Crete, Athens & Cape Sounion
September 22 - 29, 2007
This tour examines 3 aspects of Greece:
• An island culture, in this case, Crete
• Athens , exemplifying a newly sophisticated city that rivals the best of
European capitals
• Cape Sounion, a stunning classical Greek temple ruin
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Crete: The Best Eating Place in
Greece |
Crete…
Come with us on this capsule exploration of Crete’s rich cultural and culinary
history.
Ancient sites, Byzantine monasteries, commanding limestone mountains, gorgeous
canyons and beaches are the backdrop for our excursions.
Along the way, we’ll meet chefs, bakers, cheese makers, wine producers and more.
All dedicated to preserving traditional farming methods.
You’ll learn the secrets of Cretan culture and cuisine during demonstrations,
participation classes, visits to ancient sites, museums, organic farms, markets,
fishing ports. The roots of the Mediterranean Diet originated in the rural
communities in Crete, but the Cretan Diet is not a diet. It’s a way of life.
Day 1
Arrive in Heraklion. Relax and acclimate to time change.
Early dinner and overnight.
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See Crete Grilling Techniques |
Day 2
We will be picked up by our expert guides, Crete’s Culinary Sanctuaries. Our
activities today:
• The Minoan palace of Knossos, constructed in 1900 BC. The Minoan respect for
nature and love of food is depicted on frescoes and walkways. Its labyrinth, or
maze, is fascinating.
• Tasting at the Boutari Organic Winery & Vineyards
• Visit Archanes, a village famous for its architecture, wine and olive oil.
Time to wander.
• Dinner at an olive oil factory. The video we see depicts olive oil production
in Crete that goes back 4,000 years.
Day 3
Archanes to Axos in the central mountains. Visit famous Sfendoni Cave. Cooking
demos today include some of the following: bread baking, cheese making,
vegetables, lamb on the spit. We stay overnight at a agro-lodge and feast on
food from the gardens.
Day 4
Mt. Psiloritis and the Nida Plateau to visit Zeus cave, if
you care to hike. If not, there’s a pleasant place to wait. Tour villages and
monasteries in the region.
Lunch in Anogia, famous for its lamb and grilling techniques. A tranquil town
that prides itself on its isolation from modern madness. The residents, however,
have a zest for life that we hope is contagious.
Dinner in Enagron (the argo-lodge).
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The Acropolis dominates Athens |
Day 5
One hour drive to Heraklion, then on to Athens. Arrive in Athens. Get settled in
our centrally located hotel.
Visit Kolonaki, Athens’ upscale neighborhood with trendy shops and restaurants.
Rest of day free to explore the area …nice small museum, the Benaki, and
changing of the Guard every hour.
Dinner at a great restaurant specializing in mezze.
Day 6
City tour around Athens including the Acropolis, the Olympic Stadium, National
Archaeological Museum, etc. Stop at the Acropolis with time to climb up as far
as you dare. It is slippery with uneven terrain but you can still enjoy the
sight no matter how far up you venture.
Athens by Night, a new tour, exclusive to us. Viewing the Acropolis at night is
magical. We take a walking tour where we see the Acropolis from many
different angles. As we walk by the Forum, the ancient amphitheatre, the old
Turkish baths and churches and mosques, we get excellent insight into ancient
Greece.
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Temple of Poseidon |
Day 7
Excursion to Cape Sounion about two hours from the city of Athens. Here we see
the 5th century BC Temple of Poseidon on the cliffs of Cape Sounion situated
with a lovely view of the Aegean. Fifteen of the original thirty-four slender
Doric columns are still standing. Lord Byron carved his name on one of them. See
if you can find his signature.
Return to Athens and Farewell Dinner.
Day 8
Departure for home.
Note: The program is subject to change.
Cost
The price of this tour will be posted here by December 1, 2006.
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