Customer Reviews

‘Our knowledgeable and gracious hostess, Mariana, walked us through food preparation reaching back from Neolithic to modern interpretations. The menu was slightly modified to meet our needs, and with instructions and demonstrations by Mariana, we began the adventure. Most dishes were cooked over hot stones in her outdoor garden fire pit. Our meal, consisting of several delicious courses, was eaten in the shade of an old olive tree, joined by our husbands-all of us with hearty appetites, and enjoyed by all. What could be more perfect!!’ - Henie, Toronto.

‘Mariana is an extremely knowledgeable food historian. Her classes are fascinating, this is the second class I've taken of hers and I would recommend travelling to Crete purely to meet her if you're interested in the history of Greek cuisine. We got to sit under her olive trees and she cooked a variety of dishes for us all over fire. A very special day and very different from an average cooking class.’- Ella, Australia.

‘This was a highlight of our trip to Crete. Mariana was so warm, friendly and interesting. We learned so much from her about the history and culture. And to top it off, the food was all amazing! We wished we could have eaten more. Treat yourself to this wonderful and memorable experience.’- Amy, USA

"Mariana provided our group with interesting historical information about the Foods from Crete and she prepared authentic dishes as they would have been served in 5th century BC. This will be one of the best take home experiences of my travels to Greece!"- Debra, MI USA

WHY WE LOVE IT

An incredible host in an authentic setup followed by delicious food - this culinary experience is one of the best things to do in Chania for connoisseurs and gastronomy lovers, ideal for families and solo travelers as well!

Activity Description

This family-friendly class takes place in a 300-year-old olive grove 5 kilometres from the city of Chania.
After a brief introduction to the food, cooking methods, customs, and trade routes of Classical Greece, you will dip into its cuisine. Using ancient Greek writings and archaeological research data as inspiration, you’ll learn how to reproduce ancient Greek recipes in both modern kitchens and according to experimental archaeology.
Bread baked in a replica of an ancient Greek portable oven, and thrymatis, a type of cake that, when broken open, reveals a small roasted bird, are two of the delicious recipes that give us a glimpse into the ancient world.
After the lesson, the team eats the food that has been prepared.

Special Features

• Enjoy a lesson with an experimental archaeologist-food historian and Gourmand Award winner in a beautiful outdoor garden

• Learn about the diet of the Classical world, from the banquets of the rich to the simpler meals of soldiers, farmers, and slaves

• 4 hours of hands-on training

• Savour a delicious historical meal after the class

Activity Snapshot

Dates | Start Time: Daily, all year upon request with at least 2 days notice in advance | 10 AM

Duration: 4 hours (approx.)

Group Size:  Private groups or Shared groups of min. 2 - max. 8 guests

Spoken Language: English, Greek

Meeting Point: Konstantinoupoleos str, Ano Daratsos, 73100 Chania

Pace: Easy

Included: Herbal tea, food tasting, small-group cooking class, cooking lesson and lunch, all ingredients for your lesson and lunch, recipes & photos will be sent via e-mail

Excluded: Anything not mentioned as included, hotel drop-off & pickup, wine

Note: Itineraries may be subject to minor changes depending on weather conditions. In some cases the host is able to accommodate food allergies or restrictions

Young Travellers: Suitable for children over 8 years old

Additional Info

• Confirmation to be received as soon as possible (within 24 hours from booking)

• You can present either a print out or an electronic booking confirmation for this activity

• Complete information on Vendor, including local telephone numbers at your destination, will be sent with your Booking Confirmation. The TravelPorter hand-picks the most remarkable, experienced and reliable vetted professionals for a pleasant experience from booking to completion.

Cancellation Policy

50% refund up to 7 days before the activity date, thereafter no refund. The host reserves the right to cancel a tour due to weather if safety is threatened. The host also reserves the right to remove from the tour any guest that is disruptive, disrespectful or destructive to tours staff, tour guests or property. In such case, no refund will be made to such guest.

Combine this experience with the following unique tours in Chania