10 Days Unforgettable Culinary and Culture Tour in Crete
10 Days Unforgettable Culinary and Culture Tour in Crete
Crete: Heraklion, Rethymnon, Agios Nikolaos, Chania
7 days, 6 nights
€2956 / person, Price per person up 4pax €2450
April - Octomber
tailor this trip
Crete: 10 Days experience for people who find the unique
Crete is an “ark” of rare natural beauty, Mediterranean culture, and history. “Whoever touches this island feels a mysterious power, through their veins and into the soul,” writes Nikos Kazantzakis, the great Cretan writer, in his book “Reference to Greco”.
Embark on a 10-day journey through Crete to discover its hidden treasures – archaeological sites, markets, food tours, and cooking classes. Admire the town of Agios Nikolaos, savoring a wine tasting experience featuring 9 exquisite labels, complemented by a scrumptious lunch at a local winery. Immerse yourself in the vibrant world of Cretan cuisine through 2 captivating cooking classes, pastry sessions led by a skilled chef, and a tantalizing food tour in both Heraklion and Rethymno.
Deepen your knowledge with a masterclass on olive oil production, where you’ll sample different oils, taste honey, and engage in a hands-on pottery workshop. Explore Rethymnon and its historical monastery of Arkadi to grasp the rich heritage of Crete, then step back in time at the ancient palace of Knossos, a testament to over 3,500 years of history intertwined with myths of the Labyrinth, Minotaur, and Daedalus with Icarus. Delve into the hidden gems of Heraklion, from the imposing castle Koule and the old port to the fascinating archaeological museum, all while treating your palate to authentic Cretan cuisine. Conclude your journey by exploring the captivating Old Town of Chania and diving into a delightful cooking class, rounding off your experience with a perfect blend of gastronomy and culture!
We provide
- All Accommodations (Boutique Hotels or 4* Hotels
- Transportation – Airport/hotel on the day of arrival and hotel/airport on the day of departure
- Vehicle/Mini Van with English-speaking driver, Professional Travel Manager
- Meals – 6 breakfasts, 1 Lunch, 2 Food Tasting, 4 Dinner
- All private tours
- All excursions transfers
- All entrance fees
We do not provide
- Guiding at the Knossos Palace and Archaeological Museum
- Overnight tax
- Tips
- Anything not mentioned above or below
UNFORGETTABLE EXPERIENCES
Visit the graphic town Agios Nikolaos with its beautiful lake and port
9 Labels of Wine Tasting – Lunch in Winery
2 Cooking Class, Wine Tasting, Pastry Class with Pastry Chef, Walking Food Tour in Heraklion and Chania, Olive Oil Master Class, Olive Oil tasting, Honey tasting, Visit Pottery Workshop
Visit Rethymnon it bears traces of the many different periods of its long history . Visit The Historical Monastery of Arkadi
Visit Heraklio city and admire castle Koule with old port and archaeological Museum
Tasting real Cretan Food and products
Discover the most beautiful parts of the city and take a trip through time and history of the original cultural parts of Chania (Ottoman, Venetian, Egyptian and Jewish).
▶Day 1. Heraklion-Arrival-Welcome Dinner
Arrival at Heraklion airport. Check into your room. Relax and explore your surroundings before dinner.
Meals included: (D)
Overnight Heraklion
▶Day 2. Olive Oil Master Class – Agios Nikolaos
Today, you will sample 4 distinct olive oils and learn from our expert which qualities connoisseurs seek in award-winning olive oil.
Visiting Agios Nikolaos feels like stepping into a tranquil oasis where time slows.
Meals included: (B, L)
Overnight Heraklion
▶Day 3. Heraklion Knossos Palace – Cooking Class with Wine Experience – Wine and Olive Oil Tasting
Today you will visit the Palace of Knossos, built 3500 years ago! The Palace of Knossos is one monument you must see in Crete.
Discover and explore the History and Culture behind the Cretan diet with the company of our two executive hosts. You have a Cooking Class of four different dishes, lunch, followed by a food and wine pairing with a selection of four wines.
The Domaine Paterianakis is located in Melesses, in the Peza wine region, right in the center of Crete. Guided wine tasting has five different select domaine wines. Taste our tsikoudia from a local grape. Tasting a virgin olive oil and accompanying it with a platter of selected Cretan cheeses, deli meat, and handmade marmalade.
