FAQ
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The Aegean Table is a small-group gastronomic retreat held in Crete, Greece. It runs for seven nights in Spring 2027, with dates to be confirmed. The retreat combines hands-on cooking classes using local Cretan ingredients, two fully organised group excursions, and the relaxed rhythm of life in the mountains of Crete. Limited to ten guests, it is led throughout the week by a classically trained chef and sommelier.
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To reserve your place, simply complete the application form on our website. Once we receive your application we will be in touch personally to discuss your requirements and confirm availability. A reservation fee is required to secure your place. In the event of a retreat not reach its required minimum participants this amount is fully refunded. Dates are confirmed once we have enough guests reserved, at which point the balance becomes due. Places are strictly limited to ten guests and allocated on a first come first served basis.
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The Aegean Table is for anyone who loves food, is curious about where it comes from, and wants to experience Crete in a way most visitors never do. It suits couples, solo travellers and small groups of friends equally. You do not need any cooking experience, just a genuine interest in eating well and learning. Guests tend to be people who care about craft, culture and connection, and who understand that a week spent cooking and eating with interesting people in a beautiful place is time very well spent.
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A mixture of both. The Aegean Table is not a culinary school. There are no exams, no grades and no pressure to perform. The cooking sessions are hands-on, informal and conversational. You will learn techniques and recipes but always in the context of a week that is fundamentally about relaxing, eating well, and enjoying good company.
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Fly into Chania International Airport (CHQ). Heraklion Airport (HER) is also possible. From either airport you can reserve a transfer or take a taxi to the accomodation. Direct flights to Chania in Spring are available from London, Amsterdam, Frankfurt, Vienna, Stockholm and other major European cities.
The price includes all transport during the retreat, group transfers for excursions and all movement between locations throughout the week. Flights to and from Crete and your transfer to the villa on arrival day are not included. We are happy to recommend local transfer options when you book.
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Yes, absolutely. Solo travellers are very welcome. Solo travellers book as single occupancy at €2,500 per person. Guests travelling with a partner or friend (or who dont mind sharing with another solo traveler) share a room at €2,200 per person. Many people find cooking retreats to be a particularly rewarding solo travel experience: the group is small, meals are shared, and you are never without good company.
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The Aegean Table is priced at €2,200 per person for guests sharing a room, and €2,500 per person for sole occupancy of a room. Both rates are fully inclusive with seven nights accommodation, all meals, daily cooking classes, two group excursions with private transfers, and all transport during the retreat. The only additional costs are your flights to Crete, travel insurance and any personal spending or extra activities.
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No. Whether you cook every day or only occasionally, you will find the classes accessible, enjoyable and educational. The emphasis is on understanding Greek food culture, learning techniques, and appreciating quality ingredients; not on demonstrating skill or speed. Anyone who loves eating good food will find something meaningful here.
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We confirm retreat dates once we reach our minimum number of guests. Guests who have registered their interest are notified first and given priority on room selection. We aim to give confirmed guests a minimum of ten weeks notice before the retreat begins. If you have specific date requirements or travel constraints, let us know when you apply and we will do our best to accommodate them.