Grape Escape

6 Nights (1 N Nafplion, 5 N Crete, End in Santorini)

Departs: May 3 and September 13, 2010 from Athens.

Hosted by Ioannis Tasapos

The Grape Escape program provides an extraordinary opportunity to discover Greek wineries in the company of your host Yannis Tsapos. Yannis is Greek/American and the owner of USA based Dionysos Imports, INC. Yannis is a wine expert who will guide you through the fascinating world of flavors and aromas of Greek wines.

When in Greece you’ll begin your trip from Athens and will visit 3 different regions: Nafplion, Crete and Santorini where you’ll visit local farmers and vintners. Aside from wine tasting you’ll also have time to explore on your own these regions steeped in history and culture. This program is designed to give you the most in–depth experiences of Greek wine tasting, local culture and cuisine all with the flexibility to add nights prior to and after the program. During your stay in Nafplion and Crete the hotels are pre–selected however as the program ends on the beautiful island of Santorini you’ll have a choice to stay at whichever hotel you choose and add as many nights as you like prior to and after the trip. So, are you ready to join this Grape Escape?

Departs: May 3 and September 13 from Athens Hosted by Ioannis Tsapos

Day 1: Athens

Depart at 9:30 am. Drive to Tselepos Winery in Rizes, Arkadia (Near Tripoli). Stop for 20–30 minutes at Corinth’s Isthmus. Arrive at Tselepos Winery. Take a tour of the winery and lunch. Depart the winery for Nafplion arrive at the hotel. The rest of the night is free. We will recommend some sites and restaurants to visit.

Day 2: Nemea / Chania

Depart Nafplion and arrive at Aivalis winery (Nemea) around 12:00. Lunch at the winery. Depart Nemea at 3:00 and arrive at the airport with enough time to board the airplane for Chania. Arrive at the hotel in Chania. The rest of the night is free. We will recommend restaurants to visit on your own for dinner.

Day 3: Chania

Depart at 11:00 and go to Manousakis winery. Arrive and have lunch and wine tasting. The rest of the night is free. We will recommend restaurants to visit for dinner.

Day 4: Chania

Free day in Chania. You may visit the old market, go to the beach, all on your own and being independent!

Day 5: Heraklion

Depart Chania at 10:00 am and arrive in Heraklion at 11:00 am. Visit the Boutari winery. Spend 2–3 hours wine tasting and learning about the Cretan wines. The rest of the afternoon–night is on your own.

Day 6: Knossos Palace

Meet at the hotel around 10:00 and go to the Knossos Palace. The rest of the night is free.

Day 7: Santorini

Meet at the Hotel lobby and depart in the morning by hydrofoil for Santorini. Once you arrive in Santorini we’ll be driven to the Gavala Winery for a tour and then to Santo Winery for a tour and a farewell lunch. The bus will drop–off all clients to their hotels.

 

 

Tastes of Crete Day Program May - October, 2010

The philosophy behind the cooking programs offered is to promote the healthy, flavorful and simple foods of Crete. Designed for people who love and appreciate fine food and wine. Our cooking programs are friendly and informal, including hands–on instruction and tastings. The locations selected for their wonderful character and stunning surroundings, provide the perfect backdrop to informative classes hosted by knowledgeable local cooks or homemakers. These cooking programs are designed to offer food lovers a captivating blend of great tastes, hands–on cooking, scenic locations, tradition, history and culture.

Tastes of Crete - Day Program

May – October , 2010

(To be combined with your hotel stay in Crete)
Approximate Times: (9:30 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.) (6–12 people)

Chania Crete

An introduction to Cretan cuisine and a hands–on exploration of our culinary traditions from a local cook or homemaker set in a beautifully restored Cretan house. Discover step–by–step on how to make a satisfying, full Cretan meal from appetizers to dessert, in this fun adventure. Recipes vary according to the season, utilizing only the freshest ingredients available, all locally sourced, and providing you with a deeply individual Cretan experience and many laughs.