Private Tour
Available languages
4 hours
Mobile ticket
Explore the riches of the Cretan land and get a traditional cooking lesson in by an experienced, professional, local cook in the beautiful Heraklion countryside! Learn the secrets to the most to prepare the most unique and characteristic Cretan dishes and let taste the fruits of your labor to revel in their delicious taste!
Public transportation options are available nearby
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Use the knowledge that will get passed onto you from the expert local cook, and learn about hundred-year-old recipes passed down through generations. Prepare traditional Cretan dishes and learn tips and tricks to make your cooking life easier! Let our driver take you to the breathtaking countryside of Heraklion in the comfort of a luxury vehicle and delight in a beautiful track through the Cretan villages. Ony some 30 minutes outside Heraklion city, your cooking adventure will transpire in an off-the-beaten-path location looking out over herb-scented hilltops and the sea. There, you will meet a Cretan cook practicing Greek hospitality, welcoming you and introducing you to Cretan cuisine. You will be taught step-by-step famous Cretan appetizers, such as 'dakos' – Cretan rusks topped with tomato and feta cheese - and 'dolmadakia' – stuffed vine leaves. After all that hard work, it is time to taste all those Cretan delicacies you cooked along with delicious local wine. The relaxed atmosphere and imposing landscapes will make leaving a difficult task.
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Tzatziki
A yogurt, garlic and cucumber dip seasoned with herbs and vinegar
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Dakos
Cretan rusks topped with tomato sauce and feta cheese
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Dolmadakia
Vine leaves stuffed with rice and herbs mixture
dessert
Sarikopita
A traditional phyllo pastry pie with local cheese and honey, an unconventional, yet traditional, dessert of the region.
All taxes and VAT
Private hands-on cooking class
Transport with modern vehicles
Hotel pick-up and drop-off if the hotel is located in downtown Heraklion
Services of an excellent english-speaking chef
Appetizer lunch with house wine or other beverages
Any additional orders or purchases
Select a pickup point
Pickup included
11 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Robert V,,Sep 1, 2024
- Review from Viator
The cooking class was educational and amazing. Loved every bit of it, especially the Chef Vicki! Great food and lots of laughs. Loved the one on one experience for my wife and I.
Marilyn M,,Oct 21, 2023
- Review from Viator
We loved Vicki!! What a fabulous experience. The village tour was so interesting and then to learn to cook amazing Greek food was the best part. The setting is gorgeous too.
RKR4323,,Sep 14, 2023
- Review from Tripadvisor
We booked this tour at the last minute and were delighted when the operator agreed to start a bit early so we could catch our flight that was leaving out of Heraklion at 5 PM. When we arrived, the outside of the Cretan village did not look like much, but once we went inside it was truly magical. Our guide and teacher, Vicky, first took us on a tour of the village and museum, showing us what it was like to exist as either a poor farmer or wealthy farmer in a traditional Cretan village. This was so interesting and insightful, and I was glad we got to see the museum and learn about the local culture and traditions before learning to cook. We also toured an artist's shop (we came back later and bought some of her delightful mosaics) before starting our cooking lessons. The cooking lessons were so much fun. We were a group of three friends on a girls' trip, so this was a perfect excursion. We learned to make tzatziki sauce, an appetizer called dakos, some dolmas (which in Greece are sooo much better than in the US), two main dishes - one lamb and one chicken, a desert (cheese pie - which is fried philo dough with feta), and Greek coffee! While they were finishing up the cooking, we were served appetizers of bread, cheese, olives, wine, lemonade and Raki. Most of what we prepared was then served to us for lunch and we got to enjoy the beautiful views of the valley while chatting and relaxing. We also got a cooking school certificate and recipe book to take with us, which was very nice. I would definitely recommend this tour! Vicky was so sweet and made sure we had a great time!











AGHUSKIES,,May 17, 2023
- Review from Tripadvisor
A great way to learn about Cretan culture and food preparation. We really enjoyed learning about native Cretan lifestyle circa 1912 in this native village, then cooking an exquisite meal. Alex was our leader and she was so friendly and informative. Highly recommended.


Delores K,,Jul 7, 2022
- Review from Viator
The Average rating was given because the information given about the cooking class was misleading. We thought we would be going to an 'actual' village, not a modern reconstruction of one. The cooking class itself was fine, but the false circumstances in which we took it spoiled the experience for us.
Elizabeth N,,Jul 5, 2022
- Review from Viator
Great class and communication on pick up / drop off etc. Is in a recreated Greek Village/ living museum hotel which is a bit bizarre.
Kim S,,Jun 28, 2022
- Review from Viator
Originally the event was for a small party, we messaged the company and they easily accommodated our party of 11. We have food allergies-no problem! The tour of the little village was interesting and informative about Crete historical life. The creating/cooking of appetizer, main dish and dessert was fun, engaging and delicious! Best part was our guide and instructor, Evie. She was so kind and patient with us and danced a bit too! A great time.
Kayleigh C,,Oct 13, 2021
- Review from Viator
We enjoyed the experience very much. It was a great way to see more into the Cretan lifestyle and we loved the cooking class. We’d definitely recommend it!
Devin M,,Aug 14, 2021
- Review from Viator
Amazing experience. Great tour. Lots of fun cooking and eating local food in a beautiful location. Would highly recommend
Robyn M,,Oct 1, 2019
- Review from Tripadvisor
My husband and I booked the private cooking class and village tour during our honeymoon in Crete. It was easy to book and the experience was well worth it! The tour guide was incredibly sweet, knowledgeable and fun to spend the evening with. We toured the villages folklore museum and participated in a cooking class where we made a variety of Cretan appetizers, main dishes and a dessert. Between the cooking class, we snacked on wine, bread, olive oil, olives, etc. This was one of our favorite activities during our Greek vacation!
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