The sound quality in ancient times was likely much better than it is today
The acoustics of theaters in Ancient Greece are very important. It is often said that the acoustics of ancient Greek theaters were so sophisticated that spectators in the back row could hear the actors with perfect clarity, long before microphones came into the picture. In modern times, tour guides will often drop a pin, strike a match, or tear a piece of paper on the stages of these ancient auditoriums to demonstrate that soft sounds can be heard by visitors high up in the seats. But as Nicola Davis reports for the Guardian, a recent study suggests that Greek theaters’ acoustics are not quite so exemplary—at least not anymore. (more…)
Ceramic art (or pottery) marks ages and millennia.
Ceramic art is lost in prehistoric times, flourishing during Greek antiquity in an inspired exuberance of shapes, colors, and forms. Storage jars, amphorae, kraters, jugs, and lekythos reflect the daily habits and traditions of the society. Pottery represents the numerous objects of the same category found in any archaeological excavation.
In the modern era, new morphological and technical characteristics have been added to ceramic art in the manufacture of ceramics. Clay jars helped to store the crop. Pitchers and flasks were used for liquids and pots and cooking dishes as tableware. (more…)
Whatever type of shopping you prefer, Athens won’t let you down.
The city’s best shopping areas are there for you to explore… Love to go shoe shopping? Love eco-friendly products? Want to find everything you need in a single store? Do you seek items of luxury and high aesthetics when you go shopping? Do you look for ‘treasures’ from old times, works of art in out-of-the-way places, or original materials for your creations?
At the Gates of Spring-Anthesteria Winter to Spring: coming into being from the sacred silence of grief
Anthesteria – Winter with its seemingly lifeless, unadorned nature, with its black and white background of gloomy skies or snowy motionless landscapes, bordering on underworld connotations, always loomed large to the minds of ancient cultures. Though some cultures were more preoccupied with death, the ancient Greeks were more preoccupied with life. Their inquiring minds, to cast the souls of the dead out, thought of winter as the start of spring, as the time of rebirthing, of rejoicing, of breaking the spell of death, of purifying it with life through communal memorial rites and rituals of offerings, of drinking, of purifications and libations.
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…)
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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