Crete: Sightseeing Day Trip With Cooking Lesson and Lunch

Crete, the largest Greek island, offers a captivating blend of natural beauty, rich cultural heritage, and delectable cuisine. This sightseeing day trip promises an immersive experience, allowing travelers to discover the island’s enchanting landscapes, learn traditional cooking methods, and savor the flavors of Cretan gastronomy. From exploring picturesque villages to partaking in a hands-on cooking lesson, this excursion promises to leave an indelible mark on the senses.

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Key Points

An 8-hour excursion in Crete that includes a cooking lesson, pottery workshop, 4×4 vehicle tour, and a Cretan-style lunch with wine and water for Kč 2,303 per person.
Pickup locations available in Analipsi, Heraklion, Hersonissos, and Sisi, with a 15-minute wait in the hotel lobby and up to 10 minutes for drivers.
Highlights include visiting a local farm for goat milking, exploring the dam of Aposelemis and Embasa gorge, and a pottery workshop at the Lassithi plateau.
Hands-on cooking lessons with a local chef focus on preparing traditional Cretan dishes using fresh, seasonal ingredients, and an opportunity to taste farm-fresh products.
The tour concludes with a Cretan-style lunch featuring wood oven-baked dishes and an olive oil tasting showcasing various olive varieties.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Trip Overview and Pricing

The sightseeing day trip in Crete offers visitors an immersive experience, with a price tag of Kč 2,303 per person.

The 8-hour excursion includes hotel pickup, cooking lessons, pottery workshops, a 4×4 vehicle tour, and a Cretan lunch with wine and water.

Cancellation is free up to 24 hours in advance, and travelers can reserve their spot without paying upfront.

The trip is wheelchair accessible, and private groups are available.

Pickup is offered from several locations, with drivers waiting no longer than 10 minutes for guests to arrive.

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Pickup and Accessibility

Four pickup locations are offered for the Crete sightseeing day trip – Analipsi, Heraklion, Hersonissos, and Sisi.

Guests must wait in their hotel lobby 15 minutes before the scheduled pickup time. Drivers will only wait up to 10 minutes.

The tour is wheelchair accessible, and private group options are available. Passengers are advised to be ready and waiting to ensure a prompt departure.

Alternative pickup points can be arranged if needed. Following the guidelines ensures a smooth and timely start to this immersive Cretan adventure.

Itinerary Highlights

A visit to a local farm in Potamies kicks off the day, where guests can experience the process of goat milking and sample fresh farm-derived products.

Next, they’ll explore the dam of Aposelemis, Crete’s largest water supply project, and witness the submerged village of Sfendili.

Off-road driving through the gorge of Embasa provides an opportunity to pick local herbs.

Cooking lessons allow participants to prepare dishes using local ingredients.

At the Lassithi plateau, guests will take part in a pottery workshop and create a ceramic piece.

The day culminates with a lunch featuring wood oven-baked Cretan dishes.

Cooking Lessons and Farm Experience

After exploring the scenic Cretan landscape, guests embark on the hands-on cooking lessons, where they learn to prepare local dishes using fresh, seasonal ingredients.

Under the guidance of a skilled local chef, they discover the secrets behind traditional Cretan cuisine. Participants get to milk goats and taste farm-fresh products at a nearby farm, gaining an authentic experience of Cretan life.

The cooking class focuses on utilizing the region’s abundant produce, allowing guests to create flavorful dishes and gain an appreciation for the island’s vibrant culinary heritage.

This immersive experience culminates in a delightful Cretan-style lunch.

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Pottery Workshop and Lassithi Plateau

The scenic journey continues as guests make their way to the Lassithi Plateau, one of Crete’s most captivating regions. Here, they participate in a hands-on pottery workshop, shaping clay into unique ceramic pieces. This cultural experience allows them to connect with Crete’s artistic heritage.

The day then takes them to explore the plateau, admiring the:

Iconic windmills dotting the landscape
Ancient cave dwellings carved into the mountainside
Lush vegetation and breathtaking mountain views
Remnants of the Dikteon Cave, believed to be the birthplace of Zeus
Quaint villages showcasing traditional Cretan architecture

After an immersive pottery session, guests savor a delicious Cretan lunch before continuing their sightseeing adventure.

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Lunch and Olive Oil Tasting

Following their immersive pottery session, guests savor a delicious Cretan lunch at a local cafeteria. The menu features a variety of wood oven-baked dishes, showcasing the region’s authentic flavors. As they indulge, guests also have the opportunity to learn about the local olive oil industry.

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The tour concludes with a visit to a picturesque village, leaving guests with a deeper appreciation for Crete’s rich culinary heritage.

Picturesque Village of Krasi

As the tour concludes, guests have the opportunity to visit the picturesque village of Krasi. This charming 18th-century village is known for its ancient plane trees and aqueduct.

Visitors can:

Explore the village’s narrow streets and traditional architecture
Marvel at the impressive 18th-century aqueduct, a testament to the region’s engineering prowess
Admire the ancient plane trees, some of which are over 2,000 years old
Learn about the village’s rich history and cultural heritage
Enjoy the serene atmosphere and take in the stunning natural surroundings.

This final stop provides a fitting end to a day filled with culture, culinary delights, and breathtaking scenery.

Inclusions, Exclusions, and Preparation

This sightseeing day trip in Crete includes a range of activities and services to ensure a comprehensive and enjoyable experience.

The tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off, cooking and pottery lessons, a 4×4 vehicle tour, a Cretan lunch with wine and water.

A sightseeing day trip in Crete offering hotel pickup, cooking and pottery lessons, a 4×4 tour, and a Cretan lunch with wine and water.

However, it excludes private expenses.

To prepare, guests should wear comfortable shoes, sunglasses, and a hat. Smoking, bringing drinks, or food in the vehicle isn’t allowed.

The exact pickup time is provided after booking, and an alternative pickup point can be arranged if needed.

The route may change for safety or weather considerations.

Since You Asked

Can I Request a Vegetarian or Special Dietary Meal?

Yes, special dietary requests like vegetarian meals can be accommodated. Simply mention any dietary requirements when booking the trip, and the vendor will make the necessary arrangements to ensure your needs are met during the cooking lesson and lunch.

What Is the Cancelation Policy if I Have to Change Plans?

The trip offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. Customers can cancel their reservation and get their money back if they need to change their plans.

How Much Cash Should I Bring for Additional Expenses?

The trip includes hotel pickup, cooking lessons, pottery lessons, 4×4 vehicle tour, Cretan lunch, wine, and water. Additional personal expenses are not included, so travelers should bring a modest amount of cash for any extra purchases or tips as needed.

Is There a Minimum Number of Participants Required for the Tour?

The tour doesn’t have a minimum number of participants. It’s available for both private groups and individual travelers. The booking process doesn’t require a minimum group size, so you can reserve your spot regardless of the number of people in your party.

Can I Extend the Tour Duration or Make Additional Stops?

The tour duration can’t be extended, but additional stops may be possible if arranged in advance with the tour operator. However, this would depend on factors like availability, logistics, and any additional costs.

Final Words

Enjoy the authentic flavors and enchanting landscapes of Crete on this sightseeing day trip. Explore a local farm, learn traditional cooking techniques, and savor a delightful Cretan lunch. Discover the stunning natural beauty of the region, from the Aposelemis dam to the Embasa gorge. This immersive experience offers a unique opportunity to connect with the island’s vibrant culture and rich culinary heritage.