Nat Geo Day Tour: The Millenary History of Olive Oil

Scene Malia White Party at Apollo Club

Get ready to glow at the White Party. Rock your best all-white fit and soak up the hottest urban beats from top DJs til the early hours, spicing up the Old Skool classics with new jams. With our hype MC and fire-breathing dancers in glam white, the vibe's electric. It's the ultimate blend of elegance and wild party energy, making it the must-attend event where the night's vibe is as fresh as your fit.

Nat Geo Day Tour: The Millenary History of Olive Oil

Approximate itinerary and duration of activitiesIntroduction - 15 minutesWalking tour through the olive trees - 30 minutesPause for questions and raki drink - 15 minutesOlive oil factory tour - 40 minutesOlive oil tasting and questions - 55 minutesCooking demonstration and tastings - 30 minutesPlease note the order of activities may vary at your guide's discretion With millennia of experience behind them, it's no wonder the people of Crete produce some of the finest olive oil in the world. You will appreciate the timeless bond between Cretans and their revered olive trees as you trace the long heritage of olive cultivation on the island. Just outside Kritsa village in the hills of eastern Crete, you'll follow Nikos Plevritakis on a brief walk to his olive groves where some trees are 600-800 years old, and learn about olive cultivation from a true specialist. In the shade of the olive trees, you can try local raki known as ‘tsikoudia' with olives to nibble on while discussing the cultural and societal significance of olive cultivation in Crete. Then it's time to visit a local cooperative factory, to see up close how olives are processed into world-class olive oil. Back on the Olive Path, seize the chance to taste fresh figs, almonds, and grapes, see what the locals are growing, and find out all about the Cretan lifestyle and diet. Then, at an olive farm, you can sample olives, fresh tomatoes, and raki before your olive oil tasting session begins – a great opportunity to learn how to taste oils like a professional and compare the flavor profiles of different varieties. Finish off the day with a cooking lesson on various ways to use olive oil in Cretan cuisine. Authentic dishes, such as tzatziki and Greek salad will feature, and you'll find out why the traditional Cretan diet is so beneficial to health and longevity.

Nat Geo Day Tour: Discover Cretan Farm Life

Small-scale, family-run farms are integral to the Mediterranean diet that Crete is so famous for. A local family will welcome you to their Mitato, a small farmhouse, where you'll be greeted with the genuine warmth of Cretan hospitality. Listen to the local farmer tell the intriguing tale of King Minoas who watched from his observatory, and alerted locals to incoming pirates. Greetings over, it's time for a hands-on bread-making lesson, learning the techniques for typical Cretan bread, made with wheat and barley flour. Then, witness their cheese-making skills using goat's milk from the farm. Next, it's time to roll up your sleeves and get stuck in, helping out with daily farm tasks like feeding the goats, pigs, chickens, and rabbits, and tending to the gardens. The adventure continues with a snail hunt over the mountainside, exclusive to National Geographic travellers, peeking under rocks, and among shrubs and flowers. As the day unfolds, your collected treasures, including snails, eggs, fruit, and vegetables, become the ingredients for lunch. Alongside the family, you'll prepare a feast of local delicacies, all made from the products of your day's work. Finish off the experience with a taste of Crete's spirit, Raki, and why not sing along to their traditional Cretan ‘Mantinades,' - traditional Cretan couplets that express sentiments about Cretan daily life.

Elafonisi Island tour with Agia Sophia Cave and monastery visit

The uninhabited island of Elafonisi may be tiny but it's bursting with personality. This journey to this islet off southwestern Crete is steeped in myths and legends and boasts historic buildings and amazing natural scenery – making it an ideal excursion for all the family.

Margarites and Melidoni Cave Tour

Pretty ports, coastal views and ancient ways of life – northern Crete is a treasure-trove of hidden gems. And on this tour, you'll see two of the best. You'll visit the tucked-away town of Margarites before heading to Melidoni Cave – an ancient natural wonder. You'll want your camera for this one.We'll begin our journey in the charming village of Margarites, famous for its traditional pottery making. Crete is home to some of the earliest evidence of the craft, and you'll get to see the ancient art with a demonstration. You'll also have some free time to stroll through the narrow streets and admire the beautifully crafted ceramics on display.Next up, we'll visit the Melidoni Cave. This limestone cave has been used as a place of worship, refuge, and even a burial site throughout the ages. You'll explore the caverns adorned with stalactites and stalagmites, as your guide shares intriguing stories and legends that surround this mystical place.

Chania Old Port Catamaran Cruises to Agioi Theodoroi Island

Whether you choose the morning or evening, this catamaran cruise in the Agioi Theodoroi Bay has all the ingredients for a classic Cretan outing, with coastal views, watersports in the clear waters and fresh Mediterranean food. You'll sail out of the Old Venetian Port of Chania and drop anchor near the island of Agioi Theodoroi for swimming, snorkelling, paddle-boarding or fishing. On the morning tour you'll tuck into lunch onboard, with Greek beer and Cretean wine, while on the sunset tour, there's a platter of local ham, cheese and fruit, plus a glass of fizz and canapes when you board.

Private off-road tour to experience Crete

Buckle up for an exciting 4x4 off-road tour, rumbling into the mountainous landscapes of Crete. You'll be awe-struck by views of the south Cretan coast from Kerame village and the drama of Kourtaliotiko Gorge. Take a cooling dip at Preveli Beach, tuck into a traditional lunch, and check out Spili's lion-head fountains. With your guide doubling as your driver, every twist and turn reveals another hidden gem of Crete.

Full-day tour with Cretan caves, olive oil and pottery from Plakias

Get a glimpse of Cretan tradition on this full-day tour. You'll start your adventure at Melidoni Cave for a look around, before stopping for a coffee. Then, call in at an olive mill to learn all about how olive oil is made, from hand-picking to bottling. Plus, you'll get to taste different varieties and pick up some tips for your cooking. Swing by a honey museum afterwards for a tasting session, before wrapping up your tour in the village of Margarites, a pottery hub with Venetian roots that's known for its centuries-old ceramic-making heritage.

Private premium catamaran cruise to Dia Island in Crete

Cast off on a half-day catamaran cruise, gliding over to Dia Island in Crete. As you sail, you can tuck into traditional Cretan treats. Once you arrive at the island, you can take your pick from the watersports on offer – try paddle-boarding, snorkelling, or just go for a swim. After working up an appetite, you'll have an onboard Mediterranean feast prepared by an award-winning chef. For this experience, you can choose whether to sail in the morning or evening, and if you want to opt for a little extra luxury with a private cruise.

Premium catamaran cruise to Dia Island in Crete

Cast off on a half-day catamaran cruise, gliding over to Dia Island in Crete. As you sail, you can tuck into traditional Cretan treats. Once you arrive at the island, you can take your pick from the watersports on offer – try paddle-boarding, snorkelling, or just go for a swim. After working up an appetite, you'll have an onboard Mediterranean feast prepared by an award-winning chef. For this experience, you can choose whether to sail in the morning or evening, and if you want to opt for a little extra luxury with a private cruise.