Cooking Class and Meal at our Family Olive Farm (the Cretan Vibes Farm)!
5
Cooking Class and Meal at our Family Olive Farm (the Cretan Vibes Farm)!
By Cretan Vibes
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About
Ages 12-86, max of 12 per group
Duration: 3h 30m
Start time: Check availability
Mobile ticket
- Bottled water
- You will enjoy your creations with a glass of local wine!
- We are going to provide you local homemade juices such as homemade lemonade or kanelada (local homemade non- alcoholic drink)
- We provided all the cooking equipment & personal apron for everyone!
- All Fees and Taxes
- Photos & Recipes via e-mail!
What's not included- Pick up services
- Start:
- Cretan Vibes, Εθνικη οδο, Μοίρες 704 00, GreeceFinding us is quite straightforward. Just keep an eye out for our sign: Cretan Vibes Farm on National Road 97. If the GPS instructs you to turn towards the Panagia Kaliviany Monastery, please avoid turning there. Instead, continue straight on the main road, and you'll spot our signs.
End:This activity ends back at the meeting point. - Not wheelchair accessible
- Stroller accessible
- Service animals allowed
- Near public transportation
- Infants must sit on laps
If you have questions about accessibility, we’d be happy to help. Just call the number below and reference the product code: 168764P2- Confirmation will be received at time of booking
- This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund
- This experience requires a minimum number of travelers. If it’s canceled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 12 travelers
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start date of the experience.
- If you have questions about this tour or need help making your booking, we’d be happy to help. Just call the number below and reference the product code: 168764P2
Similar experiences
About the operator
Don’t take it from us – here’s what people have to say about this operator:
- Explore150948802150 contributionsGreat taste of Cretan cooking and cultureMeeting and sharing an experience with Mariana and Stella was a real treat. We were warmly welcomed and had a relaxing and informative afternoon, preparing and eating some amazing food. The farm tour was interesting and informative, and their passion for food is infectious. Thank you for thoughtfully preparing our cooking experience. Highly Recommend!Written November 18, 2022
- theenglishwanderer0 contributionsCretan Vibes Cooking Experience - Amazing!Me and my boyfriend did the combined tour and had the most amazing time. Marianna and Mama Stella was so incredible, giving us comprehensive and detailed instructions on how to cook as well as info about the cretan culture. They were so lovely and such a pleasure to hang out with. Couldn't recommend this experience any more highly if you want an authentic Cretan cooking experience with some great company and views :) We hope we will see them again! much love from Danielle and Ryan <3Written September 24, 2020
- Kim d0 contributionsAmazing activityMarianna and her mother were so kind!! I loved cooking with them. It was great learning how to make authentic Cretan food! And it was delicious! We even made and tried snails for the first time. Marianna got us out of our comfort zone and it was a positive surprise! Snails are actually quite delicious!! Who would’ve thought?! Haha. The evening was wonderful and we still talk and look back on a great activity we did in Crete! If you want to taste, but also make authentic delicious food? Book here!!! You won’t regret it!Written October 29, 2019
- thefeg0 contributionsAmazing food!We had such a great time on the food tour. The food tasted amazing and there was so much of it! Marianna even adjusted the time to meet our schedule which we definitely appreciated. It was a pleasure getting to know her and her mom. We would highly recommend it to everyone- couples, families, friends etc.Written October 8, 2019
- NBurl0 contributionsFabulous v understated tourThere were 5 of us on our visit inc a 10, 13 & 16 year old & we all really enjoyed it. You learn a lot about the Cretan way of life & how big agriculture is in the south. I’ve also never seen watermelons or pomegranates grow so that was also quite interesting! Marianna was lovely as were her grandparents, mum & dad. The picnic was really traditional & set in lovely surroundings & we watched her grandma make cheese, we then tasted it - enjoyed it more with their local honey! A lovely finishing touch was the gift bags that we each received as we left - a really superb tour & would happily try another. Thank you Marianne to you & your familyWritten August 13, 2019
- fotisk12340 contributionsThe food tour amazed us!Awesome tour through the greenhouses and the olive groves. It gives you the opportunity to learn a lot about Cretan food and the local agricultural life. The picnic at the end was definitely the highlight of the tour, with really great traditional plates at a unique location. Marianna and her family were very kind and helpful. Totally worths a try :)Written August 8, 2019
- bobbylee190 contributionsGreat tour with the loveliest people!!We had a fantastic tour through the monestary, olivegroves and greenhouses, and the tour concluded with a picnic located in the olivegroves during the beautiful sunset. A unique location! Marianna and her mother and grandmother prepared the best homecooked Greek food we ever tasted! Marianna and her family are the kindest people! Highly recommend this tour!!!Written August 1, 2019
- Chelsea G0 contributionsSimplistically BeautifulBooking with Cretan Vibes has been an amazing experience from start to finish. I spoke to Marianna many weeks before our trip to organise a surprise tour for my partners birthday. Marianna went out of her way to help us organise public transport to get to the village of Mires (as we were staying in Heesonissos), all the way down to collecting us from Moires square as we got off at the wrong stop 🙈 After a visit to the local monastery where we learnt a little history about the local village, we walked through the olive groves. During our walk, Marianna spoke to us about the process of making extra virgin olive oil. She then took us for a tour around the family greenhouses where we picked a melon to eat at our picnic. A little further along, a picnic had been set up for us under an olive tree, where Marianna's mum was cooking some traditional Cretan dishes. The whole family joined us, and grandma showed us how she makes her traditional homemade cheese. (It is amazing, I had to have two bowls) Unlike many other yours, this was a really laid back, rustic tour, where you get to see the real Crete and experience how the locals live. We couldn't think of a better way to end our holiday, and with some lovely people. Thank you so much Marianna & Family. XWritten July 11, 2019
These reviews are the subjective opinions of Tripadvisor members and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
5.0
110 reviews
Excellent
109
Very good
1
Average
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julie p
Wrexham, UK35 contributions
May 2024 • Couples
As part of our holiday I wanted to immerse myself into my favourite hobby… eating! I wanted an authentic experience, something I could take away with me and remember always.
