Last year, I led a group of people on a gastronomic tour of Santorini and Crete. We toured wineries, met local artisans, dined in the best restaurants and brought back vivid memories of the Greece.
The tour went very well and other than some fine-tuning, we’re delighted to be organizing this tour twice this year! Together with Places and Flavors, we’re offering a Santorini and Crete Tour in April and once again in September.
Santorini – Chania in 9 days
Welcome to Santorini, the southernmost volcanic border of the Cycladic complex and the “daughter of an enormous wrath” of the poets. A place that combines the windswept scenery with the warm hospitality; the world class wines with the folk tavernas and the unique and rich culinary tradition with the cosmopolitan spirit. Settle in at your hotel, and enjoy a gourmet dinner at one of the best restaurants in Fira, with an amazing view to Caldera!
DAY 2 Santorini – Day tour at Pyrgos & Oia
Start your day visiting some of the local wineries and then move on to visit the most celebrated restaurant on the island. At the establishment’s folklore museum you will follow a lecture about the traditional way of cultivation and production of all the local products of Santorini and then you will practice your cooking skills and will have a delicious meal created by yourselves and an expert chef! Have a walk to Pyrgos village and then move on to Oia, to walk around the little streets and watch the renowned sunset at Imerovigli!
In the evening taste the inspirational creations of a well-known chef, in an elegant and modern environment.
DAY 3 Santorini – Day tour at Akrotiri – Vlychada -Fira
The day starts with a guided tour to the prehistoric city of Akrotiri, to admire the high level of technology, architecture, fine arts creations and gastronomy of this great Cycladic civilization. Spend some time swimming and sunbathing on the black volcanic sand of Vlychada beach. Walk to the most special fish restaurant on the island, for a presentation of the local seafood and fish cuisine and for enjoying a rich lunch. In the afternoon, have a unique experience at a privately renovated Venetian castle, hosting a wind-operating musical instruments workshop that will take your breath away with the lyrical sounds of the instruments. Come back to the beautiful Fira, wander around the little alleys and celebrate your last evening in Santorini having dinner in a beautifully decorated ouzeri.
Day 4 – A Day of Santorini Wines
We begin the day with a visit to the Santorini Wine Musuem, followed by a visit to an art gallery all the while sampling some local wines. After, we head to Kamari to have a lunch hosted by one of Greece’s internationally renowned Chefs. We’ll drink more wine, sample Santorini specialties the sea. Afterwards we can take a stroll on Kamari’s beachside promenade then head back to the hotel for a rest.
In the evening, we’ll visit one of Greece’s best restaurants, where we will learn about local Santorini cheeses and produce, take in a cooking class and dine as the sunsets over the Aegean.
DAY 5 Free day in Santorini + Travel to Chania – Arrive and get settledSpend the day to do some sightseeing, buy those unique food items from Santorini then take in a lunch at a popular restaurant that combines Santorini and Cretan cuisine.
Take the ferry to Herakleion and enjoy a drive from Crete’s capital to the magnificent city of Chania. Arrive and check-in at your hotel where, time permitting, you can head into the city for a light dinner at one of the traditional tavernas in the Old Port.
DAY 6 Chania – City walk
Guided tour to the farmers’ open-air market and introduction to the great variety of local products. After a walk through the old town, along the Venetian port, we reach the municipal cross-shaped Market Hall, a live showcase of all the fresh local aromas & flavors. Taste a variety of traditional casseroles and then visit the town’s oldest wood-fired bakery.
In a short drive we reach Akrotiri, where you will take part in a cooking class, do some wine tasting and enjoy a unique meal at an exquisite restaurant with wonderful panoramic views of Souda bay. While lunch is being prepared, get an extra taste of art by testing your skills in food photography. Our professional photographer will share secret tips, tricks & techniques that will help you take the most outstanding shots of your favorite Cretan dishes! A special evening with cocktail-making tips and relaxation are to follow by the hotel pool!
Day 7 – Discovering Sfakia Region
Start your day going south. First stop is at mountainous Askifou where you have a stop at a traditional Kafenio. Proceed southwards and reach sea level at Iligas beach. Have a relaxing break, gazing the Libyan Sea and swim in the clear waters of Iligas beach where you can see the bottom of the sea without your goggles. Continue in another beautiful mountainous area, Aradena Bridge. A landscape that is famous for its breathtaking view from the bridge. Calm yourself breathing the fresh air and admire the view along with a shot of tsikoudia or a cup of mountain herbal tea. Have your last stop at Anopolis and Aghia Aikaterini. The panoramic view of the Libyan Sea from that point will be something you will never forget. The only thing you can do is to admire the horizon forgetting everything for a moment. Return to Chania with the absolute feeling of relaxation and calmness that comes from inside
Day 8. Chania
Start your day uniquely visiting the facilities of an Olive Mill and a Winery. There you will have a guided tour whilst tasting authentic wines along with traditional local delicacies. Later on you proceed in a local honey bee garden. Enjoy a presentation of the beehive and the special handling of the bees! Of course, you will taste thyme honey and pollen. Have a brunch which includes local herb tea with honey, sesame bars.
We will enjoy some time to relax and end the day with a traditional Cretan dinner made of pure traditional products and recipes based on the Cretan nutrition, fresh seasonal salads and local wine.
Day 9 – Departure
Have your last nutritious and organic breakfast before you leave. If time permits it you may take a short guided tour of the town and expand your knowledge regarding Cretan lifestyle
We are pleased to offer you the following:
Santorini – Chania in 9 days
September 19-27, 2015
Total number of nights 8
Group size 6 – 10 adults
Rate per person in Double Standard Room
(or Single Room) 2.450 € (2.950 €)
Included:
• Accommodation in Aressana 5* Hotel, Fira and Casa Delfino, Chania (or similar)
• Transfer from Santorini to Chania
• Airport pick up & drop off (Santorini & Chania)
• Private group transfers
• 6 full day guided tours in to traditional villages, historic sites and major natural attractions
• Cooking courses and demonstrations by skilled chefs
4 culinary lessons
• 8 breakfasts
• 6 lunches, 6 dinners
• All entrance fees for scheduled activities / visits
• English speaking guide
• Travel insurance
Excluded:
• International & domestic flights, unless otherwise mentioned
• Visas
• Meals & Drinks, where not listed as included in the itinerary
• Optional additional tours or activities during free time
• Tips and items of a personal nature
Please note:
– Above rates are per person and include all taxes.
– Should be included taxes change, rates will be adjusted accordingly.
– This trip is not recommended for children.
Deadline for April trip – Feb.28, 2015
Deadline for Sept. trip – May 30, 2015
Please note:– Above rates are per person and include all taxes.– Should included taxes change, rates will be adjusted accordingly.– This trip is not recommended for children. Enquiries and payment made be arranged by emailing—->reservations[at]placesandflavors.com OR
eleftheriadise AT placesandflavors.com
We hope to be joining you in September!!!
This looks like so much fun!