Meals included: (B, L)
Overnight: Heraklion
▶Day 4. Heraklion – City/Food Tour & Pastry Lesson- Visit Pastry History Museum
Enjoy a food and cultural walking tour suitable for all ages – it is an easy 1.5-mile walk, so you can explore the heart of Heraklion city while learning about its unique history and culture. On this tour, you will try local “mezedes”, Greek coffee with bougatsa, while enjoying the city of Heraklion.
The next stop is the Unique Pastry History Museum.
We learn about the production, conditions, and specifications, and talk about the daily life of the confectioner-baker profession!
Meals included: (B, Food Tour)
Overnight: Heraklion
▶Day 5.Heraklion – Pottery Workshop –Olive Oil and Honey – Arkadi Monastery – Rethymno
The Olive Oil Tour: The quality of Cretan olive oil is known all over the world.
. Honey -Tasting & Tour: Taking part in the tour is an unprecedented experience for the history and production of Honey in Crete.
Pottery workshop: Margarites village is famous for its ceramic tradition.
Nestled in the tranquil Cretan countryside, the Historical Monastery Arkadi stands as a timeless jewel, exuding serenity and history.
Meals included: Breakfast
Overnight: Rethymno
▶Day 6. Rethymno Free Day
You can explore the picturesque streets, savor delicious local cuisine, and bask in the warm Mediterranean sun without a care in the world. Whether you choose to wander through the historic Old Town, relax on the stunning beaches, or simply people-watch at a cozy cafe, Rethymno’s free day is all about unwinding and soaking in the laid-back vibes of this enchanting Cretan town. It’s the perfect opportunity to recharge your batteries and create unforgettable memories in this magical place!
Meals included: (B)
Overnight: Rethymno
▶Day 7. Rethymno – Chania
Enjoy the convenience of being picked up by a private driver from your hotel and transferred to the charming town of Chania. Your driver will then assist you with the check-in process at your hotel.
In Chania, you can wander through the charming old town, admiring the Venetian architecture, the colorful alleys, and the local shops. Enjoy delicious local cuisine at the bustling open-air market or relax on the sandy beaches, soaking up the warm Mediterranean sun. Don’t forget to take a selfie at the picturesque Venetian harbor or get lost in the lively atmosphere of the local markets.
Meals included: (B)
Overnight: Chania
▶Day 8. Chania – Cooking Class
.Departure time: approximately 15:30-16:00 (depending on the meeting point). Duration 4-5 hours
In the evening, you have a cooking class. Join us for an unforgettable culinary experience at a traditional estate in Kissamos, just 500 meters past the port. Our cooking classes and tastings will take you on a journey through the flavors of Crete.
Meals included: (B, D)
Overnight: Chania
▶Day 9. The 4 Cultures – Chania City Tour – Traditional Farewell Dinner
- The tour starts at 9:00 am at the main AGORA covered market, which we will visit.
- We will continue to the old town and see the most important sites of Chania, such as: the Venetian fortifications, the Arsenals, the Roman Catholic and the Greek Orthodox Cathedral, the old Jewish Synagogue, the Turkish Mosque, the Chania Gardens, and the Egyptian lighthouse
- During the tour, we will make plenty of stops to talk with locals and try different local specialties like: Loukoumades, Pasteli, Tsikoudia, Frappe, Graviera and Mizithra, Elies, Paximadi, and more…
- Also, during this tour, we will take you to special spots to take spectacular photos or videos
- At the end, we will make a stop at a special place and taste some local wines, all made by wineries of the area with local varieties of grapes
- By preserving and developing old family recipes, we offer you a unique opportunity to taste the authentic taste and quality of Cretan food, now in the heart of Heraklion. We only use locally selected high-quality raw materials from the best producers and breeders of Crete. This meal will be your fond farewell to Crete until you return.
Meals included: (B, D)
Overnight: Chania
▶Day 10. Chania – Departure
Meals included: Breakfast
Transportation to the airport for the flight back home.
KALO TAXIDI!
▶Day 1. Heraklion-Arrival-Welcome Dinner
Arrival at Heraklion airport. Check into your room. Relax and explore your surroundings before dinner.
