Discover the beauty surrounding Rethymno as you cycle along the coastline. Just before you start the journey uphill, you will make your first stop at the Arsani Monastery. From there you will continue uphill through the olive groves, passing small picturesque villages before making your next stop to the village of Amnatos. There you can admire the mansion of Sanguinazzo, where you will discover above its main door the inscription which states "Initium sapientiae timor Domini". Your next stop is the Arkadi Monastery, which boasts a rich and prestigious history. You can learn about the resistance of the local people and the heroic acts of the monks, which will help you understand the significant role they played during the Greek revolution against the Ottomans. Following the monastery, you will be spoiled with a selection of traditional dishes in a traditional taverna. Due to the elevated location, you will also have breathtaking panoramic views over Rethymno and the Mediterranean Coast whilst you dine. Following lunch, you'll ride towards Pigi Village and make a final stop at Adele, before slowly making your way back to your starting point.

After you will be picked off in the morning from your hotel in Rethymnon, this unique village tour begins from Arkadi. There you will visit the historic Arkadi Monastery, renowned for its pivotal role in the resistance against the Turks. You will learn a lot about local history from the icons and the weapons there. After this enriching visit, you will enjoy a majestic route towards Eleutherna where you will stop to glaze the landscape and enjoy the view. The next station will be the village of Margarites, in which you can learn about the art of pottery and create your own ceramic in their local pottery workshop. The tradition of pottery goes back many generations in this village and the ladies there will be more than happy to initiate you to the Cretan pottery art. Afterwards, you will be heading to Melidoni cave, also called “Gerodospilios,” which is a historic cave filled with stalactites and stalagmites. This 220-meter altitude cave was a place of worship for Talos the bronze giant guardian of Crete who protected the island of Crete from enemies. You will have an hour to explore the cave. Before heading back to Rethymnon, you will stop at Axos Village, where you will have the chance to experience firsthand the production process of fresh cheese. Along with the local people you can take part in the milking process, witness the production of local cheese pies and cheese and of course taste the fresh traditional handmade snacks. After the relaxed time for snacks and resting you are ready to depart and get dropped off at your hotel in Rethymnon, with a full experience of Crete's history, art and flavors.

See Crete on a guided tour that combines history and craft for a hands-on experience. Visit the most historical spots on the island, learn their history, and enjoy a pottery lesson and olive oil tasting. Visit the Museum of Ancient Eleftherna, Melidoni Cave, and more. Start by getting picked up from your accommodation in Rethymno, then arrive at the most important monastery of Crete: the Monastery of Arkadi. Explore the museum where many icons, monastic relics, and weapons reveal the monastery’s history. Enjoy an hour of free time. Next, visit the Museum of Ancient Eleftherna with its historical findings from Homer’s era. This is the first archaeological site museum in Crete. The museum hosts the whole history of Eleftherna from 3000 B.C. to 1300 A.D. Afterward, enjoy a tour of the pottery workshop “TSIKALARIO” in the village of Margarites to learn about the art of pottery and create your own ceramic. The tradition of pottery goes back many generations in this villa. Later, visit Margarites village where you will have free time for lunch or a walk. Next, head to an olive oil manufactory. Learn how Cretan people made olive oil in the past and see the evolution up to today. Take part in an olive oil tasting before heading to the next stop, Melidoni Cave. Lastly, arrive at Melidoni, also called “Gerodospilios,” a historic cave filled with stalactites and stalagmites. This 220-meter altitude cave was used for religious ceremonies and as a place of worship. Learn the cave's archaeological and historical significance before heading back to Rethymno.

First we collect you by bus from your hotel and drive to the monastery of Arkadi. Before we set off on our bikes you will have a chance to visit the historic and very famous monastery. Arkadi played a very important part in Crete's history of resistance against the Turks and you will also be able to see a fascinating collection of icons, weapons and clerical items in the museum. We then get on our bikes and cycle through stunning scenery, olive groves and orange trees, passing through the villages of Amnatos, Kyrianna, Loutra and Asteri. Here you will get a glimpse of how Cretan people still live and work in the traditional way. We then pass through Hamalevri and eventually arrive at Stavromenos and then Scaleta. We will stop for a coffee break at the lovely village of Scaleta, next to the beach, just before we load all the bikes back to the trailer and drive to Margarites pottery village. Just outside the village we get back on the bikes and you will get a chance to explore this beautiful location, which has been famous for its pottery for centuries. Then we'll meet up and have a relaxing snack in the picturesque countryside and under a carob tree. After the snack we cycle down to Perama, before hopping back on the bus to drive to Melidoni and visit the famous cave. The history of this amazing archaeological site goes back thousands of years and it is said to be the mythical home of Talos, the giant bronze protector of Crete. From here we get back on the bus and visit a sandy beach, where you can swim or just laze in the sun, before we take you back to your hotel at the end of a perfect day.

