Rethymnon Food and City Tour with Local Guide
Duration 3 hours
Rethymno is our home town and the crown jewel of the whole of Crete. Until recently an exclusively farming region, this tradition is mirrored in both the quality of the local produce and the unpolished yet proud character of its people.
As you stroll along the alleyways, you will have the opportunity to see in passing important buildings such as the Porta Guora, the Loggia, the Rimondi fountain, the church of St Francis, the Nerantze mosque and the imposing harbour with its lighthouse, all this accompanied by local treats.
We will start our tour lazily with a Greek coffee accompanied by a galaktobureko and fresh sheep’s milk ice cream in a pastry shop where the local families used to bring their families all dressed up every Sunday after church.
We will then continue to burn all sugar-induced guilt by exploring the Venetian mansions with their Renaissance doorways. The Ottoman mosques and public fountains while travelling back in time to the different occupations and the ways they impacted local society.
Next, we visit an old-fashioned bakery where you will taste the delicious Cretan tyrokoulouro we continue to see the town’s charming little streets, an ottoman hammam and a humble orthodox church while stopping at all the photo-worthy spots, including the Venetian “country club” and old harbour.
Our walk will bring us to a workshop to admire the soon-to-be-lost art of making fyllo by hand before we reach our final stop for lunch and raki with a variety of Cretan dishes, each made with the same ingredients that bring our people to live to be 100.
This will probably be your most traditional experience in Crete, surrounded by pensioners playing cards and not knowing what we will be served- here you don’t order your food, you only order your drink!
Highlights
- Open-air market
- Fountain Krini Rimondi
- Venetian Castle of Rethymno
- Traditional Tavern Experience
- Authentic flavors that define Cretan cuisine
- Explore hidden gems in Rethymno’s Old Town, away from typical tourist spots.
- Discover the art of traditional baklava making in a historic Venetian mansion
- Savor a diverse array of authentic Greek and Cretan dishes at six unique stops
- Taste the special and famously freshly made traditional Cretan sweets
Route
Detailed Itinerary
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Meeting point
Embark on a delightful culinary adventure through the enchanting Old Town of Rethymno. Our walking food tour is designed to immerse you in the rich flavours and cultural heritage of Crete. Continue to a historical Venetian mansion, home to the renowned philo workshop of Giorgos Chatziparaschos. Here, you’ll witness the age-old craft of making ‘kantaifi’ and ‘baklava’ phillo and enjoy a taste of the freshly made baklava. And because one taste is never quite enough, we’ll have a few extra pieces tucked away for the whole group to enjoy later in the tour. Discover the communal joy of meze dining at a traditional tavern. Sip on rakomelo, a warm, honey-infused spirit, and enjoy four more authentic plates that showcase the island’s culinary diversity. Throughout the tour, our guide will share fascinating stories and insights about the local culture and cuisine, making each stop a memorable experience. We have crafted a special itinerary even for Sundays, where most of the traditional places are closed in Rethymno, making sure the overall experience is the best it can be. This tour is ideal for anyone looking to explore the hidden gems of Rethymno while enjoying a dinner-like experience. Book now and join us for an unforgettable journey through the heart of Cretan cuisine, where every bite is a celebration of tradition and flavour.
3.5 hours -
Walking Tour
Begin by exploring the historic Venetian Rimondi Fountain is an attraction in the centre of the old town, It is the Venetian monument that brought cool water to Rethymno residents in the previous centuries, it was built in 1626 by the then governor of Rethymno, A. Rimodi. Our walking food tour is designed to immerse you in the rich flavours and cultural heritage of Crete. Start your journey at a family-owned Cretan tavern, where you’ll be warmly welcomed with traditional raki and three delicious local dishes. Next, visit a charming local bakery to indulge in an appetizer Cretan treat, experiencing the island’s beloved baking traditions firsthand. Continue to a historical Venetian mansion, home to the renowned Philo workshop of Giorgos Chatziparaschos. Here, you’ll witness the age-old craft of making ‘kataifi’ and ‘baklava’ phyllo and enjoy a taste of the freshly made baklava. As a special touch, each guest will receive a small package of these sweets to savour late
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Culinary experience
How about some baklava with ice cream made from sheep’s milk from a local farm? Next up on this Rethymnon tour, we’re going to sample some locally meze Next, discover the communal joy of meze at a traditional tavern. Sip on rakomelo, a warm, honey-infused spirit, and enjoy four more authentic plates that showcase the island’s culinary diversity. Conclude your tour with the best Greek lokma donuts in Rethymno. These honey-drenched delights are a perfect ending to your culinary journey, leaving you with a sweet taste of Crete’s dessert traditions. Throughout the tour, our guide will share fascinating stories and insights about the local culture and cuisine, making each stop a memorable experience. With a maximum group size of 12, you’ll enjoy a personalized and intimate atmosphere, perfect for interacting with fellow food enthusiasts and your guide.
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Grand finale
Our tour concludes at one of Rethymnon's finest shops, where you'll be treated to a curated selection of exquisite local products, complemented by traditional raki. It's the perfect way to wrap up your immersive exploration of Rethymnon sights and flavours
Pricing & Cancellation
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Included in price
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Official experienced local guide
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Olive Oil and Cheese Tastinat open Market
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Raki a local drink and local wine
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1 bottle of water per person
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All taxes
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Not included in price
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Round transfers according to your selection
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Gratuities (optional)
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Walking tour
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All food tastings
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Guide
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Cancellation & Other Policies
Useful Info
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Know before you go
- Please let us know if you have any allergies or special dietary restrictions in advance.
- The food tastings are enough to substitute dinner
- Please let us know if you have any allergies or special dietary restrictions in advance.
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We will meet in front of the information centre
We will meet in front of the information centre, Rethymon old port
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