Explore the picturesque province of Apokoronas, extending from the foothills of the White Mountains (Lefka Ori) to the northern coast, where dynamic water routes carve a lush landscape. Preserving the traditional essence of its villages, Apokoronas stands as a vibrant core of modern rural life, reflecting the historical tapestry of its countryside and the evolution of Christian worship. Our tour delves into the churches that embody this rich legacy, offering exceptional examples of art and architecture set against the backdrop of unique natural beauty.
Our first enchanting stop brings us to a secluded Byzantine church nestled amidst vineyards and rare Cretan oak. Almost hidden by surrounding trees, this typical example of pure Byzantine architecture testifies to the enduring influence of Constantinople’s tradition even in the distant corners of the Empire.
Venturing to a nearby village, we encounter another church steeped in history. While the standing structure dates to the 15th century, recent excavations reveal traces of worship dating back to the 8th century. Explore the excavations within, discussing the church’s connections to Greece’s great monasteries and the burgeoning monastic tradition in the area.
A symbol of Cretan resilience against the Venetians awaits us at the foothills of the White Mountains. Founded by the emperor of Nicaea, John Vatatzis, this glorious church boasts exceptional 13th-century frescoes, showcasing the island’s enduring spirit.
Continue our journey in the exceptional beauty of a hidden 13th-century church in a charming Apokoronas village. Marvel at frescoes crafted by a renowned artist, attesting to the enduring faith in this sacred place. Our tour concludes with a sensory delight—indulging in traditional local cuisine at a local “kafeneion” (tapas taverna) nestled in the unique square of a typical Cretan village, where the essence of local daily life unfolds. Let the flavors and ambiance be the perfect conclusion to this enriching exploration.
Beautiful. It is a very good experience to taste some native flavors, as well as to know villages near the most beautiful city of Crete. The guide had a lot of knowledge of what was seen on the tour. Luis02/01/2025 Worth It! This was an authentic and unforgettable Cretan experience. Visiting in November, we had the advantage of a small group, which made it even more special. Step by step, we learned to prepare a variety of traditional recipes in a warm, familial, and comfortable setting. The guide, hosts, and cook were exceptional, making the entire experience truly worthwhile. Highly recommend! Jonahira C28/11/2024 An unforgettable experience This was a tour that had very personal significance for me. It certainly gave me a lasting impression and great respect for both the people of Crete and the soldiers involved in this time of war. The tour guide was very knowledgeable and handled the day with commendable sensitivity combined with warmth and humour. Pioneer58908020/11/2024 Ask for Thanisis as your guide! Thanisis is an excellent, informative guide. We made several stops at unplanned locations so he can educate us about the terrain, the natural plants, life and foods, and we even got to see some men harvesting olives, which was not planned. All of the food we tasted was excellent, come hungry. It ends with a spectacular lunch that’s a real spread, with wine. This was a highlight of my trip to Chania. Lisa B19/11/2024 Family style meal prep and lunch. Family style meal prep and lunch. Vegetable and herb prep, along with pastry prep. Definitely recommend and will do again. Best excursion on our cruise by far. Wayne S01/11/2024 Best excursion! Wonderful experience. My favorite excursion of our entire cruise! We made delicious food and enjoyed eating it all! The hosts were so lovely and welcoming. Tonya S01/11/2024 Tradition Crete cooking Wonderful & tasty cooking experience. They grow most of the produce & show us how to make traditional, yet simple Crete dishes. The wine tasting was lovely and we even feed the sheep! The setting is in the foothills of the mountains with lovely views of the olive orchards & sea below. A G22/10/2024 Brilliant trip with welcoming hosts and delicious food We had a brilliant day trip. Alex, our guide, picked us up promptly and the drive was comfortable. Alex was very knowledgable and friendly. Our hosts, George and Diamond, were also wonderful. We didn’t just cook and eat delicious food, we tried different wines, fed some sheep, learnt about olive oil production and local history. Everyone was extremely welcoming and accommodating, I would highly recommend this trip. Louisa Q21/10/2024 A cooking and wine experience. The whole experience was wonderful. From the cooking and wine tastiing to the history and feeding mulberry leaves to the sheep. Alex, our guide was knowledgeable and accommodating. The hosts were charming. And the food was amazing. Beautiful setting and lovely views. Well worth the time and cost. Julie S19/10/2024 Seven villages of Chania Our guide, Yannis, was very informative. We had a wonderful discussions, walk through seven villages, taste and history of Chania (Crete). Highly recommend this tour. Pradeep T19/10/2024
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