Culinary tours of Crete
| country: | Greece |
| location: | Crete |
| price: | From €100 - €1350 (1-8 days) excluding flights. Single supplement €180 |
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description
Hands-on journeys through the island’s culinary traditions, designed for food lovers & cooking enthusiasts. With our cookery & gourmet tours guests can discover the secrets of Mediterranean cuisine and the joys of cooking delicious local dishes, using fresh, seasonal ingredients in a relaxed and fun way.
The philosophy behind each of the programs offered is to promote the healthy, flavourful and simple foods of Crete. Designed for people who love and appreciate fine food and wine, they are friendly and informal, including hands-on instruction, excursions, visits and tastings. Locations, selected for their wonderful character and stunning surroundings, provide the perfect backdrop to informative classes hosted by experienced and knowledgeable local cooks.
Our programs include a week-long and a 4 day culinary holiday, a week-long 'walk & cook' holiday, and a single-day cooking activity, all based in Western Crete and organised upon request for small private groups. Programs can also be customized to suit specific requests.
The one day activity that is based in a beautiful farmhouse near Chania is also offered regularly (every Tuesday & Saturday), and is available for individual bookings.
Explore Crete’s tastes & smells - 8 days - groups of 4-12 people
€1350 per person HB based on 6 sharing, excluding flights (single supplement €180)
A week-long culinary holiday designed to offer food lovers a captivating blend of great tastes, hands-on cooking, scenic locations, tradition, history and culture. Our three cooking classes take place on an organic olive farm, in the tiny village of Maheri in the province of Apokoronas, and in a cosy local restaurant by Chania's old town.
Sample menu plans:
Day 3: Vegetables & vine leaves stuffed with rice & herbs / Cretan salad / different Greek dips as garlic cream, aubergine cream, tzatziki & taramosalata.
Day 4: Phyllo making to use for kaltsounia, small traditional pastries filled with different kinds of cheese or a mixture of cheese & herbs / lamb with potatoes in lemon & oregano sauce, baked in a wood burning oven, the so called 'Sunday' meal for old Cretan families / boureki pie, a Chania speciality with zucchinis & cream cheese.
Day 5: Variety of ‘mezedes’ - plates, the basis of local cuisine as the sharing of food whenever a whole family or a bunch of friends gather around the table is the typical way to eat in Crete and all over Greece.
As well as learning traditional Crete meals, we visit a traditional bakery, a cheese maker, a winery and a pastry workshop. We'll tour an organic olive oil producing farmhouse & taste a variety of olives and olive oil, with different kinds of traditional bread & rusks. We'll also try some great artisan-made foods, honey, a variety of local cheeses and unusual pastries. We'll taste local wines and enjoy a Greek coffee at a characterful ‘kafeneion’.
Situated in such a beautiful region, we'll also take some time out to visit the nearby beaches, the plateau of Omalos through a scenic drive up the White Mountains, the famous Samaria Gorge, the 16th century Agia Triada Monastery and a folklore museum.
Foodie’s Crete - 4 days - groups of 4-12 people
€700 per person HB based on 6 sharing, excluding flights
A shorter culinary tour, for those who wish to enjoy as much as possible of Crete’s gourmet treasures during a few days’ stay. Our two cooking classes will be hosted in a cosy restaurant by Chania's old town and on an olive farm.
Sample menu plans:
Day 2: Variety of ‘mezedes’ - plates, the basis of local cuisine as the sharing of food whenever a whole family or a bunch of friends gather around the table is the typical way to eat in Crete and all over Greece.
Day 3: Vegetables & vine leaves stuffed with rice & herbs / Cretan salad / different Greek dips as garlic cream, aubergine cream, tzatziki & taramosalata.
In addition to our cooking classes we'll have a tasting of local wines, visit a traditional bakery and a pastry workshop and try some great artisan-made foods. We'll visit an organic olive oil producing farmhouse where we'll taste a variety of olives and olive oil, with different kinds of traditional bread & rusks.
A Taste of Crete - 1 day cooking class - Available on Tuesdays & Saturdays, from 10 May - 15 Oct
€100 per person, excluding flights
A fun gathering to provide you with a deeply individual Cretan experience and many laughs. An insight into regional cuisine, a key element of the island’s culture, this creative activity highlights the simple, seasonal foods of Crete. Friendly and informal, it features hands-on instruction, good home-cooked food, along with wine and cheese tasting. The group is kept small (8 max) ensuring an intimate setting.
