Wine and pottery flavours
This excursion is a trip back in time, exploring the tradition & the
art of the Minaon Pottery, visit the richest monastery in Crete, Agarathos
Monastery, and the birth place of N. Kazantzakis the village Myrtia and finally
we will enjoy a tour in Boutari`s cellar, in the production and rest area of
the estate.
Our first stop in Agarathos Monastery, the richest monastery in Crete.
It is considered the first in the hierarchy of the monasteries of the
island. In front of the church you will see a pomegranate tree with a
candle near its trunk. The pomegranate is said to be the initial plant of
agarathia, which was turned miraculously to a tree. Visitors of the
monastery can be hosted in the guesthouse and the dining room of the monastery
and admire the library with the old manuscripts. Outside the monastery, there
is the old church of St. Raphael.
Second stop, is in the village Thrapsano. Thrapsano is referred
as “The village of potters” in official papers of 16th century
underlying its long-lasting tradition in hand-made pottery. Nowadays, the
production of pots and ceramics is still continued in
this workshop “Minoan Pottery” in Thrapsano, following the
traditional patterns and techniques. The same movements of the hands, the same
tools, and the same relationship between the chief potters and their apprentices.
Even if they use modern tools, they only serve the pace of the line of
production without affecting the quality of our pots.
At the lunch time, we arrive in Myrtia village. A small traditional Cretan
village that displays characteristic samples of Cretan architecture. Myrtia
is also the birth place of Nikos Kazantzakis and has a Museum dedicated to the
famous Cretan writer. It exhibits personal objects and memorabilia that refer
to the life and work of Kazantzakis as well as copies of his books. Local
taverns are available for your lunch under the big ancient trees in the
village`s square and as you walk in the narrow streets of the village you will
meet local Cretan men drinking their coffee in the traditional café “kafenia”
where only men are allowed.
Our last stop is in Skalani village in order to visit one of the
best-equipped, state of the art wineries in Europe. Visitors can enjoy a tour
of the cellar and they can enjoy the impressive multimedia show which has
gained major awards at international competitions.
Departing time:08:30
Return time: 17:00
Important notes:
i) Pick up point & time will be sent to client’s mail direct the day
before the activity.
ii) Any changes to operation day of activity will be sent direct to
client’s mail at least 1 week before arrival in destination.
iii) Languages are provided services: English, French & German. Any
other languages are upon request. Pls inform requested language in remarks
box.