Crete's Culinary Sanctuaries Seminar, Celebrating Biodiversity

Crete's Culinary Sanctuaries

Seminars Celebrating the International Year of Biodiversity

Sample Program

CCS Seminar Celebrating the International Year of Biodiversity
Available Dates: May 2 - 8, 2011

A 6-day program designed for outdoor adventure lovers to explore Crete's cultural and natural treasures with
resident specialists. Fresh and local cuisine (organic whenever possible) is on the menu. This program is
limited to 12 attendees. Our tours, presentations and hikes are private --tailored for our small group.

Program Highlights :

History: Tour Minoan Palace of Knossos and other historic sites with resident historians
Music: Visit the Labyrinth Traditional Musical Instrument Museum and Central Mountains
Traditional Cuisine: Dinners and demos featuring regional specialties from cultivated and natural sources
Organic Wine: Visit a gorgeous organic vineyard for a tour and tasting with the vintners
Botany and Geology: Explore Crete's beautiful and wild countryside with resident specialists

Days 1 and 2: North-Central Crete
A taste of Minoan culture, unique geology, wild plants, organic food and wine

Our program begins in a village inhabited since the Minoan era (over 4,000 years) and renowned for olive oil
and wine production. Resident ecologists-mountaineers will guide us on a journey of discovery of Crete's
culture and nature. Crete is home to over 2,000 plants, 10% of which are endemic to the island. April is the
perfect month to enjoy a vast array of wildflowers in bloom in the countryside. Superb organic wine and cuisine
featuring the bounties of the season are on the menu.

Days 3 and 4: Central Mountains
Geology, botany, traditional music, shepherds' country, artisan cheese

We'll travel deep into Crete's central mountains to explore the fascinating Sfendoni cave. A mountaineer will
guide us on a botanical hike, visiting historic sites along the way. We'll explore the historic village of Anogia,
known for many things, including a history of freedom fighters, renowned musicians, unique textiles,
shepherding, excellent lamb, goat and artisan cheese. Our base is in a peaceful lodge where we will meet
residents to discuss the importance of biodiversity, traditional-sustainable agriculture practices and the quality
of the results, including the fresh and local cuisine we enjoy. Cooking demos and artisan cheese tastings are
on the menu.

Days 5 and 6: Southern Coast
Botanical hike in the gorge, explore the magical southern coast

We'll hike one of Crete's most beautiful gorges that spills into the southern coast. There is an amazing array of
flora and geological formations to discover. From this base, we can relax under the brilliant star-filled skies
and explore the coast at our leisure.

Day 7: Check out by noon; enjoy breakfast before independent adventures.

Program Costs: From 1,420 Euros (double occupancy) 1,490 single occupancy. Includes 6 nights' lodging,
all breakfasts and scheduled lunches and dinners, activities and ground transportation, expert guide fees,
historic site entrance fees. Program limited to 12 participants. Advance reservations and a 250 Euro deposit is
required to save your space. Contact us for more information or to reserve today.

Note: Level of hiking is low to medium impact, depending on the day. All attendees must enjoy walking an
average of 3-4 hours a day in sometimes rocky, or steep terrain. Schedule subject to change due to attendee
interests, weather and other unforeseen conditions.

Contact: info[at]cookingincrete.com
Skype: nikki.rose202