We start our tour driving to our first stop Margarites, a small traditional village located in the prefecture of Rethymno and known for its unique pottery tradition, its picturesque alleys, and its well-preserved architecture.Afterwards we reach the Arkadi Monastery, which constitutes a landmark of architecture and civilization considering the magnificent facade of the church, the highly developed spiritual tradition as well as the flourishing development of fine arts. However, the holocaust, which took place in 1866, gave the monastery an eminent place in history, elevating it to an eternal symbol of freedom and heroism, recognized worldwide. We will visit the picturesque old town of Rethymno and have lunch (optional). At the end we will visit the Venetian stronghold of Fortezza which is built on top of a low hill above Rethymno Town. This huge fortress, with its turbulent history, was built between 1540 and 1570 by the Venetian maritime power as a bulwark against Turkish pirates
Inclusions & Exclusions
✔ Professional Escort
✔ VAT and all legal taxes included
✔ Air-conditioned Motorcoach
✖ Pick up-drop off transfer
✖ Entrance fees to the sites (Arkadi Monastery 3 €, Fortezza Rethymno 4 €)
✖ Lunch in restaurant throughout in the tour (20,00 €)
✖ Drinks and beverage during the meal
✖ Gratuities
✖ Anything that is not specified in the program as included
Departure & Return
Departure:
,
Across from the entrance of the Heraklion Archaeological Museum, in front of Hari’s Creperie, Heraklion
Return: End right where it started.
Itinerary
1
Margarites
Margarites is a small traditional village located in the prefecture of Rethymno. The village is known for its unique pottery tradition, its picturesque alleys, and its well-preserved architecture.
Duration: 2.5 hours
2
Monastery of Arkadi
The Holy Monastery of Arkadi is the symbol of freedom and longing for the Liberation of the island and its people in Crete under the Ottoman rule.
Duration: 2 hours
3
Rethymnon Old Town
Explore one of the best-preserved medieval cities in Greece, Rethymno. We will also visit the Venetian stronghold of Fortezza which is built on top of a low hill above Rethymno Town. The hill is known as Paleokastro, which means old castle in Greek and suggests the existence of an older structure in that place. This huge fortress, with its turbulent history, was built between 1540 and 1570 by the Venetian maritime power as a bulwark against Turkish pirates. More than 100,000 Cretans on compulsory labor and over 40,000 pack animals were used in the construction of this mighty fortress. However, the Fortezza was conquered by the Turks in 1646. After many upheavals during the next three centuries, only the outer fortifications of the Fortezza remain intact and few buildings are still under restoration. The Fortezza is visible from every part of the town and provides the visitor a panoramic view of Rethymno town.
Duration: 5 hours
Additional info
• Public transportation options are available nearby
• Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
• Suitable for all physical fitness levels
• Children must be accompanied by an adult
• Our company is not responsible for the client’s failure to appear at the meeting point for the booked tour or activity.
• Last minute cancellation of flights or inability to disembark from a cruise ship, is not our company’s responsibility, therefore any refund requests due to such incidents will not be accepted. Should the client be aware of such a change, he/she is requested to communicate with our company more than 24 hours before the tour or activity starts, in order to discuss possible date or time amendment (subject to availability)
• Refund requests for last minute cancellations (up to 24 hours before the tour or activity), for any reason, will not be accepted.
• Please note that there will be time spent in transportation (included in the duration of the tour)
• Not recommended for travelers with mobility impairments
