Experience a week of culinary traditions, culture and history in Chania, on the island of Crete, where a rich, 5,000-year history emerges into the contemporary era.
This excursion will be led by Gregory Pappas, publisher of The Pappas Post and proprietor of The Pappas Market, and Alexis Galanopoulos of Our A Game, a leading company in Greece that specializes in destination management and unique, curated experiences for a global clientele. Friends for more than a decade, the two decided to combine forces and expertise to create this unique experience in Greece. Pappas, whose ancestry hails from this region, will lead the group, which will include immersion into the food, history, olive harvesting and wine-making traditions of Crete.
The full trip itinerary and pricing follow below.
Day 1: Saturday, October 21, 2023
-Arrival in Athens / private airport pick-up.
Note: The excursion does NOT include your airline travel to Athens since we know that most people prefer their carriers of choice, or have miles or points they can redeem for their international travel.
-Overnight accommodation in a 5-star Athens hotel. Welcome reception on the hotel rooftop with Acropolis views. Free time to stroll in the old town of Athens
Day 2: Sunday, October 22, 2023
After breakfast, you’ll get a guided tour of the Acropolis, home of the Parthenon, one of the most famous structures in the world and the Museum that was built to house its treasures.
In the afternoon the group will catch a flight to Chania, where our journey with the land of Crete will begin.
Upon arrival at Chania’s Ioannis Daskalogiannis Airport, we’ll take you to your Cretan home away from home for the week. We have selected a series of small hotels located in the historic old town of Hania, along the promenade of the famed port with the imposing Venetian lighthouse. In the evening, we’ll enjoy a traditional Cretan dinner and welcome with Cretan music.
Day 3: Monday, October 23, 2023
Walking tour in the old city of Chania and the unique neighborhoods that illustrate the diversity of one of the world’s oldest continuously inhabited cities.
Introduction to olive oil and olive oil tasting with an educational workshop on the culinary traditions of Crete, known throughout the world as the epicenter of the Mediterranean Diet.
At the local taverna, you’ll have a quick dance lesson and also a Cretan cooking demonstration and lesson where you’ll learn to make traditional Kaltsounia (greens pies), boureki pie and other delicacies with a guest chef.
Afternoon and evening free.
Day 4 & 5: Tuesday, October 24, 2023 & Wednesday, October 25, 2023
During these two days we will visit the olive groves in the village of Varipetro, which is in the foothills of the famed White Mountains or Lefka Ori of Western Crete. Here, we will participate in the olive harvest and enjoy an authentic farm to table lunch in the field. Gregory Pappas will share the story of the creation of the Agourolado, his brand of high-phenolic extra virgin olive oil.
Participants will share in the unique experience of harvesting olives the way they’ve been harvested for thousands of years by hand-picking unripe olives and shaking the trees. The overall process remains unchanged for thousands of years. During these days, our guest chef will also share some recipe ideas to use this unique olive oil in cooking and we will eat under the shade of the olive trees that we are harvesting. A truly unique experience!
Day 6: Thursday, October 26, 2023
Stop at Iordanis to taste traditional Bougatsa.
Wine experience in Manousakis Winery in the traditional village of Vatolakos, followed by food pairing with traditional Cretan delicacies and a presentation by Alexandra Manousakis.
Visit Kontomari village and the memorial to the heroes, as well as a visit the German cemetery at Maleme, learn about the Battle of Crete during World War II, guided talk by Gregory Pappas at this unique place that has left a mark on world history.
After a bit of a rest, we’ll eat as a group at Chrysostomos, known for traditional Cretan cuisine.
Day 7: Friday, October 27, 2023
Guided tour to Chania’s new Archaeological Museum and a walk through thousands of years of history.
Jewelry making workshop, an ancient sand casting technique used by the ancient Minoans. You will be involved in every step of the gold making process, from casting the metal to finishing the piece. The experience includes taking home your very own ring that you’ve crafted yourself in the exact way jewelry was created by the Ancient Minoans who lived on Crete more than 5,000 years ago. Lunch is included in this experience. Your evening is free to stroll the Venetian port before heading as a group to Salis Restaurant for our group meal.
Day 8: Saturday, October 28, 2023
Our final day on the island will be one to yourself, to visit that shop you may have seen earlier in the trip, or try that souvlaki that you missed during your busy week. An organized farewell dinner will be planned in the evening with music.
Pricing & Other Details
Please note, this excursion will be capped at 16 people. Reservations will be made on a first-come, first-served basis.
Deadline to book: August 15, 2023
$7,999 USD per person (double occupancy)Includes all details mentioned in itinerary including breakfast daily, plus one additional meal daily (either lunch or dinner, depending upon itinerary), excursions, experiences, and accommodation. Package price also includes also a case of 6 bottles of Agourolado, which you helped harvest, that will be shipped to each individual’s home in the USA upon final import later in 2023.*Price does NOT include international air flights to and from Athens.
$8,799 USD per person (single occupancy)Includes all details mentioned in itinerary including breakfast daily, plus one additional meal daily (either lunch or dinner, depending upon itinerary), excursions, experiences, and accommodation. Package price also includes also a case of 6 bottles of Agourolado, which you helped harvest, that will be shipped to each individual’s home in the USA upon final import later in 2023.*Price does NOT include international air flights to and from Athens.
Interested in booking your spot?
Please email us to inquire.