TRAVELING SOLO? SPECIAL AUTUMN OFFER

TRAVELING SOLO?
SPECIAL AUTUMN OFFER!

PILGRIMAGE CHRISTIAN AND ICON PAINTING - WOODCARVING TOUR IN GREECE

PILGRIMAGE CHRISTIAN AND ICON PAINTING - WOODCARVING TOUR IN GREECE

14 days / 13 nights

Pricing

 $5.794

(For One Person, Double Occupancy based on 2 people)

Single use: + $884

THE ICON PAINTING & WOODCARVING EXPERIENCE

A R T I S T   B I O G R A P H Y

The Cretan icon painter Dimitrios E. Manousakis born and grew up in Heraklion, Crete. Since his young age he showed a talent for Art, mixed media and especially painting. At the age of 15 Icon painting gain him. He began his studies at the Cretan Byzantine school of icon painting and at the same time was experimenting with various ways of painting, as well as studying them. (Icons, frescoes, paintings, portraits etc.) Always experimenting, he traveled for some time as a seaman in ships throughout the world. He extended his experiences and art techniques studying icon painting at the Mount Athos and other parts of Greece. Sometime later his dwellings stop.  He return back to Crete got married and sets up his own icon painting workshop. During his pursuits he got a great knowledge of wood and woodcarving,

He often created complicated and intricate woodwork to accompany his icons, giving them uniqueness. He almost always uses mahogany for his icons or old wood which he seeks, finds and restores. In his restoration he follows the shape and the water marks of the wood and creates the icon giving shape to the saint or the overall picture of the icon. He has created icons / frescoes for a large number of churches throughout Crete. Base of paints: avgotempera (egg yolk, vinegar and dry paint). Cloth: Campoto / cotton.

Today he lives and works in the village of Tylissos, Heraklion, Crete, Greece.

Excellent Adventure!!! A combination of Educational travel Visiting archaeological sites  Cultural Contacting the locals, traditions and lifestyle Nutritional for all nutritional styles, tasting healthy Mediterranean traditional specialties Religious following St Paul’s 2^nd Trip to Greece ART  Experiencing the Art of Iconography and sculpturing as well as Cretan Dancing! 

This tour is particularly suitable for couples,

Families And groups of friends

(Small & bigger)

Included in the price

Connected flight tickets ATHENS / THESSALONIKI day of arrival

Accommodation Thessaloniki double occupancy at DLX 5***** hotel for 4 nights (days 1,2,3,4)

Thessaloniki: transfer airport / hotel by arrival

Chartered vehicle with English speaking driver for all drives in Greece and Crete

Fuel and road taxes

Kavala / Philippi full day tour and private tour guide on site – entrance fees included

Accommodation at Kalambaka at A Class **** / double occupancy

Accommodation at Delphi at A Class**** / double occupancy

Ferry tickets and accommodation on board for the night ferry trip to Crete at double DLX or A2 cabin

CRETE: Transportation port / hotel by arrival and hotel / port by departure

Accommodation at DLX 5***** at the city of Heraklion double occupancy for 4 nights

Cretan icon painting and woodcarving lessons on days 10, 11 and 12

Cretan traditional folklore dance classes on day 9

A visit to archaeological sites of Gortys, Phaestos and Knossos (guiding/entrance fees are extra)

A visit to the women’s co-operative work shop of Marathos

A gastronomic walking tour of Heraklion

A gastronomic walking tour of Rethymnon

A visit to local bee-keeping honey producers and tasting of produce

A visit to local wineries and tasting of wine

All transport to and from the excursions

All painting materials

Breakfast each morning

Dinner on days 1-13

Lunch on days 2-13

Dinner on board on day 8 and 12

Dinner accompanied by bottled table water, and bottle of local wine every 2 persons

Ferry tickets HERAKLION – CRETE / PIRAEUS and accommodation on board at DLX or A2 Cabin (double outside cabin with shower and WC)

Chartered vehicle with English speaking driver for all the transportations to the painting studio and cultural drives in Crete for 5 days

Drivers accommodation and meals

Prices are based on two sharing a double room / house, a single supplement applies for those traveling solo

