Day 1

On arrival transfer from Chania Airport (April 2013 departure) or Heraklion Airport to your hotel for 7-night stay. Welcome Dinner at the Cellar Taverna, which is situated right on the seafront on the bay of Kissamos. This well-established family-run taverna of 20 years has an excellent reputation amongst both tourists and locals alike. It is featured in such guide books as Lonely Planet and the Rough Guide to Crete as well as other foreign guide books. Over the years it has also been featured in various magazine articles and is rated as no. 1 in Kissamos on Trip Advisor with a 4-star rating.

Day 2

Cookery lesson at the Cellar taverna in the morning. Today you will be involved in the hands-on preparation of traditional Cretan dishes such as Tzatziki – yoghurt, cucumber, garlic dip, traditional Greek salad , the particularly tasty cheese and spinach pies, made with local cheese, Dolmades and Yemista – stuffed vine leaves and stuffed tomatoes and Kleftiko – a traditional and very tasty lamb stew. Lunch and Dinner today will be at The Cellar enjoying the dishes you have participated in preparing. Afternoon is at leisure giving you time to explore the town and perhaps visit its interesting archaeological museum. Highlights of the day – the opportunity to learn about Cretan food, prepare and cook it. The Cretan diet is reputed to be one of the healthiest in Europe with its abundance of locally grown high quality olive oil, fresh fruit and vegetables, (including horta - wild greens), as well as pulses and plentiful use of locally grown tomatoes as well as the habit of taking a glass of wine with a meal. Cretan food is actually a vegetarian’s dream, although there will be meat and fish served throughout the week as well.

Day 3

Visit Stelios parents’ house and their small farm in the hills, (20 minute drive from the hotel). Here we have the opportunity to learn about traditional Cretan life and understand how it is still possible to be almost self sufficient when you grow all your own produce and keep some livestock. There will be wine tasting, from Stelios’ own barrels of wine, cheese tasting and a chance to see, and taste, some of the produce his Mother continues to make, grow or prepare, such as, Greek spoon sweets, walnuts, olive oil, raki (strong Cretan spirit), honey, lemonade - even snails! Lunch today will be at a local taverna in the hills. Free time in the afternoon before dinner at the Cellar Taverna.Highlights of the day - the unique opportunity to visit a local house where age-old traditions continue as they always have done, giving the opportunity to have a real insight into Cretan life and its traditions. You will experience legendary Cretan hospitality at its best. The setting of the hamlet is picturesque and the scenery stunning.

Day 4

Morning visits to three local producers – a wine, cheese and olive oil factory. You will learn more about the cultivation and production of wine, raki, cheese and oil, which all play such a big part in Cretan life, its culture and economy. Lunch will be in a taverna in the picturesque village of Deliana that has a beautiful 13th century church, which you will have the opportunity to visit. Dinner at the Cellar taverna – tonight’s dinner offers the opportunity to eat true Greek style. A Greek meze will be served which means a variety of dishes will be served for all to share rather than a starter, main plate and dessert. This style of eating gives the opportunity to lots of different flavours.Highlights of the day: Being born in Kissamos Stelios knows everyone, which ensures lots of local information that other tour guides are not able to provide. The lunch os slow roasted goat at Deliana is a firm favourite as is the village itself.

Day 5

Free day at leisure. Lunch or dinner are not included today giving you the opportunity to explore further afield at leisure.

Day 6

Morning visit to Crete’s botanical park where we will enjoy a short walk and learn more about the local plants, herbs, fruit and vegetables. Lunch will be at a local taverna and free time in the afternoon. Dinner is not included this evening. Highlights of the day: Wonderful scenery and interesting local information on a variety of plants and produce that grow on Crete.

Day 7

Morning visit to the atmospheric Venetian harbour town of Chania. Set against a spectacular backdrop of majestic mountains and aquamarine seas, Chania is one of Crete’s most alluring towns. Its troubled history of occupation by Romans, Byzantines, Venetians, Genoese, Turks and Egyptians has left a rich architectural heritage. Highlights of this charming and quaint town include the magnificent harbor, Naval Museum, Mosque of the Janissaries and the covered market. We will walk through the charming streets and alleyways of the old town to reach Chania’s market. Lunch will be at one of the traditional tavernas in the market itself and the afternoon will be free for you to explore Chania at leisure. Farewell dinner at Cellar Taverna.Highlights of the day: Chania is the loveliest city in Crete. The market is fascinating and the shops varied and to eat lunch in one of the market tavernas is something that most tourists do not think of doing and is a real treat.

Day 8

Day free until transfer to the airport for return flight to the UK.

NB: Exact order or excursions may vary according to local conditions and tour manager's discretion

Please note the maximum group size on this tour is 15 passengers.

Our base for the week is either the friendly Galini Beach Hotel or the Sunny Bay Hotel both of which are situated on Kissamos' small promenande, right next to the sea.

Both hotels offer simple comfortable bedrooms with private bath/shower, airconditioning, TV, and balcony and are positioned in a peaceful area and only 5 minutes' walk from the local shops, restuarants and cafes.

Breakfast is taken at the hotel and dinner will be provided by our hosts Angela and Stelios Milonakis who look after all aspects of this tour including leading the walks and providing delicious Cretan cuisine in their local taverna, which is also situated on the promenade, overlooking the sea.