Meals included: (D)
Overnight Heraklion
▶Day 2. Olive Oil Master Class – Agios Nikolaos
Today, you will sample 4 distinct olive oils and learn from our expert which qualities connoisseurs seek in award-winning olive oil. A premium masterclass, complemented by appetizers. Includes an Olive Mill & Olive Museum tour and tasting of local products. The tour of the olive press, led by a farm family member, includes viewing the original 1865 hand-operated press and an explanation of traditional oil production methods. You will also see the working olive mill and learn about contemporary oil production with an expert-led olive oil tasting session with appetizers. After your olive oil tasting, you will go to Agios Nikolaos. Visiting Agios Nikolaos feels like stepping into a tranquil oasis where time slows. The picturesque town on Crete offers a perfect blend of stunning views, charming streets, and a relaxed atmosphere that invites you to unwind. Stroll the shimmering shores of Lake Voulismeni or savor fresh seafood at a local taverna; every moment in Agios Nikolaos is a soothing escape from the everyday. Whether you wander boutique shops or watch the world go by from a cozy cafe, this enchanting town promises a truly serene getaway.
Meals included: (B, L)
Overnight Heraklion
▶Day 3. Heraklion Knossos Palace – Cooking Class with Wine Experience – Wine and Olive Oil Tasting
Today you will visit the Palace of Knossos, built 3500 years ago! The Palace of Knossos is one monument you must see in Crete.
Discover and explore the History and Culture behind the Cretan diet with the company of our two executive hosts. Our chef will demonstrate and direct you in making four different Cretan dishes, and our certified sommelier will share with you our knowledge regarding winemaking on Crete. This experience will offer you expertise in making Authentic Cretan Dakos, Handmade Cretan Pasta, or Handmade Cretan Pies, a homemade recipe from scratch, and a traditional dessert. At the end of your experience, you will enjoy the recipes you made with wines from our Estate, which will pair harmoniously. You have a Cooking Class of four different dishes, lunch, followed by food and wine pairing with a selection of four wines.
The Domaine Paterianakis is located in Melesses, in the Peza wine region, right in the center of Crete. The third generation of the Paterianakis family, Emmanuela and Niki, continues the wine tradition of organic farming, creating authentic Cretan wines with strong personalities. Winery, located within vineyards, is a pioneer facility built so that winemaking is done naturally, exploiting gravity. Guided wine tasting has five different select domaine wines. Taste our tsikoudia from a local grape. Tasting a virgin olive oil and accompanying it with a platter of selected Cretan cheeses, deli meat, and handmade marmalade.
Meals included: (B, L)
Overnight: Heraklion
▶Day 4. Heraklion – City/Food Tour & Pastry Lesson- Visit Pastry History Museum
Enjoy a food and cultural walking tour suitable for all ages – it is an easy 1.5-mile walk, so you can explore the heart of Heraklion city while learning about its unique history and culture. On this tour, you will try local “mezedes”, Greek coffee with bougatsa, while enjoying the city of Heraklion. The images and the flavors that take you on this journey.
The next stop is the Unique Pastry History Museum. The museum opened its doors on 1-7-2021 and currently includes 400 rare exhibits, with 32 unique in the world!
We will have a short tour of the production area. You see utensils, materials, and machines that our chefs need! We learn about the production, conditions, and specifications, and talk about the daily life of the confectioner-baker profession! We enter the specially designed space where the seminar will take place: on the subject of chocolate and its history! We show how we process it. We make chocolate eggs or filled chocolates! We learn to make our cornet out of paper! You write your name in “cornet” and make drawings on paper!
Meals included: (B, Food Tour)
Overnight: Heraklion
▶Day 5.Heraklion – Pottery Workshop –Olive Oil and Honey – Arkadi Monastery – Rethymno
The Olive Oil Tour: The quality of Cretan olive oil is known all over the world. At the olive mill, you have the opportunity to taste three different olive oils. You see how olive oil was produced in the old days with manual tools and with the help of animals. Honey -Tasting & Tour: Taking part in the tour is an unprecedented experience for the history and production of Honey in Crete. The bees, these unpredictable alchemists, fly from flower to flower, finding hidden gems, the juices of fruit, and the nectar of each land. Pottery workshop: Margarites village is famous for its ceramic tradition. In our workshop, we receive visitors from all over the world to get to know Cretan Ceramic Art, to see how we make the pots on the wheel, how we decorate them, and how they are baked in the oven to reach their final form.
