Cooking Class in Crete

Today is the day you arrive on magical Crete! Get ready to meet your guide later in the afternoon. Once you've received a warm welcome at the hotel, it's time to dive straight into the beauty of Chania with an exciting orientation tour.

You will then get to know your fellow travellers better at a welcome dinner in an authentic taverna. With good conversation, fantastic food and a glass of tsikoudia, get in the mood for your time on the gods' favourite island - Yamas and welcome to Crete!

Get ready for an exciting day exploring Chania on foot! The adventure kicks off with a city tour, weaving through the picturesque harbour, past the iconic lighthouse, and onwards to the historic mosque and vibrant leather street. Pause for a refreshing break with an ice-cold frappé coffee, soaking in the lively atmosphere.

The day continues with a street food tour, where you'll indulge in some of Crete's most famous delicacies, like the sweet or savory kaltsounia.

Come lunchtime, prepare to be whisked away to the renowned Manousakis winery, a gem of Crete. Here, a guided tour awaits, followed by a tasting session featuring the finest Cretan wines.

Afterward, return to Chania with time to unwind and soak in the charming ambiance of this coastal gem.

As the sun sets, gather once more for a memorable evening, savoring another delightful meal together in the heart of Chania.

Get ready for the ultimate Slow Food adventure today. After breakfast, our minibus will take you to the Dounias farm. This isn't just a visit—it's an immersive experience. There you can pick olives, interact with farm animals, explore their honey farm, and harvest fresh vegetables from the garden.

The farmers will then cook a meal using a traditional slow cooking technique that doesn't rely on electricity. Imagine the aroma of freshly prepared dishes made with ingredients you helped gather. Gather around a big table with everyone and indulge in a shared meal—a true taste of Greek hospitality.

After lunch, why not stretch your legs with a scenic hike through the nearby countryside? If you're up to it, you can soak in the stunning views of the area and enjoy a walk though the nature.

Once you've returned to the hotel, you'll have some well-deserved free time to explore charming Chania at your own pace.

Ready for some history and culture? Your knowledgable guide will take you to the iconic sights that Chania is renowned for, starting with the Agia Triada Monastery on the enchanting Akrotiri peninsula, which is considered the most impressive monastery of the Venetian era. You will also visit the famous Stavros beach, where Anthony Quinn dances the sirtaki in the film 'Zorbas the Greek'. Maybe you are up for a dance yourself?

Next up is a visit to a local producer who will show you how he grows mangos, lychees, and other exotic fruits right here on the island of Crete. You will for sure be surprised that these tropical fruits grow on the island. Maybe you will also taste some of the delicious fruit!

After having a delicious lunch together, you will drive to Rethymno where you will be staying the rest of your trip. Get ready to immerse yourself in local life: Together you will make fresh soap from local olive oil. During a workshop with the Kotzanioglou family, you will follow all the steps of the soap-making process and take your own product home with you at the end!

As the sun sets, you’ll enjoy a delightful dinner at an authentic taverna in Rethymno.

Time to explore Rethymno! You will take a stroll through the old town and get to know the city. During your walk, you will also get a chance to visit a traditional bakery, where you will see how filo pastry is traditionally made - and also have a taste of the famous sweet baklava.

Are you feeling more adventurous? Then book an e-bike tour instead! You'll uncover the hidden gems of Crete on an exhilarating bike tour at the Myli gorge and the surrounding areas. Feel the rush of the cool wind as you pedal through picturesque landscapes, stopping along the way to hear captivating stories and fascinating anecdotes from your guide.

After lunch at an authentic taverna, you will have some time to rest and get ready for a really special visit: Maravel Garden. You will learn all about different kinds of herbs and plants in the botanical garden and have dinner prepared for you with vegetables from the garden. But the real highlight will be the light plant show once it gets dark. This is something you cannot miss!

Another exciting day awaits you today. After a stop for a traditional Greek coffee with views of Psiloritis mountain you will drive to Kamihis farm. Immerse yourself in the traditional farm life and participate in a cheese and pita making workshop. Mihalis the farmer will make your stay an unforgettable one with plenty of Greek hospitality. Embrace the farmer's life for a day and then gather around the big table for a delightful farm-fresh lunch together.

After resting a bit at the hotel back in Rethymno you will do a Cretan cooking class in the evening and enjoy a self-made farewell dinner. Under Androniki's guidance, you will learn to prepare traditional Cretan dishes like gemista and sfakianes pites. Of course, you will toast to this wonderful last evening on Crete with local wine, raki and homemade liqueur!

After your last breakfast on Greece's largest island, you prepare for your trip back home. You learned all about the Cretan cuisine, met wonderful people and made great memories!

Or perhaps you would rather not fly back home yet? You can always extend your trip! Your guide will be happy to give you further tips and advice for an extended stay.