25 Nov - 2 Dec 2012

price 275 euro (250 GBP) per person

Wake up to spectacular mountain views and breathe the clear Cretan air, ready every day to enjoy a programme of relaxed unpressured activities, shopping, sunbathing or eating. (If you have not already seen the full story and photos of last year's olive harvest click here.)

November is a great time to experience the 'real' Crete, when tourists have gone home yet the weather is usually sunny and the sea still warm enough to swim in. The safe sandy beach at Almyrida is only 2 km away, and the sleepy village of Gavalochori with tavernas & shops is a pleasant 12-15 minutes walk.

Our villas are fully equipped, each with 4 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms, and approved by the Greek Tourist Board. They are serviced by our helpful English-speaking staff. See more of the faclities, location - and many photographs - at our sister website www.rentavilla-crete.com

For a typical 7 night stay, you will spend several days helping with the harvest (longer if you wish) and visit the olive oil factory and actually see the olives you have picked being pressed. You will be able to taste your oil the same day and take some home with you.

We provide buffet lunch for the days you are working in the olive grove, plus 2 evening meals. And there is a full programme of events and optional activities. Price includes:

- Accommodation in one of 4 guest villas in the olive grove

- Continental breakfasts in your villa

- Buffet lunches in the olive grove if you are working

- Welcome Supper at our own Villa Fos on the evening of your arrival, includes wine

- Olive picking tuition: learn traditional & modern techniques; pruning and care of trees; ecological pest control

- Olive oil factory tour. Watch the olives you have gathered being turned into oil. Take some home!

- Visit to local glass-blowing studio to see unique local art (also chance to purchase unusual gifts)

- End of Harvest Party in the olive grove with local musicians for authentic Cretan entertainment. Includes buffet & wine.

Activity Options: (to be paid for locally)

• - 'walking & wildflower' tours with local guide in the foothills of the White Mountains
• - evening guided tour of Chania port includes late night shopping in the Old Quarter, followed by a restaurant meal overlooking the harbour
• - clay target shooting at a local mountian gunclub, with UK/Greek qualified shooting instructor
• - cookery course learn to cook Cretan Style at a restaurant with teaching kitchens in nearby Vamos

Flights, airport transfers & Activity Options not included in the price. Typical airfare £150 - £180 return from Manchester/Gatwick with short stopover in Athens. Arrival airport is Chania, 25 minute taxi ride from our villas.