Cretan Countryside Picnic
The Monastery of Agios Georgios in Karydi
The iconic chapel of Agios Nikolaos in Georgioupoli
The river Almyros in the village of Georgioupoli
Aerial view of the Fortress of Koules in Aptera
Strolling around in Georgioupoli
Church of Analipsi in Georgioupoli
Aerial view of the Fortress of Koules
An imposing view of the Ottoman Fortress of Aptera
The picnic will take place on the banks of Kyliaris river
The serene village of Armenoi
The Monastery of Agios Georgios features an old olive factory
Sunset on the Fortress of Aptera
View of the Fortress of Aptera and Souda Bay
The church of Agios Nikolaos near the village of Armenoi
The Monastery of Agios Georgios near Karydi
The yard of the Monastery of Agios Georgios
Drone view of the Fortress of Koules
Aerial view of the Fortress of Koules near Aptera
A farm-to-table picnic in the Cretan countryside, combined with visits to historical sites and traditional villages.
Enjoy a beutiful day on the Cretan countryside, visiting historical places and traditional villages. On the way you will be picking up ingredients for a farm-to-table picnic that will be the culmination of your journey!
Highlights: Cretan cuisine picnic, Koules Fortress of Aptera, Armenoi village, Monastery of Agios Georgios at Karydi, Georgioupoli village, Platanakia
Starting point: Pickup is only conducted in designated locations around Chania Starting time: 08:30 amItinerary
After we pick you uop from slect spots around Chania, we will make our way to the the historic Koules Fortress near the site of ancient Aptera. Built by the Ottomans during the 19th century, it was used as a means to control the port of Souda. The hill on which the fortress stands offers panoramic views of the Apokonas Valley, the Bay of Souda as well as the surrounding Cretan coastline! You will be afforded ample time to take several pictures of the stunning scenery!
From there, we will descent towards the mouth of Souda Bay and reach the serene village of Armenoi, driving throuigh orange, olive and avocado groves. In the village square, you will enjoy a traditional Greek coffee under the refreshing shade of a centuries-old plane tree, a staple in every Greek village. In Armenoi, we will begin our selection of picnic treats with an assortment of cheeses and delicatessen, which will become part of your countryside feast at the end of the day.
Afterwards we will proceed to the Monastery of Agios Georgios near the village of Karydi, explore the grounds and visit a 200 year old stone olive factory, a timeless reminder of Cretan heritage in the production of olive oil. We will pick up some olive oil for our picnic before moving on to our next destination, the seaside village of Georgioupoli. Time to get a supply of freshly baked bread and rusks to go with our delicious treats, so a visit to a traditional wood-fired bakery is in order. We are now ready to begin our feast!
We shall then reach Platanakia, near the river of Kyliaris, on the banks of which we will set up our picnic. Under the shade of trees we will recreate a traditional countryside meal as they used to have during the harvest; bread, rusks, olive oil, olives, vegetables, cheese, delicatessen and Cretan wine! What a way to conclude a wonderful day!
Important notes
- Duration of the tour is around 6 hours
- Pick up/Drop off is conducted only in select spots around Chania. Depending on your location, you will be advised on the time and place after booking.
- Remember to bring the following items: comfortable shoes, sunglasses, hat, sunscreen and a camera!