ITINERARY

Day 1: Arrival Thessalonica
We will be waiting for you at the Airport of Thessaloniki upon your arrival. Reception at the airport and transportation to the hotel in Thessaloniki Centre. Later in the afternoon we can make our first walk in the city and have dinner at a local “tsipouradiko” with variety of traditional specialties. Accommodation Thessaloniki. Depending the time of arrival: (Lunch / dinner)

Day 2: Philippi/Kavala
After breakfast we drive to Kavala, following the Egnatia highway, built on the path of the Roman ‘Via Egnatia’. Arriving Philippi we visit the archaeological site of Philippi, i.e. the ‘Forum Romanum’, ruins of the two early Christian Basilicas (the prison where St. Paul was held and preached in 50 AD), as well as the ancient Greek theatre.  Ending the tour at Philippi drive to Kavala is Greece's prettiest mainland port with a most elegant harbour for lunch.. Paul landed here with his disciples, Timothy and Silas. Luke, the Evangelist, also came here from Troas. This ancient city of Neapolis was later renamed Chiristoupoli because it was the first European city to accept Christianity. Imagine walking on the same sod as these men of the Bible! We will see the Roman Aqueduct and the ruins of the Acropolis in this beautifully located city, known since the 5th century as Kavala. Continue on to Philippi where Paul preached his first evangelical sermon and baptized the first Christians on European soil. We will view the baptismal site where Lydia surrendered her life to Christ and visit a crypt dating from the Roman period that is thought to have served as a prison for Paul. See the famous Acropolis, the Market Place, Basilica, and the Theatre. We drive to  Drama for the night. Accommodation Drama (Breakfast / lunch / dinner)

Day 3:  Mount Athos
 We travel to Chalkidiki to the village Ouranoupolis for a boat trip along the coast line of Mount Athos the unique autonomous monastic community internationally recognised as a sanctuary of the Orthodox Christian faith where they can view the unique landscape and the magnificent architecture of the monasteries.  Departure time is 10:30 and the cruise lasts ca. 3 hours. The ship heads to the south western part of the peninsula and in ca. 10 minutes; it reaches the sea-borders of the monastic state and its territory. From there, it arrives in ca. 15 minutes in the area of the first Russian cloister and after sailing by unique beaches, it arrives in the area of the first monastery, Iera Moni Dochiariou, in ca. 40 minutes. Another 7 monasteries follow then, as well as the Holy Mount’s central port, Daphni, and finally the cloisters, small villages, where groups of monks live in every house. Ending the boat trip break for lunch and. Drive to Thessalonica. Accommodation Thessalonica

Day 4: Thessalonica
Thessaloniki is Greece’s second largest city and the capital of Macedonia (also voted “Best Mid-Sized European city for human capital and lifestyle” by Financial Times in 2014). It offers a rich cultural and historical heritage as well as a cosmopolitan café life. We will visit some of the splendid churches as well including the Byzantine church of St. Dimitrios. Naturally, there’s also time to enjoy the shopping and cafés downtown. What do you get when you combine Greek coffee, pastries and breads, sweets, Meze, and ouzo? The best introductions into Greek cuisine and culture, all on this tasty Thessaloniki tour.

We taste koulouri and bougatsa While koulouri is a fairly plain (but nonetheless delicious!), bougatsa can be filled with almost anything – cream, spinach, cheese, mince and much more. With both breads having a history that dates back to the Byzantine A tour of the Modiano Market with charming paved alleys, hundreds of people and fresh vegetables, fruits, fish, meat, spices, dairy, homemade products, and many local specialties filling the stalls and “Meze” lunch at Modiano. The tour could not end without a visit to one of the city’s oldest confectioneries for a sample of siropiasta. These syrupy sweets are still made from the original recipes that Greek refugees brought with them during the1920s from Istanbul and Asia Minor, the perfect Thessaloniki food to finish off this tour (and aid your digestion!).  Evening dinner will be  on to Athonos Square, and be amazed by beautiful scenery that compliments the numerous old-world ouzeris and small taverns. Visit one of the best ouzeris in the city and taste meze accompanied with ouzo or tsipouro - some flavours you won't be forgetting in a hurry, that's for sure! Accommodation Thessaloniki

