10 Cultural Tours in Rethymnon Prefecture That You Shouldn't Miss

We will start our tour by visiting a beautiful well-hidden village, Margarites. The tradition of pottery goes back many generations in this village and you will be able to have a small demonstration of pottery.After a 20' drive, we will continue to the religious part of our tour. Our goal is to make you familiar with our culture and religious customs. Arkadi Monastery is perhaps the best known monastery on Crete due to the Holocaust of 1866.Let’s explore together the nature of Crete. The gorge of Patsos is a small yet magnificent gorge, which begins at Ano Assites. The whole area around the gorge is of particular natural beauty. If the weather does not permit our entrance to the gorge, we may visit a very interesting museum and archeological site in the nearby ancient village of Eleftherna. Enjoy a traditional lunch in the local taverna.

Inclusions: Bottled water, Lunch, Coffee and/or Tea

Exclusions: The guide will not enter with you in the Monastery of Arkadi

Chania City - Falassarna Beach The City of Chania is the first destination of our trip. You will have 3hrs of free time to explore the city. Chania is famous for its diverse cultural heritage, archeological ruins, classical buildings and fascinating history. The Old Town is the heart of Chania. It is perfectly formed by narrow labyrinth like alleyways and buildings dating back to various ancient periods of time. Don’t hesitate to wander around the streets of the Old Town, you will discover the magnificent beauty that awaits you.Our next and final destination is Falassarna Beach, which is located on the west coast of Crete. Falassarna beach has been awarded for being the best beach in Crete and one of the top 10 beaches in Europe. It has light pick coloured sand and crystal clear waters with long magical waves coming in from the Mediterranean. Here you will have 3 hrs free time to relax and enjoy the sun. After that we return to Rethymno, where you will be taken back to your hotel .

Inclusions: Hotel pickup

Exclusions:

For this excursion, you will be picked up from your hotel area by our airconditioned mini bus. The first stop is at the Spili village. You will have a chance to see a 100% traditional village with its well know lion-head fountains in the middle of the village. Walking along its cobbled streets you can explore the tourist shops which are full of traditional Cretan products. The next stop is at the amphitheatrically built village of AgiaGalini. Here will have 2,5 hrs to explore the village. The next stop is at Matala where you will have 3 hr of free time to enjoy the golden sandy beach. Matala is not only known for its beautiful beaches but also for its artificially carved caves that date all the way back to the Minoan period. These same caves were later occupied by a hippy commune in the late 60’s and 70’s. Many musicians have composed song about the beauty of Matala including Bob Dylan and Cat Stevens. The bus will then take you back to your hotel ending this amazing excursion.

Inclusions: Air-conditioned vehicle

Exclusions: Lunch

Live music performed by our musician duo, hosted in a private Venetian villa over lunch and wine pairing! Our escape starts by visiting the pottery village of Margarites to explore the labyrinth of narrow alleyways and admire the ceramic works of the numerous shops in town. We then make our way to a ceramist to learn about the art of pottery and to make our own piece. Wine and music next with our friends and musicians Nelly and Dimitris as they open their home to us for a traditional Greek lunch paired with six Cretan wines from indigenous grapes. Our hosts will also treat us to some beautiful music. Dessert is reserved in a traditional taverna in the local village along with Cretan tsikoudia. The taverna contains the owner’s personal collection of folklore items that adorn every corner of the space.

Inclusions: Wine and food pairing (Full Lunch and Dessert), Six wines to taste, WiFi on board, Private music performance by the hosts in a Venetian villa, Sightseeing in the heart of Rethymno’s inland, Visit Margarites, a village famous for pottery, Private sommelier (Diploma Level) and professional commentary, Complimentary refreshments in the car

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Discover the seaside village of Elounda and walk amongst history on the island of Spinalonga. Finishing our touring on this much afflicted place, we head for the small bay of Kolokitha. It’s one of the most beautiful beaches on Crete. It is a remote beach with white sand and deep blue serene water, side by side with old olive groves. There we can swim and taste the delicious BBQ served on the boat. After our short respite, we go back to Elounda. Then we move to the picturesque town of Agios Nikolaos, where we have our last stop. We have the chance to enjoy our coffee getting a perfect view of the magnificent lake, do our shopping in the traditional local shops and relax for a while before we hit the road for our going back.

Inclusions: Professional guide, Air-conditioned vehicle, ▪︎ Hotel pick-up in Malia,Stalis,Hersonisos,Anisaras,Gouves,Heraklion,Ammoudara,Ag Pelagia,Fodele

Exclusions: Entrance to Spinalonga (8 Euros or less for children/EU citizens over 65), Personal expenses

South Trip Special This excursion begins with the traditional village of Spili. Here you will have enough time to explore the village and have a look at the Venetian fountain ‘kefalovrissi’ with 19 lion heads. Passing through the extravagant scenery of the Kroutaliotiko Gorge you reach the Preveli Monastery. After Preveli Monastery the next stop is the Palm Beach of Preveli. From the top you will see one of the most breathtaking views of the blue waters combined with the lagoon and palm forest. You then continue to walk down the steps where you will end up on the best and palm forest. Here you will have about 2 hours of free time to soak it all in before continuing to Damnoni. The boat will take you from Preveli to Damnoni where you will have a break for lunch or refreshments. Damnoni is also an amazingly beautiful place and has an organized beach. When this incredible excursion ends you will be taken back to your Hotel area.

