Walk in olive groves, visit a traditional olive mill and learn the secrets of Greek olive oil. Experience a professional olive oil tasting panel of 2 varieties of olive oil and learn how to recognize the best qualities of olive oil. Taste unique varieties of olive products. Greece produces approximately 120.000 tons of table olives which is one of the country’s most important agricultural exports. The harvest begins in October and goes on for about two months, depending on the type of olive and the place it is cultivated. The green olives are harvested first, then come all the plump black olives that are among the country’s best-known snacks: tight-skinned Kalamata olives with their pointy tip. Last to be picked up from the tree is the wrinkled black variety. It can be harvested as late as March as it must mature on the branch and is then cured in coarse salt.
Olive Oil Tasting
The production of olive oil dates back 4,000 years. An 80% of Greece’s olive oil is extra virgin, which is the top-ranked classification category in the world. Greece produces around 350,000 tons of this product annually and ranks first place in exports of virgin olive oil as it sends abroad to Italy and Spain every year 150-200 thousand tons.
After the olive tasting, we continue to one of the must-visit sites of the area: Epidaurus. For many people, Epidaurus brings to mind the town’s Ancient Theatre (c. 340-330 B.C.), a renowned monument included in UNESCO’s World Heritage Site list as part of the Sanctuary of Asclepius, the god of medicine for the ancient Greeks. The dramatic performances staged in this theatre were watched by the god’s patients, during their stay at the healing centre. Since the 1950s, ancient theatre plays have been performed here every summer, as per the Athens & Epidaurus Festival programme. Rumour has it that the acoustics of the Epidaurus theatre are so good you can hear a pin drop from the back seats. While this might be a little exaggerated the acoustics of this ancient theatre have scientists in awe. The architectural design of the theatre means that when you are sitting down to watch a show, the actors have no need for microphones.
Epidaurus catharsis
Epidaurus, its peaceful natural surroundings influenced by its primitive and mysterious place in history, invites us to explore the forces of nature and those within ourselves.
Enjoy a guided tour of the Ancient theater of Epidaurus, the Asklipeios medical center, and be impressed by its perfect acoustic before heading back to the hotel.
INCLUSIONS
Entrance fees to the Olive mill
Entrance fees in Epidaurus
Panel Tasting (for max 20pax)
Pick up / drop off from Amanzoe/Porto Heli
Local licensed guide on spot
All road transports by English-speaking driver
Liability insurance and All taxes
5-6 hours
