax and enjoy a Cretan style breakfast filled with delicious and nutritious local products that will get you ready for day's activities. Daily fresh ingredients include a variety of products such as homemade breads, breakfast cakes, and yogurt with honey, local handmade cheese, toast, eggs, coffee, tea and juice.

Today, you will sample 4 distinct olive oils and learn from our expert which qualities connoisseurs seek in award-winning olive oil. A premium masterclass, complemented by appetizers. Includes an Olive Mill & Olive Museum tour and tasting of local products. The tour of the olive press with a farm family member includes viewing the original 1865 hand-operated press and an explanation of traditional oil production. You will also see the working olive mill and learn about contemporary oil production with an expert-led olive oil tasting session with appetizers. After your olive oil tasting, you will go to Agios Nikolaos. Visiting Agios Nikolaos feels like stepping into a tranquil oasis where time slows. The picturesque town on Crete offers a perfect blend of stunning views, charming streets, and a relaxed atmosphere that invites you to unwind. Stroll the shimmering shores of Lake Voulismeni or savor fresh seafood at a local taverna; every moment in Agios Nikolaos is a soothing escape from the everyday. Whether you wander boutique shops or simply watch the world go by from a cozy cafe, this enchanting town promises a truly serene getaway.

In the evening, a cooking class at the villa awaits, surrounded by the aroma of a traditional homemade recipe coming to life. In an intimate kitchen setting, uncover secrets and techniques for crafting beloved dishes in a relaxed atmosphere. Your culinary hands-on session will culminate in a delectable meal to share, marking a memorable journey of culinary companionship. (B,D)

Each morning, relax and enjoy a Cretan style breakfast filled with delicious and nutritious local products that will get you ready for day's activities. Daily fresh ingredients include a variety of products such as homemade breads, breakfast cakes, and yogurt with honey, local handmade cheese, toast, eggs, coffee, tea and juice.

Strolling through Rethymno Old Town is like stepping into a charming time capsule, where cobblestone streets, vibrant facades, and cozy cafes invite you to explore at a refined pace. Discover hidden gems such as ancient arches, bougainvillea-draped walls, and inviting tavernas that tempt with the aroma of traditional Cretan cuisine. Breathe in the sea breeze and let the old-world charm sweep you away on a relaxed, enchanting journey. Nestled in the tranquil Cretan countryside, the Historical Monastery Arkadi stands as a timeless jewel, exuding serenity and history. The picturesque setting invites you to immerse yourself in its rich past and admire intricate architecture that tells tales of a bygone era. From ancient walls to peaceful courtyards, every corner offers a sense of calm and awe-inspiring beauty. Whether you're a history enthusiast or simply seeking a moment of relaxation, exploring Monastery Arkadi is a truly enchanting experience. As evening falls, the villa welcomes a cooking class, promising a delightful journey into culinary artistry. In a warm, inviting kitchen, uncover well-guarded secrets and expert techniques for crafting beloved dishes. Embrace the relaxed atmosphere as you craft a mouthwatering meal together, ensuring a shared experience rich in flavor, camaraderie, and joy. (B,D)

Each morning, relax and enjoy a Cretan style breakfast filled with delicious and nutritious local products that will get you ready for day's activities. Daily fresh ingredients include a variety of products such as homemade breads, breakfast cakes, and yogurt with honey, local handmade cheese, toast, eggs, coffee, tea and juice.

Meet our professional licensed guide in front of Knossos Palace. A visit to the Palace of Knossos, built 3500 years ago, is a must-see in Crete! Delve into the history and culture behind the Cretan diet, accompanied by our two executive hosts. Our Estate's Ms. Chrysi will lead you in crafting 5 different traditional Cretan dishes, while our certified sommelier shares insights into wine-making on Crete. The experience culminates in enjoying the dishes you prepared, paired with wines from our winery. In the Peza wine region, at the heart of Crete, sits Domaine Paterianakis, founded in 1988 with a focus on quality Cretan wines. Now in its third generation, the family continues to produce organic wines with distinctive character. (B,L)

Each morning, relax and enjoy a Cretan style breakfast filled with delicious and nutritious local products that will get you ready for day's activities. Daily fresh ingredients include a variety of products such as homemade breads, breakfast cakes, and yogurt with honey, local handmade cheese, toast, eggs, coffee, tea and juice.

With a local escort, explore captivating city landmarks, including Castello del Molo (Koules), the scenic Old Venetian Harbor, the lively Central Market, the elegant Church of Agios Minas, and the historic Agios Titos Church. Your culinary journey begins with bougatsa, a flaky traditional pastry, paired with a robust Greek coffee, an iconic duo that sets a refined tone for the day. Continue the tasting trail with a shot of raki, Crete's beloved spirit, followed by the nuanced delights of local honey and artisanal cheeses, celebrated staples of the island's gastronomic tradition. Add a hands-on cultural twist as you visit a family-run workshop to discover the art of crafting "stivania," the classic high leather boots worn by Cretan shepherds, an authentic window into local heritage. To conclude, unwind at a bustling traditional taverna, where a feast of Cretan meze awaits. Savor earthy eggplant salad, slow-cooked goat or pork infused with red wine, and Cretan sausages served with a tangy vinegar dressing or as savory meatballs, all crowned with another cheerful toast of raki. This immersive tour blends the sights, tastes, and spirit of Heraklion, delivering the perfect balance of cultural discovery and culinary pleasure. At the museum with Traditional Instruments, enjoy a day of unforgettable flavors and stories, with an interactive museum experience guided by staff. The collection is presented live, and visitors have the opportunity to try playing some instruments. A digital tour with tablets provides rich information about the instruments, including photographic and audiovisual archival material. Dinner tonight will be on your own. (B)

Each morning, relax and enjoy a Cretan style breakfast filled with delicious and nutritious local products that will get you ready for day's activities. Daily fresh ingredients include a variety of products such as homemade breads, breakfast cakes, and yogurt with honey, local handmade cheese, toast, eggs, coffee, tea and juice.

Begin the day with an audio-guided tour of the Archaeological Museum of Heraklion, an immersive journey through Crete's past with expert insights as you roam among remarkable Minoan artifacts, including the Phaistos Disc and the Snake Goddess statues. Next, visit the Pastry Museum for a hands-on pastry lesson that sweetens your day. Learn local pastry-making traditions and craft delicious treats under the guidance of expert bakers. It's a relaxed, enjoyable exploration of Crete's culinary heritage.

By preserving and developing old family recipes, we offer you a unique opportunity to taste the authentic taste and quality of Cretan food, now in the heart of Heraklion. We only use locally selected high quality raw materials from the best producers and breeders of Crete. This meal will be your fond farewell to Crete until you return again. (B,D)

Each morning, relax and enjoy a Cretan style breakfast filled with delicious and nutritious local products that will get you ready for day’s activities. Daily fresh ingredients include homemade breads, breakfast cakes, and yogurt with honey, local handmade cheese, toast, eggs, coffee, tea and juice.

After breakfast, say good-bye to the lovely Crete Island. Transportation is arranged from the hotel to Heraklion International Airport. Kalo taxidi! (B)