Heraklion: Cook with a Cretan chef, authentic Cretan specialties

Do you want to experience Crete… with all your senses?
Do you enjoy cooking?
Are you someone who gets excited about new flavors?
Do you want to impress your friends by hosting them with authentic Cretan dishes?
Do you need a relaxing and rejuvenating experience?
Come to us!

We will welcome you like old friends, show you the secrets of Cretan cuisine, and cook dishes that we ourselves enjoy at home. An experienced chef will be there to guide you through this experience!

We will show you how to choose fresh ingredients; we will knead, chop, mix, and smell the herbs, and in the end, we will all sit around the table to enjoy everything we have prepared.

As we cook, you will hear all the stories behind the dishes and ingredients we use—from how Cretan olive oil and aromatic herbs are cultivated, to the small traditions and secrets that have been kept alive from generation to generation. In this way, every flavor will take on its own meaning, and you will discover how it is connected to the history of the place.

It won’t be just a lesson. It will be an experience full of laughter, flavors, and moments you will remember when you return home—along with the recipes, so you can recreate them for your loved ones.

Tip: Come hungry and ready to get your hands a little messy—that’s how you will truly enjoy it!

• You will learn secrets of Cretan cuisine from a local chef
• You will cook with fresh, local ingredients and pure Cretan olive oil
• You will enjoy your meal accompanied by Cretan wine or raki
• You will hear stories and traditions behind each dish and ingredient
• You will take home recipes so you can recreate the dishes yourself
• You will experience authentic hospitality and an experience full of laughter, relaxation, and wonderful flavors

• Cooking class with a local chef
• Fresh seasonal ingredients and pure Cretan olive oil
• Local wine or raki during the meal
• A meal with the dishes we will prepare together
• Recipes for you to take home
• Warm, friendly atmosphere in a traditional setting

• Personal expenses
• Gratuities (optional)

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• Confirmation will be received at time of booking
• All traveler types / Family friendly / Cruise friendly
• Not wheelchair accessible
• This tour/activity will have a minimum 4 adults, maximum of 8 Adults
• Children Policy

• Guests aged 12 and up can participate fully
• Children untill 11 years old accompinied by their parents are welcome to join the educational part of the experience  and dining,
• Children are not allowed to use fire and danger equipment such a knighs 

• Comfortable clothes & shoes: Wear something you don’t mind getting a little dirty—you will be cooking for real!
• Dietary preferences: Please inform us in advance of any allergies or special diets so we can adjust where possible.
• Take the recipes with you: At the end, you will receive the recipes so you can recreate the dishes at home.

Are dietary restrictions or food allergies accommodated? 

Yes, most dietary needs (e.g., vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, nut-free) can be accommodated. Please mention any restrictions when booking so your host can prepare suitable alternatives. 

Is this a private tour? 

Yes, tours are private—only your group and the local host will be on the tour. 

Is the cost of tastings included in the tour price? 

Typically, the price covers a set number of food and drink tastings. See the description for exact details on what is included. 

What types of food can we expect to try? 

These tours feature a range of local specialties. The host will guide you through a variety of authentic bites, though exact dishes vary by destination and season. 

Can children join the tour? 

Yes, children are welcome. The host can often adjust the pace and tastings to suit younger participants. Let them know any specific needs in advance. 

Does the tour include any sightseeing or cultural insights? 

Although the focus is on food, some tours also offer interesting background about the local culture and neighborhoods you explore. 

Is alcohol included in the tastings? 

The tours include locally made alcoholic beverages, such as wine or raki, which are traditionally enjoyed by locals. If you prefer non-alcoholic alternatives or wish to have more alcohol-focused stops, please inform your host in advance. 

Do you provide luggage storage? 

Luggage storage is generally not provided. If you’re traveling with baggage, it’s best to arrange storage at your hotel or at a local storage facility beforehand. 

Is hotel pickup included? 

Hotel pickup is not included, as this is a walking tour with a designated meeting point. However, the starting point is chosen to be central and convenient. If you need advice on how to get there, feel free to contact your host in advance. 

Can the tour accommodate prams or strollers? 

Yes, tour can accommodate prams or strollers, though some areas may be challenging (e.g., cobblestone streets). Let the host know in advance so they can plan accordingly. 

Can the tour be rescheduled if we're delayed? 

If you expect a delay (e.g., due to flight changes), please contact your host as soon as possible. While the tour schedule itself cannot be altered, we will do our best to accommodate a change of date, subject to availability. 

Can we focus on a particular type of cuisine (e.g. desserts, street food, wine)? 

Our tour is thoughtfully designed to give participants a well-rounded experience — seeing, learning about, and tasting a variety of local products. If you would like a more specialized tour focused on a particular theme (e.g., desserts, street food, wine), please contact our platform to request availability and pricing for a customized experience.