Food Odyssey, A Historical Culinary Tour of Chania
Active
4h
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Manual confirmation
Mobile or paper ticket accepted
About this experience
Travel off the beaten tourist path on this 4 hour delicious culinary adventure with an experimental archaeologist- food historian, Gourmand World Cookbook Award Winner. Get a glimpse of Chania gastronomy and society and satisfy your appetite for fascinating food history, food politics and culture with delectable tastings.
Following the trails 'carved' by the Arabs, Jews, Venetians, Ottomans, Greeks from Asia Minor and other immigrants who have passed through Chania, adding their flavors to the local cuisine, you will experience a multisensory food event and delicacies from one-of-a-kind specialty food shops while enjoying the opportunity to understand better the culinary history of the city and how the locals eat.
Available options
Food Odyssey, A Historical Culinary Tour of Chania
What's included
Meal
Multi-sensory food experience
Lunch
Breakfast
Field expert
Historic foods
A wide variety of local delicacies
Detailed itinerary
1
Meet up with your guide in front of Chania Town Hall. As you walk to a local coffee shop, learn from her about the food history of the area.
Start your food adventure with olives, handcrafted cheese made according to ancient Greek information, homemade bread made according to Byzantine baking method and sip on herbal tea the way that Cretans enjoy it .
Learn about the herbs and wild greens that are used in the local cuisine.
Move on to delighting your taste buds with some kalitsounia, the famous Cretan small pies which are filled with cheese or wild greens or a combination or them.
Admission included.
2
Visit a bougatsa factory and then savour the most delightful bougatsa (a kind of cheesy/milky pastry pie) in the city and learn about the skills of the cooks and the food consumption during the Ottoman occupation of Crete.
3
Visit the Central Market of the city, discover a whole world made of cheese, cured meat, fish, vegetables, bread, rusks, pies, olive oil and honey and sample some of the best products.
Visit a coffee shop in the market: Learn about the coffee culture in Greece tasting the so- called Greek coffee and its savory accompaniments that were popular in 19th and early 20th century.
4
Visit a phyllo factory.
5
Stop 5
Walk through the Venetian part of the city and learn about the Venetian trade and food politics and their impact on Cretan gastronomy and food security.
- Have a short multi-sensory experience.
-Visit a Cretan knife maker.
6
Walk through the Ottoman part of the city and taste an almond beverage of Byzantine origin under the shade of a plane tree.
Learn about beverages made with flowers and nuts.
7
Your final stop will be in a local taverna, where you will have a chance to enjoy a short lesson on ancient cooking and you will be treated to fine delicacies of traditional and historic Cretan cuisine.
What's not included
Hotel pickup and drop-off
Alcoholic drinks (available to purchase)
Available languages
Guide guide
EN
Reviews breakdown
Viator
5.0
2 reviews
5★
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4★
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Tripadvisor
5.0
1 reviews
5★
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Important information
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Children must be accompanied by an adult
Casual dress, comfortable shoes and clothing recommended
Please advise of any food restrictions (e.g. allergies) upon booking. Your guide will do the best to accommodate your specific needs
Vegetarian option is available, please advise at time of booking if required
Food tastings are subject to change without notice
A maximum of 8 people per booking
Subject to favorable weather conditions. If canceled due to bad weather, you will be given the option of an alternative date or full refund
Meeting point
In front of Chania Town Hall
Important notes
• Comfortable walking shoes are recommended
• Not recommended for participants with heart complaints or other serious medical conditions
About Crete
Crete is the largest of the Greek islands and a treasure trove of ancient history, stunning landscapes, and vibrant culture. Known as the birthplace of the Minoan civilization, it offers a unique blend of ancient ruins, beautiful beaches, and traditional villages.
Top Attractions
Palace of Knossos
The Palace of Knossos is the largest Bronze Age archaeological site on Crete and is associated with the mythological Minotaur and the Labyrinth.
Historical
2-3 hours
€15 (included in multi-site ticket)
Samaria Gorge
One of Europe's longest gorges, Samaria is a popular hiking destination known for its stunning landscapes and diverse wildlife.
Nature
5-7 hours
€5 entry fee
Elafonisi Beach
Elafonisi Beach is famous for its pink sands and crystal-clear waters, making it one of the most beautiful beaches in Greece.
Beach
Half day to full day
Free
Must-Try Local Dishes
Dakos
A traditional Cretan salad made with barley rusks, tomato, myzithra cheese, and olive oil.
Appetizer
Vegetarian
Moussaka
A layered dish with eggplant, minced meat, and béchamel sauce.
Main Course
Contains meat
Rakomelo
A warm drink made with rakia (a local brandy) and honey.
Drink
Alcoholic
Popular Activities
Hiking in Samaria Gorge
Scuba diving in Elafonisi Beach
Sunbathing at Balos Lagoon
Wine tasting at local wineries
Exploring the Palace of Knossos
Visiting the Heraklion Archaeological Museum
Snorkeling in Balos Lagoon
Boat tours around Crete
Best Time to Visit
June to August
This is the peak tourist season with warm, sunny weather and clear skies. It's ideal for beach activities and exploring the island's historical sites.
25°C to 35°C
77°F to 95°F
Practical Information
Language
- Official: Greek
- Widely spoken: English, German, French
- English: Moderately spoken in tourist areas
Currency
Euro (EUR)
Time Zone
EET (UTC+2) / EEST (UTC+3 during daylight saving time)
Electricity
230VV, 50HzHz
Safety Information
Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe
Crete is generally safe for travelers, with low crime rates. However, petty theft and pickpocketing can occur in tourist areas.
Important Precautions:
- • Keep valuables secure
- • Use licensed taxis
- • Be cautious of strangers offering services
Getting there
By air
- Heraklion International Airport • 3 km from Heraklion city center
- Chania International Airport • 13 km from Chania city center
By bus
Heraklion Bus Station, Chania Bus Station
Getting around
Public transport
Buses are the most common form of public transport. They are affordable and cover most parts of the island.
Taxis
Available • Apps: TaxiBeat, Beat
Rentals
Car, Bike, Scooter
Neighborhoods
Heraklion Old Town
Chania Old Town
Day trips
Balos Lagoon
55 km from Chania • Full day
A stunning lagoon with turquoise waters and white sand, accessible by car or boat.
Rethymno Old Town
65 km from Heraklion • Half day to full day
A charming old town with Venetian and Ottoman architecture, offering a rich cultural experience.
Festivals
Cretan Festival • June to August
Easter Celebrations • March or April (varies by year)
Pro tips
- Visit smaller towns and villages for a more authentic experience
- Try local street food for a taste of traditional Cretan cuisine
- Explore the island's diverse landscapes, from beaches to mountains and gorges
- Learn a few basic Greek phrases to enhance your interaction with locals
- Consider renting a car for flexibility and to explore remote areas
From $25
per person
Price varies by option
Secure booking
Free cancellation available
