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Greece, Crete – Cretan Cooking Week

From $2289pp

  • duration-trip
    Duration
    8 Days
  • trip-travelstyle
    Travel Style
    iconCooking Classes iconCulinary iconFood & Wine iconSmall Group iconVilla Stay
  • Product Code
    GRHERAFFW

summary-image

Crete is known for a lot of wonderful things, but it is primarily has the reputation as a world-class leader of hospitality and products such as honey, olive oil and herbs. This fertile land of Crete has lent itself to this week long dream itinerary based around the nutritious and delicious Cretan cuisine.
If you want to feel your stress melt away, this is for you.The most perfect warm and inviting host will make you feel right at home, the second you arrive. Her smile and laughter is infectious, her hospitality is genuine and you feel as though you are staying with friends.

Crete is the southeast point of Europe at the crossroad of three continents and five seas. It is the meeting point of different populations, by ancient and disparate cultures of centuries. It is a Greek place, with a unique blend of elements from the creative assimilation of various cultural forms in a natural frame of astonishing beauty.

When we refer to the Cretan diet we should take into consideration that the diet in question was applied under specific social conditions and constituted an inextricable part of a general lifestyle. Apart from the specific choice of food, there were probably numerous other factors that contributed to the beneficial effects of this diet on human health.

Arrival & Welcome

You will be welcomed upon arrival at Chania international airport or the local seaport and transferred to your accommodation in the heartland of Crete in Vamos, near Georgioupolis. Enjoy welcome drinks followed with some free time to settle in to your home for the next week.

Tonight’s dinner will feature contemporary Cretan cuisine and will be served by your hosts at a Vamos tavern.

Overnight Crete

Meals D

Free Morning & Cooking Class

After breakfast during your free morning, you will have an opportunity to take a stroll around the charming village of Vamos or even take a bus or taxi to Georgioupolis. Lunch on your own.

Enjoy the afternoon with Chef Koula in the Cretan countryside; a glass of wine in your hand, cooking at ease in our kitchen, and then your chance to devour the delicious foods you have just created!

The lesson will take place at a character-filled old olive mill.

Overnight Crete

Meals B, D(Cooking Class)

Visiting Local Producers

After breakfast this morning will be an excursion to visit local producers. Specifically we will observe and taste the production of olive oil, honey, cheese, bread, and jam. You will also meet the last person on Crete to make sheep and goat bells. How novelle!!

Following lunch, visit a young couple who collect Cretan herbs, which can be very beneficial for our health. Learn about their obsession and how it can benefit you.

The afternoon is free for personal activities (suggestions: you can go and relax to the beach in Kalives or trip to the beautiful town of Rethymno).

Return to the accommodation for your evening meal.

Overnight Crete

Meals B, T(Oil, Honey, Cheese, Bread & Jam) L, D

Olive Oil, Wine Tasting & Cooking

Enjoy breakfast and then after a leisurely start today, we head to the local olive oil press.


Here the specialist will demonstrate and explain the intricate process of producing the island’s oil. A tasting of pure local oil follows.

We continue on to a winery where you will be introduced to the passion for Cretan wine via a winery tour and tasting. The tasting will be served with some traditional meze, while the hosts stay on hand to answer questions.

In the afternoon, another delicious moment will start with your second Cretan cooking class. Dinner this evening will be the dishes you prepared with your chef.

Overnight Crete

Meals B, T(Oil), L, D(Cooking Class)

Chiana Food Tour

After breakfast this morning, you’ll be transferred to the famous town of Chania for an amazing food tour.

Walk through some of the most picturesque parts of Chania while stopping to taste authentic traditional foods at shops along the way! Enjoy a unique blend of local food culture, tradition and history as you explore Chania with all your senses!

Following your tour is some free time in the town where you can do a little quality shopping or have lunch in a great tavern or a character-filled narrow street.

Return to your accommodation at your leisure for dinner this evening.

Overnight Crete

Meals B, T(Food Tour), D

Free Day

Enjoy breakfast at your leisure and then today is entirely yours to spend as you wish.

There is an optional guided walking tour available in the morning. It is a walk through nearby hills where history and nature combine.

Alternatively upon your request there are many other options. For example, and excursion to the Lybian Sea in the south of Crete, to Samaria Gorges or even Knossos Palace in Heraklion.

Return in your own time and dinner will be made available on your arrival.

Overnight Crete

Meals B, D

Cretan Cooking

After breakfast, take the morning to enjoy your choice of activity, or just take the time to relax.

In the afternoon, the moment has arrived for your last Cretan cooking class. The class will once again be held in the old mill, and your host chef will guide you through an afternoon of home made and hearty regional cooking.

Once complete, you’ll all be seated to enjoy your kitchen creation and the final night at the mill.

Overnight Crete

B, D(Cooking Class)

Departure Day

Enjoy your final breakfast and say your farewells.

Transfer to the airport or port of Chania for your onward journey.

Included
Inclusions
  • Arrival and departure transfer from/to Chania Airport or Port by mini bus or taxi

  • Transfers throughout for excursions

  • Seven nights premium quality Cretan Cottage

  • Breakfast daily made solely of local ingredients

  • Seven dinners, hosted at the Cottage

  • Three Greek Cooking lessons taught by one of the most awarded chefs of Crete at an old olive oil mill

  • Meals (with wine) after the cooking classes (eating what you made with your chef)

  • Wine tour & tasting

  • Olive oil tour & tasting

  • Cheese making tour & tasting

  • Bread making tour & tasting

  • Chania food tour

departure
Departure Date

This package departs all year round every Monday

Please note that prices are indicative only, subject to availability for your travel dates and the exchange rate.
money
Prices
$2289 per person

based on twin/double

$455 single supplement

Minimum Numbers

The package is based on a minimum number of 2 adults

Please note that prices are indicative only, subject to availability for your travel dates and the exchange rate.
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