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On this tour you will have the chance to explore the Cretan genuine culture and customs. We will start by visiting, a not so known, monastery of the region of Mylopotapos. After 10 min drive we will meet Andreas, a Cretan shepherd. We will discuss about his daily habits and taste his homemade raki with some "meze". Learn the specific procedure of Cretan beekeeping interactively by providing special uniforms and trying honey straight from the honeycomb. Feel the hospitality of Mr. Andreas, but also his wife Ms. Eleni by having a traditional Cretan homemade lunch in their house. On the way to Apladiana, you will pass through orange trees, so you can cut an orange with your bare hands and enjoy its freshness! Walk through Apladiana, where our guide will explain all the small details about Cretan weddings. It is an original experience for a life time!
Specialized infant seats are available
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Service animals allowed
Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Vegetarian option is available, please advise at time of booking if required
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Monastery of the Holy Cross Vosakos
The day begins in the region of Rethymno; after 1 hour of driving from the centre, we will visit a historically important Cretan monastery. In a lush landscape, full of beautiful flowers, trees and aromatic herbs, the Vosakos monastery lies before our eyes, stone-built and magnificent. The one and only nun left in the monastery, will be waiting inside to welcome us with her kind smile and a delicious loukoumi treat. We can stay for some time to enjoy its traditional architecture and the calm atmosphere; in the meantime, we will learn all about its tumultuous history.
At the entrance, three huge trees create an impressive door that welcomes us to their land. Mr Andreas, the shepherd, is there to "kalosorisei" us (kalosorisma = greeting) and show us what a day in his life is like. Learn about his routine, daily habits, milk production process and caring for the goats while you try some typical Cretan appetizers such as cheese, olives and a glass of raki. But the best part is here to come; be prepared to watch a herd of 100 goats flow freely out of their stockyard and dash towards the high hills. This powerful moment is guaranteed to stay in your memory forever.
Hotel pickup and drop-off
All taxes, fees and handling charges
Driver/guide
Lunch
Local taxes
Fuel surcharge
Transport by air-conditioned minivan
Select a pickup point
Pickup included
PRIVATE: Group up to 4 persons
Pickup included
17 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
VeroniqueP858,,Aug 5, 2024
- Review from Tripadvisor
What a beautiful discovery this day with our Guide Vincent! Accompanied by 3 young adults, I was skeptical at Check-out but this was undoubtedly our favorite trip for all. Go off the tourist trail, visit places and people typical of Cretan life. What an enrichment! Special mention to Dimitri, Andreas and Eleni who received us at the farm, hives and home for a gargantuan traditional meal. The best of the trip...without a doubt. What a generosity! I highly recommend this day!
Melscartblanco,,Oct 2, 2022
- Review from Tripadvisor
Eco Events is a super small Cretan agency really listening to your desires and needs. That's why they offered us this day in the middle of the mountain to discover the real Crete and its culture. A real pleasure to discover. Avoid overfilling your stomach for breakfast
Maria F,,Apr 18, 2022
- Review from Tripadvisor
We had a great time in this experience and we saw new things! Our guide, Vincent, was wonderful and could solve all our questions!
Ρωξάνη Κ,,Apr 16, 2022
- Review from Tripadvisor
It was an unprecedented experience, which will remain unforgettable! Our guide, Vincent seemed very informed and we were all absolutely pleased with his tour! I will definitely recommend this trip to my other friends!
LilianJ7817,,Apr 15, 2022
- Review from Tripadvisor
A great experience we were greeted very warmly!! It was an immersive and very engaging expedition. The products we taste are really delicious!
inesalvescaetano6,,Apr 15, 2022
- Review from Tripadvisor
It was a great day, we explored the real Crete :) I will definitely be back!! Our guide, Vincent, helped us a lot and explained everything very well
marinatzortzakaki,,Apr 9, 2022
- Review from Tripadvisor
This was honestly the highlight of our trip in Crete. We don't usually participate in full day trips, because we think it's better to explore on our own and not be "tied" by a guided tour for the whole day, but this experience honestly changed our minds. We visited the village of Apladiana, a small traditional village with no tourists but filled with customs and tradition. We met a real cretan shepherd, Mr Andreas, and his wife, who is a beekeper (with her bare hands!!!) apart from a great cook, Mrs Eleni. We were treated like house guests, like if we were their friends, and we had the chance to observe their daily routine and habits from such a close point of view. This memory will always stay in our minds, forever. Thank you so much Mr Andreas and Mrs Eleni!!!
JulieHelius,,Mar 11, 2022
- Review from Tripadvisor
What an experience! Kostas gave as a tour to the mountains and made us feel like we belong. Mr Andreas and Mrs Eleni where really welcoming, we had a lot of raki and a delicious lunch. Forget being a tourist and get an original taste of Creta!!
Nikoula2022,,Mar 2, 2022
- Review from Tripadvisor
What a great excursion !! Cretan mountains are beautiful and thanks to our guide we were able to fully enjoy them and discover the authentic Cretan way of life ! We will definitely come back for more ! Magnifique !
626jeanlucp,,Jul 24, 2021
- Review from Tripadvisor
We loved the follow-up from the Konstantinos team and himself during these 12 days. The right addresses (also for restaurants). The mini trip to the locals was also wonderful , thanks to Andreas and Eleni for their warm Welcoming.
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