Day 5: Thessalonica/ Pela / Veria / Vergina / Meteora

The New Testament books of I & II Thessalonians will come alive to us today. Visit the old city ramparts; the newly excavated Forum, St. George Church, an ancient Roman monument which was transformed into a church; and the Galerios Arch which rises over the famous Via Egnatia. We will see two of the beautiful basilicas in the city of St. Demetrius, dedicated to a distinguished member of the Roman army and a martyred Christian convert, and St. Sophia.  Our next stop the ancient site of Pela [Alexander’s capital] and its famous mosaics. Go on direction Veria to view the Bema surrounded by newly placed mosaics of Paul and the plaque of scripture regarding the "more noble" church. We also visit King Phillips tomb in Vergina. Keep driving south west direction Meteora. Arrival late afternoon. Accommodation at the little city Kalambaka at the slopes of Meteora. Dinner at local restaurant. Accommodation Kalambaka. (Breakfast / lunch / dinner)

Day 6: Meteora Monastery/Delphi

Meteora where the fantastic and breathtaking Byzantine monasteries are perched on top of huge grey and reddish pillars. Monks seeking isolation and spiritual salvation first built those monasteries in the 14th century. They are veritable Byzantine museums exhibiting superb icons, old manuscripts and unique mosaics and frescoes. Break for lunch and direction south to Delphi where we overnight.  Accommodation Delphi. (Breakfast / lunch / dinner)

Day 7: Delphi/Athens

Delphi-the ancient sanctuary of Apollo. We will gain a greater understanding of the Greek religious heritage and their influence on the early Christian church. We visit the museum where we will marvel at the site of the Charioteer, a bronze statue so delicate we will see his eyelashes. We will see the Temple of Apollo and the Castalia Springs.

We leave Delphi and Continue our journey direction Piraeus the port of Athens where we take the ferry to Crete. Break for lunch on our way. Arrival at the port of Piraeus late afternoon. Embarkation. Night ferry trip to Heraklion – Crete.  Dinner on board. Accommodation on board.

Day 8: Crete-The palace of Knossos/Museum of Heraklion
After arrival, today’s excursion takes you to Knossos, an ancient palace and must-see archaeological site of Crete. After visiting the 3500 year old site of Knossos, you’ll head to Heraklion and visit the archaeological museum of Heraklion. Ending the visit we take a walk through the city taking a gastronomic tour of all the best local food places and vendors. A light lunch will be served accompanied by chilled white wine before ending our gastronomic walking tour to taste the famous loukoumades – Cretan style doughnuts sprinkled with honey and sesame. After the walking tour and lunch you’ll head to visit the artist at his studio, have a first touch of the place, and do all preparation for the coming day. Dinner at a local restaurant with local traditional specialties. Accommodation Crete. (Breakfast / lunch / dinner)

Day 9: Crete. Kali Limenes (St. Paul foot step) Gortys/Phaestos

Travelling to Italy, Saint Paul as prisoner got wrecked and landed at Kali Limenes / South central Crete. After Rome where justice let him free, he first gone to Spain and then came back to Crete at the Roman capital city Gortys where the first Christian church started. First episcope St Titus.

Today we’ll visit Kali Limenes where Saint Paul wrecked, Gortys, the ruined capital city of the Roman province. You’ll see the impressive amphitheatre and the Basilica of St Titus before driving west to the archaeological site of Phaestos – the second most significant site of the Minoan civilisation. Phaestos is an ancient palace and you’ll also see the site of the ancient city is was located in offering a detailed insight into ancient life. Stop off in the fishing village of Kokkinos Pyrgos for lunch and enjoy local specialities and freshly caught seafood. Back to Heraklion. Today we will live the joy of the Cretan dance by teachers with many years' experience. Depending the time of the holiday we join individual or group classes. Accommodation Heraklion. (Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner)

Day 10: Crete- Art. Painting Class and cultural drive

As Crete is an island with deeply rooted religion, it has developed a rich art culture in iconography. The stories of the Books of the Bible are presented on the Byzantine icons of the churches and the monasteries all over the island. On the courses you will learn the whole procedure of creating a Byzantine icon, from the preparation of the wood to the final writing of the saint's name.

