Experience life on a renowned organic farm and assist in the preparation authentic Cretan specialities during this unforgettable, full-day sightseeing and culinary excursion.
Chania, Agreco Farm and Estate
Depart the pier for the scenic, approximately 75-minute drive to the Agreco Farm, originally an olive grove and the summerhouse of the Grecotel owners, the Daskalantonakis family. It features an innovative array of environmentally-friendly methods for traditional and modern cultivation and breeding. The estate, a replica of 17th-century lodge, features a traditional olive press, flour watermill, wine press and a giant vat for grape crushing. The complex includes a church, village square and store, and is highlighted by a mini-zoo. The Agreco Farm produces ecological products that meet all EU standards, thereby demonstrating that cultivation is possible without the use of chemicals that ultimately pollute the soil, water and our health.
Bread-Baking and Tasting, Watermill and Threshing Area, Wine Press, Raki Cauldron
Upon arrival, your first-hand interactive experience explores the traditional production methods of Greek specialities. First, bake bread in a wood-burning stone oven. Whilst the bread is baking, learn how to stuff vegetables, and even fill a few yourself. Once the bread is done, taste it the local way; hot, with Agreco's organic, extra-virgin olive oil. Following your bread tasting, take a guided stroll to the watermill and threshing area. See the millstones utilised to produce flour, and antique milling and baking tools on display, then head over to the wine press and 'raki' cauldron, or 'rakokazano'. See the vat where the grapes are tread in the autumn, and the raki still that produces Crete's famous 'tsikoudia'. Every time you enter a local house, you are offered raki and 'meze'.
Mini-Zoo, Cretan Goats, Goat-Milking, Cheese Tasting, Chapel of St. Nicholas, Farm Shop
Next, walk to the mini-zoo for a look at unique species of local animals, including the famous 'kri kri', the wild Cretan goat. Leaving the zoo, your guide takes a goat to the centre of the village square, and milks it. The fresh goat's milk is utilised to produce goat's milk cheese, which you can sample with coarse salt. From here, return to the farm square for visits to the Chapel of St. Nicholas and Farm Shop, where you can browse a wide array of Agreco organic products available for sale. Included are organic olive oil, thyme honey, exceptional wines, fine raki, homemade jam, herbs, pure beauty products, and golden-roasted rusks and peanuts, along with gifts and memorabilia.
Pergola, Vineyard, Olive Grove and Sea Views, Cretan Cheese Pie Lesson and Tasting, Lunch
Leaving the Farm Shop, a stop is made to relax and unwind under the shade of the pergola, which offers splendid panoramic views over the vineyards and olive groves, and down to the Cretan Sea. When local villagers want a quick, tasty lunch, they make 'sfougato'. Observe how this delicious dish is made with our free-range farm eggs. It takes years of experience to make 'myzithropitakia' or Cretan cheese pies; however, a quick interactive lesson helps you learn how to make the filling, roll out the pastry, and fill and decorate the pies. Once they are baked, you are invited to sample these delicious, steaming-hot morsels. After this tasting, proceed for a traditional Greek lunch. At the conclusion of your visit, re-board your coach and commend the approximately 75-minute drive back to the pier.
Please note: This tour involves a moderate amount of walking for approximately 1.24 miles (about two kilometres), at times over uneven surfaces, with a few steps to negotiate to get on/off the coach. This tour is not suitable for guests with limited mobility and guests who utilise a wheelchair. Lightweight, comfortable, clothing with flat, closed-toe walking shoes and sun protection are recommended. Guests must be at least 21 years old to be served alcoholic beverages. The tour sequence may vary. Space on this tour is very limited; we suggest you book in advance to avoid disappointment.