Crete's Culinary Sanctuaries Culture & Cuisine 5-Day Cultural-Culinary Seminar For Small Groups of 8 people Heraklion Area and Northwest Countryside |
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www.cookingincrete.com
Copyright © 2005 Nikki Rose. All rights reserved.
Copyright © 2005 Nikki Rose. All rights reserved.
This small group seminar provides an extraordinary opportunity to discover a taste of Crete in
the company of local historians, superb chefs, organic farmers and vintners. You’ll explore
regions steeped in history, where olive oil and wine has been produced for over 4,000 years.
You’ll meet different local guides/instructors at each location that specialize in topics
presented.
Highlights:
 | Full days of exciting cultural immersion experiences: Private, guided tours to Knossos, an excellent | |
| boutique organic winery, an organic olive oil factory, a traditional bakery, a private cooking demonstration and class, and fresh and local cuisine in tavernas along the way | ||
| 4 nights’ accommodation in a 3-star boutique hotel (2 nights) and unique rural lodging (2 nights) |
Day 1: Arrival Day in Heraklion
Arrive at your hotel in Heraklion anytime after 2:00 PM, check in and relax. Your guide will meet you in the
Day 2: Heraklion Area: Discovering Crete’s Past, Organic Wine Production and Traditional Cuisine
Your CCS driver will pick you up at the hotel for a fantastic series of activities. The program begins at the
Minoan Palace of Knossos for a private tour with a local historian. Then, you’ll travel deeper into the central
region to a superb organic winery for a private tour and wine tasting with the vintners. You’ll have lunch at an
excellent taverna nearby, where the staff has designed a special menu for you, featuring the bounties of the
season. Your driver will take you back to your hotel by about 4:00 PM. Your evening is free to relax for a brief
moment in time. We will provide recommendations for tavernas nearby.
Day 3: Northwest: Organic Olive Oil, Traditional Cuisine, Rural Life
You’ll leave the city behind and venture west to meet a wonderful group of traditional chefs and artisan
producers of bread and organic olive oil. You’ll stay in a small village with a stunning view of the white
mountains. Your private accommodation is in restored traditional homes, most of which have private
balconies and fireplaces. First, you’ll head deep into olive country to visit an innovative sustainable organic
olive farmer and olive oil producer to learn about olive varieties and production methods during a tour and
tasting. By mid-afternoon, you’ll arrive in the village and rest for a little while like the locals do or explore
gorgeous region on your own. Your guide will meet you in the evening for a walking tour, followed by dinner at
an outstanding traditional taverna.
Day 4: Northwest: Bakery Visit, Cooking Class, Seasonal Surprises
In the morning, your guide will take you to a bakery to discover the types of breads, cereals and techniques
used in traditional baking. Next, is your private cooking class, featuring the key components of local,
seasonal cuisine. The fruits of your labor will be enjoyed during lunch. Note that Cretan dining is an
unhurried social gathering which typically lasts at least 2 hours, especially if the topic of discussion is food.
The late afternoon is free to rest. In the evening, join your guide for a farewell dinner.
Day 5: Travel Day: Return to Heraklion
Enjoy breakfast before our shuttle takes you to Heraklion at 10:00 AM (the trip takes about 2 hours). The
shuttle will stop at the city-center and the airport where you can make arrangements for independent travel.
Note: The Program begins on Day 1 in the evening and concludes on Day 4 in the evening.
Seminar Fees begin at:
920 Euros double room (private room, private baths double or twin bed)
990 Euros, single room (private room, private bath, single bed)
Seminar Fee Includes:
| 4 nights’ accommodation (3 star boutique hotel 2 nights, unique rural lodging 2 nights) | |
| 4 continental breakfasts, featuring local breads, cheese, yogurt, honey and fresh fruit | |
| 3 lunches and dinners, as well as tastings during scheduled demos and presentations | |
| All menus are prearranged, traditional family-style to introduce attendees to a variety of excellent | |
| seasonal specialties from the region | ||
| Local wine in moderation during scheduled dinners (2 glasses per person, if desired). | |
| Local beverages during meals: coffee, herb teas, spring water | |
| All local guide and chef-instructor fees, entrance fees to historic sites | |
| All scheduled transportation with a professional driver in a private mini bus |
Seminar fee does not include:
 | Transportation to your hotel Day 1 (if you are arriving at the Heraklion airport on this day, taxi service to | |
| your hotel is readily available for approximately 30 Euros) | ||
| A full-time escort: Due to the nature of this program and distances between locations, you will meet | |
| different specialists based in different regions that are unable to accompany you in transport or during every meal. Your professional driver will take you to/from the locations listed on this itinerary as noted above, where guides based in each location will be waiting for you. | ||
| Any meals or beverages not listed on the schedule | |
| Any travel arrangements outside of the program schedule (whether international or domestic). |
Programs are limited to 8 people only and reserved on a first come, first served basis. A nonrefundable
date. Contact us to confirm space is still available.
This itinerary is subject to change depending attendee interests, weather and other unforeseen conditions.
All registrants must read our TRAVEL NOTES here. If you have any questions, just ask.