After breakfast drive straight to the studio.  Painting course start. No matter if it’s the first time you do painting or you are already a painter your self we find a way to have an enjoyable and creative day. First part of the course takes 2 hours. Break for lunch at a near small village in a nice traditional tavern with local specialties. Second part of the lesson takes 2 more hours and ending for today we do a slow drive and a visit to Marathos to visit the women’s co-operative work shop at the village of Marathos where the residents make unique and incredibly artistic pastry breads called Xompliasto and taste as well just cooked Cretan cookies. Ending the visit, you’ll visit a bee keeper and learn about traditional methods of bee-keeping employed here to make organic, additive free local honey. The owners are two brothers who have been bee-keepers their whole lives, inheriting the business from their father. At the cafe, you will have the opportunity to take honeycombs straight from the beehive, learn about the bees and beekeeping as well as enjoying the local pancakes known as tiganites served with honey and cheese pies along with raki and early afternoon back to the hotel. Dinner at Heraklion sea front restaurant. Accommodation Crete. (Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner)

Day 11: Crete- Art. Painting Class and cultural drive part 2

After breakfast we go to the studio. Classes will be ± 3 1/2 hours every morning. The today’s second class of icon painting will keep 3 hours. When lesson ends, we do a mountain driving and go for lunch in the picturesque, authentic village of Drossia (where they serve only what they grow on their own land, including the wine). On a relaxed way we enjoy the specialities they offer and early afternoon we drive back to Heraklion visiting (Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner)

Day 12: Crete. Painting class /Arkadi monastery / Rethymnon
After breakfast we go to the studio. The class is private so that individual attention can be given to you only! The today’s third class of icon painting will keep 3 hours and ending the paintings takes a drive through the vineyards and small villages of the Rethymnon region.
Visit the 16th century monastery of Arkadi, and Margarites – a small village famous for producing ceramics. Next  you’ll visit the city a Rethymnon a city seeped in history and an attractive place to wander through its narrow streets and marvel at Venetian and Turkish architecture that house its restaurants, cafes and shops. After browsing the shops we do a break for lunch.  After lunch you’ll return to Heraklion Dinner at traditional restaurant at the heart of the city. You’ll enjoy local specialties along with some raki and local wine. (Breakfast / lunch / dinner)

Day 13: Crete Wood carving, mountain drive / night ferry trip to Piraeus
After breakfast we go to the studio. The today’s class focuses on woodcarving and you will learn how to handle your carving tools in the wood; from roughing out the beginnings of your project to the final delicate detailing. Wood carving is a skill that incorporates the body to better assist your hand control of the gouges. Class takes 3 hours. Ending the class we say good by to the artist and clime up direction Anogia and the plateau of Ida. Break at the mountain small church of Saint Iakinthos (the Orthodox Saint of love / St Valentine) and the stoned small shepherd buildings called mitata. Lunch at the village of Anogia. Back to Heraklion and the port of Heraklion. Embarkation and night ferry trip to Piraeus. Accommodation on board. (Breakfast / lunch / dinner)

Day 14: Flight back home

Arrival the port of Piraeus. Reception at the port and transportation to the airport for the flight back home. KALO TAXIDI
BOOK NOW!
More details / info: info@portoclub.gr 

 Contact Mr. George Portokalakis 

CLASSICAL GREECE AND COOKING HOLIDAYS IN CRETE::14 DAYS / 13 NIGHTS

CLASSICAL GREECE AND COOKING HOLIDAYS IN CRETE

Tour for people who don’t like commercialized tours! 

The tour we offer is unique, unconventional vacation for soft adventurous. We use very fine hotels, always in the best location. The meals are in fine local restaurants. We go to famous places; we visit over 20 museums, archaeological and historical sites during the tour. We also go out of “tourist zones´ places, meeting locals who aren’t trying to sell to you something and just having fun.

ATHENS – CRETE – PELOPONNESE - MAINLAND – ATHENS

14 days / 13 nights

Pricing

 $6.130

(For One Person, Double Occupancy based on 2 people)

Single use: + $684

This tour is particularly suitable for couples And groups of friends

(Small & bigger)

If you love to cook and travel,

we, Porto Club Travel services

are exactly what you are looking for!!

