A day with the Minoans

Excavation and Minoan cuisine cooking in Crete

Let’s help prehistory come to life! Especially for that purpose we have constructed an archaeological pit for kids and adults to learn the purpose of archaeology—and to have a good time! In this pit, you will be able to experience an excavation and Minoan cooking simulation; thus meet the ancient Minoan civilisation where its heart still beats in Crete.

The pit is based on real-life archaeological excavations from the Minoan time period. When a group of people come to dig with us, we take the time to help them understand what an archaeologist does and how he or she works. As they dig, we supervise their progress, helping them to understand each step’s purpose. However, excavation makes people hungry, so we continue with cooking!

After our excavation, we will live a cooking experience and meal through discovering the Minoan diet. To better understand the Minoan cuisine, it is not enough just to discover the ingredients. So, we will also replicate the way ancient Minoans in Crete cooked their meals in clay cookware, in an open fire pit. The menu is based on archaeological evidence and includes meals and drinks.

This is your chance for an excavation and cooking class in Crete. You can add a mosaic workshop at the same place to enrich your day. The pit is located close to Chania.

How to book

This family activity is ideal for families from 4 years old and for a skip-gen vacation! It operates throughout the year and it cannot be booked independently, but as part of a multi-day tailormade trip in Crete and the Greek Islands.

Please contact your MAMAKITA family travel specialist to tailor your trip to your family needs, budget and age of kids by filling in this form. We strongly advise you to make your request at least one month before the starting date of your trip, and ideally 3 months in advance, if your travel dates include July and August, the peak months for family vacations in Greece.