Handmade Traditional Philo Workshop

Embark on a delightful evening culinary adventure through the enchanting Old Town of Rethymno. Our walking food tour is designed to immerse you in the rich flavors 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 delecious 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 ‘kantaifi’ and ‘baklava’ phillo and enjoy a taste of the freshly made baklava. As a special touch, each guest will receive a small package of these sweets to savor later. The fourth stop is an atmospheric tavern, beautifully decorated to enhance your dining experience. Savor six traditional flavors paired with local wine, all while soaking in the unique ambiance. Next, 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. 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. 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. 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. This evening 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 flavor.

Start your morning off right with a delicious 2-hour brunch food tour through the heart of Rethymno’s Old Town. This unique experience takes you on a culinary journey, with 4 authentic stops that highlight the best of Cretan breakfast traditions. As we stroll through the charming alleys of the Old Town, you’ll discover hidden gems and taste local specialties that have been enjoyed by Cretans for generations. Our tour begins in the heart of old town, with a warm welcome at a traditional wood-fired oven bakery, where you’ll get to taste freshly baked delicacies that are unique to the island, small sweet and savory pastries filled with cheese or greens. The smell of the oven and the sight of these handmade goods being prepared the traditional way will transport you to a time when simplicity and freshness were at the heart of every meal. Then you'll visit a historic Venetian mansion, home to the renowned phyllo workshop of Giorgos Chatziparaschos. Here, you’ll see how traditional ‘kantaifi’ and ‘baklava’ phyllo are made. If you’re lucky, you might witness the artisan crafting the phyllo by hand. Afterward, you'll get a small package of sweets as a special treat for later. Next, you’ll visit a traditional café, where you’ll be introduced to the art of Greek coffee where its brewed slowly over a low flame, producing a rich and flavorful drink that’s an integral part of Greek culture, and some traditional Cretan savory snacks. Sip on this aromatic beverage while learning about the importance of coffee in local life and how it’s often accompanied by local treats. As you continue through the Old Town, your guide will lead you to a special local spot with an amazing seaview where you’ll sample one of Crete’s most iconic breakfast dishes: different kind of traditional omelette, handmade sausage, apaki (a flavorful smoked pork delicacy that has been a part of Cretan cuisine for centuries) and more. All perfect examples of how local ingredients are used to create hearty, satisfying Cretan meals. Along the way, your guide will share fascinating stories about the food, and the significance of these traditional dishes in Cretan culture. You’ll walk through picturesque streets, passing by historic Venetian and Ottoman buildings, and perhaps even discover a few hidden corners of the town that most tourists never see. This small-group tour is designed to give you a personalized experience, ensuring that you have plenty of time to ask questions, take photos, and savor every bite. Whether you’re a food lover looking to dive into Cretan cuisine or simply want to start your day with a memorable brunch, this tour is a perfect way to experience the authentic flavors of Crete. Join us for a morning of delicious food, tradition, and culture in Rethymno’s Old Town. This is more than just a meal – it’s an opportunity to taste the heart and soul of Crete, one bite at a time!