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Rethymno Old Town: 6-Stop Traditional Cretan Food Tour

54 Reviews 4.96 out of 5 stars Based on 54 reviews collected by City Balloon Tours and TripAdvisor | Recommended by 100% of reviewers |
Badge of Excellence |Badge of Excellence This experience is highly rated by travelers and has met our top quality standards.
Crete, Greece
Don't miss out!
On average, this is booked 19 (0) days in advance.

3 hours (approx.)
Mobile ticket
Offered in: English
and 1 more
Greek
Instant confirmation

Overview

Embark on a unique culinary adventure through Rethymno’s charming Old Town with our walking food tour. Our tour offers the most complete and authentic experience in Rethymno. You’ll explore hidden gems and taste a wide variety of traditional Cretan dishes at 6 different stops, each carefully chosen to showcase the best local flavors. Unlike other tours, ours takes place in the evening, allowing you to enjoy a cooler, more relaxed atmosphere while substituting for dinner.

Our small group size ensures a personalized experience, making it easy to interact with our leader and fellow travelers. From family-owned taverns and cozy bakeries to a historical philo workshop, every stop tells a story and offers a taste of local culture. Join us for an unforgettable journey through the heart of Cretan cuisine, where every bite is a celebration of tradition and flavor. Book now and taste the difference!

What's Included

  • Dinner The amount of the tastings can substitute dinner
  • Alcoholic beverages Alcoholic Beverages
  • Bottled water
  • Tips
  • Any additional food and drinks
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Meeting Location

Meeting point

Rethimno 741 31
Greece

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Detailed check-in instructions, including the exact address, are provided with your booking confirmation.

End point

This activity ends back at the meeting point.

What To Expect

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Old Venetian Harbour of Rethymno

Begin your culinary adventure at an enchanting family-owned Cretan tavern, where the spirit of Greek hospitality comes to life. Here, you’ll be warmly welcomed and treated to an authentic tasting experience. Sip on traditional raki, the island’s signature distilled spirit, known for its smooth, potent flavor. Alongside the raki, savor three carefully selected traditional Cretan dishes, each bursting with local flavors and made from fresh, locally-sourced ingredients. This stop offers not just a meal, but a deep dive into the cultural and culinary traditions that have been lovingly preserved through generations. Feel the history, passion, and pride in every bite as you get acquainted with the true essence of Cretan cuisine.
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30 minutes Admission Ticket Included

Rethymnon Old Town

Your next stop is a little local secret: a café serving some of the tastiest traditional pies in Rethymno. It’s the kind of place you might walk straight past without realizing what you’re missing, which is exactly why we’re taking you there. Here, you’ll taste a delicious traditional pie and discover a local favorite that deserves just as much attention as the island’s better-known dishes. We’ll keep the exact treat as a small surprise, but expect something you might come looking for again before your holiday is over. Remember the way back, because this little spot is worth a second visit.
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20 minutes Admission Ticket Included

Handmade Traditional Philo Workshop

Step back in time as you visit a Venetian mansion from the 17th century, home to the traditional philo workshop of Giorgos Chatziparaschos. This historical gem is the oldest of its kind, dedicated to crafting ‘kantaifi’ and ‘baklava’ philo for over 65 years. If you're lucky you will witness the masterful process of creating these delicate pastry sheets, perfected over decades with simple ingredients – flour, water, and a pinch of salt. The proportions and techniques, honed through years of testing, result in an exceptional product that forms the foundation of Greece’s beloved desserts. Taste the exquisite baklava on the spot, or save it for later as everyone will grab a bite of these sweets with the finest philo, nuts, and honey. You'll experience the rich, authentic flavors that have made this place a cherished culinary landmark. This stop is not only a feast for your taste buds but also a journey into the heart of Cretan culinary tradition and history.
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20 minutes Admission Ticket Included

Iroon Politechniou Square

Continue your journey at an atmospheric tavern, uniquely decorated to create an immersive dining experience. This stop invites you to relax and soak in the vibrant ambiance, surrounded by charming decor. Here, you’ll indulge in a tasting of six traditional flavors, each dish carefully chosen to showcase the diversity and richness of Cretan cuisine. Paired with a glass of local wine, this experience is a feast for both the palate and the senses. The combination of delicious food, excellent wine, and the tavern’s unique atmosphere makes this a highlight of the tour. Enjoy the perfect blend of tradition, taste, and hospitality that defines the Cretan dining experience.
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30 minutes Admission Ticket Included

Mikrasiaton Square

Discover the communal joy of meze dining at a traditional tavern, where food is meant to be shared and savored. This stop is all about the friendly spirit of Greek dining, with an emphasis on variety and flavor. You’ll be introduced to rakomelo, a warm, honey-infused spirit that is a local favorite, perfect for sipping as you relax and unwind. Accompanying the drink, you’ll taste four more authentic plates, each offering a unique glimpse into the culinary traditions of Crete. The dishes are crafted with fresh, local ingredients and are designed to be enjoyed in good company. This stop encapsulates the essence of Greek hospitality, where every meal is a celebration of food, friendship, and culture.
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30 minutes Admission Ticket Included

Rethymnon

Your final stop is a delightful local bakery in the heart of Old Town Rethymno. This charming bakery is a treasure trove of traditional Cretan sweets and baked goods. As you step inside, you’ll be greeted by the mouthwatering aroma of freshly baked pastries. Here, you will indulge in a traditional Cretan appetizer, a treat that embodies the rich, aromatic flavors of the island. The bakers use age-old recipes passed down through families, ensuring each bite is a piece of history. This experience offers a window into the daily lives of locals and their cherished baking traditions. Witness the love and craftsmanship that goes into each creation.
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30 minutes Admission Ticket Free

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Additional Info

  • Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
  • Wheelchair accessible
  • All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
  • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
  • Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap

Frequently Asked Questions (8)

Q: What is the cancellation policy for the Rethymno Old Town: 6-Stop Traditional Cretan Food Tour?

A: You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund. For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the tour start time.If you cancel less than 24 hours before the tour start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.Any changes made less than 24 hours before the tour start time will not be accepted.Cut-off times are based on the tour local time (EET).This tour requires a minimum number of travelers. If it’s canceled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund. Read more Apr 2025

Cancellation Policy

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund.

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Activity code: C-5489078P2

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Reviews

4.96
54 reviews

Average 4.96 out of 5 stars based on 54 traveler reviews collected by City Balloon Tours and partner sites such as Cool Destinations and TripAdvisor

5 stars
52
4 stars
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2 stars
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1 star
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Don't miss out!
On average, this is booked 19 (0) days in advance.

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What's Included

Activity name

  • DinnerThe amount of the tastings can substitute dinner
  • Alcoholic beveragesAlcoholic Beverages
  • Bottled water
  • Traditional dishes
  • Tips
  • Any additional food and drinks

Additional Info

Activity name

  • Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
  • Wheelchair accessible
  • All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
  • Service animals allowed
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Please mention any food allergies in advance
  • Not suitable for vegan guests or those with gluten or lactose intolerance/celiac disease, as we cannot guarantee suitable alternatives at all stops. Vegetarian guests are welcome; however, this is a shared food tour designed for both vegetarian and non-vegetarian participants, so some tastings and discussions will include meat and other animal-based products.
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
  • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
  • Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
  • For wheelchair users please be reminded that the roads and streets are not smooth, but still accessible.
  • The 20 - 60 minutes remaining time of the total duration, will be spent for walking duration, visiting the previous location to the next.
  • This tour/activity will have a maximum of 12 travelers

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