Rethymno Gastronomy tour
Reviews
Details
3 - 4 hours
Easy
2 - 6 persons
Every day except Sunday
Small group
10:30
Four Martyrs Church, Gerakari 6, 741 00
Highlights
- Discover the impressive old town's narrow streets, the stone built Venetian old houses
- Dive into Rethymno's magnificent culture
- Enjoy a greek coffee in a small and quiet "kafeneio"
- Explore the genuine flavors of Cretan gastronomy and all the superb sweet delicacies
- Visit a local's workshop of "baklava", "kantaifi" and other phyllo pastry
- Taste the famous thyme honey of Crete
- Feel like a local for a day, by tasting the delicious homemade raki and the extraordinary mezedes
Every Stop a Unique Experience
A quiet "kafeneio"
Starting off, we will visit a beautiful "kafeneio” located in a unique spot inside the old town of Rethymno. This small, unfrequented square with its running fountain will be our first stop. There, we will enjoy an authentic Cretan breakfast, which consists of a traditional Greek coffee or juice and a handmade cheese pie (as we called it "sfakianopita") covered with organic thyme honey. We will start by discussing the main points of our visit; an introduction to the historical imposing monuments, traditions, customs, and the connection to Cretan Gastronomy will follow, as we all enjoy our Cretan breakfast in the calm atmosphere of this quiet cafe.
A quiet "kafeneio"
The workshop of Mr. Hatziparaschos
The workshop of Mr. Hatziparaschos
After that, we will be able to see right through the heart of Rethymno; a Venetian mansion of the 17th century houses “Yorgos Hatziparaschos” phyllo workshop, the oldest of its kind. He is famous for making phyllo for more than 63 years now. Traditional phyllo is an essential ingredient for traditional syrupy sweets, such as kantaifi and baklava. While the ingredients are simple - flour, water and some salt - the proportions according to Mr. Hatziparaschos took years of testing. If we stand lucky, we will observe the master on the job! A fluid mixture falls into a special machine in the back room, where butter aromas fill the air; in the meantime, Mr. Yorgos' hot copper pan doesn't stop turning. Above the flames, hundreds of thin and baked strings of kantaifi are created. Sprinkled with the right balance of cinnamon and chopped walnuts, kantaifi is one of the most favorite sweets of the Greeks. The taste cannot described with words; you just have to try it!
Thyme honey tasting
After a short walk, we will head to a small shop with Cretan natural products so as to try the taste of genuine Cretan thyme honey and learn the history as well as the process of collecting honey. Mr Matheos, who owns this little traditional shop, will assist us in his own kind way. We can taste some types of honey, while we are in the shop; keep in mind that it is produced in the mountains; this element makes the taste so much different from the other kinds. Especially when these mountains belong to a truly unspoilt environment, away from the urban pollution, in a local ecosystem of extremely dense aromatic flora of endemic, self-sown flower plants, trees and shrubbery.
Thyme honey tasting
Enjoy handmade "loukoumades"
Enjoy handmade "loukoumades"
After the honey tasting, the following stop is the most appropriate place to continue our tour! We will visit a small pastry shop, with the best ''loukoumades'' in the whole city! These little bite-sized fluffy sweet honey balls is essentially the Greek version of donuts, which are deep fried to golden and crispy perfection. Incredibly crunchy from the outside, but so soft inside, sprinkled with honey, sesame and cinnamon powder...simply amazing!
Taste the Cretan "mezedes"
Our next stop will be a traditional “taverna” that serves homemade Cretan dishes with organic ingredients. Our taverna lies in a hidden alley of the old town, lively but not crowded. At this stop, we will taste the best Cretan “mezedes”, such as dolmadakia (vine leaves stuffed with rice and meat), chochlious (cooked snails) and many more, depending on what’s in the menu. This little traditional ''mezedopoleio'', is a real hidden gem! The atmosphere is unique and it makes an ordinary lunch feel like a friendly gathering. We could also meet the owners of the taverna, depending on the day and time, who are typical Cretans; friendly and kind.
Taste the Cretan "mezedes"
Fortezza castle
Fortezza castle
Up to this point, you will be fully informed about the history of our town and all the monuments that we have passed by and discussed about, as well as the secret local spots one should definitely visit once in Rethymno. The end of our tour will be in front of the gates of the Fortezza castle, where you will have all the time to wander around by yourselves and get fascinated by the view. Due to the fact that the escort of this tour is not considered as an official guide of the State, he cannot enter with you inside the fortress. However, if you wish to have an official history guide, we would be happy to book one upon communication. Enjoy!
What’s Included
- Local English or French speaking guide
- Coffee and traditional snacks
- Light lunch or dinner (vegetarian option included)
- Small group tour
- All taxes, fees and handling charges
- Lots of raki and laughter :)
| 1-2 ADULTS | 65 EURO P/P |
| 3-4 ADULTS | 55 EURO P/P |
| 5-6 ADULTS | 45 EURO P/P |
| CHILDREN (3 - 12) | 50% |
| INFANTS (0 - 2) | FREE |
