Private Tour: Crete Slow Food and Wild Views with Wine

Therisso is a pretty ‘lost’ village about 15 kilometres from the city of Chania. The dramatic mountain scenery and impressive gorge hide a remarkable history that has undoubtedly left an indelible mark on the island. Our tour will start with a drive through the gorge (yes, you can actually drive through it!) where you will be impressed by the spectacular forest landscape, filled to the brim with oak and chestnut trees. We will venture into the nearby Sarakina Cave and wander down ancient paths that have a tendency to transport you back in time to the mythical Minoan past of the island. Time for a quick refreshment stop now and where better than a local’s favourite kafenion (a sort of traditional Greek café)? Here we’ll try the famous sfakiani pita, lovingly drizzled with thyme-infused honey and wash it back with a glass of raki or a coffee, depending on what you would prefer.

Sitting at the foothills of the beautiful Lefka Ori (White Mountains), the village of Therisso’s story is firmly rooted in modern history; this is where the revolt of 1905, stirred up by Eleftherios Venizelos, began, which in turn led to the union of Crete with Greece in 1913. As we meander through the village we will see several historical monuments, such as the headquarters of Venizelos, who went on to become Prime Minister of Greece and the National Resistance Museum. Along the entire route of the tour, we will pass lots more traditional Cretan villages that are off the beaten path and still untouched by tourism. If we have time, we may make one or two additional photo stops. We will then make our way to a family-run farm to sample the famous dairy products of the region, such as freshly produced cheese and yogurt.

Our culinary journey will continue at a typical slow food restaurant where our lunch will be cooked over an open fire in clay pots. As our food is being prepared, we will have an opportunity to visit a small, nearby farm to experience local life in the Cretan countryside and see how locals use the land to make their living. Back at the restaurant, we will visit the wine cellar to discover the delights of Cretan vines before your mouthwatering lunch is served. And if this wasn’t enough for your taste buds, we will go on to sample what is considered the best honey in the region at a small, family-owned business.

We will end our day in the best way we know how, at one of the island’s most impressive wineries. Set in a truly unique location, we will sample three different local wines accompanied by local cheese and learn about the vibrant plethora of Cretan wines and indigenous varieties available on the island. After drinking we will take you back through the countryside for one last look at perfection before dropping you off at your hotel for a well-earned wine nap. Before you go, don’t forget to ask your local guide for hints and tips on what to do next during your stay on beautiful Crete.