Gastronomy and Sceneries of Crete

Day 1: Arrival in Heraklion

We will meet you at the airport to give you the latest details of your trip before delivering your rental car. You are accompanied to your hotel to drop off your luggage and start your journey into the Cretan history and culture with a visit to the Heraklion Archaeological Museum followed by a stroll through the extraordinary Minoan Palace of Knossos. South of Heraklion is the beautiful village of Archanes. You will walk around this beautiful village to a small “kafeneio” before going to your hotel.

🏚️ Hotel Option: Villa Archanes or similar.

Day 2: Olive oil Tasting in Agios Nikolaos

You can start your day with a visit to the famous island of Spinalonga. The Construction of the Spinalonga Fort began in 1574 when the Turks invaded Cyprus. The Venetians predicted that the Turks would begin to expand to the west of the Mediterranean and decided to build a fort on the island, thereby protecting the entire lagoon of Elounda. After Spinalonga, do not miss the chance to visit a Cretan farm to discover the tradition of agriculture in Crete and taste its famous olive oil. Then, the direction is Agios Nikolaos for a coffee by the sea. The picturesque lake Voulismeni, a small lagoon located in the center of the city, is the trademark of Saint-Nicolas and serves small ports where fishing boats stop. Optional: visit the Boutaris vineyard, near Archanes, on your way back.

🏚️ Hotel Option: Villa Archanes or similar.

Day 3: Gastronomy tour in Rethymno

You start off from Archanes village in Heraklion, to reach your hotel in Rethymno. Rethymno is the third-largest city in Crete. After leaving your luggage and checking in the hotel, you will participate in a walking tour around the old town of Rethymno, with stops to taste and learn its long and interesting history. Enjoy a traditional Greek coffee, have some “loukoumades” and visit an old workshop of “phyllo” pastry, made by hand. End this day with an included light meal in a local taverna, the Cretan way!

🏚️ Hotel Option: Pepi Boutique or similar.

Day 4: Cretan Cooking Class

Begin your tour by a refreshing short walk, where you will explore the ancient city of Onithe. You’ll have the chance to see an old small orthodox church, a natural spring with clear running water, and the mountains of Onithe. In this newly rediscovered impressive historical site, amidst the beautiful Cretan countryside, ruins spanning 1000 years of history can be admired. We will return to the square of the village, to find our tavern; then, we will get in a chef’s kitchen, in order to learn all of his secrets! During your cooking class, you will learn from the expertise, Mr. Kostas, and his team. Of course, all the ingredients that you will use are organic. At the end of the class, you will taste your creations in a genuine Cretan lunch. Raki and house wine are always in order!

🏚️ Hotel Option: Pepi Boutique or similar.

Day 5: Wine and Olive oil Tasting

Today, you will visit the Kanakis olive oil factory to discover its manufacturing secrets and taste the extra virgin oil that Crete produces. Then, you will go to one of the best vineyards in the region, the Dourakis estate, where you will enjoy a guided tour, the opportunity for you to get to know the particular characteristics of Cretan wine better. The guided tour is followed by a tasting, accompanied by briquettes and olives. Finally, you will head to the village of Vryses for a light Cretan lunch.

🏚️ Hotel Option: Elia Kalamaki or similar.

Day 6: Heavenly beaches on Crete

In the far north-west of the Gramvoussa peninsula lays one of the most beautiful sites in Crete: Balos. It is indeed here that a shallow closed lagoon is separated from the sea by a cordon of sand. The whiteness of the sand and the depth of the sea give this environment amazing colors. A site to be absolutely preserved! In the afternoon you can also visit the beautiful site of Falassarna, with its exceptional beach, crystal clear waters, and an archaeological site nearby. The exotic Falasarna Beach is located 59 km west of the city of Chania. At the northern end of the beach are the ruins of the ancient Greek city of Falasarna. Falasarna bay is one of the most famous beaches in Greece. Its sand is whitish, which makes the water tropical. The region around the site is magnificent and constitutes a protected nature reserve.

🏚️ Hotel Option: Elia Kalamaki or similar.

Day 7: Τhe Venetian City of Chania

Start off by car to explore the city of Chania and visit the Tsagkarolon Monastery, where monks generate unique varieties of wine, olive, and honey. You can take the opportunity to go to Seitan Limania, a beautiful secret beach to swim and relax in the sun. Return to Chania to discover the many exceptional Byzantine, Venetian or Ottoman monuments. The city is full of them, as well as of the romantic spirit that makes it ideal for afternoon walks. The Nautical Museum, the Archaeological Museum, El Venizelos and the War Museum house are also not to be missed.

🏚️ Hotel Option: Elia Kalamaki or similar.

Day 8: End of your “tasty” journey!

Depending on your flight schedule, you will reach Heraklion Airport where you will take your return flight. If you have some time, you can visit the old town of Heraklion and its fortress, enjoy a coffee in one of its hidden “kafeneia” and relax before reaching the airport. Have a good flight and see you soon in Crete!