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VIEW PHOTOS
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Host: Mary (Chania Cruise Food Tour)

Crete, Greece

USD
$135-$145 per person

Chania Walking Food Tour with a Local in Crete

Host offerings
  • Cooking studio
  • Home cook
  • Pets
  • Vegetarian
  • Alcohol
  • Transportation
  • Cooking class
  • Market visit
  • Food tour

Meet Mary (Chania Cruise Food Tour)

Mary is a dynamic grandmother and former radio and TV producer who has lived in Chania for over 30 years, where she built her career and raised her family. Anneta is a licensed tourist guide, born and raised in Chania, Crete, with a master’s in social anthropology and a background in hospitality. Depending on the size of your group, your experience will be led by either Mary or Anneta. Both are passionate advocates of Cretan cuisine and believe food is an art that engages all the senses. During your Chania food tour, your host will share the traditions, stories, and flavors that connect deeply to local culture. True food enthusiasts, Mary and Anneta believe Cretan cuisine is among the healthiest and most vibrant in the world, and they take great joy in introducing guests to their favorite local spots and the dishes they grew up enjoying.

What to expect

Please note menu might vary. If there are particular dishes you are interested in trying, please include your request in the booking form.

Food tour: (1-15 guests) During this Chania walking food tour in Crete, awaken your senses as you stroll through the picturesque streets of Chania, rich in history, while immersing yourself in the aromas and flavors of Cretan cuisine. This fully guided experience is led by a hospitable local host who shares a true insider’s perspective on life in Crete. Chania is known for its people, its hospitality, and its incredible local produce. On this experience, you will not only learn about the food that makes Crete so special but also sample a variety of Cretan delicacies while gaining insight into the culture as a local, not a tourist. Perfect for cruise travelers looking for a Chania shore excursion, this experience offers a convenient, well-paced walking route through the old town. Savor the taste of Crete as you sip Greek coffee and enjoy the famous Cretan bougatsa, sit down for a delicious meal at a local eatery, and explore a traditional bakery filled with cakes and biscuits. Sample loukoumades, enjoy a cheese tasting, and discover seasonal produce from passionate local vendors. As you explore hidden backstreets and lesser-known corners of Chania, you’ll visit traditional shops and gain a deeper understanding of Cretan culture and heritage. This immersive culinary experience offers a meaningful way to connect with the people, food, and traditions of Crete.

Notes:
1. Casual, comfortable clothing is recommended; please dress according to the weather on the day.
2. If you follow a vegetarian diet, please inform your host in advance so she can prepare accordingly. While vegetarian requests can be accommodated, other dietary restrictions may be more difficult to cater to on this experience.
3. Please note that most dishes are served on shared plates rather than as individual portions.
4. Mary typically hosts smaller groups, while Anneta generally leads groups of four or more.

Languages spoken: English, Greek

Sample menu

This is just a sample menu to give you an idea of the types of dishes the host cooks. Your menu will vary according to seasonal availability.
  • Coffee and loukoumades (Greek donuts) at a local cafe
  • Sampling of Cretan bougatsa (a traditional Greek pie with a creamy custard and a light phyllo)
  • Cheese and olive tastings
  • Cretan meze such as dolmades and dakos
  • Local Cretan dishes such as Chaniotiko boureki
  • Loukoumades and raki

Traveler reviews

5.0 (5)
Our afternoon with Mary was far beyond anything we expected — truly one of the highlights of our entire trip. Mary is a very special person: kind, genuine, and a wonderful host. From the moment she contacted us before the class, she made sure we had all the details we needed to find her home and feel comfortable. Her house itself is beautiful — perched on a scenic cliffside with amazing views — and immediately felt warm and welcoming. She greeted us outside with a big smile, and as my mother said later, “it couldn’t have been a better day.” We started with tea and conversation on her patio, followed by preparing local appetizers (with a little raki, of course!) before moving on to the main meal. The dishes were simple, traditional, and deeply flavorful — but what made it so special was Mary’s passion for Cretan cooking and her deep knowledge of its history and traditions. This isn’t a “restaurant-style” experience. It’s much more personal and real — an afternoon in the home of someone who opens her life to complete strangers and treats them like family. It’s rare to find something this honest and heartfelt anywhere, and we left feeling incredibly grateful. If you’re looking for a genuine local experience — not commercial, not polished for tourists, but warm, intimate, and full of meaning — you won’t find anything better than spending an afternoon with Mary.
- Lance October 28, 2025
Mary is not only the best cook, but an amazing human. The night truly felt like we were spending time with an old friend / family. We had great conversations and even better food. Not to mention, her farmhouse is beautiful and on the water!
- Monica October 07, 2025
Superb experience! A wonderful encounter and an exceptional moment of sharing and tasting. To be repeated without hesitation.
- Julien April 19, 2025
The cooking experience with Mary was fantastic, she was an excellent host and the food was delicious. We would particularly recommend the evening experience as the view and sunset from the terrace was spectacular. Mary was very passionate about Cretan cooking but she was also very knowledgeable about Cretan history and culture. We could have sat and chatted with her over a glass of Raki for hours!!
- XN2201IN August 31, 2023
A culinary delight. The cooking experience with Mary was fantastic, she was an excellent host and the food was delicious. We would particularly recommend the evening experience as the view and sunset from the terrace was spectacular. Mary was very passionate about Cretan cooking but she was also very knowledgeable about Cretan history and culture. We could have sat and chatted with her over a glass of Raki for hours!!
- Nicola August 09, 2023

