As a consideration for your trust in us, we would like to invite you to participate in our referral program. It is simple and will allow you to earn some income from the gigantic tourism industry.
Start your day with a cup of traditional Aromatic Greek coffee alongside a Cretan breakfast in the most beautiful and peaceful square of the city.
Walk the narrow streets of the historic center and discover the most important places of interest through the eyes of a local guide.
Witness a master of baklava and kataifi fyllo in action and taste this renowned deserts in their most traditional and tasty version.
Learn all about local products, the secrets of their production and how to always get them in high quality in a complete tasting of Honey, Raki and olive oil.
Relax under the lemon and orange trees of the hidden Ali vafi’s garden and enjoy a full meal cooked in a way that combines the traditional Cretan cuisine and the modern gastronomical approach.
Share your impressions, knowledge and views in the most Greek way: over a glass of local wine.
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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.