Crete : Cooking Lessons In Lasithi Plateau

Crete’s Lasithi Plateau offers a unique opportunity to take in the island’s rich culinary heritage. For just $41.59 per person, this 8-hour tour takes visitors on a journey through the region’s historic sites, scenic landscapes, and traditional cooking practices. Participants can expect to engage in hands-on experiences, such as sourcing fresh ingredients and milking goats, all while gaining insights into the cultural significance of the renowned Cretan diet. What awaits those who embark on this culinary adventure is a deeper understanding of the island’s gastronomic traditions and the chance to savor the flavors that have defined Crete’s celebrated cuisine.

Key Points

• The cooking lesson tour in Lasithi Plateau offers a hands-on, 3-hour cooking experience where participants learn to prepare authentic Cretan dishes.
• The tour includes a visit to the historic Kera Monastery and a scenic bus ride to the traditional village of Tzermiado.
• Participants have the opportunity to source fresh ingredients from local gardens and engage with traditional Cretan culinary practices, such as milking goats.
• The Cretan diet, known for its health benefits and longevity, is emphasized, with a focus on sustainability and minimizing waste in food sourcing.
• The tour offers convenient pickup and drop-off at 10 locations across the Cretan coastline, making it accessible for participants from various parts of the island.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview and Details

This cooking lesson tour in the Lasithi Plateau offers an immersive experience from $41.59 per person.

The 8-hour tour includes free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance and a live English-speaking guide. Pickup is provided from 10 locations across the region.

The itinerary highlights a visit to the historic Kera Monastery, a scenic bus ride to Tzermiado, a 3-hour cooking lesson, village exploration, and a locally-sourced meal at a taverna.

While not suitable for wheelchair users, the tour provides an opportunity to connect with Cretan culture and culinary traditions through hands-on cooking and ingredients sourcing.

Itinerary Highlights

The tour begins with a visit to the historic Kera Monastery, where guests will spend approximately half an hour exploring the site.

From there, the group embarks on a scenic 20-minute bus ride to the village of Tzermiado.

The core of the experience is the:

At the heart of the experience lies a 3-hour cooking lesson in authentic Cretan cuisine and hands-on interactions with local culinary traditions.

1. 3-hour cooking lesson, where participants learn to prepare authentic Cretan dishes like Dakos, Dolmadakia, Tzatziki, and Mizithropitakia.

2. Opportunity to source fresh ingredients from local gardens.

3. Chance to milk goats and connect with traditional Cretan culinary practices.

After the lesson, guests enjoy a meal at a local taverna, savoring the farm-to-table experience.

Cooking Experience

During the 3-hour cooking lesson, participants engage in hands-on Cretan cooking outdoors.

They learn to prepare authentic dishes like Dakos, Dolmadakia, Tzatziki, and Mizithropitakia. Participants source fresh ingredients from local gardens, providing a true farm-to-table experience.

The cooking class also offers the opportunity to milk goats and connect with traditional Cretan culinary practices.

Throughout the lesson, participants can savor locally produced raki or Greek coffee, further seeing the flavors and culture of the region.

The cooking experience provides a unique chance to discover the heart of Mediterranean cuisine.

Culinary and Cultural Significance

The Cretan diet is renowned for its health benefits and longevity, emphasizing fresh, local ingredients and traditional recipes.

The culinary and cultural significance of this cooking lesson extends far beyond the kitchen. By experiencing the heart of Mediterranean cuisine, participants can:

1. Connect with Cretan culture and culinary heritage, learning about the importance of food traditions.

2. Appreciate the emphasis on sustainability, with a focus on sourcing ingredients locally and minimizing waste.

3. Understand the health benefits of the Cretan diet, which has been linked to increased longevity and reduced risk of chronic diseases.

More Great Tours Nearby

Pickup and Drop-off Locations

Pickup and drop-off locations for the cooking lesson span 10 different destinations across the Cretan coastline, including popular tourist hubs like Limenas Chersonisou, Malia, and Heraklion.

