Crete, the largest of the Greek islands and the fifth biggest island in the Mediterranean lies 318 kilometers south of Athens’ port, Piraeus. Rimmed by more than 1,000 kilometers of coastline, it combines dramatic mountains with deep rocky gorges and blissful golden sand beaches. The most southerly outpost of Europe, its south coast extends to the Libyan Sea, looking to Africa, while cultural influences from Asia Minor can also be felt from the period spent under Turkish rule. Thanks to its fertile soils and warm, sunny climate, the local economy is based on agriculture, with tourism coming in a strong second. Crete’s ancient archaeological sites, centuries-old harbor towns, and beaches attract visitors from all over the world.
1. Samaria Gorge
Contained within the Samaria National Park, this impressive 18-kilometer gorge is on the UNESCO World Heritage Site’s tentative list. From Xylóskalo, just outside the mountain village of Omalos, the gorge descends 1,250 meters to arrive at the Libyan Sea in Agia Roumeli on Crete’s sunny south coast. The river Tarraios, which dries up in summer but floods in winter, runs the length of the gorge with high rocky cliffs to each side. The stony path is quite challenging and not recommended for people with knee problems, but it’s a must-do for athletic visitors to Crete. On the busiest days, up to 3,000 people hike through the gorge. The walk can take four to six hours depending on how fit you are. It is open to visitors from May through mid-October. (more…)
We all know ouzo. The famous Greek drink that turns white when mixed with a little water or poured over ice. Traditionally, ouzo is both a welcoming drink and after-dinner digestive. But ouzo is not the only aperitif offered in Greece. Tsipouro! Or, tsikoudia – or raki – (on Crete!) is also associated with hospitality and good company.
All these alcoholic beverages look alike and complement a delicious array of appetizers. But they are not the same. They differ in raw materials and the way they are made. They are also different in taste and flavor. Ouzo is a mixture of alcohol, water, and various aromatic herbs, always including anise. In contrast to tsipouro, ouzo usually contains a small percentage of grape distillation. The final product is 40 to 50 ABV.
Tsipouro or tsikoudia is about the same, prepared – by distillation – and from the same raw material. Stemfyla (grape marc) are pieces of grapes, stems, and seeds that are left after pressing the grapes for the new wine. Also called strafyla or tsipoura, and on Crete, tsikouda. Tsipouro, however, contains anise, while raki does not. (more…)
Greek cooking offers an incredibly rich and diverse array of foods and beverages that are the culmination of literally thousands of years of living, cooking, and eating. While each Greek meal is fresh and inviting, it is also a trip back through Greece’s history.
Greek Cooking Ingredients
The names of foods, cooking methods, and basic ingredients have changed little over time. Bread, olives (and olive oil), and wine constituted the triptych of the Greek diet for many centuries, just as they do today.
Greece is a nation of small farmers who produce an incredible array of mainly organically produced cheeses, oils, fruits, nuts, grains, legumes, and vegetables, supplemented by an array of greens and herbs that grow in the wild. These are the foods that form the base of the traditional Greek regimen, to which they add both variety and nutrition. Greece’s climate is perfect growing for olive and lemon trees, producing two of the most important elements of Greek cooking. Spices, garlic, and other herbs such as oregano, basil, mint, and thyme are widely used, as are vegetables such as eggplant and zucchini, and legumes of all types. (more…)
The Shepherd for a Day tour It is a very authentic, unique experience who understand the culture of Crete!
Became Shepherd for a Day
Shepherd for a day and immerse yourself in the rich culture of Crete with this authentic and unique experience! Your adventure begins with a convenient pick-up at the port, after which we embark on a scenic drive through the breathtaking landscapes of western Crete. As we journey toward the farm, you’ll have the opportunity to take in stunning views of rolling hills, olive groves, and the vibrant countryside. Upon our arrival at the farm, you’ll be warmly welcomed by the gracious family who runs it. They will share their stories and traditions, giving you a personal glimpse into rural Cretan and life.
You’ll have the chance to participate in the daily activities of a shepherd, a hands-on experience that includes: Feeding the Animals: Getting up close and personal with a variety of farm animals, and learning about their care and feeding routines.
Collecting Fresh Eggs: Experience the joy of gathering eggs from the henhouse, and learning how to identify which eggs are freshly laid.
Harvesting Organic Vegetables: Wander through the garden and pick seasonal vegetables that are completely organic.
Milking Goats: Under the guidance of the shepherd, you’ll have the chance to milk the goats. This offers insight into traditional farming practices while connecting with these gentle animals. The highlight of the day comes when the family prepares a delicious lunch using the fresh ingredients you’ve collected.
