**SCHEDULE:**  _Wednesday & Friday_

**DURATION:**  _6 - 8 Hours_

**DIFFICULTY:**  _Easy_

**GROUP SIZE:**  _up to 8 people_

**TYPE:**  _Private tour_

**PICK UP TIME:**  _09:00 (Depending on your hotel)_

**PICK UP PLACE:**  _Hotels in Rethymno district_


## Highlights

- Visit a Cretan shepherd refuge and watch over 100 goats run free towards the tall mountains 
- Enjoy the typical snacks of a Cretan farmer in a scenery full of mountains and herb aromas 
- Wear your special uniform and learn all about bee-keeping by Mrs Eleni
- Find your bee queen and witness the honey extraction process
- Enjoy the hospitality of Mr Andreas' and Mrs Eleni's house
- Have a traditional homemade lunch followed by delicious "pitakia" with honey, Mrs Eleni's specialty
- Stroll around Apladiana village and learn all about the village's customs and traditions 


## ITINERARY

### A unique monastery

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.

### The shepherd's pastureland

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.

### Cretan honey and beekeeping

Next up and depending on the period, we will either visit a different spectacular landscape where all the flowers bloom and burst their refreshing aromas, or stay on spot; but, what we will witness is the important part. There, Ms Eleni, a traditional Cretan woman and wife of the shepherd, Mr Andreas, will demonstrate to us her mastery on beekeeping, passing from generation to generation. We will wear bee-keeping uniforms, while Mrs Eleni shows us the honey extraction procedure with her bare hands! As she has been mastering this art for years, her bees are like her children; she is so close with them, that there is no need for a uniform. In this very informative -and delicious- stop of our tour, we will learn everything about the production of real thyme honey.

### Cretan Hospitality, eat with us

An integral part of the Cretan tradition is the warm hospitality of the locals. After having shared their daily habits and their mastery secrets, Mr. Andreas and Mrs. Eleni open their house to us. Situated high up in the mountain, with beautiful and calming views of the village, this house is buried between flowers, trees and herb bushes. While we enter, their aromas will certainly captivate our senses. As we have a seat, Mr Andreas opens a bottle of wine and offers us a glass, while Mrs Eleni finishes up the lunch she has prepared especially for us. Enjoy the taste of local organic products and finish the meal with a delicious dessert, such as sweet cheese pies (pitakia) with honey on top. Enjoy!

### Explore the rest of the village

After lunch, we will be guided to the centre of the village Apladiana, one of the most ancient and traditional villages, which still adheres to all the Cretan customs. On our way, we will cross a field full of orange trees; let's stop and enjoy the overwhelmingly sweet and fresh smell. Depending on the period, out guide will cut a few oranges with his bare hands and offer them to us. This experience of the taste and the smell accompanied by the image of the beautiful and tall orange trees, creates an unforgettable memory. Once we arrive at the village's square, we will finish the tour by discussing some of the Cretan customs, such as where and how the famous Cretan weddings take place in the traditional villages of Crete.

## What’s Included

- Hotel Pick-Up & Drop-Off (Only Rethymno District) **[Please mention it in the Reservation Comments]**
- English or French speaking guide
- Local driver / guide
- Transport by air-conditioned car ​/ mini bus
- Entrance to the monastery​
- Lunch (vegetarian option included)
- All taxes, fees and handling charges​
- Lots of raki and laughter :)

## Price

- Up to 4 People: **540€**

- 5-8 people : **100€** **per person**






The Cretan Way of Life at the mountains of Rethymno (Mylopotamos)

## **Highlights**

**Duration**: 6 - 7 Hours Approximately

**Distance**: 135 km

**Difficulty**: 3.0 (★★★)

**Altitude Dif**: 550 m

- Enjoy Cretan Villages and the best panoramic view of Psiloritis Peak
- Visit a honey factory and taste local honey
- Visit to an original shepherd’s hut or else “Mitato”
- Experience a live the cheese making process and taste local cheese
- Lunch with traditional Cretan platters
- Embark on semi private safari tour for up to 6 or 8 persons per vehicle

## Schedule

**April - November**: _Tuesday - Thursday - Saturday_

**December - March**: _On Request_

## Pick Up Times

**8:30** Georgioupoli / **8:35** Kavros / **9:00** Rethymnon / **9:15** Platanias / **9:25** Adelianos Kambos / **9:30** Stavromenos / **9:45** Panormos

