Chania & Rethymno: Gastronomy Tour with Wine Tasting
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Overview
Gastronomy tour and wine tasting in traditional villages between Chania and Rethymno offers a delightful exploration of Crete's authentic flavors. This food tour is perfect for anyone wanting to experience the real Crete, away from the usual tourist spots. Travelers get to visit charming villages and taste the freshest local foods. They'll enjoy local cheese, honey, olive oil, smoked meats, fruits, traditional Greek sweets and herbs.
What to Expect: This tour takes participants to a traditional Greek coffeehouse to savor coffee made the traditional way. The tour stops at Chania's famous ice cream shop for a perfect dessert. Participants will also have the chance to visit an ancient church garden with an old olive oil mill and a modern olive oil mill to see how olive oil is produced today. Lunch and dinner will be served in family-owned tavernas that source their ingredients locally. One taverna is nestled in the mountains, while the other overlooks the beautiful Lake Kournas.
This experience includes a guided tour, air-conditioned transportation, all fees and taxes, alcoholic beverages, lunch, dinner and snacks. It excludes any extra appetite one may have; come hungry! This small-group tour offers an intimate experience of Cretan hospitality and culinary traditions.




Highlights
Taste Authentic Cretan Flavors: Enjoy local cheese, honey, olive oil, and more in traditional villages.
Visit Family-Owned Tavernas: Dine at two tavernas with meals made from local ingredients.
Explore Traditional Villages: Discover the beauty and culture of Crete's countryside.
Enjoy Wine Tasting: Savor local wines as part of this culinary experience.
Sentiment Analysis
Customers generally rave about the authentic food, beautiful scenery, and engaging guides, making it a highly recommended experience. Some suggest a better balance of time at each location.

Customers loved tasting the authentic Cretan food and drinks.
Many enjoyed visiting the traditional villages and seeing the countryside.
People appreciated the friendly and knowledgeable guides.
Guests highlighted the delicious meals at family-owned tavernas.
Some found the tour length a bit long.
A few wished for more time at certain stops.
The Journey
Traditional Greek Coffeehouse
Escape to a serene traditional Greek coffeehouse nestled amidst lush greenery, tranquil streams, and the soothing sounds of nature. Immerse yourself in the authentic ritual of Greek coffee preparation, slow-cooked in hot sand to unlock its full, rich flavor. Experience the convivial atmosphere and savor the moment as you connect with local traditions in this picturesque setting.
Chania's Traditional Ice Cream Shop
Indulge in a culinary adventure at a traditional ice cream shop in Chania, where you can savor the unique flavors of locally sourced ingredients. Delight in creamy ice cream made from sheep's milk, a regional specialty. Taste the distinct flavor of carob, a rare ingredient found nowhere else in the world. Sample the renowned Cretan 'graviera' cheese, a key ingredient in the traditional 'saganaki' dish. Enhance your experience with a complimentary shot of 'raki,' a potent Cretan spirit offered by the welcoming cheese shop owner.
Ancient Church Garden
Step back in time as you visit a historic church, a testament to centuries of faith and artistry. Admire the church's intricate architecture, reflecting its rich past. Explore the church's enchanting garden, a vibrant oasis showcasing a diverse collection of flowers, herbs, and fruit-bearing trees. Immerse yourself in the tranquility of this peaceful sanctuary, where history and nature intertwine.
Riverside Village
Discover the charm of a picturesque village, where a gentle river meanders through the heart of the community. Stroll along the riverbanks, soaking in the tranquil ambiance and admiring the natural beauty that surrounds you. Experience the warmth of local hospitality and immerse yourself in the unhurried pace of village life.
Modern Olive Oil Mill
Embark on a sensory journey at a modern olive oil mill, where you'll witness the art of olive oil production firsthand. Learn from the expert producer, Antonis, as he guides you through the process, sharing his passion for this liquid gold. Delight in a tasting of virgin olive oil and flavorful olives, and browse the beautiful exhibition showcasing traditional products and unique souvenirs. Take home a piece of Crete's culinary heritage.
Lake Kournas
Savor a memorable meal at the stunning Lake Kournas, where breathtaking panoramic views of the sea, lake, and mountains await. Immerse yourself in the authentic flavors of Cretan cuisine, indulging in traditional dishes like 'tsigariasto arni,' 'anitchristo arni,' 'ntolmadakia,' 'kolokithoanthous,' and 'imam baildi.' Complement your meal with a selection of four locally produced wines, each offering a unique taste of the region's terroir. Lake Kournas provides a serene backdrop for a delightful culinary adventure.
Cretan Culinary Experience
Embark on a second culinary adventure with a completely different array of dishes, each showcasing the unique flavors of Cretan cuisine. Savor the succulent flavors of chicken cooked with grape juice, tender pork with tomato sauce and peppers, smoked pork with oregano and sage, and mushrooms marinated with beer. Immerse yourself in the rich culinary heritage of Crete, where every dish tells a story.
Know Before You Go
This experience includes lunch, dinner, snacks, alcoholic beverages, all fees and taxes, and guided tours of a church and olive oil factory. Guests will travel in an air-conditioned vehicle with pick-up and drop-off at designated spots. This tour excludes the need for an extra large appetite so come hungry. Prepare for a full day of exploring and tasting the best of Cretan cuisine and culture!
Hot Tip
Many reviewers suggest that customers should come very hungry to fully enjoy all the food and drinks offered on this tour. Also, wear comfortable shoes for walking around the villages and olive oil mills.