After researching, Cretan vibes had the best reviews so I went ahead and booked. My husband although loves cooking required a lot of persuasion to join me as he said “it wasn’t his thing”
We arrived and there were twelve of us in total and we were made to feel really welcome .
We made four courses, explored the farm and picked our own artichoke. The dishes were all authentic local Greek dishes. I liked all the dishes but especially loved the lamb dish.
We had a great day even my husband eventually admitted that it was a great experience 🤣👌🏼he was the best at making little cheese parcels.
If you like cooking, love food and want an authentic Greek experience then I highly recommend booking…. Just do it!
After researching, Cretan vibes had the best reviews so I went ahead and booked. My husband although loves cooking required a lot of persuasion to join me as he said “it wasn’t his thing”
We arrived and there were twelve of us in total and we were made to feel really welcome .
We made four courses, explored the farm and picked our own artichoke. The dishes were all authentic local Greek dishes. I liked all the dishes but especially loved the lamb dish.
We had a great day even my husband eventually admitted that it was a great experience 🤣👌🏼he was the best at making little cheese parcels.
If you like cooking, love food and want an authentic Greek experience then I highly recommend booking…. Just do it!
Written May 21, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kakokoritzi
Minneapolis, MN5 contributions
Our family of seven (kids in their late 20's and early 30's) had a wonderful time cooking lunch with Marianna and Stella.
Ingredients are superior quality and fresh and the facility is top notch. Great equipment, sparkling clean and protected from the sun and wind while still being outside in their beautiful farm.
Marianna does a great job of explaining each step of her family recipes while Stella demonstrates. We learned a lot and enjoyed a delicious lunch with lots of leftovers for later. Recipes are clear so we can replicate when we get home (although it will be tough to duplicate the fresh ingredients).
They've mastered the art of combining professionalism with warmth. We felt like family by the time we left.
Strongly recommend.
Ingredients are superior quality and fresh and the facility is top notch. Great equipment, sparkling clean and protected from the sun and wind while still being outside in their beautiful farm.
Marianna does a great job of explaining each step of her family recipes while Stella demonstrates. We learned a lot and enjoyed a delicious lunch with lots of leftovers for later. Recipes are clear so we can replicate when we get home (although it will be tough to duplicate the fresh ingredients).
They've mastered the art of combining professionalism with warmth. We felt like family by the time we left.
Strongly recommend.
Written September 19, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
LukeR
2 contributions
Aug 2020 • Couples
The cooking itself was amazing, we learnt so much and had great fun at the same time! Marianna and her mother are both lovely - great instructors and so easy to get along with! We loved that almost all of the ingredients we used was grown by them, or made by their grandmother. So authentic and a great taste into Cretan cooking.
At the end we sat down and ate the amazing food we had made, and anything we had left over we were able to take home with us - it fed us for days!
Would highly recommend this cooking class to all - to both experienced cooks and complete beginners
At the end we sat down and ate the amazing food we had made, and anything we had left over we were able to take home with us - it fed us for days!
Would highly recommend this cooking class to all - to both experienced cooks and complete beginners
Written August 14, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you so much Luke for your kind words! Me and my mum are glad to met & cooked with you and Giulia! You are such a kind and beautiful persons! The cooking with you was such a pleasure for us! Hope to meet you again in near future! Lots of greetings from Crete! <3
Written August 16, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Sarah A
8 contributions
Jul 2021 • Couples
We didn’t know exactly what to expect from a private cooking class, because it was our first, but our expectations were exceeded by all means. When we arrived we were warmly welcomed by Marianna and her mother and there was a lemonade with homemade syrup to cool off. When everyone arrived, the cooking started. We chose the meat variant and therefore got the delicious lamb.
