Rethymno Walking & Gastronomy Tour

Itinerary

Starting off, we will visit a beautiful "kafeneio” located in a unique spot inside the old town of Rethymno. This small, unfrequented square with its running fountain will be our first stop. There, we will enjoy an authentic Cretan breakfast, which consists of a traditional Greek coffee or juice and a handmade cheese pie (as we called it "sfakianopita") covered with organic thyme honey. We will start by discussing the main points of our visit; an introduction to the historical imposing monuments, traditions, customs, and the connection to Cretan Gastronomy will follow, as we all enjoy our Cretan breakfast in the calm atmosphere of this quiet cafe.

Travelers will be able to see in the old town of Rethymno, a Venetian mansion of 17th century where is Giorgos Chatziparaschos traditional philo Workshop, the oldest of its kind for making ''kantaifi'' and ''baklava'' philo for 63 years now. While the ingredients are simple - flour, water and some salt - the proportions according to Hatziparaschos took years of testing. Traditional philo is an essential ingredient for traditional syrupy sweets dipped in honey, such as kadaifi and baklava. If you are lucky, you will watch the master on the job. A fluid mixture falls into a special machine at the back room that butter aromas are spreading in space and a hot copper pan doesn't stop turning. Above the flames, hundreds of thin and baked strings of kadaifi are created. Sprinkled with the right balance of cinnamon and chopped walnuts, kadaifi is one of the most favorite sweets.

ALI VAFIS GARDEN Our next stop will be a "tavern" based on a building from the Venetian era that was occupied by the Ottomans. At this stop we will taste the best Cretan "mezedes", a small traditional dish of the Cretan and Ottoman cuisine, on the menu: Salad with tomato, cucumber, artichoke and bread crouton, White, red and rosé wine, Black beans with smoked trout, goat cheese Graviera, organic sausage sheet accompanied by raki. It is a small and friendly bar with a unique atmosphere where you can relax and drink delicious cocktails in the evening. Until then, you will be fully informed about the history of our city. If you wish to visit the fortress of Fortezza after the end of the tour our guide will be happy to help you and accompany you to the entrance of the fortress.