Discover Cretan Culture
29 July to 05 August & 12 to 19 August 2025
" The tour by Jonathan and Myriam Peat was excellent - we felt as if we experienced the range of landscapes and cuisines of Crete, and met so many friendly people along the way. Jonathan's knowledge, expertise, and kindness were outstanding. Highly recommended! " Judith Stove
Simpson Travellers are not your average holiday makers. Most are seasoned travellers who are curious about their destination and enjoy the more out-of-the-way places that only true local knowledge can reveal. With this in mind, we’ve called upon the vast experience of local guide Jonathan Peat to help you Discover Cretan Culture in the Apokoronas region of western Crete.
Cradled between the White Mountains and the Cretan Sea, Apokoronas is a peaceful region of rolling hills, timeless villages and deep valleys, scalloped by a spectacular coastline. The pace of life is blissfully slow, the atmosphere enchantingly authentic, with a wealth of historic and cultural treasures to explore without having to travel too far. Vamos itself is famous for its local crafts and organic produce, including thyme honey, pickles, jams, cheeses and olive oil soap. It also has a local bakery, a 19th-century kafenion and traditional tavernas offering mouth-watering Cretan specialities.
This itinerary is aimed at those looking to relax and enjoy a comfortable hotel base, whilst also gaining a little more insight into Cretan culture. There’s also the added bonus of some like-minded company which many find really adds to the holiday experience. Jonathan will lead four afternoon excursions, each designed to show you a different aspect of the Apokoronas region. The exact itinerary will be adapted around local events, weather conditions and the needs of the group, but in essence will include historical sites, breathtaking landscapes, characterful tavernas, meetings with the locals and sometimes a short walk. See our sample itinerary below.
THE WEEK IN BRIEF
• Accommodation and daily breakfast
• Welcome drinks and dinner
• All taxes and entrance fees
• Maximum 15 people
• For prices and to reserve your place please call our Destination Specialists
The setting
Arosmari is a peaceful and beautiful oasis with a profoundly creative heart, set in the traditional village of Vamos in the foothills of the White Mountains. Ten beautifully refurbished 1 and 2-bedroom cottages make up the hotel; all ideal for couples, some suitable for those looking to travel with a companion. It's an idyllic location, perfect for exploring the charming villages and golden beaches of western Crete and the cosmopolitan city of Chania, with its superb restaurants, colourful markets and spectacular Venetian harbour.
THE ITINERARY
DAY 1
Arrive Chania airport and transfer to Arosmari Village hotel. Drinks and dinner with Jonathan and his wife Myriam, with time to discuss the week’s highlights ahead.
DAY 2
An easy afternoon stroll to get to know Vamos; the village is committed to preserving traditions and supporting local enterprise to make tourism sustainable for all. Evening excursion to Chania town for dinner in one of Jonathan’s favourite tavernas. This Venetian gem is at its most enchanting at night, when the lights glitter on the waterfront and the back streets whisper their centuries-old stories.
DAY 3
A day at leisure to enjoy the pool at Arosmari.
DAY 4
Afternoon excursion to explore Akrotiri, stopping first at Stavros beach, made famous as the film location for Zorba the Greek. After a visit to the 16th-century monastery of Agia Triada, continue on to Marathi for a boat trip and snorkelling opportunity in one of the many secluded coves along the coast. Dinner in Marathi and return to Vamos.
DAY 5
More leisure time at Arosmari. The village is less than 10 minutes’ walk away, or you could indulge in a rejuvenating treatment at the small hotel spa.
DAY 6
Mid-afternoon departure to see a very different part of the island. Drive south to Sfakia for a private boat transfer to Sweetwater or Marmaris beach, then on to charming Loutro village, a long-standing Simpson Travel favourite. Water taxi back to Sfakia with time for wine tasting at Dourakis vineyard before returning to Arosmari for dinner.
DAY 7
The final day takes us into eastern Apokoronas, stopping first at Maza village to see its superb, frescoed 13th-century chapel, then on to Embrosnero and the cave chapel of Agios Andonios. Finish the week with one of Myriam’s legendary evening picnics in a secret olive grove near Vamos.
DAY 8
Transfer back to Chania airport for your return flight.
To book please call our Destination Specialists on 020 8392 5858.
About Jonathan Peat
Jonathan Peat is a qualified European Mountain Leader and has been hosting escorted walks in Greece, France and Spain for more than 30 years. The son of a Greek mother and Scottish father, he grew up in the UK and Greece and is fluent in both languages. He also speaks French, is a keen organic gardener, an artist and a daily practitioner of yoga and meditation. In 1990 he was instrumental in setting up the walking programme for Simply Crete and lived on the island for many years, developing a special affinity for its culture, natural history and proud tradition of hospitality. His abundant knowledge affords our guests insights into aspects of the island that often go unseen and his natural enthusiasm for the Greek language and people, ensures a warm welcome from the locals wherever he goes. For Jonathan, walking is a passion and over the years he has hosted people from a wide variety of backgrounds. He observes that walking in Crete has a unifying effect on them all.
“Touched by the warmth of the sun and possessed by the beauty of what they see, these walks, accompanied by humble readings and observations that connect to the world around them, awaken the senses, calm the mind and stir the soul! It’s a privilege to watch.”
We are delighted to welcome Jonathan back to the Simpson family.