With Porto Club you can combine your love at cooking and your love to travel into one amazing experience. This itinerary includes the world-famous sites of Classical Greece, as well as little-known treasures. It covers sacred ancient and Christian sites of Mycenae and the theatre of Epidaurus, ancient Olympia and Delphi and the holly rocks of Meteora, art and history of the places as well as the culture and nutrition. We believe that the most authentic way to experience and understand the heritage of Greek Culture/ Religion/ Nutrition / History/ Way of life and its People, is in the company of a local scholar, walking through streets which are alive with religion, art and history, immersing in the architecture, learning about the life, traditions, and customs of Greek people, past and present.

You will sample some of the finest meals as well as fruit and vegetables in the world. You will drink selected spirits (ouzo – raki - tsipouro) and wines that will elevate your spirit and help you relax, and relish the excellent traditional cooking in some of the less obvious restaurants that we will point you out. We can promise you we will not be part of any tourist trail or the “sheep following” mentality. Our aim has always been to offer quality not quantity, so Porto Club remains small but perfectly formed.

We are in this business because we love our land and its culture. Our work consists of sharing our passion and knowledge with others. Our guests!!!

We do all the work, so you have all the fun!

A combination of

History - Culture - Cooking

Religion & Lifestyle

Experience an amazing world

 With us!

Inclusions:

13 nights hotel accommodation / double occupancy on bed & breakfast basis (fine located A Class 4**** & 5***** hotels ), 12 days English speaking private driver, 12 days private A/C vehicle, Fuel, Road taxes, Drivers accommodation and meals, All transportations Athens and Crete, Flight and ferry tickets in Greece, All breakfasts all lunches and dinners as per program

   Included in the price

§         Accommodation Athens double occupancy at DLX 5***** hotel for 2 nights (day 1 and 13)

§         ATHENS: Return transfers from/to Athens airport

§         Athens city tour including Acropolis in the morning  (private car, driver and tour guide)

§         Flight tickets ATHENS / HERAKLION - CRETE

§         CRETE: Transportation port / hotel by arrival and hotel / port by departure

§         Accommodation at the Thalori Traditional Complex in a twin/double room house for 5 nights

§         Accommodation at the Veneto luxury suites **** at Rethymnon double occupancy for 1 night

§         Cretan cookery lessons on day 3,4,5,and 6

§         A visit to archaeological sites of Gortys, Phaestos and Knossos (guiding/entrance fees are extra)

§         A visit to the women’s co-operative work shop of Marathos

§         A visit to the monasteries of Arkadi and Odigitrias

§         A visit to Argyroupolis natural springs and Matala caves and Zaros Lake

§         A gastronomic walking tour of Heraklion

§         A gastronomic walking tour of Chania

§         A visit to local bee-keeping honey producers and tasting of produce

§         A visit to local wineries and tasting of wine

§         All transport to and from the excursions

§         All cooking materials and ingredients

§         Breakfast each morning

§         Dinner on days 1-13

§         Lunch on days 2-13

§         Dinner on board on day 8

§         Dinner accompanied by bottled table water, and bottle of local wine every 2 persons

§         Ferry tickets CHANIA – CRETE / PIRAEUS at DLX or A2 Cabin (double outside cabin with shower and WC)

§         Chartered vehicle with English speaking driver for the cultural drives in Crete for 6 days

§         Chartered vehicle with English speaking driver for the drives to Nafplion / Olympia / Delphi / Kalambaka / Athens for 5 days

§         Fuel and road taxes

§         Drivers accommodation and meals

§         Accommodation Nafplion double occupancy at 4**** hotel for 1 night

§         Accommodation Olympia double occupancy at 4**** hotel for 1 night

§         Accommodation Delphi double occupancy at 4**** hotel for 1 night

§         Accommodation Kalambaka double occupancy at 4**** hotel for 1 night

§         5 breakfasts / 5 lunches / 5 dinners when in Athens and mainland during the Classical Greece tour

Prices are based on two sharing a double room / house, a single supplement applies for those traveling solo 

Itinerary

DAY 1. ATHENS:

Arrival Athens. Reception at the airport. Transportation to the hotel. Dinner at the hotel. Accommodation Royal Olympic 5***** Athens (Dinner)

Day 2. ATHENS AND CRETE

Athens city tour Morning will come and pick you up and do Athens city tour including Acropolis and the new museum of Athens. End around 1.-1.30 PM. Break for lunch and transportation to the airport and flight to Heraklion – Crete. Upon arrival at the Heraklion airport, you will be met by your Cretan host and driver George and before being driven for the 70 minute transfer to the Thalori Resort first take you to local restaurant for dinner with a variety of local food. Accommodation Thalori resort. (Breakfast – Lunch – Dinner)