The tour offers convenient pickup from Malia, Stalis, Hersonisos, Anissaras, Analypsi, Gouves, Gournes, Heraklio, Ammoudara, and Agia Pelagia/Lygaria. Guests can choose the most suitable pickup point based on their accommodation.

The tour then concludes with drop-off at the same locations, ensuring a seamless experience. This wide coverage allows participants from various parts of Crete to easily access and enjoy the cooking class in the picturesque Lasithi Plateau.

Accessibility and Age Restrictions

The cooking lesson tour isn’t suitable for wheelchair users, as it involves walking and exploring the village of Tzermiado.

The cooking lesson tour isn’t suitable for wheelchair users, as it involves walking and exploring the village of Tzermiado.

Plus, the tour has the following age restrictions:

1. Infants must sit with their parents on the bus during the tour.

2. The tour is open to participants of all ages, but younger children may find the cooking lesson challenging.

3. Children under the age of 5 may not be able to fully participate in the hands-on cooking activities.

Participants should consider these accessibility and age requirements when booking the tour to ensure a comfortable and enjoyable experience.

Inclusions and Exclusions

The tour price of $41.59 per person includes round-trip transportation, a live English-speaking guide, and the hands-on cooking lesson in Tzermiado.

Guests will also enjoy a meal at a local taverna featuring fresh, farm-to-table ingredients.

However, the entry fee for Kera Monastery (2 EUR) and tips for the guide and staff aren’t included.

Infants must sit with parents on the bus, and the tour isn’t suitable for wheelchair users.

Extras such as personal expenses are also not covered in the tour cost.

Booking and Reservation Details

How does one go about booking and reserving this Cretan cooking lesson experience? The tour offers a convenient "Reserve now & pay later" option, allowing travelers to secure their spot without an upfront payment. Customers can also take advantage of the free cancellation policy up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Convenient "Reserve now & pay later" option and free cancellation policy up to 24 hours for a full refund.

1. When booking, customers must provide their hotel name and location to arrange pickup from one of the 10 designated locations.

2. The tour cost of $41.59 per person includes the cooking lesson, meal, and transportation, with extras like the Kera Monastery entry fee to be paid separately.

3. Reservations can be made online or through local tour operators, ensuring a memorable culinary adventure in the Lasithi Plateau.

Things To Know

Is Transportation to the Starting Point Provided?

Yes, the tour provides pickup from various locations including Malia, Stalis, Hersonisos, and more. Guests can select their preferred pickup point during the booking process for a convenient start to the cooking experience.

Can the Cooking Lesson Be Customized to Dietary Restrictions?

The cooking lesson can be customized to accommodate dietary restrictions. Guests should notify the tour operator in advance of any special dietary needs, and the chef will accommodate them during the hands-on cooking experience.

Is There an Option to Extend the Tour Duration?

The tour operator offers an 8-hour cooking lesson, but doesn’t mention an option to extend the duration. Guests should inquire about customizing the experience to accommodate dietary restrictions when booking the tour.

Can the Group Size Be Adjusted for Private Tours?

Yes, the group size can be adjusted for private tours. Customers can request a private tour with a customized group size, allowing for a more personalized experience tailored to their preferences.

What Is the Dress Code Recommended for the Experience?

The dress code is casual and comfortable. Participants should wear lightweight, breathable clothing suitable for the warm Mediterranean climate and any potential outdoor activities during the cooking lesson. Closed-toe shoes are recommended for safety.

Sum Up

The Crete cooking lessons in the Lasithi Plateau offer an immersive cultural experience. Participants explore the region’s rich culinary heritage, learn traditional techniques, and savor authentic Cretan dishes. This 8-hour tour provides a unique opportunity to connect with the local community, discover the health and sustainability principles of the Cretan diet, and return home with unforgettable memories and newfound cooking skills.

You can check availability for your dates here: