2017

G r a b y o u r h a t t h e r e i s a l o n g j o u r n e y a h e a d Every Monday CULTURAL TOUR IN MOCHLOS WITH AN ARCHEOLOGIST Tuesday RIVER TREK WITH A MOUNTAIN GUID E Wednesday MAKING OF SOAP WITH OLIVE OIL WITH A CHEMICAL ENGINEER Thursday TREK & BIRD WATCHING AT PLATANIA GORGE WITH A MOUNTAIN G UIDE - ENVIRONMENTALIST Friday CULTURAL EXCURSION IN ANCIENT CITIES & PEAK SANCTUARIES WITH AN ARCHEOLOGIST Saturday WINE TASTING WITH AN OENOLOGIST Sunday COOKING CLASS WITH A FOODIST / ANTHROPOLIGIST

π ά ρ ε το κ α π έ λ ο σ ο υ έ χ ο υ μ ε μ α κ ρ υ τ α ξ ί δ ι TUERSDAYS Trekking-bird warching MONDAYS Cultural - archeological WEDNESDAYS Local art of soap making SATURDAYS Wine-tasting THURSDAYS River trek SUNDAYS Cooking class FRIDAYS Cultural - archeological

EVERY MONDAY 2017 Cultural excursion with an archaeologist Daily tour 5-8 hours In English HISTORICAL EXCURSION IN THE ISLAND OF MOCHLOS: STORIES ABOUT ARTISANS & MERCHANTS OF MOCHLOS HIDDEN IN SMALL EXCAVATION FINDS The tour in Mochlos by boat and on foot, aspires to be a visit to the archaeological sites on the mainland and on the island that has been explored in the area, delving, as the archeologists do, into the stories that are hidden in the excavation finds. 1-2 hour easy trek in coastal wild nature Outdoor picnic Boat trip Region: Lassithi Eastern Crete Starting time 9.00 Meeting point: THOLOS BEACH cost: 75 euros p.p. (in a group of 6-12 / min number of 2 people)

Travel provisions Experienced archeologist Language: English Short manual First Aid Kit Light meal in a local tavern, which complies with typical Cretan gastronomy, including traditional and local products Boat tickets (subject to weather) The price does not include Transport from your accommodation to the sites proposed and back to the hotel Other guided tours and entrance fees in organized archaeological sites Drinks, personal expenses and tips Anything that is not mentioned in the paragraph above. The trip step by step 1. Introduction from a view point: the art of excavation inside the natural and humanmade landscape. 2. Driving tour to historical sites travelling back to time: a modern country house, a traditional mill, a Venetian tower, a medieval church, a byzantine bath. 3. Walking tour to the prehistoric sites around the modern village: a quarry, a cemetery, a craftsmen district. 4. Tour on the island of Mochlos: the Minoan town and significant port of the 3rd millennium BC. (If the weather does not permit the transfer by boat, the tour will take place from a distance, on the mainland). Meeting point: THOLOS BEACH GOOGLE MAPS: https://goo.gl/maps/udupsq6njbl2

EVERY TUESDAY 2017 RIVER TREK Daily tour 8 hours In English 4 hour river trek in the palm forest of Preveli RIVER TREK TREKKING IN THE RIVER OF KOURTALITIS ALONG THE NATURAL PALM FOREST OF PREVELI Spending a refreshing day in the crystal waters of Kourtaliotis river. Walking to the path of the 2nd most important palm forest in Crete. Visiting the springs and the waterfalls of Kourtaliotis and the 2 emblematic monasteries of the area. Swimming in a crystal beach Visit 2 monasteries Outdoor picnic South Rethimnon Starting time 9.30 Meeting point: the old Bridge at Kourtaliotis river https://goo.gl/maps/huznmk3sodu2 Cost: 75 p.p. (in a group of 6-12 / min number of 2 people)

Travel provisions Experienced mountain guide Language: English First Aid Kit Light meal in the countryside, which complies with typical Cretan gastronomy, including traditional and local products. The price does not include Transport from your accommodation to the sites proposed and back to the hotel Other guided tours and entrance fees in organized archaeological sites Drinks, personal expenses and tips Anything that is not mentioned in the paragraph above The trip step by step 1. Meeting at the Gefira Café at Preveli. 2. Visiting the bridge and the old monastery 3. Visiting the new monastery. 4. River Trek 5. Pick nick in nature 6. Swimming in the sea and return Meeting point: the old Bridge at Kourtaliotis River GOOGLE MAPS: https https://goo.gl/maps/huznmk3sodu2

EVERY WEDNESDAY 2017 Art & craft 2 hour recreational seminar In English, Spanish, German Meeting with locals Rural area of Dafnes THE WHOLE UNIVERSE IN A BAR OF SOAP HOW TO MAKE SOAP USING OLIVE OIL At the Workshop WorkSoap you will get to know the procedure of soap making by hand according to the traditional way using the cold soap making method with the olive oil as a base. With the guidance of the experts you are also going to learn the exotic oils, balms (beurres) essences, natural colorants, plants and spices which are used in soap making. Starting time: 10.00 Meeting point: WorkSoap at Dafnes GOOGLE MAPS: https://goo.gl/maps/2mnovavukxe2 Cost: 75 p.p. (in a group of 6-12 / min number of 2 people)

