SHOPPING AND THE CITY

Details

On this Heraklion Shopping and the city tour we will take you to shops and galleries you’d never find on your own, and connect you with the people it’d be impossible to meet without a local guide by your side

Strolling further into the city, we will explore more modern shopping options. We’ll stop at a one-of-a-kind shop that sells t-shirts, scarves, sarongs/pareo, bags and handmade jewels, all made by Greek craftsmen and inspired by museum artifacts and ancient motifs.

Our next stop Crete’s beloved olive tree. The best known product of the olive tree is, of course, olive oil, and for which Crete is so famous. You will be able to browse for souvenirs like cosmetics made from olive oil and oil tree wood crafts.

Herbs. Crete has the most species of herbs and spices growing wild in Europe. The traditional Cretan diet features the use of organic herbs and spices quite heavily and adds flavour, aroma and variety to foods. Cretans also use many of the herbs and spices to make aromatic tea. Cretan tea, also known as Greek Mountain Tea and Dittany of Crete are the most popular but you'll also find Cretans drinking Chamomile, Lemon Verbena and Basil tea.

Cheese. Cretans love cheese rather than milk. Many dishes of the traditional Cretan cuisine are based on local dairy products; however, in Crete cheese is eaten alone throughout the day either as accompaniment or as appetizer, main meze or desert, while the Cretan graviera topped with honey.

Raki, the strong beverage that is almost synonymous to Cretan culture. It is also called “Tsikoudhia” and it has Turkish roots. It is made of grapes marc boiled in the cauldron. This process is a unique custom of Crete for years and is called “kazanema” from the Greek word “kazani” (cauldron).

Wine in Crete, though, is not only the source of a significant volume of Greek wine (the mountain foothills behind Heraklion are the country’s second-biggest wine-producing zone), but Cretan wine traditions are also of extraordinary antiquity.

Honey. The Cretan honey is renown for its quality its aroma and taste. Bee hives are found through all out the island from Spring through summer until autumn the bees thrive, wild flowers herbs, chestnut, pine trees and citrus blossoms are a bees paradise! The Thyme honey is a category on its own alone its aroma and flavor is rich.

During our shopping walk you'll have the opportunity to try Cretan Local products and buy whatever catches your eye!

Highlights

• Join our small group (up to 8 pax) and we will take you to shops and galleries you’d never find on your own, and connect you with the people it’d be impossible to meet without a local guide by your side.
• Transfer to the Heraklion city center for easy access.
• Visit the Historical city center of Heraklion and Capital of Crete! The 7th labor of Hercules was performed here, the birthplace of El Greco and Nikos Kazantzakis.
• Discover the past and the present of a city that combines old with new.
• The best example of the world famous Mediterranean diet is found in Crete. Discover with us the secrets of Cretans longevity.
• Ending point: Close to Venetian port of Heraklion.
• Inclusions: Expert English-speaking local guide, food and beverage samples, rusks, olives and cheese.
• Exclusions: Additional food and drink, items of a personal nature, tips / gratuities for your tour escort (optional).