Typhaine’s Crete Epicurean Retreat
September 20th (Arrival Day)
Today is the day you arrive in Crete Greece!
Once you disembark at the Chania Airport, a private transfer can be arranged take you to the hotel. The hotel is close to the harbor, allowing you to experience the incredible waterfront sunset. In the evening, mingle with your host and fellow travelers, as you prepare for an extravagate week ahead.
Inclusions: Accommodations
September 21st (DAY 1) – Nautical Expedition and Inhabited Islands
Our Cretan Captain will be waiting for us on the Old Ports to take us on a nautical expedition onboard his glass-bottom vessel. We will visit two inhabited islands. On this boat trip, you will have the rare opportunity to observe the wild Kri-Kri goat, an endangered species found in no other country in the world!
As we reach the first island, look down through the boat’s glass bottom. you will be able to see, and swim above the wreckage if a Junker 52 airplane, which was shot down during World War II.
We will then head out to the second inhabited island, where you will have a few hours of free time to swim or just relax on the beach. To access this secluded island, a smart tender will transfer all bags, towels, etc., to the beach, along with any non-swimmers. You will have an opportunity to swim in the crystal-clear water of both islands. A fresh lunch will be served on the boat, along with refreshments. After a sea-filled adventure, the captain will bring us back to the docks where we will head to our hotel, a mere 10-minute walk from the old port.
After a couple hours of rest, we will finish the day with a Welcome Dinner at an exquisite taverna in the old harbour, facing the “Egyptian Lighthouse”. An enthralling location to wind down to, and share thoughts about our day at sea.
Inclusions: Accommodations, Breakfast, Transportation, Private Boat, Lunch.
September 22nd (DAY 2) – A journey into natural soap-making
Today, accompanied by a professional with over 30 years of experience, you will learn in detail how to make your own soap with the finest ingredients and methods. Be prepared to be inspired, to be hooked with this unique craft during a life-changing experience.
A fun workshop where you will explore your creativity. Making your own soap is as important as growing your own food. Since we use soap everyday and repeatedly throughout our entire life, it is vital that we know what our soap is made of, what it does to the skin, and how it affects our bodies. In the most environmentally and beginner-friendly way, you will learn about the various soap-making methods, the history of soap, the materials that have been used, and the values & ethics of this craft. You will be able to make your own batch of 600g (21 oz) soap with guidance, and then take it home with youto enjoy!
This workshop will take place in a picturesque village in Crete. The soaps will be using only the purest, most potent, food-grade ingredients. These ingredients are either grown in an organic garden, or hand-selected, and responsibly sourced by local farmers.
Following the workshop, notes and recipes will be provided.
Inclusions: Accommodations, Breakfast, Transportation, Soap-Making Workshop, Lunch.
September 23rd (DAY 3) – Western Crete Pink Lagoon and Sandy Beaches
We will depart today for Elafonissi, one of the top 25 beaches in the world, as rated by TripAdvisor in 2011. Elafonissi’s pink sand and moon-like landscapes will make this day trip unforgettable.
To get there, our private driver will take us on a scenic route across gorges and canyons, where you will get a chance to appreciate Crete’s changing landscape from the comfort of your seat. As you arrive at the pink lagoon, you will have the opportunity to join our leisurely Robinson Crusoe hike up to the remains of the Elafonissi lighthouse. A walk dotted with beauty, historical tales. and rare flowers, that will leave you enchanted. If you prefer to rest and relax, you will be able to stay back and either sink your toes in the pink sand, or dip them in this turquoise lagoon facing the African continent (or both!).
To finish this visit to a paradisiac sun-drenched lagoon, we will stop for a delicious late lunch before heading back to Chania for a restful evening at leisure.
Inclusions: Accommodations, Breakfast, Transportation, Lunch.
September 24th (DAY 4) – Cretan Countryside, Vineyard, and Historical Sites
Today, we will explore the Cretan Countryside by visiting a holy cave, an award-winning winery, and the oldest living creature on the island.
