Cretan Village Cooking Experience, Chania

Get an introduction to Crete's rural landscapes and distinctive cuisine with this private day trip into the island's rugged Lefka Ori (White Mountains). Your adventure begins with a pick-up in Chania and a scenic chauffeured drive south to a charming farmhouse. After a warm welcome from your hosts, you'll help gather vegetables and herbs from the garden, then step into the kitchen to prepare dishes like dakos (Cretan salad) and kalitsouni (cheese pie). Chat with your hosts to learn more about Cretan cooking and traditional practices like weaving, then sit down to a memorable, multicourse meal accompanied by local wines.

Get an introduction to Crete's rural landscapes and distinctive cuisine with this day trip into the island's rugged Lefka Ori (White Mountains). Your adventure begins with a pick-up in Chania and a scenic drive south to a charming farmhouse. After a warm welcome from your hosts, you'll help gather vegetables and herbs from the garden, then step into the kitchen to prepare dishes like dakos (Cretan salad) and kalitsouni (cheese pie). Chat with your hosts to learn more about Cretan cooking and traditional practices like weaving, then sit down to a memorable, multicourse meal accompanied by local wines.

Combine adventure with gastronomic explorations with this private safari tour taking you through the mountains and rugged heartlands of Chania. Feel free to customize your safari activity to make sure it suits your interests—this is a private experience, after all! Visit the National Park of Samaria, taste various Cretan wines at Anoskeli Winery, and enjoy a delicious lunch with a magnificent view of the White Mountains. You can let your guide know if there's any specific spot you'd like to see, and they'll make sure to take you there. This is all about making your adventure extra special! Spend a day in touch with nature and enjoy the incredible views Chania has to offer.

Follow us to a magnificent journey through the centuries! Rethymnon is one of the most beautiful towns in Greece. You will explore the hidden treasures of it and discover the greatness of an ancient Cretan civilization. You will also learn and see many things about Cretan traditions and culture through unique routes of Rethymno mainland, starting from the historical monastery of Arkadi.

The Arkadi Monastery is an Eastern Orthodox monastery. The current catholicon (church) dates back to the 16th century and is marked by the influence of the Renaissance. This influence is visible in the architecture, which mixes both Roman and baroque elements. As early as the 16th century, the monastery was a place for science and, had a school and a rich library. Situated on a plateau, the monastery is well fortified, being surrounded by a thick and high wall. The monastery played an active role in the Cretan resistance of Ottoman rule during the Cretan revolt of 1866. 943 Greeks, mostly women and children, sought refuge in the monastery. After three days of battle and under orders from the hegumen (abbot) of the monastery, the Cretans blew up barrels of gunpowder, choosing to sacrifice themselves rather than surrender. The monastery became a national sanctuary in honor of the Cretan resistance. 8 November is a day of commemorative parties in Arkadi and Rethymno. The explosion did not end the Cretan insurrection, but it attracted the attention of the rest of the world.

After that you will visit Eleftherna, an ancient city-state in Crete, which lies 25 km southeast of Rethymno. Archaeologists excavated the site, located on a narrow northern spur of Mount Ida, the highest mountain in Crete. It flourished from the Dark Ages of Greece’s early history until Byzantine times.
In the systematic Eleftherna project, a team of archaeologists from the University of Crete led by Prof. N. Stampolidis has been in charge since 1984. Surveys and systematic excavations have revealed the city’s settlement patterns, sanctuaries and necropolis in Orthi Petra, even stone quarries in the surroundings of the Prines hill. The discovery of the remains of four females in Orthi Petra was declared one of top 10 discoveries of 2009 by the Archaeological Institute of America. The Museum of Ancient Eleftherna, directly linked to the archaeological site, was inaugurated in June 2016.
The next stop will be at Margarites, a scenic traditional Cretan village. You will walk on the stone paths of the village and admire the pottery traditional shops around. Then, leaving Margarites, you ‘ll have lunch in Asteri village. The unique restaurant with the folklore private collection and the traditional Cretan delicacies will take your breath away.

Discover the history, culture, and cuisine of Crete on this guided tour of the seven villages that comprise the region of Apokoronas. Begin with a visit to the Apokoronas Folk Museum in the village of Gavalochori before continuing on to a raki distillery to sample this local spirit and see how it's made. Marvel at the cliffside Church of St. Anthony in the village of Emprosneros and try local products at a cheese factory. End the excursion with lunch at a kafeneio (café) in the village of Fres, where you can learn more about life in Apokoronas.

Discover the hidden gems of Chania on a unique walking tour! Explore the lesser-known streets, buildings, high spots, neighborhoods, and monuments only locals know. Walk on the same paths where Venetians, Ottomans, and Cretans used to live and work. Admire beautiful flower-filled neighborhoods, learn about Cretan history, and eat like a local. Visit ancient ruins, Byzantine-Venetian moats, and more. Immerse yourself in five old civilizations and their cultures in just two hours.

Explore Chania with a local expert on a private Trikke tour. Trikke is a three-wheeled electric vehicle that can be easily ridden by anyone, including children. It's a great way to see more of the city and have fun. You'll explore the historic Old Town of Chania and the Venetian Harbor, taking in the sights of various landmarks like the Yiali Mosque, Grand Arsenal, Ottoman Minaret, Jewish Synagogue, and the Gate of Sampioanara along the way. Learn about the city's history and unique local tidbits while taking in stunning views.

Venture into the countryside of northern Crete for a flavorful introduction to the island's renowned olive oil, wine, and beer-making traditions. This private experience begins in the rolling hills west of Chania, where you'll visit an innovative olive mill to learn about the production process and taste various extra virgin olive oil varieties. Continue to a family-owned winery for a tasting of five wines and insights into the rich history of Cretan winemaking, and end in the charming village of Zounaki, where you'll sip four different beers and sit down to a hearty lunch at a local microbrewery.

Learn to stand-up paddleboard (SUP) with an experienced instructor on the scenic waterfront of Marathi Bay. Your SUP lesson will be tailored by a skilled instructor to suit your skill level, ensuring that you feel safe and confident as you explore the waves. During this two-hour activity, you'll not only have the opportunity to explore the waves but also to swim, sunbathe, and relax under the warm Cretan sun.

Combine adventure with gastronomic explorations with this semi-private safari tour taking you through the mountains and rugged heartlands of Chania. You'll cruise in your own private vehicle, and other travelers will have theirs too. It's going to be a convoy of fun! Visit the National Park of Samaria, taste various Cretan wines at Anoskeli Winery, and enjoy a delicious lunch with a magnificent view of the White Mountains. Spend a day in touch with nature and enjoy the incredible views Chania has to offer.