Meet with your guide at the terminal of Cretan Spiti Travel at Eleftherias Square in front of Astoria Capsis Hotel at 08.30 and start driving to our first stop Zaros, an attractive, refreshingly unspoiled village famous for its spring water, which is now bottled and sold all over Greece, and an ideal base for walkers to explore the beautiful nature. Zaros also has some fine Byzantine monasteries, and delicious farm-raised trout served up in tavernas around town and on emerald-green Lake Votomos which will be visited. Then we continue our drive to the traditional Cretan village of Vatos, a small village hidden in the green where we find all the elements of its tradition. Walking down the alleys we visit the old school and its fountain as well as the museum with the farming tools and utensils of earlier times. We finish at a cauldron of the village where you make Raki (the famous alcoholic beverage of Crete). Spili is our next stop known for its Venetian snake with a long line of 25 stone lion heads that run cool water from their mouths. Then we visit Lampini, the church and the museum of Panagia. The church is inscribed with a cupola, and depicts frescoes of the 12th and 14th century. It was an Episcopal church, since the village of Lampini once accommodated the seat of the famous Episcopate of Lampis, which had existed since 431. Drive to Gorge of St. Antonios, short walk through beautiful nature up to the cave of St. Antonios and enjoy your lunch at Drymos Restaurant (optional). After the lunch crossing the lush villages of Amarios 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. Late in the afternoon at 19:00, we return to Heraklion at the terminal in front of Astoria Capsis Hotel.

Experience the wonders of western Crete at your own pace with a personalized private tour, traveling in utmost comfort aboard a brand-new luxury Mercedes Vito minibus accompanied by a professional driver. Begin your journey by visiting the historic Arkadi Monastery, renowned for its pivotal role in the resistance against the Turks. Following this enriching visit, your driver will escort you to the captivating town of Rethymnon, where a delectable lunch awaits near the charming harbor. After indulging in a culinary delight, you'll have ample time to wander through the enchanting old town, immersing yourself in its alluring atmosphere, meandering through delightful shops, and getting lost in the labyrinthine narrow streets. As the afternoon unfolds, you'll be gracefully chauffeured back to your hotel, cherishing the memories of a truly unforgettable exploration of western Crete.

Take a private day trip with a Mercedes Vito van from Rethymno to Arkadi Monastery - Museum Of Ancient Eleftherna - Margarites Village and Melidoni cave Arkadi Monastery The most important and historic Venetian church in Crete history. The heroic revolution of the Cretans until the complete liberation has its own reference point, and it is none other than the Arkadi Monastery. Museum Of Ancient Eleutherna The first Archaeological Site Museum in Crete, the Museum of Ancient Eleftherna, covers an area of 1700 sq.m. while the total area of the archaeological site is 13 acres. The construction of the Museum, which began in 2012, includes three rooms hosting the entire history of the city from 3000 BC. to 1300 AD, with objects of everyday life and works of art from prehistoric, geometric, archaic, classical, Hellenistic, Roman, early Byzantine and Byzantine periods. Margarites Village The tradition of pottery goes back many generations in this village and you will be able to find an elder to show you how the pots are hand thrown. The village, which has some extraordinary architecture and lovely narrow winding streets, is well worth exploring. Duration 6 hours If selected Melidoni cave Melidoniou Cave, the well-known Gerontospelios in the prefecture of Rethymnon, is one of the most important historical caves of Crete. An admirable creation of nature at an altitude of 220 meters, to the south of Kouloukona mountain, near the village of the same name. Duration 8 hours

This private guided tour takes place in Rethymno, and lets you discover the history of Rethymno Region. Unknown historical information and various points of great significance ought to be discovered in this full-day tour. We start this tour by doing various sightseeing stops, to see the valleys and villages of Mainland Rethymno, a prefecture east of Chania Region. After a lovely drive through one of Rethymno’s most beautiful gorges, we finally reach the Monastery of Arkadi with huge historical & Archaeological significance. Free time is given to explore the artefacts of the monastery, pray and meditate, as well as gather in the gunpowder room and learn about the history of self- committed suicide of monks, women and warriors during the Ottoman Rule of the island. We continue our full-day guided tour to visit the Museum of Eleftherna, which hosts many historic artefacts from the recent excavations of the old town and necropolis that dates back to the Homer years. Time is being given free to explore the museum, and interact with the experienced museum staff. As we continue onwards, we may stop for lunch at a lovely tavern that serves traditional and organic Cretan food, or we continue straight to the Arts and Crafts village of Margarites. This Village is famous worldwide for the many art workshops and handmade crafts artists that reside in the village, owning their own shops and producing souvenirs of the highest quality. After a stroll in the village, having bought some unique handmade souvenirs at a bargain price, we continue to visit a unique underground cave with huge historical significance. This underground cave is unique in Crete, and a Must see! Needless to say, this will be the highlight of your excursion to Rethymno, as we stand in awe admiring the numerous stalactites and stalagmites and learning about the history of the Cave, on the Foothills of Mount Ida (Psiloritis Mountain).

Morning Pick up: We will pick you up from your hotel. Depending on the place of your hotel/apartment the bus drive will differ. 1st stop: Margarites Visit Margarites village which is known on Crete for its pottery, with ceramics shops and workshops lining the streets of this charming small village. The tradition of pottery goes back many generations in this village. You will visit the pottery workshop Keramion where you will enjoy a professional workshop to see how traditional ceramics are made and why not try to create your own (optional)! Moreover, you will find a special and unique product, the famous cup of justice. It was an ingenious wine cup which had a line that determined the limit of fulfillment and an axial or curved siphon. When one filled it excessively, the level of liquid covered the siphon and emptied automatically. It is considered an invention of Pythagoras who wanted to teach his students the necessity of complying with moderation in our lives. 2nd stop: Arkadi Monastery Explore the Monastery which has an architecture and history that will captivate you. It is one of the most impressive monasteries of Crete, which is played an active role in the Cretan resistance of Ottoman rule during the Cretan revolt of 1866. Places of special interest in Monastery -The Church which is a basilica with two naves; dedicated to the Transfiguration of Christ and to Saint Constantine and Saint Helen. It was built in 1587 in the place of the smaller church of the 13th century. -The bullet tree which witnessed the 1866 great battle, stands wounded by the Tourkish bullets, the superannuated cypress in the space of the cross showing towards the church. -Monk cells which were the personal area of the monks, a place of pray and inner though. -Museum where many icons and monastic relics as well as weapons are exhibited. 3rd stop: Thronos Village Afterwards, you will visit the traditional cauldron of the village where you will be able to watch all the stages of distillation, but also taste fresh raki, along with all those Cretan delicacies that accompany the company of raki, and also have fun! At the end of the day we transfer you back to your hotel, happy and smiling after a unique experience.

Meet your private driver to start this wonderful private tour in Crete. Village of Margarites: We have the first visit at day by visiting Margarites village, which is famous for its traditional pottery. You can watch local potters at work and buy handmade souvenirs to take home. Arkadi Monastery: From Margarites, head to the Arkadi Monastery,  it has been designated by UNESCO as a European Freedom Monument. This 16th-century monastery is a symbol of Cretan resistance against Ottoman rule and is known for its beautiful architecture and religious significance. Built at 12th century, at an altitude of 500 meters, on a fertile plateau with olive groves, vineyards, pines, cypress and oak trees Walking tour at Rethymno: Start your tour at the Venetian Fortezza, a 16th-century fortress that overlooks the town and the sea.  Walk down the hill to the Old Town and enter through the Venetian Loggia, a beautiful building that once served as a meeting place for the Venetian nobility. Today, it houses the Town Hall. From the Loggia, head to the Rimondi Fountain, a 16th-century fountain that was once the main source of water for the town. The fountain is decorated with carvings of lions, dolphins, and mythical creatures. Walk along Arkadiou Street, which is lined with shops, cafes, and restaurants.  Take a left turn onto Vernardou Street, which is a picturesque street lined with small shops selling souvenirs, handicrafts, and local products. Continue to the Nerantze Mosque, which was built by the Ottomans in the 17th century and is now used as an art gallery. The mosque has a beautiful courtyard with a fountain and a garden. Walk along Paleologou Street and admire the Venetian and Ottoman-era buildings, which are adorned with colorful facades, wooden balconies, and ornate doors.