By private transportation, we will visit a cave dating back to the 6th century. What looks like the entrance of an ordinary chapel, hides a cave which was once the bed of a river. The cave is 100 meters long and 1,500 meters squared. It is believed to have healing powers.
We will then head for the Lefka Ori Mountains of Western Crete, where rosemary, thyme, sage, lavender, and chamomile fill the air in the springtime. At this very special location, the vines of this winery absorb this scent-filled terroir, which cause the flavours of the grapes to combine with the scent of the herbs, creating an incomparable taste. Each of the bottles captures the character of this verdant island, and the slopes of the Lefka Ori. Here, you will learn about the local wine-making process while sampling the wines from this award-winning Cretan winery.
We will then travel to meet the Yoda of the island, one of the world’s ten oldest living trees. At the ripe age of +/- 3,000 years old*, this gentle giant is said to be the oldest known olive tree in the world. It still produces olives which, if you are lucky, may find laying on the ground.
Lunch will be served at an authentic village taverna, famous for its “godly” dishes.
This evening you can rest, explore Chaina at your own leisure, or join us for dinner.
Inclusions: Accommodations, Breakfast, Transportation, Cave Tour, Winery Tour, Lunch.
September 25th (DAY 5) – Southern Crete Palm Forest Boat Expedition
Today, we will embark on a private boat cruise to a remote beach to visit an ancient Palm Forest unique to Crete.
We will leave early today as we travel East, then South to the part of the island facing the African continent, with our destination being the gem of a forest that is Preveli. This journey will allow us to observe the changing vegetation of Crete, that starts with lush forests, crosses into dramatic canyons, and ends with dry, desert-like vegetation.
Once we have reached the South coast of the island, our Captain will await us to take us on his boat directly to a secluded beach. This beach features one of Europe’s unique natural palm forests (of nearly extinct palm species), which then opens on a river that flows into the Libyan Sea. You will discover a protected and delicate ecosystem full of history. Once ravaged by wildlife, its spectacular recovery is often compared to a Phoenix, rising from the ashes. You will have the opportunity to join us on a swim up the river, or to relax on the beach while enjoying this spectacular scenery.
Our captain will then take us back to the village, where we will head for a scrumptious lunch.
Inclusions: Accommodations, Breakfast, Transportation, Private Boat, Lunch.
September 26th (DAY 6) – Traditional Village Chef’s Cooking Class
Today, our group will have an opportunity to visit a small farm that produces vegetables and herbs (with some being unique to the island), based on sustainable principles. This property includes a traditional cottage overlooking a plain and the White Mountains.
Together, we will select ingredients for our cooking class from an extensive garden. the cooking lesson will include a full 5-course meal with vegetarian and non-vegetarian Cretan dishes, as well as a variety of local wines and spirits. Cretan cuisine is renowned in both Greece and internationally for its unique ingredients and flavours. Based on simple techniques, it is the variety of local produce that distinguishes the dishes: Mountain herbs and greens, bulbs, unique cheeses, fresh fish, the famous Cretan oil, and raki a bracing grape brandy. No trip to Crete is complete without exploring its food culture. This private cooking class will give you an opportunity to learn how to cook simple, yet succulent dishes to impress your guests back home! A nice way to wrap up your first epicurean retreat.
As this will be the last day of our journey, we will finish it off with our famous Goodbye Dinner at a top-rated coastal restaurant, sipping on a cold drink while basking in the Cretan Sunset
Inclusions: Accommodations, Breakfast, Transportation, Chef-led cooking class, Lunch, Dinner.
September 27th (DAY 7) – Travel Home
It has been an incredible week of inspiring Greek life on the island of Crete. You’ve made new friends and many new memories to take home with you.
Hopefully we will see you back again soon!
Inclusions: Accommodations, Breakfast