Wednesday – Arrival & Village Welcome

We arrive in Kalyves and settle into our villas among olive trees and sea air.
That evening, we gather for a welcome dinner at a seaside restaurant known for its exceptional local dishes — fresh fish, garden vegetables, and Cretan wine — and begin our week together in the heart of Crete.

​

​

Thursday – Ancient Crete: Myths & Memory

We start our journey with a visit to Aptera, one of Crete’s most storied ancient cities, standing high above the bay.

In the afternoon, we wander through Chania’s old town, where Venetian walls and narrow lanes tell centuries of history. We visit the Archaeological Museum and end the day by the harbor, watching the light fade over the sea.

​

​

Friday – Olive Oil & Good Friday Candlelight

In the morning, we visit a family-run olive oil producer, learning how generations have tended the same groves.

 

As evening falls, we join villagers in the Good Friday procession, carrying candles through quiet streets as church bells echo across the valley. The air fills with incense, flowers, and the sound of hymns — one of the most moving moments of the week.

​

​

Saturday – Old Tradition & the Resurrection

We spend the morning at the Peroulakis Distillery, where a local family still crafts raki the traditional way, over wood fires and copper stills.

Late that night, we gather with villagers for the Resurrection service. As midnight arrives, the candles are lit, bells ring, and the words “Christos Anesti” — Christ is Risen — fill the air. It’s a moment of light, joy, and renewal we’ll never forget.

​

​

Easter Sunday – Easter Feast in the Village

We wake to a quiet morning and the scent of wood smoke.
Later, we join locals for the Easter celebration — lamb turning on the spit, red-dyed eggs, wine flowing, music, and dancing that lasts long into the afternoon.

 

We share food, laughter, and stories — the simple joy of being part of village life.

​

​

Monday – Art, Taste & Tradition

We spend the morning by the sea for an art session inspired by Cretan life and light.

In the afternoon, we visit Vegera Farm, where we learn to cook with local ingredients and old recipes — hands-on, warm, and shared.

We end the day gathered around the table with local musicians from the village, eating, drinking, and singing the way Cretans do — with joy that comes straight from the heart.

​

​

Tuesday – Monastery & Wine

We travel through the hills to Arkadi Monastery, a place of deep history and peace.

In the afternoon, we visit Dourakis Winery for a tasting surrounded by vineyards and mountain views — a quiet celebration of Crete’s land and people.

​

​

Wednesday – Farewell Morning

We share our farewell breakfast in the village before saying our goodbyes.

We leave Crete with the scent of thyme, the echo of bells, and a feeling of connection that will stay long after the week has passed.