Crete's Culinary Sanctuaries

A Window into Crete’s Culture, Food and Wine

seminars between November and March
email us:  info[at]cookingincrete.com
Copyright © Nikki Rose. All rights reserved
3 exciting days exploring the Heraklion region. Enjoy private guided tours
of ancient sites, historic villages, an organic winery and unique olive oil
factory. Savor wonderful fresh and local cuisine along the way. This program
is limited to 30 attendees, providing a unique opportunity to discover Crete's
heritage in the company of resident specialists.

Day 1, Heraklion:  Walking Tour, Introduction to Crete's Cultural-Culinary Heritage
[9am - 3pm or 3-9pm depending on time of arrival]

We'll explore historic sites in the old quarter of Heraklion with a resident historian.
Discover layers of history, architecture and agriculture through the ages. Enjoy a selection
of fresh and local culinary specialties at a fantastic traditional taverna.  

Day 2, Heraklion Area:  8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Minoan Period Archaeological Sites, Organic Agriculture, Traditional Cuisine and Wine

Our journey begins at the Minoan Palace of Knossos for a private tour with a resident
historian. We'll travel further into the central foothills to the Labyrinth Musical Workshop
and Museum to view the collection of over 250 rare instruments from around the world.
We'll visit a superb organic winery for a private tour and wine tasting with the vintners.
Explore an ancient (Minoan period) villa and winery along the way. Enjoy lunch at an
excellent traditional taverna in the village, featuring the bounties of the season.  

Day 3, Heraklion Area:  8:30 am - 7:00 pm
Historic Villages and Traditional Trades, Olive Oil, 4,000 Years of Wine Making

We'll join our guides on a journey of discovery of Crete's heritage; agricultural production
through the ages that shaped the island's distinctive cuisine. Tour a unique olive grove
and olive oil factory with the farmers-producers and taste a selection of excellent liquid
gold. Explore a gorgeous village known for wine making since the Minoan period. Walk
along the lovely narrow streets and visit historic sites and artisan shops. Meet fantastic
professional chefs for a cooking demo and lunch featuring delectable fresh, organic
dishes paired with organic wine. Our journey concludes at a Venetian-era olive oil
factory-museum for a tour and a sip of Crete's infamous welcome beverage -- tsikoudia.

Seminar Fees include expert guide fees, site entrance fees, chef -instructor and farmer
presentation fees, food and wine tastings and lunch each day. Menus are prearranged,
family style, featuring an array of traditional Cretan dishes to sample as part of the
seminar, and local wine (2 glasses per person) or another local beverage of your choice.
Vegetarian options are plentiful. Fees also include a welcome package with local culinary
specialties, recipes and relevant information/maps on locations during this seminar.

Fees do not include: Accommodation, transportation, or food or drinks not listed above.
There are many hotels in the city of Heraklion to choose from. We recommend you stay
within walking distance of the daily meeting point (the archaeological museum of
Heraklion). See our links section for hotel listings and general travel advice.  

This Program is subject to change based on attendee interests, seasons, weather and
other unforeseen conditions. There may be a possibility to see tsikoudia making and the
olive harvest, depending on the seasonal-regional activities along our scheduled route.