Cretan Wine & Cretan Diet
’’ Crete ‘’
1st Day -Overnights at Heraklion
Arrival in Heraklion Town & Transfer to the hotel
2nd Day-Overnight at Heraklion
A visit at the Minoan Palace at Knossos, symbol of the Minoan civilization, which is widely acknowledged as one of the founding cornerstones of European civilisation, is an absolute must.
The age-old practice of viniculture is still an integral part of Cretan life: we cordially invite you to continue your journey through fertile vineyards to the traditional village of Skalani.
Think of a spectacular multimedia show where Cretan history comes to life; A stately wine cellar with superb wines maturing in oak barrels; A guest hall where wines are enjoyed next to delicious plates of the local, yet renowned Mediterranean cuisine. And then, imagine all these inside a magnificent estate vineyard called Fantaxometocho. This is the Boutari Winery in Crete, worthy of the island's history and a landmark for the vinicultural future of Greece.The Fantaxometoho Estate lies just outside the village of Skalani, on the road towards the village of Myrtia, birthplace of the famous Cretan author Nikos Kazantzakis. It is situated within the Arhanes vine-growing region, a district producing “Appellation d’ origine de Qualité Supérieure” wines.
3rd Day -Overnight at Heraklion
In Heraklion you may wander around the city to see the Venetian buildings and castle, the impressive Cathedral, the fountains, the open street market.
In 1204, the city was bought by the Republic of Venice. The Venetians improved on the ditch of the city by building enormous fortifications, most of which are still in place, including a giant wall, in places up to 40 m thick, with 7 bastions, and a fortress in the harbor.
Arolithos is the unique traditional private Cretan village. As a family- run business it was implemented with great passion and love for Cretan tradition. Its goal is to bring Cretan tradition, the customs and habits of the region, the architecture and the values of Cretan people into relief to visitors and future generations.
The idea is that the guests will participate into a preparation of all the dishes they need for their light lunch . At the end they will enjoy whatever they made themselves and they will receive the respective recipes. In between the teams there will be a fair competition to keep the interest nonstop.
The whole process will also include a presentation in power point and watch a video about the olive oil and its production comparing the past and the present.
The guests will see a small exhibition of olive oil products and they will taste olives and virgin olive oil, cheese and rusks. Raki will also be offered.
4th Day -Overnight at Chania
We depart from Heraklion after 3 nights stay and we drive northwest to Chania Town.Tour begins with a 55 minute drive to the village of Georgioupolis where you will visit the Braoudakis Winery to sample local wine. Antonis Braoudakis is the founder of a family operation that includes the construction of traditional houses for guests, a two-storey folklore museum that hosts traditional and historical exhibits, a Cottage Industry and two stores that sell home-grown and family-made products. All these were built with the support and care of the other family members, inspired by the grandfather Yiorgos Braoudakis, who passed on through his sons the family secrets of tsikoudia, wine and oil production. The Braoudakis family operation aims at offering a warm Cretan hospitality to all visitors by making them accustomed to the Cretan countryside, its history and surrounding nature.
5th Day-Overnight at Chania
Today our tour starts with a visit to Venizelos Tombs in Akrotiri. Akrotiri is a rocky promontory on the northern side of the island of Crete, in the Sea of Crete. It is roughly circular in shape, connected to the rest of the island by a wide causeway between Chania and the town of Souda.
The tombs of Eleftherios Venizelos and his son Sophoklis are found On Akrotiri, at a site overlooking Chania. At this site, the Greek flag was raised in defiance of the Turks and the Great Powers, with the peninsula acting as a headquarters of the Cretan Revolution.
During our visit to Akrotiri we stop for a photo shoot overlooking the beautifull peninsula of Souda Bay.
Our tour ends with a city tour to the picturesque city of Chania. Chania is the second largest city of Crete The city of Chania can be divided in two parts: the old town and the modern city which is the larger one. The old town is situated next to the old harbour and is the matrix around which the whole urban area was developed.
6th Day-Overnight Departure day
Our Tour in Crete reached at the End
We prepare ourselves for the departure transfer to Chania Airport
The above rates include :
All legal taxes
Private Tours as per schedule
Private car or Mini Van or Mini Bus
Fuel
€16 pp (entrance fees for Knossos Palace )
Winery entrance fees
Cooking lessons fees
Official licensed guide on the tour to Knossos & Boutari winery, the rest of tours by official escort
Road assistance
Private Transfers (arrival & departure)