Nestled in the tranquil Cretan countryside, the Historical Monastery Arkadi stands as a timeless jewel, exuding serenity and history. The picturesque setting invites you to immerse yourself in its rich past and admire intricate architecture that tells tales of a bygone era. From ancient walls to peaceful courtyards, every corner offers a sense of calm and awe-inspiring beauty. Whether you’re a history enthusiast or simply seeking a moment of relaxation, exploring Monastery Arkadi is a truly enchanting experience.
Meals included: Breakfast
Overnight: Rethymno
▶Day 6. Rethymno Free Day
You can explore the picturesque streets, savor delicious local cuisine, and bask in the warm Mediterranean sun without a care in the world. Whether you choose to wander through the historic Old Town, relax on the stunning beaches, or simply people-watch at a cozy cafe, Rethymno’s free day is all about unwinding and soaking in the laid-back vibes of this enchanting Cretan town. It’s the perfect opportunity to recharge your batteries and create unforgettable memories in this magical place!
Meals included: (B)
Overnight: Rethymno
▶Day 7. Rethymno – Chania
Enjoy the convenience of being picked up by a private driver from your hotel and transferred to the charming town of Chania. Your driver will then assist you with the check-in process at your hotel.
In Chania, you can wander through the charming old town, admiring the Venetian architecture, the colorful alleys, and the local shops. Enjoy delicious local cuisine at the bustling open-air market or relax on the sandy beaches, soaking up the warm Mediterranean sun. Don’t forget to take a selfie at the picturesque Venetian harbor or get lost in the lively atmosphere of the local markets.
Meals included: (B)
Overnight: Chania
▶Day 8. Chania – Cooking Class
.Departure time: approximately 15:30-16:00 (depending on the meeting point). Duration 4-5 hours
In the evening, you have a cooking class. Join us for an unforgettable culinary experience at a traditional estate in Kissamos, just 500 meters past the port. Our cooking classes and tastings will take you on a journey through the flavors of Crete.
We’ll start the day with a sweet welcome treat of homemade spoon dessert before diving into the world of Cretan products. You’ll cook alongside us, learning about local ingredients and traditional cooking techniques.
Afterwards, we’ll take you on a tour of our small farm, exploring our olive groves and orchard. You’ll taste our freshly pressed olive oil and see where our vegetables, herbs, and grapes are grown. We’ll introduce you to our chickens and sheep, giving you a glimpse into our farm life.
Back at the house, we’ll prepare a delicious dessert together before sitting down to enjoy a dinner made from the dishes we created. Our meal will be accompanied by our wine, adding to the authentic experience.
To end the evening on a sweet note, we’ll serve dessert along with our homemade raki. It’s the perfect way to unwind and savor the flavors of the day.
Meals included: (B, D)
Overnight: Chania
▶Day 9. The 4 Cultures – Chania City Tour – Traditional Farewell Dinner
- The tour starts at 9:00 am at the main AGORA covered market, which we will visit.
- We will continue to the old town and see the most important sites of Chania, such as: the Venetian fortifications, the Arsenals, the Roman Catholic and the Greek Orthodox Cathedral, the old Jewish Synagogue, the Turkish Mosque, the Chania Gardens, and the Egyptian lighthouse
- During the tour, we will make plenty of stops to talk with locals and try different local specialties like: Loukoumades, Pasteli, Tsikoudia, Frappe, Graviera and Mizithra, Elies, Paximadi, and more…
- Also, during this tour, we will take you to special spots to take spectacular photos or videos
- At the end, we will make a stop at a special place and taste some local wines, all made by wineries of the area with local varieties of grapes
- By preserving and developing old family recipes, we offer you a unique opportunity to taste the authentic taste and quality of Cretan food, now in the heart of Heraklion. We only use locally selected high-quality raw materials from the best producers and breeders of Crete. This meal will be your fond farewell to Crete until you return.
Meals included: (B, D)
Overnight: Chania
▶Day 10. Chania – Departure
Meals included: Breakfast
Transportation to the airport for the flight back home.
KALO TAXIDI!

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