WHY WE LOVE IT

A unique authentic experience in Crete and a satisfying creative process for foodies who are fascinated by baking, bread and the natural way of using traditional ingredients. An experience ideal for those staying near Heraklion.

Activity Description

The aim of the workshop is to connect the ritual of bread making with the modern lifestyle of a family, in the context of historical continuity from the Stone Age until nowadays. Who would be better to host this experience, than a local “Mama” who loves what she does and stays in search of ways to evolve and an archaeologist with a passion for nature and agro-ecology?

In this gastronomical workshop you will have the chance to:

• Learn about cereals

Species and local varieties, their characteristics, their evolution and course through time. You will grind some local seeds to make a part of the flour that will be used for the bread, while discussing on several products and the benefits of grinding cereals at home.

• Understand sourdough

What exactly is this smelly thing? How to start and maintain a living organism, how it helps in bread-making, other ways to make the bread rise in comparison with sourdough, and its benefits for our health.

• Knead your own bread / rusk

A mystical and purifying procedure. An interactive process of learning the secrets of good kneading and shaping, which boost the rising of the bread. The shaping depends on the type of bread products you will want to have.

• Bake your dough

After letting it rest for a while in the shape you want, with the guidance of your host you will put it in the oven, electric for smaller quantities, or wood oven for larger, and take your precious bread. The second baking required to get the Cretan rusk called “paximadi”, will be described thoroughly, but it will be made by the host after the end of the workshop, as it takes a long time. The host will engage to get your rusks to you before you leave Crete.

• Taste the local cuisine

While the bread is rising, you will take taste of the Cretan cuisine, a cuisine simple but not simplistic, full of colours, aromas and vivid, yet distinct, tastes. Simple creations of minimum effort with pure local ingredients accompanied with warm, fresh baked bread.

For private groups of more than 8 persons, the host will use the traditional wood oven, assisted by one more person, elevating the entire gastronomic experience for the guests!

Special Features

• For larger groups (9+ persons joining) the host lights up the wood oven

• Learn to make your own bread and rusk

• Discover the importance of bread through the ages

• Let a local Mama and an archaeologist guide you

• Discover sourdough

• Enjoy a lunch with organic local ingredients

• Take with you the bread or the rusk you have made

Activity Snapshot

Dates | Start Time: All year round | 10am or as agreed upon request. Bookings required at least 3 days in advance

Duration: 5 hours (approx.)

Meeting Point: Skalani village (Request transfer to/from Skalani village here)

Group Size: Min 2 - max 12 participants (for groups of more than 8 persons the host offers the additional service of lighting the wood oven and baking more bread and food)

Pace: Easy, suitable also for children

Spoken Language: English, French, Russian, translator to other language upon request

Included: English-French speaking experienced archaeologist, English-Russian speaking local cook, lunch in a traditional cretan house, personal thematic booklet, ingredients for the workshop, coffee / tea/ orange juice or homemade lemonade,. For larger groups (9-12 guests) there will be an additional person involved lighting up the traditional wood oven.

Excluded: Transfers to/from Skalani village, translator (where required), everything else not mentioned as included, extra beverages other than mentioned, personal expenses and tips (optional)

Young Travellers: Children under 6 years: free of charge.

Cancellation Policy

Cancellation up to 45 days before the workshop: full refund; 15 days prior to workshop: 80% refundable; 14-7 days before the workshop: 50% refundable; 7-4 days before the workshop: 10% refundable; cancellation performed less than 4 days before the excursion, latecomers and no shows: no refund. 

Additional Info

• Confirmation to be received as soon as possible (within 24 hours from booking)

• You can present either a print out or an electronic booking confirmation for this activity

• Complete information on Vendor, including local telephone numbers at your destination, will be sent with your Booking Confirmation. The TravelPorter hand-picks the most remarkable, experienced and reliable vetted professionals for a pleasant experience from booking to completion.

Experience East Crete