Tour starts at **10:00 am**

## **Price**

- **95.00€** Adults Aged 13-up
- **75.00€** Children aged 12 and below 

_The prices are for group participation with **minimum of 4 pax** to start_

## Price Includes

- Free hotel pick up and drop off (Please mention it in the Reservation Comments)
- Premium off-road vehicles (7 or 9 seater) driven by multilingual escort-drivers
- Lunch with traditional Cretan platters
- Entrance fees for Honey factory and tastings
- A visit to an original shepherd’s hut “Mitato” and cheese making process
- Liability Insurance and local taxes

## Price Does Not Include

- Coffee or beers or refreshements in tavern
- Gratuities

## Description

Combine some of the most unique panoramic views, visit a honey factory and taste, drive through traditional Cretan villages and find out all about the lifestyle of a Cretan shepherd by exploring an original shepherd’s hut called ‘’Mitato’’ with a small group of 6-8 people in each vehicle. Learn about the history and the traditions of the Island, meet the locals, explore the wildlife of Crete, embrace the renowned Cretan hospitality and taste the delicious Cretan cheese and cuisine. 

Our day starts from Rethymnon city heading south east through coast line road until Melidoni Village and Apithano Honey factory where we make our first stop for a guided tour in the factoiry and tast some honey. After our morning stop and driving through the traditional villages of Milopotamos (Melidoni, Apladiana, Doxaro, Agridia,Tsaxiana) and areas with dense vegetation, fresh aromas and unique views. The amazing route and views continue until we reach the historic Halepa Monastery, that used to be a refuge for Cretan rebels during civil wars where we make our second stop. The unique view from the monastery will inspire you to take pictures, combining the highest mountain tops of Crete with the beautiful valley.

Afterwards our amazing off-road route continues and on the way up to the shepherd’s hut called “Mitato” the panoramic views will take your breath away. If we are lucky, we will get to marvel up close some wild eagles and goats and take some photos. The road will lead us up to a traditional Shepherd’s hut where you will find out all about the lifestyle of a shepherd and the cheese making process. 

Leaving the shepherd’s hut and already working up our appetite we will soon arrive at a traditional Cretan tavern in Axos village, where we are going to introduce you to Cretan cuisine and heartfelt hospitality with plenty of local platters. Enough time will be provided after lunch for those who wish to enjoy a cup of coffee. On our way back we will follow an asphalt road that will lead us to the city of Rethymnon.

## Don't Forget

Don’t forget your face masks, comfortable shoes, for example trekking shoes or sandals, camera, sun protection, etc. During spring and autumn, we advise you to bring a jacket. 

The trip is not recommended to people suffering from car sickness, having mobility or kinetic or back problems, pregnant women or for children younger than 7 years old as we don't provide baby seats, or people taller than 195 cm or heavier than 130 kg. Alcohol consumption is not allowed to minors under age of 18 years old. Operators reserves the right to make minor changes in the program when considered necessary, for example, in case of unfavourable weather conditions. This can be done without any prior notice. 

Reservations must be done no later than 24 hours prior to departure. Any cancellation must be made according to our cancelation policy. In case of late cancellations, no refund will be granted from Operator. If a tour is cancelled due to insufficient number of participants or adverse weather conditions, Operator will refund 100% of made payments.

## Adventure Tips

The trip is ideal for everyone who's looking for an experience beyond the ordinary, for example youth groups, single or couple participants, families with older children, and companies.

The trip has guided stops every 30-40 minutes, for everyone's convenience.

When meals are included, Operators can arrange vegetarian alternatives, but information is required upon reservation. This also counts for any kind of food allergies, in order to find suitable alternatives if possible.

**Travelers Info: COVID-19**

Being always concerned about our guests’ and staff wellbeing and having as a priority your health and safety, we remain committed to our premium standards, fully complied with all necessary measures set by the Government. Always ready to welcome you, we act with responsibility. We stay up to date following the guidelines set by The World Health Organisation and the National Public Health Organisation. We know that your holidays with family and friends are very important to you, so we are here to make sure you can relax, enjoy and dream the way you want to.

