Traditional Cretan Shephard for a Day

Excursion Highlights:
  • Travel from Heraklion port to a family farm in western Crete.
  • Engage in daily shepherd tasks such as feeding animals, collecting eggs, harvesting organic vegetables, and milking goats.
  • Learn to make kaltsounia, a traditional Cretan dish, by preparing the dough and assembling the ingredients.
  • Enjoy a farm-to-table meal featuring chilopites with fresh goat milk and cheese.
  • Experience sustainable living and support the local economy while immersing yourself in Cretan culture.
Price: $250.00
Children (ages 0 to 2 years old) are free but must be accounted for below at the time of booking.
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Summary
Shore Excursion Size ? Small
Shore Excursion Type Scenic, Cultural, Historical
Shore Excursion Duration 6 Hours
Activity Level ? Easy
Shore Excursion Leaves From ? Cruise Ship Pier
Food/Beverage Provided Lunch (hilopites) with fresh goat milk and cheese, Kaltsounia, and savory vegetables along with raki, rakomelo, or wine is provided.
Recommended Dress We recommend comfortable clothes and sensible walking shoes or sneakers. Sunglasses, a hat, and sunscreen are also suggested.
Restrictions This tour is not wheelchair accessible.

Traditional Cretan Shephard for a Day

Get to know the heart and soul of rural Crete on this unique, immersive excursion that lets you experience a day in the life of a local shepherd. Departing from the port of Heraklion, this shore excursion offers an authentic glimpse into the agricultural traditions and culinary customs that define Cretan culture.

From the moment you're picked up at the port, you're whisked away to the serene landscapes of western Crete where a welcoming farming family awaits. Upon arrival at their traditional farm, you'll dive straight into the daily routines that sustain their way of life. Engage in hands-on activities like feeding the livestock, gathering eggs, and harvesting organic produce right from the lush garden.

A highlight of your day is learning to make kaltsounia, a cherished Cretan delicacy. Under the guidance of your hospitable hosts, you'll craft these delicious pastries from scratch, starting with rolling the dough to stuffing them with hand-picked ingredients.

After your cooking lesson, sit down to a meal that's as rustic as it is rewarding. You'll indulge in chilopites — a local noodle dish made with fresh goat's milk and cheese, a recipe not typically found in restaurants. This meal not only tantalizes your taste buds but also offers a deeper understanding of the region's culinary heritage.

Throughout the day, your guide will enrich the experience with insights into sustainable farming practices and the importance of the local economy in Crete. This tour is a profound way to connect with the land and people, leaving you with a profound appreciation for the simpler, yet richly fulfilling rural life.

This tour is perfect for those looking to enrich their travel experience with cultural immersion and a taste of local life. Embrace the opportunity to become a shepherd for a day and carry home memories that are as delicious as they are meaningful. Reserve your spot on this distinctive adventure that speaks directly to the heart of Crete.