This Trip is hosted by Erin

With its rich gastronomic heritage and exceptional flavours, Crete offers a culinary experience like no other. Often considered the birthplace of the Mediterranean diet, the island’s cuisine is rooted in simplicity, seasonality, and respect for the land. From vibrant fruits and sun-ripened vegetables to fragrant wild herbs and golden olive oils, Cretan flavours are lively, pure, and deeply satisfying. Olive groves stretch across the landscape, producing some of the finest extra virgin olive oils in the world, while Greek wines — still little known in North America — offer an exciting and rewarding discovery. Beyond the plate, Crete reveals itself through its warm hospitality, breathtaking landscapes, and timeless traditions. It is a place where food becomes a journey, where meals are shared slowly, and where every bite tells a story of community, history, and centuries-old culinary wisdom — a true expression of the Epicureans way.

Our home for the week is the magnificent Hermes Grand Luxury Villa Resort & Spa, perched on the edge of the Mediterranean with its own beach access. Elegant and breezy in design, this seaside villa blends modern comfort with a relaxed Aegean vibe. Each of the nine suites features a private ensuite and thoughtful touches that enhance your comfort. Shared spaces include a stunning pool, spa overlooking the sea, expansive kitchen and dining areas, and a host of luxurious amenities – from a tennis court and gym to a movie theatre, indoor pool, dry sauna and Turkish hammam. The true heart of the villa is its fully-equipped outdoor kitchen and dining terrace, where we’ll gather each evening for long-table dinners infused with laughter, wine, and sunset views.

Our adventures in Crete are designed to immerse you in the island’s gastronomy, culture, and natural beauty. Expect a rich blend of hands-on and eye-opening experiences:

• Picnic and olive oil tasting beneath 3,000-year-old olive trees, learning the history and craft behind Crete’s world-renowned oils

• A hands-on cooking class with our friends Andronikis and Padelis, who welcome us into their home. In their garden, we’ll prepare and enjoy over seven traditional dishes cooked in a wood-fired outdoor oven.

• Visits to boutique wineries to explore unique varietals and terroirs

• A traditional farm visit with a harvest-style lunch, including a tour of olive presses, beehives and a raki distillery

• Visit to a charming pottery village

• A catamaran cruise along the rugged Mediterranean coastline

• Scenic hikes through gorges and to secluded beaches, discovering hidden corners of the island

• Visit to Rethymno lively Farmer's Market

• Wine workshops back at the villa to deepen your appreciation of Greek wines and regional pairings

  
  Each day blends cultural immersion with culinary discovery, creating memories that nourish both palate and soul.

At checkout, you will be prompted to choose your preferred payment method:

• Credit Card: Convenient, but includes merchant processing fees charged by the provider.

• Wire Transfer: Accepted, though your bank may charge outgoing transfer fees.

• Direct Debit (Preferred): Free of charge with no additional fees.

For the best rate with no extra costs, we recommend selecting Direct Debit when available.

Please note: Epicureans Co. is a Canadian company based in Canmore, Alberta. Our tours are priced in euros (€) as we operate primarily in Europe and manage all travel-related costs in European currency. Charging in euros helps us maintain transparent pricing and avoid fluctuations in exchange rates.