Rethymno Old Town: A Traditional Cretan Food Tour

Rethymno Old Town in Crete offers an immersive culinary experience for visitors seeking to explore the region’s rich gastronomic heritage. This three-hour Traditional Cretan Food Tour guides participants through the charming alleyways, showcasing authentic dishes and traditional craftsmanship. From the aromatic sip of raki to the delicate layers of homemade baklava, each stop along the way promises a tantalizing glimpse into the vibrant flavors that define Cretan cuisine. With a cap of 12 guests, the intimate setting ensures personalized attention, culminating in a communal meze dining experience that truly captures the essence of this captivating destination.

This experience made our list of the 25 Best Tours In Rethymno.

Key Points

• Explore the authentic flavors of Greece and Crete through a 3-hour evening food tour in Rethymno’s historic Old Town.
• Savor traditional Cretan dishes and spirits, including raki and rakomelo, at six food stops and a family-owned tavern.
• Participate in a hands-on baklava-making workshop in a Venetian mansion and taste the freshly baked pastry.
• Enjoy a communal meze dining experience featuring four iconic Cretan plates and local spirits.
• Benefit from a 5/5 rated, well-organized tour with all food and drinks included, offering excellent value for the experience.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Overview and Pricing

This evening food tour in Rethymno’s Old Town allows guests to save up to 20%, with prices ranging from $97.29 to $77.83 per person.

Featuring a 3-hour duration and a maximum group size of 12 people, the tour is available in both English and Greek languages and is wheelchair accessible.

With free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, this immersive culinary experience offers visitors a chance to discover the authentic flavors of Crete.

Whether you’re a foodie or simply looking to explore the local culture, this tour provides a comprehensive and cost-effective way to indulge in the region’s gastronomic delights.

Tour Experience and Itinerary

The tour begins at the Old Customs House – Information Centre, where guests embark on a culinary journey through Rethymno’s Old Town, encountering six food stops that showcase authentic Greek and Cretan dishes.

At a family-owned tavern, they’ll savor traditional raki and three local specialties.

Next, they’ll visit a local bakery for an appetizer before heading to a historical Venetian mansion to witness a philo workshop and taste freshly-baked baklava.

The experience continues at a traditional tavern, where they’ll sample six flavors paired with local wine.

The final stop is a meze dining experience, featuring rakomelo and four authentic Cretan plates, capped off with a sweet treat of Greek lokma donuts.

Culinary Highlights

Rethymno Old Town: A Traditional Cretan Food Tour

Culinary Highlights

Guests on the Traditional Cretan Food Tour can look forward to a delightful culinary experience, where they’ll have the opportunity to taste diverse Cretan dishes and desserts.

They will witness the traditional process of baklava-making and savor the communal meze dining experience alongside local spirits.

The tour features a philo workshop in a historic Venetian mansion, where participants can observe the intricate art of crafting baklava, followed by a tasting of this beloved Greek pastry.

Plus, guests will enjoy traditional tavern fare, including six flavors paired with local wine, as well as a meze dining experience featuring four authentic Cretan plates accompanied by rakomelo, a traditional Greek digestif.

Additional Information

Along With the culinary highlights, the Traditional Cretan Food Tour includes all food and drinks outlined in the itinerary, ensuring guests can fully enjoy the flavors of Crete without additional costs.

The evening tour is designed to avoid the daytime heat, providing a comfortable and enjoyable experience.

Guests will have the opportunity to taste traditional raki, rakomelo, and local wine, gaining a deeper understanding of Cretan spirits and their role in the local culture.

While tips and transportation aren’t included, the tour package offers excellent value, with no hidden fees or surprises.

The Traditional Cretan Food Tour provides a comprehensive and immersive culinary adventure in Rethymno’s Old Town.

• All food and drinks included in the itinerary

• Evening tour designed to avoid daytime heat

• Tasting of traditional raki, rakomelo, and local wine

• Tips and transportation not included

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Meeting Point and Rating

Guests meet at the information centre located in front of the Old Customs House to begin their culinary journey through Rethymno’s Old Town.

The Traditional Cretan Food Tour has an overall rating of 5/5 based on 5 reviews, indicating an exceptional dining experience for participants.