You’ll be led through the process of making kaltsounia, a traditional Cretan pastry. This involves rolling out the dough, creating a delightful filling, and then shaping the pastries. Once the kaltsounia are ready, you’ll gather around the table with the family to savor the meal—a truly communal experience.
The lunch features traditional dishes typically enjoyed by shepherds, such as chilopites served with fresh goat milk and homemade cheese. This meal is not only nourishing but also a taste of authentic Cretan cuisine that you won’t find in any tavern. This entire experience emphasizes respect for the environment, sustainable farming practices, and support for the local economy. It showcases how traditional methods of farming are preserved in modern times.
Olive Oil Tasting
After your delightful farm experience, we will drive to a modern olive oil factory. Upon arrival, experts will welcome us and provide a comprehensive overview of the olive oil production process.
You’ll learn about the meticulous techniques that go into creating high-quality oil, from tree to bottle. One of the first stops will be to see an ancient olive tree that has stood for hundreds of years, showcasing the history and heritage of olive cultivation in the region. Its gnarled branches tell a story of resilience and the importance of olives to Cretan culture.
Inside the facility, you will explore the innovative olive mill where the magic of oil production happens. Before delving into the production process, you can relax in a serene coffee corner, enjoying a traditional Greek coffee or refreshing juice.
As the experts guide you through the olive oil production process step by step, you will have the opportunity to savor a tasting of their exquisite virgin olive oil. Enjoy it in its purest form, free from any additives, allowing you to appreciate its rich flavors and aromas.
Throughout the tasting, the experts will share valuable insights on proper storage techniques, the best uses for olive oil in cooking, and the numerous health benefits associated with this golden liquid. By the end of your visit, you will have gained a deeper appreciation for the craftsmanship involved in olive oil production and its significance in Cretan culture. This day promises not only to be educational but also a celebration of the rich culinary traditions of Crete that you will carry with you long after the experience ends.
COOKING WITH A SHEPHERD
FEED THE ANIMALS
BEAUTYFUL GOATS
COLLECT VEGETABLES
MOMENTS
OLIVE OIL FACTORY
We provide
An English-speaking driver
Enjoy lunch chilopites with fresh goat milk and fresh cheese.
Olive Oil Tasting
We do not provide
Personal shopping
Tips
UNFORGETTABLE EXPERIENCES
N
Make kaltsounia a traditional dish of Crete
N
Feed the animals, collect the eggs, cut the vegetables which are all organic from the garden, and then milk the goats
N
Enjoy lunch "chilopites" with fresh goat milk and fresh cheese.
N
Taste authentic flavors from vegetables from organic garden
N
As the experts guide you through the olive oil production process step by step, you will have the opportunity to savor a tasting of their exquisite virgin olive oil
PRICES
Price per group size (private) 1-2 per: 460€ 3 per:610€ 4 per: 740€ 5 per:850€ 6 per: 960€
Shepherd for a day and immerse yourself in the rich culture of Crete with this authentic and unique experience! Your adventure begins with a convenient pick-up at the port, after which we embark on a scenic drive through the breathtaking landscapes of western Crete. As we journey toward the farm, you’ll have the opportunity to take in stunning views of rolling hills, olive groves, and the vibrant countryside. Upon our arrival at the farm, you’ll be warmly welcomed by the gracious family who runs it. They will share their stories and traditions, giving you a personal glimpse into rural Cretan and life.
You’ll have the chance to participate in the daily activities of a shepherd, a hands-on experience that includes: Feeding the Animals: Getting up close and personal with a variety of farm animals, and learning about their care and feeding routines.
Collecting Fresh Eggs: Experience the joy of gathering eggs from the henhouse, and learning how to identify which eggs are freshly laid.
Harvesting Organic Vegetables: Wander through the garden and pick seasonal vegetables that are completely organic.
Milking Goats: Under the guidance of the shepherd, you’ll have the chance to milk the goats. This offers insight into traditional farming practices while connecting with these gentle animals. The highlight of the day comes when the family prepares a delicious lunch using the fresh ingredients you’ve collected.
You’ll be led through the process of making kaltsounia, a traditional Cretan pastry. This involves rolling out the dough, creating a delightful filling, and then shaping the pastries. Once the kaltsounia are ready, you’ll gather around the table with the family to savor the meal—a truly communal experience.
The lunch features traditional dishes typically enjoyed by shepherds, such as chilopites served with fresh goat milk and homemade cheese. This meal is not only nourishing but also a taste of authentic Cretan cuisine that you won’t find in any tavern. This entire experience emphasizes respect for the environment, sustainable farming practices, and support for the local economy. It showcases how traditional methods of farming are preserved in modern times.
Olive Oil Tasting
After your delightful farm experience, we will drive to a modern olive oil factory. Upon arrival, experts will welcome us and provide a comprehensive overview of the olive oil production process.