**_In detail_**_:_

**Before Your Tour**:
- We recommend that you should be at the pick-up area (your hotel or another indicated point nearby your hotel) 10 minutes prior to your pick up time. Our driver/escort will be on time to welcome you and show your seat, in order to keep social distancing guidelines.
- Our vehicles are filled up according to governmental covid-19 law of their capacity. Those governmental laws and regulations against covid-19 infections might change, but are strictly followed at all times.
- The body temperature and wellness of all those participating in the tour (escort, driver, staff and guests) will be monitored daily, excluding and maintaining in quarantine any who display fever or other symptoms.

**On Board**:
- Please follow all the instructions given to you by your guide.
- Sanitising dispensers are available at each vehicle.

**During Your Tour**:
- Everybody that is taking part in the tour (escort, driver, guests etc...) will wear face mask throughout its duration as long as it is required by law.
- Sealed lunch boxes will be given on some of our day tours. On day tours which include meals served at restaurants, those will be provided only at restaurants following all the applicable hygiene protocols

**_Cleaning Standards_**:

**Enhanced Vehicle Cleaning**:
- The average cleaning effort in all vehicles is doubled both during the day and after the end of each tour.
- All sensitive touch areas such as seats, armrests, sidewalls etc. are intensively cleaned and sanitised daily before and after each tour.

**Air Circulation On Board**:

Our vehicles are equipped with A/C (and when used, the internal air circulation is turned to OFF) but as our safari tours are mainly operated in country side we strongly recommend the tours to be conducted with open windows for continuous fresh air circulation and to feel the freshness of the countryside.

**Our Staff**:

Our staff is trained in the latest hygiene protocols and cleaning procedures. They use personal protective equipment (face masks/shields and optional gloves) to ensure a safe travel experience for you and themselves.

Greece is well known for its long history and unique hospitality throughout the centuries. We remain confident that our services are of high value and will provide the most memorable experience in Greece to you, your family or friends. We are looking forward to escape the ordinary with you!


Explore Shepherd’s Hut and Cheese Making Process

## **Highlights**

**Duration**: 6 - 7 Hours Approximately

**Distance**: 145 km

**Difficulty**: 2.0 (★★)

**Altitude Dif**: 900 m

- Visit a winery tour with tasting
- Visit an olive mill tour with olive oil tasting
- Visit Vosakos Monastery
- Lunch with Cretan platters
- Off-road tour, marvel old olive trees, vineyards and Cretan villages
- Embark on a semi private tour for up to 6 or 8 persons per vehicle

## Schedule

**April to October** : _Monday - Wednesday - Friday_

## Pick Up Times

**8:30** Georgioupoli / **8:35** Kavros / **9:00** Rethymnon / **9:15** Platanias / **9:25** Adelianos Kambos / **9:30** Stavromenos / **9:45** Panormos

## **Price**

- **89.00€** Adults Aged 13-up
- **69.00€** Children aged 12 and below 

_The prices are for group participation with **minimum of 4 pax** to start_

## Price Includes

- Free hotel pick up and drop off (Please mention it in the Reservation Comments)
- Premium off-road vehicles (7 or 9 seater) driven by multilingual escort-drivers
- Entrance fees for the olive mill tour and tasting
- Entrance fees for the winery tour and tasting
- Lunch with Cretan delicacies
- Liability insurance and local taxes

## Price Does Not Include

- Wine or beers or refreshments in tavern
- Purchases in the winery or olive mill visit
- Gratuities

## Description

Discover the long kept secrets of wine and olives and Cretan tastes as you travel through Cretan villages in a semi private group of 6-8 persons in each vehicle. 

Our day safari in the secrets of the Cretan tastes and culture begins with a visit to Klados winery in Panormos. There we will be welcomed by the owner of the winery for a wine tour and a mouthwatering wine tasting experience unraveling the secrets of high longevity in Crete. Continuing our day we follow the north coastline through traditional villages of Sisses, Aloides in the heart of Cretan mountains admiring the unique view of Psiloritis and Mylopotamos area will inspire you to take pictures, combining the highest mountain top of Crete with the beautiful valley until we reach the historic Vosakos Monastery, that used to be a refuge for Cretan rebels during civil wars. Afterwards our amazing route continues with panoramic views that will take your breath away and If we are lucky, we will get to marvel up close some wild eagles and goats and take some photos. Driving through picturesque villages of Doxaro, Apladiana, Agia nestled amongst lush vegetation we will have plenty of opportunities to take photos of picturesque chapels, sheep, goats, sprawling vineyards and gorgeous olive groves. An asphalt route will lead us to a traditional and modern olive mill in Melidoni village in Rethymnon. There you will have the chance to be guided in three different olive oil factories (ancient handmade production, by help of diesel engines and modern production with centrifuge) learn everything about the olives harvesting, olive oil production and taste some local olive oil.

