DAY 1: ARRIVAL DAY – WELCOME DINNER
Welcome to Crete! Crete is the largest and most populous of the Greek islands and the fifth largest island in the Mediterranean Sea, after Sicily, Sardinia, Cyprus, and Corsica. The driver will pick you up from the airport and transfer you to the hotel. There you will have the opportunity to try the hotel’s cuisine through a welcome dinner.
Overnight: Chania
DAY 2: CHANIA – CASTELFRANCO -SWIMMING AT CASTELFRANCO BEACH
Frangokastello Castle stands as a magnificent stronghold in the southern part of the Chania region, nestled within the Sfakia area. Just 70 km from Chania city, this impressive fortress, originally known as “Castel Franco,” was erected by the Venetians in the 14th century. In Querini’s time, it was a place of defense and was used by the Venetian nobleman as a warehouse for goods he exported. It remains remarkably well-preserved and is set against the backdrop of a stunning, popular beach.
Breakfast
Overnight: Chania
Day 3. IN THE FOOTSTEPS OF QUERINI – COOKING CLASS BACALHAU – SKORDALIA
Cod became part of Greek cuisine in the 15th century and soon became a staple food, especially on the mainland where fresh fish was scarce for the impoverished residents, except for those living on the islands. Its pickling properties made it a cost-effective and easily preservable food, leading to the start of the salted cod trade, referred to as the “fish of the mountain” at the time! The Cretans named it “poor John” due to its affordability, preservation with salt, and long-lasting taste and nutritional value. In the Ionian Islands, skordalia is also known as aliada or agiada, influenced by the Venetian language (agliata in modern Italian). The term “garlic” originated from the combination of “garlic” and “aliada,” eventually leading to the term “skordalia.”
Breakfast – Dinner
Overnight: Chania
DAY 4: VENETIAN ARCHITECTURE AND OLIVE OIL TASTING
The enduring influence of Venetian architecture on Crete serves as a testament to the island’s rich and diverse history. The fusion of Gothic, Renaissance, and local styles has given rise to a unique architectural legacy that continues to shape the urban and cultural landscape of Crete. Exploring these architectural treasures provides a glimpse into Crete’s past, unveiling the lasting impact of Venetian rule and the island’s remarkable ability to incorporate various influences into its cultural fabric. As Crete looks to the future, preserving and cherishing its Venetian architectural heritage remains essential, ensuring that this captivating chapter of its history continues to inspire and enthrall future generations.
In our classic olive mill tour and tasting, we talk about our growing and harvesting methods, the quality of our olive oil, and how to understand olive oil labels. Most unique, our mill is the only factory in Greece where visitors can explore how two innovative production methods work to produce exceptional quality extra virgin olive oil: one artisanal pioneering stone mill & hydraulic press and the other modern experimental cold extraction. The tour concludes with a tasting of 4 different olive oils by the glass exploring the organoleptics that have two different varieties of olives and two naturally flavored oils.
Breakfast
Overnight: Chania
DAY 5: CHANIA – THE CYPRESSES OF QUIRINA – MONASTERY TSAGAROLON – SOUDA CASTLE – WINE TASTING – HERAKLION
The Gemma Quirina, the ship in which Pietro Querini left for Flanders, was built in Candia/Crete with cypress wood, a very common substance on the Greek island.
We will learn about the way the ship was built and the materials used in this very old art.
The Patriarchal Monastery of Agia Triada Tsagarolon is one of the most important monasteries built during the end of the Venetian Empire in Crete and a great contributor to the history and education of the island. It is located on the foot of the Stavros mountain chain, in the area “Tzompomilos” of Meleha cape. According to tradition that is also confirmed by documents from the archives of Venice, it was built by the brothers Ieremias and Lavrentios Tsagarolon who came from a great Venetian-Cretan family and had a powerful influence on the Orthodox population and the Catholic Venetians.
Souda is the name of the small island that stands like a guard at the entrance of the Gulf of Souda. On this island, the Venetians built a castle in the 16th century which later, when the Turks came, was proved one of the most enduring fortifications in Greece. The name of the gulf and the island derive from the Latin sudes meaning “narrow pass”.
Malvasia, a renowned grape variety, has a long history in winemaking, with its origins dating back to ancient times. Its spread was facilitated by the Mediterranean trade routes along the coast. In 1431, Pietro Querini departed from the port of Candia to trade various goods, including Malvasia, in Flanders.
Breakfast
Overnight: Heraklion
DAY 6:HISTORICAL TOUR OF THE CITY OF THE GREAT CASTLE WITH GASTRONOMY TOUR
Prepare for an extraordinary journey to the city of Heraklion, which played a pivotal role in shaping the Mediterranean during the Venetian rule. As you explore the site of the greatest siege in world history, witness the remnants of the intense battles that once took place there and immerse yourself in the rich history of this epic period. Walk in the footsteps of ancient conflicts, gain insight into the weapons and strategies used during that time, and conclude this historical tour by indulging in the authentic and flavorful experience of Cretan Cuisine. This adventure promises to provide you with a deeper understanding of the world’s greatest siege and will undoubtedly inspire you to explore further the wonders of the Mediterranean diet and the captivating historic city of Heraklion in the company of an experienced history teacher and specialist in Venetian rule.
Breakfast
Overnight: Heraklion
DAY 8: HERAKLION-QUERINI FOUNTAIN-WINE TASTING-TEMENUS CASTLE – WINE TASTING – FAREWELL DINNER
In Pentamodi, one of the most elaborate fountains from the time of the Venetian rule is preserved. (Fig. 1) At the top of this fountain from the middle of the 16th century. century, although it has been almost covered by modern interventions, the coat of arms of the Venetian Querini nobles can still be seen.
The Fortress of Temenos or of Nikephoros Focas it is the most important Byzantine monument in Crete. It is located on a hill 16km south of Heraklion, close to the village of Profitis Elias. In 1204, when the Genoan pirate count of Malta and pirate Enrico Pescatore conquered Crete, he either founded or repaired 15 fortresses to ensure his grasp of the island. One of these was the fort of Temenos when the Venetians occupied Crete in 1209, they fortified Temenos with stronger walls and repaired it according to the technology of that period. The fort, which was characterized as oppidum fortissimum (powerful fortress) was named Castello Temene and was granted as a fief to the families of Coressi, Kornaros (Corner), and Querini.
You will have the opportunity to try the Malvasia variety in single varietal form and blends with local Vilana varieties. This variety gives us wines with rich aromas, intense fruity taste, and muscat aftertaste. The Malvasia di Candia Aromatica clone has come back to the fore, especially in the prefecture of Heraklion and many Cretan wines of this variety have been distinguished and awarded in international competitions.
The day will end by dining in one of the best restaurants in the city, tasting the local Cretan cuisine with its cultural influences,
Breakfast
Overnight: Heraklion
DAY 9: FLIGHT BACK
A private driver pick up you from the hotel to the airport!
Your trip to Crete in the footsteps of Pietro Querini ends but with your luggage, you will take with you, the landscapes, the culture of Crete and the Venetian domination, the memories, and the flavors of the Cretan cuisine of Crete.
Breakfast
Heraklion City Tour