We have prepared a total of three delicious appetizers and a main course and a dessert. The food was amazing and we really enjoyed preparing and tasting these typical Cretan dishes. We will cook this at home too. In between and during dinner you could talk with the others from the group, which was also very interesting. Marianna told a lot about Crete and about life there and answered our questions. We also got a short tour through the beautiful garden where we saw the watermelons, zucchini and much more.
We would recommend this cooking class to everyone immediately, because you just get another look at the culture.
It was also great that Marianna answered very fast to our questions before we arrived.
The hosts were very helpful and showed everything in peace, so that every beginner cook would have come along.
We drove an hour to the farm, which was worth it all times.
Thanks again to Marianna and her mother for this great evening and the great experience.
We will come back, next time we are on Crete!
We have prepared a total of three delicious appetizers and a main course and a dessert. The food was amazing and we really enjoyed preparing and tasting these typical Cretan dishes. We will cook this at home too. In between and during dinner you could talk with the others from the group, which was also very interesting. Marianna told a lot about Crete and about life there and answered our questions. We also got a short tour through the beautiful garden where we saw the watermelons, zucchini and much more.
We would recommend this cooking class to everyone immediately, because you just get another look at the culture.
It was also great that Marianna answered very fast to our questions before we arrived.
The hosts were very helpful and showed everything in peace, so that every beginner cook would have come along.
We drove an hour to the farm, which was worth it all times.
Thanks again to Marianna and her mother for this great evening and the great experience.
We will come back, next time we are on Crete!
Written July 27, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you so much Sarah for your beautiful words! It was honestly such a pleasure to meet both of you! You are so open-hearted people with such a positive vibes! Definitely, when comes back in Crete, we will wait for your visit!!!! Lots of greetings to both you and Michel and a big virtual hug from me and my mum!<3
Written July 28, 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Christopher L
3 contributions
Aug 2021
If you are staying anywhere on Crete this has to be on your list to do! We traveled 4 hours round trip to participate in this cooking class and it was the highlight of our trip! After taking this class, we would have travelled even further just to go here. Marianna and her mother, Stela, made us feel at home with the entire class. You each got you own cooking station to make your own meal and it was very engaging! My wife and I loved the food and we are so excited to bring back the recipes to the United States to try and make at home. My wife doesn't even like cooking that much, but LOVED this class! She won't stop talking about it hahaha! Do not miss this cooking class, it is the best cooking class in Greece!!
Written August 12, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you SO much Christopher for your beautiful words! It was our honor to meet you and cook together! We have no words to thank you for your joining while traveling so much to come. That means so much for us! Glad to meet you and honestly hope to stay in touch! You have an open call to visit us whenever comes back in Crete! Our best wishes and a big hug to both of you! <3
Written January 3, 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Lobke
2 contributions
May 2021 • Friends
It was a very nice cooking class with traditional food. The ingredients were all fresh (some even plucked in the garden when we were there) and the food was delicious. Marianna and her mother were very welcoming and we would recommend this experience to everyone who enjoys cooking and the Greek cuisine!
Written June 2, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you so much for your kind words Lobke! It was such a pleasure for us to share our family's recipes with you! Both you and your sister are so amazing and cool guys! Thanks for your join and hope to see you again in your next trip in Crete! Our best regards from me and my mum! <3
Written June 12, 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
AndyFI
5 contributions
May 2022
Fun experience cooking a typical Cretan meal (lamb stew with fennel, wild artichoke, onion, tomato, and potato), dolmathes (finely diced veggies and rice steamed in young grape leaves (table grapes, not wine grapes); fishermen’s rusk with fresh tomato sauce and sour cheese, and fried cheese pies. Mama Stella and daughter Mariana walked each of us through preparing these dishes at our own cooking station in a covered pavilion surrounded by olive groves. Such a wonderful meal from such simple, farm fresh ingredients! And I learned how to extract the heart of a wild artichoke without getting stabbed by the thorns! A great day!
Written June 1, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Anna
1 contribution
May 2022 • Couples
We spend an amazing time with Marianna and Stella. They were so warm hearted, friendly and welcoming and at least they know how to cook and love to share their knowledge.
It was a very friendly, easy to follow, regardless of cooking skills. The ingredients were all homegrown, it was very interesting to see their cultivation and get more informations about it. The environment was excellent, a pittoresque place close to the fields and olive trees of the family. In our visit in Crete this was the most authentic Cretan experience. The food was delicious and we received all the family recipes by mail after. We'll definitely coming back and recommend it to anyone who's interested in cooking and food!