Hosted in an 18th century farmhouse surrounded by organic gardens, just a short drive from Chania, the location has been selected for its character and ambience, as the perfect backdrop. Accompanied by a knowledgeable guide, guests discover how to prepare a number of Cretan dishes under the directions of a local cook. Those who prefer to take a less active role may choose to just relax and appreciate the atmosphere.
Our fun experience culminates at the table, where together, drinking Cretan wines, we will enjoy the food and the company. Return home with a handful of exclusive recipes and memories to share with your family and friends.
‘Walk & Cook’ in Crete - 8 days - groups of 6-15 people
€1350 per person HB based on 6 sharing, excluding flights (single supplement €180)
A cultural adventure that blends scenic walks and exposure to local culture and cuisine. A rich mix of experiences to satisfy the soul of the active gourmet traveller.
We visit the ancient site of Aptera & explore the exciting Achaean and Roman ruins and learn about some of the history of the area. We follow the ancient walls and admire the magnificent backdrop of the White Mountains. In the days that follow we'll explore Kissamos, descend the Sirikari gorge down to Polirhenia village, take a walk to the Kallergi mountain hut and visit the Aradena Gorge. We'll also visit a folklore museum, enjoy a swim and catch a boat to Loutro.
Our three cooking classes will take place in the tiny village of Maheri, the original hamlet of Milia - an ecological retreat that has been refurbished in accordance to traditional architecture - and in a cosy restaurant by Chania's old town. You'll gain a list of ideal recipes to add to your collection and share the good tastes with your friends at home. We'll also enjoy a Greek coffee at a characterful ‘kafeneion’, visit a winery and a cheese maker, enjoy a typical village lunch in one of the local tavernas, visit specialist food shops in Rethymnon's medieval quarters and, of course, enjoy a farewell dinner.
The philosophy behind each of the programs offered is to promote the healthy, flavourful and simple foods of Crete. Designed for people who love and appreciate fine food and wine, they are friendly and informal, including hands-on instruction, excursions, visits and tastings. Locations, selected for their wonderful character and stunning surroundings, provide the perfect backdrop to informative classes hosted by experienced and knowledgeable local cooks.
Our programs include a week-long and a 4 day culinary holiday, a week-long 'walk & cook' holiday, and a single-day cooking activity, all based in Western Crete and organised upon request for small private groups. Programs can also be customized to suit specific requests.
The one day activity that is based in a beautiful farmhouse near Chania is also offered regularly (every Tuesday & Saturday), and is available for individual bookings.
Explore Crete’s tastes & smells - 8 days - groups of 4-12 people
€1350 per person HB based on 6 sharing, excluding flights (single supplement €180) A week-long culinary holiday designed to offer food lovers a captivating blend of great tastes, hands-on cooking, scenic locations, tradition, history and culture. Our three cooking classes take place on an organic olive farm, in the tiny village of Maheri in the province of Apokoronas, and in a cosy local restaurant by Chania's old town.
Sample menu plans:
Day 3: Vegetables & vine leaves stuffed with rice & herbs / Cretan salad / different Greek dips as garlic cream, aubergine cream, tzatziki & taramosalata.
Day 4: Phyllo making to use for kaltsounia, small traditional pastries filled with different kinds of cheese or a mixture of cheese & herbs / lamb with potatoes in lemon & oregano sauce, baked in a wood burning oven, the so called 'Sunday' meal for old Cretan families / boureki pie, a Chania speciality with zucchinis & cream cheese.
Day 5: Variety of ‘mezedes’ - plates, the basis of local cuisine as the sharing of food whenever a whole family or a bunch of friends gather around the table is the typical way to eat in Crete and all over Greece.
As well as learning traditional Crete meals, we visit a traditional bakery, a cheese maker, a winery and a pastry workshop. We'll tour an organic olive oil producing farmhouse & taste a variety of olives and olive oil, with different kinds of traditional bread & rusks. We'll also try some great artisan-made foods, honey, a variety of local cheeses and unusual pastries. We'll taste local wines and enjoy a Greek coffee at a characterful ‘kafeneion’.
Situated in such a beautiful region, we'll also take some time out to visit the nearby beaches, the plateau of Omalos through a scenic drive up the White Mountains, the famous Samaria Gorge, the 16th century Agia Triada Monastery and a folklore museum.
Foodie’s Crete - 4 days - groups of 4-12 people€700 per person HB based on 6 sharing, excluding flights
A shorter culinary tour, for those who wish to enjoy as much as possible of Crete’s gourmet treasures during a few days’ stay. Our two cooking classes will be hosted in a cosy restaurant by Chania's old town and on an olive farm.
