Private Traditional Cretan Cooking Class in the Mountains, Chania
Explore Crete's cuisine firsthand in this traditional cooking lesson at a local family's home.
Overview
Highlights
- Pick vegetables and herbs in the garden to use for your recipes
- Sample local wine and cheese
- Learn about Crete's traditional agriculture and the philosophy behind the Mediterranean diet
- Take in stunning views of both mountains and sea
- Discover the origins of some of Crete's specialty dishes
Know before you go
6 hours
All ages
Private
Dinner Included
What you'll do
Begin the excursion with a walk around the vegetable garden to pick the herbs and produce that you'll cook with later on. Thanks to its climate and landscape, Crete is the biggest producer and exporter of olive oil in Greece. Learn the history of these ingredients, as well as the various uses and secrets of local herbs such as dittany.
Next, put your new knowledge to use as you prepare traditional Cretan recipes. Top off local rusk bread with freshly diced tomatoes and cheese to make a dakos or Cretan salad. Mix up yogurt with cucumber and garlic for a tzatziki unlike anything you can find in a taverna or supermarket. Make kalitsouni or a Cretan cheese pie, which is a delicious specialty of the island. These are just a few examples of the dishes you might make in this class, although the options can vary according to the season.
Throughout the day, find out about different customs of Crete, such as the island's centuries-old weaving practice, which you can see firsthand in the family home. Learn about the benefits of the Mediterranean diet, which is believed to be the healthiest in the world. Enjoy a glass of Cretan wine and cheese before settling in to relax, savor the meal you just cooked, and take in the breathtaking views of the mountains and sea. Make sure to save room for dessert, as there are a variety of traditional jar sweets to taste at the end.
Start times
-
Daily5:00 pm
-
SundayNot available
What's included
- Transportation with an air-conditioned minibus/minivan
- An English-speaking driver and host
- A local cook to guide the class
- Wine and food tasting
- Traditional Cretan dinner
- Apron and cooking utensils
- All ingredients for your dinner
- Commemorative gifts
- Recipes and photos from the tour
Like what you see?
Chat with our local specialists and let us help you customize your trip with experiences like this.
Get startedSee alternatives
Cooking Class in a Village Near Chania
Private Excursion to White Mountains with Wine and Olive Oil Tastings
Private Rethymnon Villages Excursion
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.
Private 7 Villages Of Apokoronas Excursion
White Mountains Excursion Wine and Olive Oil Tastings
Private Walking Experience in Chania
Flavors of Crete: Olive Oil, Wine, and Beer Tour
Trikke City Experience
SUP Adventure on Marathi Bay
Coastal Fishing Adventure with Experienced Fishermen
Like what you see?
Chat with our local specialists and let us help you customize your trip with experiences like this.
Get startedChania Experiences
Show more Chania experiencesSamaria Gorge Guided Hike
Experience a full-day guided hiking tour through Europe's longest (and Crete's most popular) river gorge, Samaria Gorge. As one of the island's natural wonders, you'll enjoy...
Self-Guided Beach Day-Trip in Chania
Some of the most incredible and exotic beaches of Crete are situated in the region of Chania and invite you to relax, sunbathe and take part in a great variety of thrilling...
Balos and Gramvoussa Day-Cruise
Discover Crete's famed beach, Balos, and the red rocky terrain of Gramvoussa on this full-day cruise. The two beaches are some of the most popular in the country, offering...
Visit the Palace of Knossos and Archaological Museum
Enjoy a private tour of Knossos Palace, Cretes' most extensive and important archeological site. A licensed guide will cater the tour to your personal interests and lead you...
Private Hike to Samaria Gorge
Explore Chania's Samaria Gorge for a refreshing hike along the river bed, a must-do for any traveler to the region! This 18-kilometer-long gorge is the largest in Europe, and...
Greece Experiences
Show more Greece experiencesPrivate Ancient Sparta & Mystras Guided Tour
Discover Ancient Sparta and Mystras, an imposing fortress that was once the capital of the Byzantine state with this 2.5- hour private guided tour. Erected in 1249 CE, the...
Samaria Gorge Guided Hike
Experience a full-day guided hiking tour through Europe's longest (and Crete's most popular) river gorge, Samaria Gorge. As one of the island's natural wonders, you'll enjoy...
Self-Guided Beach Day-Trip in Chania
Some of the most incredible and exotic beaches of Crete are situated in the region of Chania and invite you to relax, sunbathe and take part in a great variety of thrilling...
Acropolis & Athens Mythology Tour
Today is your chance to discover more about the titanic history of Athens as you undertake a fascinating half-day mythology-themed walking tour through the heart of the city,...
Self-Guided Antiparos Island Day-Trip
Discover the charm and beauty of Paros' classy neighbor, the island of Antiparos on a self guided tour of the island. A short ferry ride takes you to this special Cycladic...
Best of Chania
Best of Chania10 Days in Greece - 6 Family-Friendly Itineraries
Greece has a multitude of wonders to attract you and your family for 10 days of adventure. It's one of the sunniest places in the world, so catch some rays as you explore the...
2 Weeks in Greece - 6 Family-Friendly Itineraries
Two weeks gives you and your family plenty of time to traverse the nearly 1,000 miles of coastline that Greece has to offer. Whether you're going for a deep dive into the...
Best Places to Eat in Chania
From elegant restaurants serving grilled seafood on the beach to casual sandwich shops with a line around the corner, there's no shortage of places to eat in Chania. Try age-old...
Best Things to Do on a Family Vacation in Greece
Greece is one of the best family-friendly travel destinations in Europe, offering various activities suited for all ages. With abundant and diverse nature, your family can enjoy...
Best Things to Do on Crete
As Greece's southernmost and largest island, Crete puts a twist on the typical Greek island ambiance. With a mix of ancient history, diverse landscapes, and some of the...
Trip Planning Essentials
How kimkim Trips Work in Greece
When it comes to visiting Greece’s islands and ancient sites, one size does not fit all. In fact, it's the perfect destination for an adventure customized to your interests and...
Ultimate Greece Itineraries: 7 to 14 Days
Seeking the perfect Greece itinerary? Look no further. We sent 3 people all over Greece to do research. We interviewed 2 experts. We analyzed 250 actual trips. We did in-depth...
Greece Travel Agents
Kimkim has selected the best Greece travel agents so you'll have a worry-free trip