It was a very friendly, easy to follow, regardless of cooking skills. The ingredients were all homegrown, it was very interesting to see their cultivation and get more informations about it. The environment was excellent, a pittoresque place close to the fields and olive trees of the family. In our visit in Crete this was the most authentic Cretan experience. The food was delicious and we received all the family recipes by mail after. We'll definitely coming back and recommend it to anyone who's interested in cooking and food!
Written May 28, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Devin
5 contributions
Aug 2022 • Couples
What an amazing cooking class! Marianna and her mother Stella are so sweet and welcoming. We learned a lot about Cretan food, cooked some classics and some unique dishes all while watching the sunset over their beautiful farm.
We traveled from northern Crete and spent the day at the southern beaches before the class. Definitely worth the drive!
We traveled from northern Crete and spent the day at the southern beaches before the class. Definitely worth the drive!
Written August 22, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Michelle B
Plantersville, TX31 contributions
We had a great time meeting Marianna & Stella and learning more about Cretan cooking. The setting was amazing and very inviting! You can tell they have worked hard to make this the perfect spot to host a group for a cooking class. Absolutely loved everything we made! So fresh and delicious!
Highly recommended for something to do while in Crete. The drive there from the north side of the island was also scenic and beautiful!
Highly recommended for something to do while in Crete. The drive there from the north side of the island was also scenic and beautiful!
Written October 5, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hello, can we get to your farm on public transportation from Heraklion?
Thank you
Shawn
Written October 9, 2023
Marianna Papagrigoriou
Heraklion, Greece
Hello! From Heraklion city center there is bus that leaves you approximately 10-15 min walk far away from our farm! For any further questions we are always at your disposal! Many thanks in advance for your time!
Written April 1, 2024
Do you offer a family group price?
Written June 3, 2023
Marianna Papagrigoriou
Heraklion, Greece
Hi Amelia! Yes we offer vegetarian options! Cretan Diet is full of flavors and vegetables recipes! :)
Written August 10, 2022
Where is this cooking class located? The location is not stated. Can anyone help? Thank you.
Written June 7, 2022
The class is located on a farm just off Rte. 97 outside the town of Mires, Crete. There's no formal address, but Cretan Vibes sent us directions.
Written June 7, 2022
Guide133849
Chicago, Illinois
hello, how far is your farm from rethimno? also how many people are the maximum for each class? how many people do we need for a private class? how much for 2 persons? 4 persons? 6 persons? thank you.
Written May 17, 2022
Amie Q
Galveston Island, Texas
Good day - interested in your class when we're in Crete in April. Any chance we could book this as a private morning event - we have a tour starting in the afternoon but would love to do this one before it!
Thanks,
Written January 9, 2022
Marianna Papagrigoriou
Heraklion, Greece
Hey there!
First of all, my apologies for my late reply... Just Trip Advisor never send me a notification for your inquiry... :(
In case that you still want to book a cooking class with my mum and I in our farm please check for more details about private options and hours in our website (our name is cretan vibes) where you can find all our contact details..
Many thanks for your support!
Have a wonderful rest of the week!
My warm regards,
Marianna from Cretan Vibes Family!
Written April 20, 2022
Hi, in the date selection there is only options for vegetarian or vegan menu. Are these the only possibilities ? (looking at March 26)
Written December 25, 2019
Marianna Papagrigoriou
Heraklion, Greece
Hi Tyler. I am Marianna. Among with my mum we offer this cooking experience. I apologize for my late answer. Viator (Trip Advisor experiences) had never send me a notification that you have leave me a question... Really apologize...
We offer different traditional menus, for all the tastes (meat or vegetarian or even vegan menu). We try to fix our menu according to the dietary requirements or food allergies of our guests. Cretan diet has a lot of different recipes for all the needs!
So, if you still are interesting for our experience feel free to ask me anything more you may want. I will check this section more frequent ;))
Thank you in advance for your time and understanding. Cheers!:))
Written February 18, 2020
We are in Chersonissos and would like to know what the address is of the cooking class. Thanks for letting us know
BERNARD
Written October 1, 2019
Hello Mama Stella. We would like to do the classic cretin cooking class on October 3 what time does it start?
Written October 1, 2019
Marianna Papagrigoriou
Heraklion, Greece
Dear Bernard,
I am Marianna, the daughter of Mama Stella. I truly apologize for not replied on you in time.... Feel really sorry for that...:(
Unfortunately Viator (trip advisor experiences) has never send us a notification for your message.... I just reveal it by chance..... I apologize again for not meeting your expectations. I wish the next time you will come in Crete to give us the chance to meet each other and share with you our Cretan recipes.
I apologize for one more time and I would like to thank you for your understanding.
Warm regards,
Marianna
Written February 18, 2020
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