The tour offers a convenient meeting point, with the information centre providing helpful resources and guidance throughout the evening.

Guests can expect a well-organized and seamless experience as they explore the diverse flavors of Crete, from traditional raki and local dishes to the art of baklava making.

The high ratings underscore the tour’s ability to deliver an authentic and memorable culture for foodies.

Authentic Greek and Cretan Dishes

The tour takes guests on a culinary journey through the authentic flavors of Greece and Crete, featuring a diverse array of traditional dishes carefully curated to showcase the region’s rich gastronomic heritage.

At a family-owned tavern, participants savor the bold and aromatic notes of local raki alongside three Cretan specialties.

The tour continues with an appetizer at a beloved neighborhood bakery, followed by a baklava tasting as guests witness the time-honored process of its preparation in a historic Venetian mansion.

Later, a traditional tavern treats visitors to six flavors expertly paired with local wine, culminating in a meze dining experience highlighted by four iconic Cretan plates and the soothing finish of rakomelo.

• Traditional raki and three Cretan dishes

• Appetizer at a local bakery

• Baklava tasting and philo workshop

• Six flavors paired with local wine

• Meze dining with four authentic plates and rakomelo

Tasting of Traditional Spirits

A highlight of the tour is the opportunity to savor traditional Cretan spirits, including the renowned raki and rakomelo.

Raki, a strong, clear brandy, is a beloved local beverage often shared among friends and family. Rakomelo, a warming blend of raki and honey, is a soothing after-dinner drink.

Guests will sample these iconic Cretan libations at a family-owned tavern, learning about their history and production process. The tasting allows travelers to fully enjoy the island’s rich cultural heritage and appreciate the craftsmanship behind these time-honored spirits.

These spirited tastings complement the array of authentic Cretan dishes, creating a harmonious and memorable culinary experience.

Hands-on Baklava Workshop

One of the highlights of the tour is a hands-on baklava workshop held in a historical Venetian mansion, where participants learn the intricate art of crafting this iconic Greek pastry.

During the interactive session, the group is guided through the traditional process of preparing baklava, from layering the delicate phyllo dough to mixing the aromatic nut filling and drizzling on the sweet syrup.

Guests get to try their hand at assembling the pastry layers and witness the fine techniques used to create the perfect flaky texture and caramelized edges.

The workshop culminates in a tasting of the freshly baked baklava, allowing participants to savor the fruits of their labor.

• Learn the traditional method of making baklava

• Observe the intricate process of layering phyllo dough

• Create your own baklava under expert guidance

• Indulge in the sweet, flaky pastry you’ve just prepared

Frequently Asked Questions

Are There Vegetarian or Vegan Options Available on the Tour?

The tour provides vegetarian and vegan options to accommodate dietary restrictions. Visitors can notify the tour operator in advance to ensure appropriate substitutions are made for the food tastings throughout the evening.

How Much Walking Is Involved During the 3-Hour Tour?

The tour involves moderate walking, covering approximately 1.5 miles over the 3-hour duration. Participants can expect to be on their feet for extended periods, exploring the historic streets and visiting the various food stops throughout Rethymno’s Old Town.

Is the Tour Suitable for Children or Families?

The tour is suitable for families with children. It has a maximum group size of 12, includes a wheelchair-accessible route, and the food tastings are sufficient to substitute a dinner meal for youngsters. The tour is designed to avoid daytime heat.

Can the Tour Be Customized for Private Groups?

The tour can be customized for private groups. Private tours allow for flexible itineraries and group sizes, enabling a more personalized experience. Travelers can work closely with the tour operator to tailor the tour to their group’s interests and needs.

Are There Any Discounts or Special Offers Available?

Yes, the food tour offers a 20% discount from the regular price of $97.29 per person, making the cost $77.83 per person. Plus, the tour provides free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Recap

The Rethymno Old Town’s Traditional Cretan Food Tour provides an immersive culinary experience, allowing visitors to savor the authentic flavors of the region.

Guests explore diverse food stops, participate in a hands-on baklava workshop, and enjoy a communal meze dining experience – all while immersed in the charming atmosphere of the Old Town.

This intimate and personalized tour offers a true taste of Crete’s vibrant culinary heritage.

You can check if your dates are available here: