Discover the essence of Crete’s rich traditions and cultural heritage as you embark on a journey through time. Our carefully crafted tour encompasses the authentic charm of traditional villages, the allure of a captivating town, the serenity of a medieval monastery, and the grandeur of a Venetian fortress. Immerse yourself in picturesque landscapes that will leave you in awe. Throughout the journey, our knowledgeable guide will regale you with captivating stories and fascinating historical facts about Greece and Crete. By the end of the day, you’ll be filled with a sense of contentment and satisfaction, knowing that you’ve had an incredible experience. Join us and create cherished memories on this remarkable tour!
10:00 – 18:00
(Preferred time can be aligned in personal manner)
We will start collecting participants from pick-up points in the morning. Depending on the place of your hotel/apartment the bus/car drive will differ.
From your preferred pickup point, our skilled guide will be ready to transport you to the heart of our first destination. This driving time provides you with the perfect opportunity to soak in the surrounding views and prepare for the memorable exploration that lies ahead. Together we meet on our way astonishing mountain landscapes, hidden ancient churches with frescoes located in the mountain valleys, a traditional, but not a touristic village, where local people gasp when they see an unfamiliar car, it is so unusual for them to see “strangers” here (here we will have the opportunity to taste real Greek coffee in a real Greek kafeneio – well, let’s try to pretend we are locals!)
Drive to Fourni village – 1 hour.
Next stop is in medieval Monastery called Aretiou. It is located in very quiet area, surrounded by rocks and 12 old cypress trees. You can walk around to see its interior and meet very friendly monk Father Evmenios.
Drive to Moni Aretiou – 15 minutes.
Ahead of us is a place called Plaka – it is a small fishing village, but with a huge soul and long history filled with interesting facts! On the way to Plaka the guide is telling us history facts about Spinalonga island which is opposite to the village. After that we will have a free time for a delicious lunch with fresh seafood in one of the best taverns in the area and time to dip into the clear Cretan Sea. Just next to the tavern there is an excellent beach with crystal clear water – however, the entrance here is rocky, so better be prepared! Special shoes for swimming will be a good choice!
Drive to Plaka – 20 minutes.
Following our break in the lovely Spili village, we set course for the vibrant city of Rethymno. As one of Crete’s most charming cities, Rethymno offers a picturesque blend of history and contemporary life. You’ll witness firsthand the seamless blend of the city’s Venetian and Ottoman influences in the architecture and cultural traditions. As you stroll its lively streets and explore its unique corners, you’ll feel the pulse of Rethymno’s captivating character. The city’s historical charm, along with its modern buzz, will have you captivated, rounding off a day filled with varied Cretan experiences. From the tranquil palm-fringed beaches to the friendly village taverns, and now to the dynamic energy of Rethymno, we’ve traversed Crete’s unique landscapes together. As our journey reaches its conclusion, we will return to our initial pick-up point. Our day of exploring Crete’s vibrant countryside, history, and culture ends here, leaving you with memories to cherish and stories to share.
Drive to Agios Nikolaos – 30 minutes.
Drive back to the hotel/apartment where we gathered participants in the morning.
Drive back – 1 -1.5 hours.
