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.
Must do Highly recommend! Great food and great guide with a warm family. We loved learning more about Crete’s history, culture, and food. The food we made was delicious! AMANDA S05/04/2025 A great tour and even better wine! Fantastic tour of two wineries and Olive oil producers around Chania. Niko was a great guide, made everything interesting. Would highly recommend this tour if you're looking for a chill few hours sipping wine and eating olive oil and bread! Ben B05/04/2025 Great experience! It was an awesome experience with a very lovely family and a great tour guide that told us all about Cretan history! It can't be more authentic than that. T Y04/04/2025 Nice introduction to wine and olive oil culture of Crete Our guide, Nikos, was very knowledgeable and made sure we were taken care of and had everything we needed. He was the perfect guide-- he lived in the area, knew its history, its culture, but also was able to talk about more than just wine and olive oil without being pushy or opinionated. The wines ere very nice, surprisingly good as we have not heard much in the past of Cretan wines. The olive oil was interesting, we had never really considered the broad range of olive oil types before. All of them good, and our guide at each sites was very knowledgeable and pleasant to interact with. We saw some beautiful scenery along the way, and the highlight might have been the 3,000-4,000 year old olive tree at Vouves. The olive oil museum at the end was a kind of bonus. All in all, a very pleasant outing, well worth the cost and our time. dh14ster02/04/2025 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
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