Day 3. CRETE:

South Central Crete: Culture, Food and History

Enjoy a rich breakfast and ready to explore the south-central part of the island with your host George Today we’ll visit Gortys, the ruined capital city of the Roman province Including an impressive theatre, the Basilica of St. Titus the eponymous saint converted the island to Christianity and

was the first bishop, the Odeon and the Law code. Ending the visit drive west and the palace  of Phaestos the second most significant archaeological site of the Minoan civilization  Phaestos is located at the southern region of the prefecture of Heraklion in the valley of  Messaras. The site of the ancient city is very impressive and the palace compound, although not as extensively restored as the compound of Knossos, offers a detailed insight of the everyday life of such a historically remote period. According to mythology the king of  Phaestos was Radamanthes brother of king Minos of Knossos, and superior judge of the underworld.
Stop off in the fishing village of Kokkinos Pyrgos for lunch and enjoy local specialties – or freshly caught seafood at the sea front restaurant of Kokkinos Pyrgos  After lunch you’ll head back to the Thalori complex and head to the kitchen for your first cooking class. The today’s cooking class based on the fish and seafood that was purchased earlier in the day. Fish soup with rice in egg and lemon, the famous KAKAVIA (fisherman fish soup), fish with tomato and onion sauce baked in the oven, shrimps “saganaki” in tomato sauce, wine and feta cheese and cuttlefish in pot with fennel or octopus stew in tomato and onions are a few of the cooking menu items to create a  delicious dinner to enjoy with the other guests  and will be accompanied with copious amounts of pure, homemade local wine and raki. Accommodation Thalori resort. (Breakfast – Lunch – Dinner)

Day 4. CRETE:

Crete: the caves of Matala, the monastery of Odigitrias lunch with locals and the Moussaka cooking class

Breakfast, slow drive to the monastery of Odigitrias or Xopateras. Rich history back to the Turkish occupation. Centre of revolutionary against conquerors. Beautiful frescoes. Next stop the beach and caves of Matala has by far the best-known beach in Heraklion province. These are believed to be ancient tombs first used by Romans or early Christians to more recently inhabit by a sizeable hippie community. Modern artists as Bob Dylan, Cat Stevens, and Joni Mitchell, amongst others.  Lunch in Matala at sea front restaurant with local specialties. On the way back we buy fresh fish and sea food that will be on our tonight’s cooking class and dinner. This evening’s hands-on class focuses on vegetables and George will teach you preparation techniques that transform basic ingredients into the stars of the table, full of richness colors and flavors. Tonight’s hands-on class is based on a variety of vegetables and minced meat with prep techniques that transforms basic ingredients into a full table of colour, flavours, variety and richness. Moussaka, Aubergines Papoutsakia, fried vegetables in tomato sauce, smoked eggplant and Pastitsio (the Greek Version of Mac and Cheese),After the class sit down as a group and enjoy the meal you’ve learned to cook accompanied by local wine. Accommodation Thalori resort. (Breakfast – Lunch – Dinner)

Day 5. CRETE:

Crete: the lake of Zaros, small winery and wine tasting, and joining lunch with locals, Beehives and Art pastry at the women cooperative of Marathos village

After a rich breakfast, we drive north direction the lake of Zaros. Beautiful environment. Have a break for a while for a cup of coffee and drive east north to Sivas a village near Heraklion. We visit small well known family winery, depending the season we may have the chance to join the way they produce the Cretan Raki. We taste Raki and home made unique wines and spend few hours with the locals join them on their daily life and try various home made plates. After lunch drive North West to a place 20 km far from the city of Heraklion; Beautiful virgin nature is perfect pasture for bees. Old traditional bee keeping methods ensure ecological, clean and free from any additives honey and other bee products. First honey of the season is collected from spring thyme blossoms this golden

yellow honey is perfect source of nature’s ingredients. We do a visit to a small local café / restaurant run by the owners since 1949. The owners (two brothers) have been beekeepers since all their lifetime taking the business from their father, therefore, we taste honeycombs straight from the beehive and learn everything about bees and beekeeping as well as having a kind of pancakes we call  them –tiganites – deep in honey and small cheese pies with honey in company with local wine and the Cretan snap – Raki -. You will definitely feel the positive effect to your body and soul.