THE SEMINAR STEP BY STEP A brief history of soap making and its chemical consistence. Description of the different stages of soap making, cutting - maturation of soaps. Introduction to the necessary materials, equipment and safety measures. Presentation of the oils, balms and other additives (essences, plants, natural colorants, spices, minerals, exfoliants) used in the procedure. Preparation of the individual equipment, explanations, choice of materials. Making the soap. At this stage each person will make their own soap under the direction of the people responsible of the workshop. The soaps will then be put into special boxes and will be given to the participants. Travel provisions Experts for soap making (chemical engineer) Language: English First Aid Kit The price does not include Transport from your accommodation to Dafnes Drinks, personal expenses and tips anything not mentioned above.

EVERY THURSDAY 2017 Trekking & bird-watching 5 hour trekking & bird watching In English With a mountainguide / environmentalist Stunning Psiloritis mountain GORGE OF PLATANIA, AT PSILORITIS GEOPARK TREKKING & BIRD-WATCHING In the southwestern foothills of the massif of Psiloritis lies the Gorge of Platania zigzagging uphill through predator s colonies, impressive landforms and cultural elements of mainland Crete. Platania Gorge has been acknowledged as an outstanding natural site for hikers, wildlife photographers and reasonable travelers.. Starting time 9.00 Meeting point: Church of Kimisis Theotokou at Platania village / GOOGLE MAPS: https://goo.gl/maps/pfi8fz8xrxo Cost: 70 p.p. (in a group of 6-12 / min number of 2 people)

Highlights Trekking in Psiloritis Range, the mountainous backbone of Crete with the highest peak of the island at 2.456 m. Seing all four kinds of native oak trees. Recognizing the significance of the so-called Psiloritis Geopark (Unesco heritage) Watching with binoculars some of the biggest worldwide insular populations of big raptors, such as Lammergeier (Gypaetus barbatus), Golden Eagle (Aquila chrysaetos) and Griffon Vulture (Gyps fulvus). HIKE DETAILS. Total Distance: 7 Km / Hours: 4 5 Elevation gain: approximately 600 m. Max. Altitude: 950 m. Min. Altitude: 420 m. Type: Gorge Trails, Mountains Paths Difficulty level: 2 Suitable for ages over 12 years old Necessary personal equipment: mountaineering shoes, sunhat, backpack, water, + sticks (trekking poles) Travel provisions Experienced environmentalist English First Aid Kit Light meal in the countryside, that complies with typical Cretan gastronomy, including traditional and local products Binoculars for bird watching The price does not include Transport from your accommodation to the sites proposed and back to the hotel Other guided tours and entrance fees in organized archaeological sites Drinks, personal expenses and tips anything that is not mentioned in the paragraph above. Meeting point: Church of Kimisis Theotokou at Platania village GOOGLE MAPS: https://goo.gl/maps/pfi8fz8xrxo

EVERY FRIDAY 2017 Historical excursion with Archaeologist 8 hours In English 2-3 hour trek Outdoor picnic Region: Lassithi Thrypti mountains Starting time 9.00 Meeting point: Kavousi village HISTORICAL EXCURSION IN ANCIENT CITIES & PEAK SANCTUARIES Excursion to an area with a hundred of significant archaeological sites inside a mountainous and wild landscape with an impressive view to the sea north of Crete. The trip takes place at an area presented in the documentary Bronze Age collapse of History Channel Cost: 75 p.p. (in a group of 6-12 / min number of 2 people)

The trip step by step Introduction by the sea: the natural and human-made landscape from Minoan period up to now. The timeless culture of olive: visiting the ancient olive tree inside the valley of Kavousi. Up to the mountains: trekking along the European path E4 and/ or alternatively, driving to the wild landscape by a 4x4 vehicle. Archeological treasures: tour to the archeological sites of Vronda, Kastro and / or Azorias (12th-6th cen. BCE) on the excavated areas or from a distance. Travel provisions Experienced archeologist Language: English Transfer in the mountain by 4X4 First Aid Kit Short manual Light meal in the countryside. The price does not include Transport from your accommodation to the sites proposed and back to the hotel Other guided tours and entrance fees in organized archaeological sites Drinks, personal expenses and tips Anything that is not mentioned Meeting point: KAVOUSI VILLAGE GOOGLE MAPS: https://goo.gl/maps/yswkbs1mb9n