Mary (Chania Cruise Food Tour)

$135-$145 USD

per person
100% VETTED
Learn more
  • No waiting! Booking confirmed instantly
  • 100% satisfaction guarantee or your money back
  • Private experience
Pricing (per person)*
1 person 2-4 ppl 5+ people
Food Tour
 $145 $145 $135
*Does not include 4% payment processing fee applied at checkout.
1 person 2-4 ppl 5+ people
Food Tour
 $145 $145 $135
*Does not include 4% payment processing fee applied at checkout.
Experience Timings
 Lunch Dinner
Food Tour
 10:00am-2:00pm

Meet Mary (Chania Cruise Food Tour)

Mary is a dynamic grandmother and former radio and TV producer who has lived in Chania for over 30 years, where she built her career and raised her family. Anneta is a licensed tourist guide, born and raised in Chania, Crete, with a master’s in social anthropology and a background in hospitality. Depending on the size of your group, your experience will be led by either Mary or Anneta. Both are passionate advocates of Cretan cuisine and believe food is an art that engages all the senses. During your Chania food tour, your host will share the traditions, stories, and flavors that connect deeply to local culture. True food enthusiasts, Mary and Anneta believe Cretan cuisine is among the healthiest and most vibrant in the world, and they take great joy in introducing guests to their favorite local spots and the dishes they grew up enjoying.

What to expect

Please note menu might vary. If there are particular dishes you are interested in trying, please include your request in the booking form.

Food tour: (1-15 guests) During this Chania walking food tour in Crete, awaken your senses as you stroll through the picturesque streets of Chania, rich in history, while immersing yourself in the aromas and flavors of Cretan cuisine. This fully guided experience is led by a hospitable local host who shares a true insider’s perspective on life in Crete. Chania is known for its people, its hospitality, and its incredible local produce. On this experience, you will not only learn about the food that makes Crete so special but also sample a variety of Cretan delicacies while gaining insight into the culture as a local, not a tourist. Perfect for cruise travelers looking for a Chania shore excursion, this experience offers a convenient, well-paced walking route through the old town. Savor the taste of Crete as you sip Greek coffee and enjoy the famous Cretan bougatsa, sit down for a delicious meal at a local eatery, and explore a traditional bakery filled with cakes and biscuits. Sample loukoumades, enjoy a cheese tasting, and discover seasonal produce from passionate local vendors. As you explore hidden backstreets and lesser-known corners of Chania, you’ll visit traditional shops and gain a deeper understanding of Cretan culture and heritage. This immersive culinary experience offers a meaningful way to connect with the people, food, and traditions of Crete.

Notes:
1. Casual, comfortable clothing is recommended; please dress according to the weather on the day.
2. If you follow a vegetarian diet, please inform your host in advance so she can prepare accordingly. While vegetarian requests can be accommodated, other dietary restrictions may be more difficult to cater to on this experience.
3. Please note that most dishes are served on shared plates rather than as individual portions.
4. Mary typically hosts smaller groups, while Anneta generally leads groups of four or more.

Languages spoken: English, Greek

Sample menu

This is just a sample menu to give you an idea of the types of dishes the host cooks. Your menu will vary according to seasonal availability.
  • Coffee and loukoumades (Greek donuts) at a local cafe
  • Sampling of Cretan bougatsa (a traditional Greek pie with a creamy custard and a light phyllo)
  • Cheese and olive tastings
  • Cretan meze such as dolmades and dakos
  • Local Cretan dishes such as Chaniotiko boureki
  • Loukoumades and raki