A visit to a women cooperative at the near village of Marathos where they make the very special – unique art pastry small and bigger round breads – called XOMPLIASTO KOULOURI – and the forgotten monastery of Halepa. Bbreak for lunch at the small village of Drossia and drive back to Thalori for the 3^rd cooking class. This hands-on class will take you through the process of making stuffed tomatoes, peppers, courgettes, and aubergines…as well as  Dolmadakia (little stuffed wraps) with vine leaves, sorrels or pumpkin flowers. These all will be enjoyed as our dinner and will be accompanied with copious amounts of pure, homemade local wine and raki. Accommodation Thalori resort. (Breakfast – Lunch – Dinner)

Day 6. CRETE:

Crete: Knossos, Walking Heraklion, 4^th cooking class

Today we visit the palace of Knossos. When visiting the island of Crete someone must see the ancient palace of Knossos, built 3.500 years ago.  Ending the visit of Knossos drive to Heraklion. A walk in the heart of the city of Heraklion with stops at small shops, tasting special cheeses with a shot of raki and having lunch at a small Mezedopolion is a wonderful way to round out your week on the Island of Crete. We will walk the streets of the city and meet nutritional wanderings elevating the palate to heaven!! Will explore unique tastes on this walking tour of Heraklion. Will join the real daily lifestyle the people of Heraklion live. The day will start from the best small pastry shop in the city. Gloria: Artistic feeling+ imagination+ pure fresh ingredients = fascinating for your palate. We taste the “Galatoboureko” custard cream and filo dough pastry in syrup and “trigono” cheese cream and filo dough pastry in syrup. Incredible taste never have taste anything like that!! Walk the central market and stop for an OUZO with MEZE (Small bites accompanies the spirit) at one of the traditional Mezedopolion of the street. We will be part of the people walking / talking / arguing. Visit the cathedral of the city Saint Minas, and then the Morozini fountain at the heart of the city, the Venetian church of Saint Marcos / now gallery, the church of Saint Titus. Break for lunch at city center with variety of local specialties and drive back to the resort. Get ready for the last cooking class which is Pork bites in tomato sauce in oven with orzo, and Drunken Pork bites cooked in wine and oregano are wonderful appetizers paired with Raki. Boneless pork with celery and egg and lemon sauce, Oven baked pork or Lamb with potatoes called pseeto, Cretan sausages in tomato sauce and chilli type hot Cretan peppers also on the menu. Dinner will be accompanied with copious amounts of pure, homemade local wines. Accommodation Thalori resort. (Breakfast – Lunch – Dinner)

Day 7. CRETE:

Crete: the Arkadi monastery, City of Rethymnon and waters of Argyroupolis

After a rich breakfast, you will enjoy a slow drive through the vineyards and small villages of the region. You will visit the 16th century monastery of Arkadi, the small village of Margarites popular for the ceramics they produce and a slow drive to the Water of Argyroupolis where lunch will be served with a variety of Cretan vegetable and cheese specialties and abundance of grilled meats. After lunch, drive back to the city of Rethymnon where every street will take you on a journey through history. Venetian and Turkish buildings have become small restaurants, cafés and shops. Your walk down the narrow streets will take you to small tourists’ shops and coffee houses where you can mingle with locals. We accommodate at the beautiful restored 16^th century palazzo turned to one of the most beautiful small boutique hotels in Crete and we dine to the famous restaurant of the hotel. (Breakfast – Lunch – Dinner)