EVERY SATURDAY 2017 Agricultural, wine tasting with an oenologist 4 hours In English, French Wine tasting Starting time 18.00 GRAPE THE SECRET AROMAS OF CRETAN WINES Meeting point: Houdetsi village, Mesarmi wine tasting A trip through Dionyso s juices (musts), in time and place a trip for wine tasting and acquaintance with the Cretan terroir in the most famous wine-area of Crete Cost: 75 p.p. (in a group of 6-12 / min number of 2 people)

Travel provisions Experienced oenologist and producer of local wine Language: English Manual Wine tasting in a special room for wine tasting of 6 different wines of local varieties. The price does not include Transport from your accommodation to the meeting point other guided tours and entrance fees in organized archaeological sites Personal expenses and tips Anything not mentioned above Meeting point: Houdetsi village, Mesarmi wine tasting https://goo.gl/maps/yfsu8d4mkj62

EVERY SUNDAY 2017 COOKING CLASS with a foodist 6 hours In English Village Alagni, typical rural area near Heraklion city Meeting with locals COOKING COURSE - THE FOOD CULTURE OF CRETE OLIVE OIL, COOKING AND SAY CHEEESEEE Experience a day of flavors, aromas & sensations while getting acquainted with the culture of Crete. Spend your day in a local rural village setting, getting to know the basic nutritional elements of the world renowned Cretan Diet, while engaging in a hands on experience with Cretan Cooking. During this journey you will have the opportunity to get to know closer the local life of the people of Crete, the food and flavors of their everyday diet and the secrets of the healthiest dietary model on the planet. Tasting grand-mum s recipes Olive oil tasting Cheese tasting Full Meal Starting time 10.00 Meeting point: Alagni village Cost: 75 p.p. (in a group of 6-12 / min number of 2 people)

Description of the theme 1) Olive Oil Tasting Through this session you will be able to experience 4 different qualities of olive oil. You will learn to identify the different flavorful characteristics of olive oil and understand the different qualities available. 2) Cheese Tasting Taste a variety of cheeses that exist in the daily food consumption patterns of the people of Crete. 3) Cooking Class Get involved in the kitchen, use the local ingredients and make your own creations from the variety of dishes in the Cretan cuisine. Match Olive Oil with different flavors and learn how to use it in your daily routine. NOTES Dishes based on seasonal products If there is a special product you would like to taste or get to know please inform us in advance If you require a trekking of certain distance it can be arranged after request PLEASE INFORM US FOR ANY FOOD ALLERGIE Travel provisions Experienced foodist Language: English Short manual Meal Olive oil & cheese tasting Cooking class The price does not include Transport from your accommodation to the meeting point other guided tours and entrance fees in organized archaeological sites Drinks, personal expenses and tips anything that is not mentioned.

General information E x t r a t r a v e l p r o v i s i o n s u p o n r e q u e s t It is possible to organize for you a translation to your language, with an extra charge. The same applies with the transfer to the meeting point. Pease inform us if you don t have a personal vehicle for arriving there. Don t forget to inform us of possible allergies or nutritional particularities you may have. Please feel free to contact us if you have any question (info@petassostravel.com). P e r s o n a l I n s u r a n c e Either you do your own travel insurance and you send us a copy or you ask us to organise it for you. In any case you sign a formal letter declaring that you are aware of the level of difficulty/dangerosity of the trip, as well as its offerings and that you have informed the organisers of all the health or other issues you may have, which should be taken into consideration by the travel agency.

Responsible traveler... The trips that we in Petassos Travel recommend you, take place in areas that are habitats for very sensitive flora and fauna species. The existence of these species is an indication of a healthy enviro nment and the least we can do is respect it by minimising the signs of our presence during our stay and after our departure. So, we take with us all rubbish or other items that do not belong in the landscape, we enjoy the scents and view of aromatic and o ther plants, and only photograph them, without removing them. We also avoid fires and smoking. Upon leaving, we leave behind us only footprints and take with us only memories! Customs The charm of this land lies in, amongst other things, in the tradit ional character of the locals which has remained unaltered in all the villages you will have the opportunity to explore. Please, respect these traditional customs by behaving and dressing appropriately; the same is true about your contacts with the locals, perhaps forgetting for a moment the habits and customs of your land and letting the discovery of the idiosyncratic Cretans carry you off down the various extensions of their history In the framework of your discrete presence the best way to keep an exc ellent relationship with the locals, especially in remote villages, is to keep them informed of your plans (camping with or without tents, hiking, etc.). A coffee, a raki at the village cafés, a word with the regulars will reward you with a warm offer of information, interest and very often delicacies! P E T A S S O S T R A V E L TRAVELERS WITH A PURPOSE AGENCY OF ALTERNATIVE TOURISM IRAKLIO, CRETE, GREECE www.petassostravel.com info@petassostravel.com + 30 2810-327222 / 6974330375 Take your hat there s a long journey ahead... Texts: PetassosTravel Photos: Stella Meligounaki (http://stellameligounaki.wix.com/stel la-meligounaki) / Katerina Vasilopouloy / Chitophoros Baladimas (http://xristoforosm.wix.com/baladim asphotography