You’ll learn about the meticulous techniques that go into creating high-quality oil, from tree to bottle. One of the first stops will be to see an ancient olive tree that has stood for hundreds of years, showcasing the history and heritage of olive cultivation in the region. Its gnarled branches tell a story of resilience and the importance of olives to Cretan culture.
Inside the facility, you will explore the innovative olive mill where the magic of oil production happens. Before delving into the production process, you can relax in a serene coffee corner, enjoying a traditional Greek coffee or refreshing juice.
As the experts guide you through the olive oil production process step by step, you will have the opportunity to savor a tasting of their exquisite virgin olive oil. Enjoy it in its purest form, free from any additives, allowing you to appreciate its rich flavors and aromas.
Throughout the tasting, the experts will share valuable insights on proper storage techniques, the best uses for olive oil in cooking, and the numerous health benefits associated with this golden liquid. By the end of your visit, you will have gained a deeper appreciation for the craftsmanship involved in olive oil production and its significance in Cretan culture. This day promises not only to be educational but also a celebration of the rich culinary traditions of Crete that you will carry with you long after the experience ends.
Shepherd for a day and immerse yourself in the rich culture of Crete with this authentic and unique experience! Your adventure begins with a convenient pick-up at the port, after which we embark on a scenic drive through the breathtaking landscapes of western Crete. As we journey toward the farm, you’ll have the opportunity to take in stunning views of rolling hills, olive groves, and the vibrant countryside. Upon our arrival at the farm, you’ll be warmly welcomed by the gracious family who runs it. They will share their stories and traditions, giving you a personal glimpse into rural Cretan and life.
You’ll have the chance to participate in the daily activities of a shepherd, a hands-on experience that includes: Feeding the Animals: Getting up close and personal with a variety of farm animals, and learning about their care and feeding routines.
Collecting Fresh Eggs: Experience the joy of gathering eggs from the henhouse, and learning how to identify which eggs are freshly laid.
Harvesting Organic Vegetables: Wander through the garden and pick seasonal vegetables that are completely organic.
Milking Goats: Under the guidance of the shepherd, you’ll have the chance to milk the goats. This offers insight into traditional farming practices while connecting with these gentle animals. The highlight of the day comes when the family prepares a delicious lunch using the fresh ingredients you’ve collected.
You’ll be led through the process of makingkaltsounia, a traditional Cretan pastry. This involves rolling out the dough, creating a delightful filling, and then shaping the pastries. Once the kaltsounia are ready, you’ll gather around the table with the family to savor the meal—a truly communal experience.
The lunch features traditional dishes typically enjoyed by shepherds, such aschilopitesserved with fresh goat milk and homemade cheese. This meal is not only nourishing but also a taste of authentic Cretan cuisine that you won’t find in any tavern. This entire experience emphasizes respect for the environment, sustainable farming practices, and support for the local economy. It showcases how traditional methods of farming are preserved in modern times.
Olive Oil Tasting
After your delightful farm experience, we will drive to a modernolive oilfactory. Upon arrival, experts will welcome us and provide a comprehensive overview of the olive oil production process.
You’ll learn about the meticulous techniques that go into creating high-quality oil, from tree to bottle. One of the first stops will be to see an ancient olive tree that has stood for hundreds of years, showcasing the history and heritage of olive cultivation in the region. Its gnarled branches tell a story of resilience and the importance of olives toCretan culture.
Inside the facility, you will explore the innovative olive mill where the magic of oil production happens. Before delving into the production process, you can relax in a serene coffee corner, enjoying a traditional Greek coffee or refreshing juice.
As the experts guide you through the olive oil production process step by step, you will have the opportunity to savor a tasting of their exquisite virgin olive oil. Enjoy it in its purest form, free from any additives, allowing you to appreciate its rich flavors and aromas.
Throughout the tasting, the experts will share valuable insights on proper storage techniques, the best uses for olive oil in cooking, and the numerous health benefits associated with this golden liquid. By the end of your visit, you will have gained a deeper appreciation for the craftsmanship involved in olive oil production and its significance in Cretan culture. This day promises not only to be educational but also a celebration of the rich culinary traditions of Crete that you will carry with you long after the experience ends.
Price per group size (private) 1-2 per: 460€ 3 per: 610€ 4 per: 740€ 5 per: 850€ 6 per: 960€
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The mild sweet climate of fall in Greece is what makes short journeys to the sea and the mountains so tempting. The country’s landscape is in transition, from its summer to its autumn look. Read up on the renowned destinations that we gathered just for you and plan your trip to Greece.
Destinations: Chania
As summer in Crete lasts a bit more than anywhere else in Greece, you will enjoy the sea and the wonderful mainland throughout October on this island. An excellent place to choose for your upcoming autumn holiday is Chania. (more…)