Inclusions: Tour guide

Exclusions: Boat ticket from Preveli to Damnoni 8€ per Person

The Real Crete: On this excursion you will have the opportunity to see many places that represent the traditional lifestyle and some historical facts of Crete. The first stop is at Melidoni Cave which is a cave full of history and dates back to Neolithic Period based on tools and items found it the cave. The second stop is at the village of Margarites. Margarites is famous for its pottery that goes back many generations. The third stop is at the Museum of Eleftherna before you get to the Arkadi Monastery. The Arkadi Monastery is the oldest monastery in Crete. You then continue on the village of Apostoli. Here you will visit an old olive oil factory and see how the production of our olive oil is made. In this village you will also eat in a traditional tavern whilst enjoying the beautiful sound of live Creta music. The second last stop is at Saint Antonios Gorge for photos and finally the last stop which is the Dam known as "Fragma Potamon" which is the home of many animals and flowers.

Inclusions: Air-conditioned vehicle, WiFi on board

Exclusions: Lunch, All Fees and Taxes

Be transported to a magical world of wine, monasteries, chapels and scenic villages. Take the Sacred Paths to wonder! The tour’s first stop is the historic winery of the Monastery of Tzagarolon, this beautiful monastery is set in the picturesque Akrotiri peninsula of Chania. The temple features admirable Byzantine architecture, a folklore museum and an ancient library of rarities. Sample select wines from the monastery’s production while admiring and learning about the wine equipment of the past on display, your tasting will be paired with a small ‘kerasma’ meze offering. Enjoy a picturesque drive to the family-owned Dourakis Winery in Apokoronas to learn about viticulture and the winemaking process and taste their wine. The next stop is to a well-hidden old-style kafeneio, and just across from it is the last ‘sacred’ stop to meet the key holder of a treasured chapel to explore its beautifully painted Byzantine art interiors.

Inclusions: Traditional Greek/Cretan Meze lunch, 8 wines to be tasted, Private Sommelier (Diploma Level) and professional commentary, Visit the monastery of Agia Triada, Visit a local Cretan winery, Visit a beautiful hidden village, Explore Byzantine art at a beautiful small chapel, Complimentary refreshments in the car

Exclusions:

Escape on the most intimate and exclusive of Cretan brunch journey's with your beloved one or a group of friends. At the winery, you'll explore a vineyard, cellar and other production facilities before you dive into a homemade Cretan brunch. The setup is designed to please the eyes! On the menu are fresh eggs form the hencoop, local cheese, fresh tomatoes and cucumbers from the garden, an aunty’s pie, sheep’s yoghurt and honey from The Psiloritis mountains. Cold cuts from a small producer and homemade rusks. Your brunch will be served in hand-made natural ceramic plates and dishes for an elevated experience. This unique pairing of wine for brunch is handcrafted to hearty, healthy and delicious perfection. All pots and plates are handmade with care by a local ceramist from natural clay. Depending on the winery and your location, we will include a short cultural stop to a pottery village, gorge or traditional kafenio (Cretan Café).

Inclusions: 6 wines to taste, Indulge in a Cretan brunch prepared just for you, Visit a cultural site such as the village of Margarites or a hidden Gorge, Professional guide sommelier with a certified diploma level from WSET, Pick-up and drop-off from and to your hotel, Refreshments during the trip, WiFi on board, Explore a winery, it's cellars and gardens

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Hop down to the heart of Central Crete, the beloved land of our ancestors, and let the wonders of the Minoan world collide on this luxurious passage of time. From the comfort of a premium chauffeured vehicle & escorted by our top local insider revel in the endless luxuries of the ancient Messara plain where wine-red fertile soils treasure lavish vineyards & the oldest olive groves stretch perennially toward the horizon. Visit a family award-winning winery set on the peak of allure panoramas & let our passionate winemakers immerse you into their intoxicating world. Luxuriate in ages unearthing the Bronze Age palaces of Phaistos & Gortyna along with storied villages & monasteries. In the afternoon, tuck in the bohemian vibe of Matala that captivated Bob Dylan & Janis Joplin. Bask in the turquoise waters of the Libyan Sea & unwind in the charming village irresistible for its freshly caught grilled fish & finest ouzo. To us, travel means putting fire in your soul with the best stories.

Inclusions: Personal pick-up & drop-off with a flexibly adjusted pick-up time, Chauffeured premium vehicle at your disposal, Vehicle comforts: mineral water, fresh fruit & snacks, Wi-Fi, USB sockets & hygiene amenities, Private knowledgeable local insider guide, Exclusive insider-access opportunities & tailored details of your personal interest, Dine as locals do: restaurant & bar recommendations, Full support from your travel planner before & during your day trip

Exclusions: Drinks and meals in taverns, Admission fees (if applicable), Gortyna guided tour (if requested), Wine tasting expenses (if requested)