Wild Crete Smooth Tastes
The core of the Cretan cuisine consists of food derived from natural sources, whereas food of animal origin was more peripheral in nature. In general, people consumed seasonal products, available in the wider local area, which underwent minimal processing or none at all. The traditional cuisine was widespread in the island until the 1960s when, with improving living standards, alimentary patterns changed towards more meat and other animal-derived produce.
Fresh fruit and dried fruits, pulses, endemic wild herbs and aromatic plants, and rough cereals, whose cultivation was favored by the regional climate, were consumed in great amounts and constituted the base of the Cretan cuisine during that period. Dairy products were consumed on a daily basis in low to moderate quantities. Poultry and fish were consumed on a weekly basis in moderate quantities, whereas red meat was consumed only a few times a month. The main supply of fat was effectuated by olive oil, which was used not only in salads but also in cooking, unlike the northern European countries which primarily used animal fat. Another essential feature of the Cretan cuisine was the moderate use of alcohol, mainly red wine which accompanied meals. Finally, the most common dessert was yogurt and fresh fruits, while traditional pastry based on honey had been consumed a few times a week.
Day 1: Chania – Arrival
- Arrival transfer from airport to hotel
- Check In at centrally located hotel (4-5*) in Chania
- Dinner at traditional local restaurant on the old port
Day 2: Chania – Wine and Olives
- Visit winery for a guided tour
- Visit an olive mill for a olive oil tasting and guided tour
- Lunch with traditional Cretan food and wine
- A visit to a 16th century Cretan House and its exhibition of Cretan knives
- Visit the most ancient olive tree in Europe
- Dinner at Cretan restaurant in the old city
Day 3: Chania – The White Mountains
- Wine tasting with snacks
- Lunch with traditional Cretan food and wine!
- A visit to an original shepherd’s “Mitato” to learn about the life of shepherds and cretan cheese tasting
- Dinner at restaurant at the old port of Chania
Day 4: Chania – Apokorones – Departure
- Visit the area of Apokoronas
- Visit byzantine monuments and monasteries
- Lunch with traditional products at the village of Fres
- Transfer to Airport for Departure