Working up our appetite we arrive at a small village tavern in Melidoni, where we will introduce you to the Cretan cuisine with plenty of Cretan delicacies and let you feel the very essence of the renowned Cretan hospitality. On the way back we will follow an easy asphalt route through the national road before we reach back into Rethymnon town.

A unique wine and olive escape, an exciting adventure to embrace the renowned Greek hospitality, enjoy the sights and professional and relaxed service!!!
## Don't Forget

Don’t forget your face masks, comfortable shoes, for example trekking shoes or sandals, camera, sun protection, etc. During spring and autumn, we advise you to bring a jacket. 

The trip is not recommended to people suffering from car sickness, having mobility or kinetic or back problems, pregnant women or for children younger than 7 years old as we don't provide baby seats, or people taller than 195 cm or heavier than 130 kg. Alcohol consumption is not allowed to minors under age of 18 years old. Operators reserves the right to make minor changes in the program when considered necessary, for example, in case of unfavourable weather conditions. This can be done without any prior notice. 

Reservations must be done no later than 24 hours prior to departure. Any cancellation must be made according to our cancelation policy. In case of late cancellations, no refund will be granted from Operator. If a tour is cancelled due to insufficient number of participants or adverse weather conditions, Operator will refund 100% of made payments.

## Adventure Tips

The trip is ideal for everyone who's looking for an experience beyond the ordinary, for example youth groups, single or couple participants, families with older children, and companies.

The trip has guided stops every 30-40 minutes, for everyone's convenience.

When meals are included, Operators can arrange vegetarian alternatives, but information is required upon reservation. This also counts for any kind of food allergies, in order to find suitable alternatives if possible.

**Travelers Info: COVID-19**

Being always concerned about our guests’ and staff wellbeing and having as a priority your health and safety, we remain committed to our premium standards, fully complied with all necessary measures set by the Government. Always ready to welcome you, we act with responsibility. We stay up to date following the guidelines set by The World Health Organisation and the National Public Health Organisation. We know that your holidays with family and friends are very important to you, so we are here to make sure you can relax, enjoy and dream the way you want to.

**_In detail_**_:_

**Before Your Tour**:
- We recommend that you should be at the pick-up area (your hotel or another indicated point nearby your hotel) 10 minutes prior to your pick up time. Our driver/escort will be on time to welcome you and show your seat, in order to keep social distancing guidelines.
- Our vehicles are filled up according to governmental covid-19 law of their capacity. Those governmental laws and regulations against covid-19 infections might change, but are strictly followed at all times.
- The body temperature and wellness of all those participating in the tour (escort, driver, staff and guests) will be monitored daily, excluding and maintaining in quarantine any who display fever or other symptoms.

**On Board**:
- Please follow all the instructions given to you by your guide.
- Sanitising dispensers are available at each vehicle.

**During Your Tour**:
- Everybody that is taking part in the tour (escort, driver, guests etc...) will wear face mask throughout its duration as long as it is required by law.
- Sealed lunch boxes will be given on some of our day tours. On day tours which include meals served at restaurants, those will be provided only at restaurants following all the applicable hygiene protocols

**_Cleaning Standards_**:

**Enhanced Vehicle Cleaning**:
- The average cleaning effort in all vehicles is doubled both during the day and after the end of each tour.
- All sensitive touch areas such as seats, armrests, sidewalls etc. are intensively cleaned and sanitised daily before and after each tour.

**Air Circulation On Board**:

Our vehicles are equipped with A/C (and when used, the internal air circulation is turned to OFF) but as our safari tours are mainly operated in country side we strongly recommend the tours to be conducted with open windows for continuous fresh air circulation and to feel the freshness of the countryside.

**Our Staff**:

Our staff is trained in the latest hygiene protocols and cleaning procedures. They use personal protective equipment (face masks/shields and optional gloves) to ensure a safe travel experience for you and themselves.

Greece is well known for its long history and unique hospitality throughout the centuries. We remain confident that our services are of high value and will provide the most memorable experience in Greece to you, your family or friends. We are looking forward to escape the ordinary with you!


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