A new sustainable tourism offer has launched in Crete, creating exciting foodie holidays that connect with the local culture.

Valia Avgoustidi set up Hand Picked Greece with a desire to share everything that is best about her homeland. The holidays offer wonderful local cuisine, cookery workshops, long lazy meals and visits to local food producers.

“I have worked in the UK for a number of years and wanted to be back in Greece, making a difference to the local economy and sharing the wonderful, relaxed and fulfilling lifestyle with others.  We’re committed to sustainable principles and offer holidays that directly benefit small local producers. We grow a lot of our own vegetables, part of the attractions for visitors is being able to pick the veg, cook it using traditional methods, then savour the flavours as they relax over a glass of wine.”

“This has turned out to be an unexpectedly difficult moment to launch a new Greek holiday offer, with the economic situation as it is. Ultimately our aim is to contribute to the local economy, so we are committed to finding a route through the current challenges and believe holiday business, which is such a vital element to the Greek economy, will ultimately thrive.”

Hand Picked Greece are a small, personal tour operator, about as far removed from mass tourism as you could imagine.   Small means flexible, so holidays can be tailored to suit, particularly if you are booking for a group. The setting is also ideal for running team building events based around the grape harvest, the olive harvest or other eco-tourism projects. Guided walks, hikes in the mountain and swimming off remote beaches are also on offer.

Visit www.handpickedgreece.com to find out more.

Currently 20% discounts for 2015 holidays.

As a UK company Hand Picked Greece are secured from the ups and downs of the local economic situation. HandPickedGreece is a member of Protected Travel Services. All money paid for holidays is held in a trust account and is used for the purpose of fulfilling the booking.