to Dourakis winery and to Rethymno City.

The Program

A half-day excursion will take place on Wednesday, June 12th, approx. 15:15 – 22:30. Buses will depart from the entrance of Minoa Palace Resort & Spa. Please remember to bring the ticket for the excursion. Bottles of water and Italian sub sandwiches will be provided.

DOURAKIS WINERY

Making good use of traditional vine varieties and age-old experience, modern wine producers in Crete have managed to elevate Cretan wine to its rightful position.

This stone winery was built lovingly by Andreas Dourakis. Inspired by the beautiful landscapes he cultivated his father’s vineyards and the surrounding land to provide some independence and future for his young family and-of course-to create beautiful wines. Here he would build his castle!

Art is truly appreciated by family Ntourakis, which is why there are special exhibitions held in the winery. Supporting Greek and other local artists, the synergy that comes from art, wine and nature is truly enjoyed.

Following the tour, we will have the opportunity to enjoy a mini wine tasting seminar with wine tasting of 5 different wine samples from local grape varieties, which are produced exclusively by Dourakis family members.

The duration of the entire session is 30min.

RETHYMNO CITY

Rethymno combines rarely united features: the old town’s charm and history, with proximity to a long sandy beach.

Rethymno is one of the most well-preserved medieval cities, not only in Greece but also in the entire Mediterranean. Built on the sites of ancient Rithymna (5th – 4th century BC), the Old Town of Rethymno was over the centuries a crossroad of civilizations, all of which left their indelible mark on the area.  Venetian houses and fountains, the Venetian Harbor, Ottoman mosques and minarets, give visitors the opportunity to admire and appreciate closely the history and “travel” back in time.

The sandy beach of Rethymno is within a walking distance from the city center and extends to a length of 12 km. It is a beautiful beach with crystal clear water and golden sand, awarded with 12 Blue Flags.

Rethymno is the getaway you’ve been looking for!

What to See & Do

The center of activities is the Old Town. The architecture is strongly influenced by the Venetians, who ruled the island in the past. This picturesque town is full of narrow alleys, elegant mansions, arches, and boasts a beautiful Venetian port. The port is hands down the most popular spot of the town! It is lined with cafeterias and restaurants.

Explore the waterfront and walk along the harbor wall to the Venetian lighthouse.

Explore the Venetian Harbor , the Fortezza (fortress) , the Archaeological museum , the Venetian Loggia , the Rimondi Fountain (1626) , the Porta Guora “Great Gate” , the Neratze Mosque , the church of St Francis , the Makry Steno (“Long Alley”) , the historical and Folklore Museum , the Kara Musa Pasa mosque ,

Shopping Area

The main place for shopping in Rethymno is of course Rethymno Old Town. Ethnikis Antistasseos, Souliou, and Petichaki Str: especially for jewelry but also local products, cosmetics and souvenirs. Paleologou, Arabadzoglou, and Koroneou Str: perfect stops for all the gifts you need to complete your shopping list such as souvenirs, local products, cosmetics. Arkadiou, and Kallergi Str: for clothing, shoes, accessories and jewelry of Greek designers or of expensive brands. Koundouriotou, and Gerakari Str: the new town’s commercial area with department stores and boutiques that offer upscale wares.

Discover unique shops with exceptional handmade items of local artists and designers, at a very fair price and all with warm cretan hospitality, such as pottery, leather crafts, woven crafts, handmade jewelry, cretan knives, komboloi, hand-carving wood workshops, natural cosmetics and soaps, handcrafted traditional Cretan lyra.

Where to Eat & Drink

Combine shopping with relaxing breaks in charming restaurants, cozy cafés , or some cosmopolitan and interesting bars. Don’t leave without trying some local treats: sweet tarts and ice cream made from fresh sheep’s milk at Mona Lisa, crispy sourdough biscuits and barley rusks at the bakery Apostolakis-Artoza, small savory pies, and hand-shaped pastries at Sampson and delicious aniseed-flavored bread at Michalis Spanoudakis’ bakery.

Local products

The quality and taste of the Cretan traditional products have made them world-known, that’s why they are considered as a perfect gift to offer. Among the most highly recommended local products to find in Rethymno’s unique Deli-shops are:

Cretan olive oil, wine, cretan cheese, rusks, raki or tsikoudia, carob, traditional honey, cretan herbs, are few of the many local products one can take home as gifts for you, your family, and friends.

The cost of participation is 40 euros per person and includes transportation by bus and the wine tasting.

If you would like to reserve a place, please complete the form (.doc , .pdf) by April 10th. By signing this form you commit to paying in cash upon registration at the meeting. Accompanying persons wishing to join the conference dinner are kindly asked to follow the same instructions.