Journey Through Time in Rural Crete: Discover the charming Rethymnon region, a picturesque area that transports you to the late 19th century, showcasing the authentic rural life of Crete.
Savor Local Flavors: Delight in organic, locally-sourced products and uncover the culinary secrets that define Cretan cuisine.
Historic Exploration: Visit the revered Arkadi Monastery, a powerful symbol of Cretan resilience and freedom, along with other hidden historical treasures.
Herbal Wisdom: Stroll through a secluded village and learn about the diverse Cretan herbs and their traditional uses in daily life.
Pottery Traditions: Wander through the enchanting village of Margarites, renowned for its time-honored pottery craftsmanship.
Support Local Heritage: Engage in rural tourism that bolsters local economies and preserves the rich traditions often overlooked by mainstream tourism.
Inclusions & Exclusions
✔ Experience the region with our passionate, English-speaking local guide.
✔ Get personalized tips for the area's best eateries.
✔ Taste traditional Cretan sweets and local raki.
✔ PRIVATE TOUR Exclusive: enjoy the comfort of pick-up and drop-off at your stay or the port.
✔ Indulge in three-course organic lunch including local wine.
✖ Additional food and drink.
✖ Tips & gratuities for your guide.
Pickup Locations
1. Hotel Splanzia
2. Ideon Hotel
3. Polixeny's Suites
4. Ontas Traditional Hotel
5. Hotel Candia
6. Katrina Studios & Apartments
7. Pandora Suites Hotel
8. Chania Rooms
9. Palazzo Di Pietro
10. Archontiki Hotel
11. Porto Veneziano Hotel
12. AZADE Chania
13. Amphora Hotel
14. Casadipietra
15. Kriti Hotel
16. Hotel Aegli
17. Elia Palazzo Hotel
18. La Maison Ottomane
19. Samaria Hotel
20. Amphitri Hotel
Additional Info: Guests’ pickup is offered. We will meet you at your hotel lobby or the cruise port. Our guide will be holding a sign with your name.
Itinerary
1
Rethymnon Prefecture
Begin our Crete adventure tour with a wonderful scenic ride to the rolling hillsides of Crete’s Rethymno countryside. In a tiny village, you’ll visit a courtyard of a house, made famous through folklore where you will sip a morning Greek coffee or local mountain tea while hearing stories about life in the 19th-century Crete by the traditional house Museum owner.
As we continue our drive, you’ll see the authentic side of Crete, a side of the island that is not often enjoyed by tourists.
Duration: 3.5 hours
2
Monastery of Arkadi
Next, you’ll visit the Monastery of Arkadi, one of the island’s most famous landmarks and the most sacred symbol of Cretans’ struggle for Freedom. Explore this fortified monastery surrounded by striking natural beauty, enjoy its monumental architecture that will steal your heart, and listen to revolutionary stories and numerous legends of proud Cretan people. The time will be enough for taking a tour within its walls and admiring the refectory, the museum, an icon shop, as well as the religious edifices.
Duration: 2 hours
3
Margarites
Continuing the tour, we will drive to Margarites village in Rethymno, a hidden gem nestled in the heart of Crete. This charming village is a must-visit destination for those seeking an authentic and cultural experience. Known for its traditional pottery craftsmanship, Margarites offers a unique opportunity to witness the age-old art of pottery making. Stroll through the narrow streets lined with workshops and witness skilled artisans shaping clay into beautiful and intricate designs. Immerse yourself in the rich history and tradition of pottery as you explore the local museums and galleries. Indulge in the local cuisine at quaint tavernas, where you can savor traditional Cretan dishes made with fresh, locally sourced ingredients. Margarites Village also boasts stunning natural beauty, with picturesque landscapes and breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains.
Duration: 3.5 hours
Additional info
• Service animals allowed
• Public transportation options are available nearby
• Specialized infant seats are available
• Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
• Suitable for all physical fitness levels
• In general, there are few dress restrictions in Europe and dress codes are similar to those you are used to at home. Please note though that in many churches modest dress is required; no shorts or skimpy tops are permitted.
• Please wear comfortable shoes for walking.
• If you are happy with the services provided by your local a tip – though not compulsory – is appropriate. While it may not be customary to you, it is of great significance to the people who will take care of you during your travels, inspires excellent service, and is an entrenched feature of the tourism industry. Please consider this when budgeting for your extra expenses on this tour.
• Alcoholic beverages are allowed to participants age 18 or older because of the national alcohol restrictions. Participants under the age 18 are provided non-alcoholic beverages.
• Food Allergies: Unless you suffer from multiple, combined food allergies, or unless you are a vegan, we will figure it out. Vegetarians are welcome on all tours.
