Crete's Culinary Sanctuaries: Culture, Music, Nature and Cuisine

Crete's Culinary Sanctuaries

A Window into Crete’s Culture, Food and Wine

3 exciting, action-packed days: Enjoy private guided tours of ancient sites, historic villages, a
natural park, organic winery and organic garden. Savor wonderful fresh and local cuisine along
the way. This program is limited to 12 attendees, providing a very unique opportunity to discover
Crete's heritage in the company of resident specialists.

Day 1, Heraklion Area: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Minoan culture, 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. Enjoy lunch at an excellent taverna in the small village,
featuring the bounties of the season.

Day 2, Central Mountains: 8:00 am - 6:00 pm
Caving, Botany, Shepherd's Country, Artisan Cheese and Regional Cuisine

We'll travel deep into Crete's central mountains to explore the fascinating Sfendoni cave. A resident
mountaineer will guide us on an easy botanical hike, visiting historic sites and rural communities
along the way. We'll explore the historic village of Anogia, known for many things, including a history of
freedom fighters, renowned musicians, unique and whimsical textiles, shepherding, excellent lamb,
goat and artisan cheese. We'll sample glorious local cheeses and other seasonal specialities during
lunch at a traditional taverna.

Day 3, Heraklion Area: 9:00 am - 5:00 pm
Historic Villages and Traditional Trades, Organic Olive Oil, 4,000 Years of Wine Making

We'll join our guide on a journey of discovery of Crete's heritage. Overview of agricultural production
through the ages, cuisine and lifestyle. We'll visit an organic farm (seasonal options) and taste a
selection of local produce, olives and olive oil. Then we'll explore a gorgeous village known for wine
making since the Minoan era (over 4,000 years). Walk along the lovely narrow streets and visit historic
sites and artisan shops. At a beautiful taverna, enjoy a professional chef's cooking demo (hands-on
class is optional) and lunch featuring delectable fresh and local dishes.

This distinctive and popular program is limited to 12 attendees (minimum of 8 attendees).

Seminar Fees: 820 Euros per person: Includes expert guide fees, historic site entrance fees,
transportation to/from Heraklion to above-listed sites, food and wine tastings and lunch each day.
Menus are preplanned, family style, featuring an array of traditional Cretan dishes to sample as part of
the seminar, and local wine (2 glasses per person maximum) or another local beverage of your choice.

Fees do not include: Accommodation, travel to Crete, or any food or drinks not listed above. We
recommend that you arrive in Crete at least one day before the seminar begins on Day 1 at the
designated meeting point and stay overnight at the accommodation of your choice on Day 3.

There are many hotels in Heraklion to choose from in every budget range. 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.