Gastronomy tour and wine tasting in traditional villages

Discover the flavors of Crete on this gastronomy tour and wine tasting in the traditional villages between Chania and Rethymno. Priced at $207.43 per person, this approximately 5 to 6-hour experience offers a deep dive into authentic local foods, handcrafted cheeses, honey, and olive oils, all set against the backdrop of picturesque villages and scenic landscapes. The tour includes pick-up service and guided visits to several unique locations, making it a perfect choice for foodies seeking an immersive Cretan experience.

This tour is highly rated, with a perfect 5.0 out of 5 from 13 reviews, and is recommended by 100% of participants. It’s an ideal activity for those who want to combine culinary discovery with countryside exploration, but it does require some hunger, as two full meals are included. The tour operates in the morning hours from 9:30 am to 3:00 pm, offering a relaxed pace filled with local stories, stunning views, and delicious tastes.

Key Points

• Authentic Cretan cuisine: Enjoy traditional dishes, cheeses, honey, and herbs in village settings.
• Visits to local artisans: Tour a cheese factory, olive oil mill, and an old historic church.
• Two full meals: Different dishes served in family-owned tavernas, with local wines.
• Scenic stops: Lake Kournas with views of the sea, lake, and mountains, plus charming villages.
• Specialized tastings: Try sheep’s milk ice cream, Cretan raki, and unique carob flavor.
• Guided experience: Led by knowledgeable guides, including a guided tour of an old church and olive oil factory.

Discovering Authentic Cretan Flavors in Traditional Villages

This gastronomy tour starts in Chania, with an emphasis on local culinary traditions. The experience takes you through villages in the countryside, where family-run tavernas and small producers share their specialties. With $207.43 per person, the tour includes two hearty meals, guided visits, and tastings of regional products.

The tour is suitable for those with an appetite for local flavors, as vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options are available. Group size remains small, with a maximum of eight travelers, ensuring an intimate and personalized experience. The pickup service is provided from designated spots in Chania, making logistics hassle-free.

Exploring Armeni and Fres: Coffee and Unique Ice Cream

The journey begins at Armeni, where a visit to a traditional coffeehouse allows you to experience Greek coffee made the classic way—slow-cooked in hot sand—enhancing its flavor. Surrounded by nature, this peaceful spot offers a taste of local coffee culture in a tranquil setting.

Next, the tour moves to Fres, famous for its sheep’s milk ice cream and unique carob flavor—a specialty exclusive to Chania. The Cheese shop owner introduces you to Cretan graviera, used in the classic saganaki, and offers a shot of raki—a strong traditional drink. Sampling these treats highlights Crete’s distinct dairy and sweet products, which you won’t find elsewhere.

Visiting Apokoronas: Historic Church and Aromatic Garden

A highlight of the tour is the visit to a 500-year-old church in Apokoronas, featuring a gorgeous interior and a garden full of herbs and fruit trees such as apricots, figs, bananas, and walnuts. This stop combines history with nature, revealing the spiritual and agricultural heritage of the region.

The beautiful surroundings and flower-filled gardens provide a peaceful contrast to the culinary stops, giving visitors a chance to appreciate the village life and historic architecture of Crete.

Olive Oil Mill Tour in Georgioupolis

A visit to a modern olive oil mill in Georgioupolis offers an insight into olive oil production, a cornerstone of Cretan cuisine. Guided by Antonis, a local producer and friend, visitors learn about the olive oil making process and can sample virgin olive oil and olives directly from the source.

This stop combines educational content with tastings and the opportunity to purchase handmade products and souvenirs, including traditional cooking pots. The guided tour enriches understanding of how Crete’s famous olive oil is crafted.

Lake Kournas: A Scenic Setting for the First Meal

The first meal takes place at Lake Kournas, offering breathtaking views of the lake, mountains, and the sea. Here, traditional Cretan dishes are served, including tsigariasto arni (lamb cooked with oil and wine), ntolmadakia (stuffed grape leaves), and imam baildi (eggplant in tomato sauce).

Alongside the food, guests enjoy sampling four local wines, elevating the experience with authentic flavors and scenic tranquility. The lake’s location enhances the meal with a calm, picturesque atmosphere that makes the culinary experience even more memorable.

Second Meal in Apokoronas: Diverse Dishes and Local Flavors

The tour’s second meal emphasizes variety, with dishes such as chicken cooked with grape juice, smoked pork with oregano and sage, and marinated mushrooms. This different menu from the first meal showcases the regional diversity of Cretan cuisine.

Both meals are served in family-owned tavernas, emphasizing local ingredients and home-style cooking. The dining experiences are relaxed, with the chance to ask questions and enjoy the company of guides and fellow travelers.

Guided Tours of the Olive Oil Factory and Historic Church

The Olive oil factory tour in Georgioupolis and the old church visit in Apokoronas give depth to the culinary exploration. The guide explains the olive oil production process, providing context for one of Crete’s most important exports.

The church, at least 500 years old, offers a glimpse into the region’s religious and architectural heritage, with its beautiful interior and surrounding garden full of herbs and fruit trees. These stops add cultural richness to the overall experience, making it more meaningful.

Practical Details and Tour Logistics

The tour operates most days in the morning hours from 9:30 am to 3:00 pm, with the option to start earlier or later. Pickup and drop-off are included from designated locations in Chania. The vehicle is air-conditioned, ensuring comfort throughout the journey.

The small group size maximizes interaction, guided by knowledgeable hosts like Yannis, who is praised for their friendly demeanor and expertise. The tour’s length and pace are designed to balance culinary tastings with sightseeing, making it suitable for most travelers who enjoy food, culture, and scenic landscapes.

Who Will Enjoy This Cretan Food Tour?

This gastronomy tour appeals most to food lovers, culture enthusiasts, and those looking to see authentic villages outside the typical tourist routes. The two full meals and product tastings make it ideal for hunger and curiosity about local traditions.

While the tour is accessible to most, participants should be prepared for some walking and standing during visits. The tour is recommended for ages 18 and above due to alcoholic beverages, but vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options are available for the food and drinks.

Final Thoughts on the Cretan Villages Gastronomy Tour

This tour offers an engaging way to experience Crete’s culinary treasures in a small-group setting, combining tastes, sights, and local stories in a scenic countryside backdrop. The guided visits to cheese factories, olive oil mills, and historic churches add cultural depth to the delicious food.

While the price of $207.43 may seem high for some, it reflects the comprehensive experience, including multiple meals, tastings, and guided tours. The high ratings and positive reviews highlight its quality and authenticity, making it a compelling choice for those eager to explore Crete’s culinary heritage.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is pickup included in the tour?
Yes, pickup and drop-off are included from designated locations in Chania.

Are there vegetarian or gluten-free options?
Absolutely, vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free food options are available, ensuring everyone can enjoy the culinary experiences.

How long does the tour last?
The tour lasts approximately 5 to 6 hours, typically operating in the morning hours from 9:30 am to 3:00 pm.

What are the main stops during the tour?
Stops include Armeni for traditional coffee, Fres for ice cream and cheese tasting, Apokoronas for the historic church, a olive oil mill in Georgioupolis, and Lake Kournas for the scenic first meal, plus a second meal back in Apokoronas.

Is this tour suitable for children?
The tour is designed for adults and ages 18 and up due to alcoholic beverages, but families with older children may enjoy the scenic and culinary highlights.

Can I cancel the tour?
Yes, free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the experience, allowing flexibility in planning.