Day 8. CRETE: NIGHT FERRY TRIP TO PIRAEUS – ATHENS

The bread of Georgioupolis and region of Chania Culinary tour and city walk

After a full breakfast buffet, you will depart direction Chania. First break at the small sea front village of Georgioupolis where they are baking a special smoked taste bread for last 100 years every day including Saturday, Sunday and Holidays, and depending on the season, Winter or Summer they making between 600 to 1000 loaves per day with a consistent quality, definitely not the supermarket sliced loaf but proper bread in the old tradition. We buy and taste this bread. Keep driving west to the city of Chania.   The town market of Chania dating back to the 1900’s is a cross-shaped gallery that houses over 65 food stores, presenting fresh fruits, vegetables, meat, dairy products, breads, legumes and anything else you may want such as cafés, restaurants and shopping. Lunch will be in Spaltzia (Turkish quarter during the Turkish occupation) at an old harbour restaurant featuring a variety of local specialties and sea foods. Later in the afternoon we drive to the port of Souda (port of Chania) and embark the ferry for the night ferry trip to Piraeus. Check in our cabins (DLX or A2 as per boats availability. Dinner or board. Accommodation on board (Breakfast – Lunch – Dinner)

Day 9. ATHENS / NAFPLION - PELOPONNESE

Arrival port of Piraeus early in the morning. Break for breakfast on our way and departure direction Peloponnese. First stop for a coffee break at the Canal of Corinth. The tour will continue to Epidavros for visiting the Ancient Theatre. Break for lunch. Our next stop will be at Mycenae for visiting the famous Palace, the Lions Gate and the Tomb of King Agamemnon. Passing by the Bay of Nafplion, we will arrive in the picturesque town. Dinner and overnight in Nafplion. Accommodation Nafplion at a 4**** hotel (Breakfast – Lunch – Dinner)

Day 10. NAFPLION / MYCENAE / OLYMPIA - PELOPONNESE

Driving through the central Peloponnese, Arcadia, as well as the town of Tripoli and Megalochori . A visit at the little village of Vasta to visit the little church of Agia Theodora. This little church was build somewhere between the 11th and the 12th century. This church has 17 trees on the roof, each tree weight over 1000 kgr.
The ground isn't solid enough for those trees to be placed. Another unexplained phenomenon is the underground water which flows from the church and beyond. But the most interesting part is that nowhere you'll find a root from the trees inside the church. Many researches has been made, even with X rays to find wherever the roots are inside the walls of the church, but its not. Additionally the trees heights are almost 30 meters! Now imagine a tiny church not more than 3x2 meters having 17 trees on the roof of each weights 1 ton (or maybe more if you calculate also the weight of the leaves for each season, and weather conditions such wind and storms), 30 meters height, since 12th century, without any physical explanation or damage. That’s got to be a miracle!! Keep driving west an hour later arrive in Olympia, the cradle of the Olympic Games. There you will have the opportunity to visit the Sanctuary of Olympian Zeus and the museum. Dinner and overnight in Olympia. Accommodation Olympia (Breakfast – Lunch – Dinner)

Day 11. OLYMPIA – PELOPONNESE / NAFPAKTOS / GALAXIDI / DELPHI

Departure from the hotel for Delphi through Patras, the capital of the Peloponnese. Cross by the bridge from Rio to Antirion and passing by Nafpaktos (Lepanto) and having break for lunch at a sea side small beautiful restaurant. Keep driving and make a stop at the seaside areas of the beautiful Galaxidi . Arrive in Delphi. Dinner and overnight at Delphi. Accommodation Delphi (Breakfast – Lunch – Dinner)

Day 12. DELPHI / METEORA - MAINLAND

Delphi was truly a Pan-Hellenic site for the ancient Greeks; they all gathered here to celebrate Apollo and to get practical advice from the Pythia, the priestess. Aside from its historical importance, Delphi is a wondrously beautiful place. Morning visit the museum and the ruins of Delphi. Drive north direction the holly rocks of Meteora. Arrive afternoon. Accommodation Kalambaka the little city at the slope of Meteora. (Breakfast – Lunch – Dinner)

Day 13. METEORA / ATHENS

Meteora is a must-see on any trip to Greece. Here are some of the most ancient, active monasteries on all of Greece, perched miraculously atop the mountains along the Pinios River. Their history goes back to the 14th century when the monks sought refuge in the Cliffside caves then fled higher to build the original wooden shelters, later transformed into monasteries. They are veritable Byzantine museums exhibiting superb icons, old manuscripts and unique mosaics and frescoes. Visit the women monastery of St. Andreas. Break for lunch and drive direction south to Athens. Arrive late afternoon. (Breakfast – Lunch – Dinner)

Day 14. ATHENS: FLIGHT BACK HOME

Breakfast and transportation to the airport for the flight back home (Breakfast)