Sample menu plans:
Day 2: Variety of ‘mezedes’ - plates, the basis of local cuisine as the sharing of food whenever a whole family or a bunch of friends gather around the table is the typical way to eat in Crete and all over Greece.
Day 3: Vegetables & vine leaves stuffed with rice & herbs / Cretan salad / different Greek dips as garlic cream, aubergine cream, tzatziki & taramosalata.
In addition to our cooking classes we'll have a tasting of local wines, visit a traditional bakery and a pastry workshop and try some great artisan-made foods. We'll visit an organic olive oil producing farmhouse where we'll taste a variety of olives and olive oil, with different kinds of traditional bread & rusks.
A Taste of Crete - 1 day cooking class - Available on Tuesdays & Saturdays, from 10 May - 15 Oct
€100 per person, excluding flights A fun gathering to provide you with a deeply individual Cretan experience and many laughs. An insight into regional cuisine, a key element of the island’s culture, this creative activity highlights the simple, seasonal foods of Crete. Friendly and informal, it features hands-on instruction, good home-cooked food, along with wine and cheese tasting. The group is kept small (8 max) ensuring an intimate setting.
Hosted in an 18th century farmhouse surrounded by organic gardens, just a short drive from Chania, the location has been selected for its character and ambience, as the perfect backdrop. Accompanied by a knowledgeable guide, guests discover how to prepare a number of Cretan dishes under the directions of a local cook. Those who prefer to take a less active role may choose to just relax and appreciate the atmosphere.
Our fun experience culminates at the table, where together, drinking Cretan wines, we will enjoy the food and the company. Return home with a handful of exclusive recipes and memories to share with your family and friends.
‘Walk & Cook’ in Crete - 8 days - groups of 6-15 people
€1350 per person HB based on 6 sharing, excluding flights (single supplement €180)
A cultural adventure that blends scenic walks and exposure to local culture and cuisine. A rich mix of experiences to satisfy the soul of the active gourmet traveller.
We visit the ancient site of Aptera & explore the exciting Achaean and Roman ruins and learn about some of the history of the area. We follow the ancient walls and admire the magnificent backdrop of the White Mountains. In the days that follow we'll explore Kissamos, descend the Sirikari gorge down to Polirhenia village, take a walk to the Kallergi mountain hut and visit the Aradena Gorge. We'll also visit a folklore museum, enjoy a swim and catch a boat to Loutro. Our three cooking classes will take place in the tiny village of Maheri, the original hamlet of Milia - an ecological retreat that has been refurbished in accordance to traditional architecture - and in a cosy restaurant by Chania's old town. You'll gain a list of ideal recipes to add to your collection and share the good tastes with your friends at home. We'll also enjoy a Greek coffee at a characterful ‘kafeneion’, visit a winery and a cheese maker, enjoy a typical village lunch in one of the local tavernas, visit specialist food shops in Rethymnon's medieval quarters and, of course, enjoy a farewell dinner.
travellers' tales
Enjoy this opportunity to see and taste Crete! The authentic Greek experience! (more)
how this holiday makes a difference
 As a small local company we can’t but care not only how our island is today but most importantly how it will be tomorrow. In every aspect, our business is committed to both the promotion and protection of the local culture and the protection of the environment. We use local guides, that are knowledgeable, certified and trained to practice the company’s policies. The hotels we book are small and family run and we go to typical restaurants that offer authentic Cretan cuisine, with use of local, fresh ingredients. Our trips are designed to allow an economic benefit to local life and the small size of all our groups ensures there is a little impact on both the environment and the communities of the areas we visit. Our culinary tours are rewarding holidays, with informal and informative hands-on classes, and an introduction to the Cretan table, that represents a return to balance, companionship and healthy food. The unpretentious island’s cuisine is an age-long cultural journey of a vibrant people who have learned to make the most of what their land offers. We work on keeping this culinary identity alive and promote the Cretan Diet – whose benefits have been scientifically proven – to our guests. |
Tourism can be good and bad for destinations & local people. We carefully screen every holiday against our criteria for responsible travel. 'Look behind the brochure' to find how each holiday makes a difference (see left). We don't claim to be perfect - there is no global accreditation - but we've led the way since 2001 and screened 1000's of holidays. We invite every traveller to write a review about their experiences and responsible tourism. This valuable feedback is sent to the people who run the holidays. We keep a very close eye on it and take off holidays that don't live up to our standards. |