The tour starts at the traditional Village of Kritsa renowned for its’ woven textiles and lace manufacturers. Be hosted at a local’s workshop for a private weaving-class and we will create our very own souvenir to take home. We take a break under a historical plane tree whilst trying the traditional Greek coffee.  

We are moving on to our next stop; a local olive oil producer. Life on Crete is intricately connected to the olives; their sale, planting, irrigation, pruning, care, fertilizing, ownership, preparation and harvesting. Each phase of the year can be recognised by the activities around the villages and the olive-covered hills.

Greece is the world’s third largest olive oil producer, creating 350,000 tons of olive oil annually, most of the olives in Crete are grown for oil, most of which is milled as virgin or extra virgin, and much of that luscious oil is exported all around the world. You will try some of the most authentic varieties and be explained the process of olive making.

Olive Oil

More than 30 million olive trees grow on the Greek island of Crete and the Cretans make full use of the abundant fruits. Already since 3500 BC, during the Minoan period, the Cretans cultivate olive trees. Evidence of this has been found in the Minoan palace of Knossos, where there was even a room with an olive press.

After this unique experience, we are going to visit one of the most picturesque villages of Crete, in Lasithi, with an altitude of 285 meters equal to its population! Here time has stopped and you will be welcomed with authentic warmness and a big smile from the locals. The village has literally one main street where everyone is gathering in the afternoon to enjoy one or maybe two shots of the traditional local white spirit, raki. We don’t want to insult the locals so we sit down with them and enjoy a couple of shots ourselves.

We finish the day in the most authentic and delicious way. A home-hosted lunch at the back yard of one of the locals. The grand-grandfather of the house, created the fruit variety ‘despolo’, now very popular in Crete.

Under the pleasant shade of the trees we enjoy traditional delicacies made with fresh local produce.


What is included in this tour

•       Hotel pick up and drop off

•       English-speaking, driver

•       Licensed local knowledgeable guide

•       Bottled water per person

•       Transport by air-conditioned minivan

•       All taxes, fees and handling charges

  • A bottle of organic olive oil

•       Traditional Cretan Lunch

 

What is not included in this tour

•       Gratuities (optional)

•       Additional food and drinks