Traveler reviews

5.0 (5)
Our afternoon with Mary was far beyond anything we expected — truly one of the highlights of our entire trip. Mary is a very special person: kind, genuine, and a wonderful host. From the moment she contacted us before the class, she made sure we had all the details we needed to find her home and feel comfortable. Her house itself is beautiful — perched on a scenic cliffside with amazing views — and immediately felt warm and welcoming. She greeted us outside with a big smile, and as my mother said later, “it couldn’t have been a better day.” We started with tea and conversation on her patio, followed by preparing local appetizers (with a little raki, of course!) before moving on to the main meal. The dishes were simple, traditional, and deeply flavorful — but what made it so special was Mary’s passion for Cretan cooking and her deep knowledge of its history and traditions. This isn’t a “restaurant-style” experience. It’s much more personal and real — an afternoon in the home of someone who opens her life to complete strangers and treats them like family. It’s rare to find something this honest and heartfelt anywhere, and we left feeling incredibly grateful. If you’re looking for a genuine local experience — not commercial, not polished for tourists, but warm, intimate, and full of meaning — you won’t find anything better than spending an afternoon with Mary.
- Lance October 28, 2025
Mary is not only the best cook, but an amazing human. The night truly felt like we were spending time with an old friend / family. We had great conversations and even better food. Not to mention, her farmhouse is beautiful and on the water!
- Monica October 07, 2025
Superb experience! A wonderful encounter and an exceptional moment of sharing and tasting. To be repeated without hesitation.
- Julien April 19, 2025
The cooking experience with Mary was fantastic, she was an excellent host and the food was delicious. We would particularly recommend the evening experience as the view and sunset from the terrace was spectacular. Mary was very passionate about Cretan cooking but she was also very knowledgeable about Cretan history and culture. We could have sat and chatted with her over a glass of Raki for hours!!
- XN2201IN August 31, 2023
A culinary delight. The cooking experience with Mary was fantastic, she was an excellent host and the food was delicious. We would particularly recommend the evening experience as the view and sunset from the terrace was spectacular. Mary was very passionate about Cretan cooking but she was also very knowledgeable about Cretan history and culture. We could have sat and chatted with her over a glass of Raki for hours!!
- Nicola August 09, 2023
Pricing (per person)*
1 person 2-4 ppl 5+ people
Food Tour
 $145 $145 $135
*Does not include 4% payment processing fee applied at checkout.
1 person 2-4 ppl 5+ people
Food Tour
 $145 $145 $135
*Does not include 4% payment processing fee applied at checkout.
Experience Timings
 Lunch Dinner
Food Tour
 10:00am-2:00pm
ABOUT TRAVELING SPOON

Traveling Spoon connects you with meaningful culinary experiences, from private cooking lessons to homecooked meals in people's homes. Enjoy an immersive cultural experience that gives you a glimpse into the local way of life.

FAQ

    You can cancel your reservation up until 48 hours before your experience for a full refund minus a 4% processing fee. Experiences within 48 hours are not refundable.

    If you have a question for your host, you can include a note in the field "Write a note to your host" during the booking process. Once your booking is confirmed, you will be emailed your host's direct contact information and you will also be able to message the host through your profile. You can always cancel your booking and receive a full refund 48 hours or more before your experience. If you have other questions you can also email us at reservations@travelingspoon.com.

    Most of our hosts are able to accommodate dietary restrictions and allergies, including vegetarian and gluten free options. For vegetarian travelers, we have an icon on each host profile to indicate whether that host can also offer a fully vegetarian menu. There is a section in the booking form to note any allergies or dietary restrictions which will be sent directly to your host.

    Some hosts offer alcohol as an optional add-on for travelers who are of legal drinking age. Pricing for alcohol is visible on the host profile page and includes one to two glasses of wine, beer or local alcohol.

    Have a flight or other tour planned and can't make the timing provided? If the timing listed on the host's profile doesn't work for you, our hosts can often accommodate timing changes. Because all of our experiences are private our hosts are happy to tailor experiences to meet your travel needs. Simply note your request in the booking process.

    Your card will not be charged until your host accepts your booking. Typically hosts respond to bookings within 72 hours. In the event your host is unavailable on your selected date and your host rejects your booking your credit card will not be charged.

    Your host's detailed contact information, including their phone number, address, and direction notes, will all be provided immediately upon successful confirmation of your experience (after your hosts accepts your booking and your credit card is successfully processed). This information will be emailed to you to the email address you used to sign up, and will also be visible on your Traveling Spoon profile.

    All prices are noted per person prices unless otherwise specified. Transportation is typically charged on a per car basis. Children aged 5-11 are 50% off, and infants aged 0-4 are free. Hosts set their own prices and Traveling Spoon marks up the experiences; on average hosts receive over 70% of the price paid by the traveler.

    100% of Traveling Spoon experiences are private! Just you and your host and host's family.

    Hosts typically respond to booking inquiries within 72 hours. If for some reason you have not heard from your host or if you have any questions you can always contact us at reservations@travelingspoon.com.

    Your safety and security are our top priority. To ensure this, Traveling Spoon personally vets 100% of all hosts, including an in-person host visit, to ensure each host and experience meets our strict quality requirements.

    Some hosts offer transportation as an optional add-on for travelers. Typically this is round trip transportation with pick up and drop off at your hotel. Pricing is quoted per car. Specific instructions for transportation will be provided in your confirmation details when your booking is confirmed.

    Many of our hosts accommodate solo travelers. You can see if a host accepts solo travelers by looking at the traveler range found next to the experience descriptions on the host profile (indicated by the numbers in parentheses next to "In-home meal", "Cooking experience" and "Market visit").

    Most of our Traveling Spoon experiences are incredibly family friendly and can accommodate infants and children. If a host is unable to accommodate children that will be noted in the "Notes" section of their profile. Our child pricing policy is children aged 5-11 are 50% off, and infants aged 0-4 are free.