Private Tour: Arkadi Monastery – Margarites – Rethymno
We start from your pickup point in Chania and we head to visit the Arkadi Monastery. We continue to the village of Margarites where there will be free time for a tour. Our next stop is Rethymno city for coffee and lunch. At the end we board the coach and we return to Chania.
After picking you up from your hotel or villa we head to the Arkadi Monastery which was founded by a monk named Arkadius in the 12th century and is an important part of Crete’s history. The monastery attracted the rebellious Cretans during the Turkish rule and was therefore looted many times by the Ottomans. Arkadi is the most historic monastery of Crete but also the holiest symbol of the Cretans’ struggle for freedom, as the tragic holocaust took place there in 1866. Due to this incident, the island was liberated in 1898 and Unesco has designated Arkadi as a European Freedom Monument.
We continue our route at the artistic village of Margarites, also known as ‘the village of jar makers’. The region is a major pottery center in Crete and has a long tradition and history in art. Wander and observe the picturesque alleys of the village as well as the decorative ceramics hanging on the walls and courtyards. It is a wonderful area of Crete with a very special tradition.
Our last stop is the beautiful city of Rethymno. A picturesque city that represents the Cretan Renaissance and anyone that visits it has the opportunity to wander into the past. It is certainly one of the most romantic cities offering an imposing view of the Aegean Sea from the Venetian fortress on the hill of Paleokastro. Enjoy a relaxing stroll along the crowded sidewalk and the alleys and enjoy a coffee or try some local delicacies by the sea view.
Experience the most beautiful parts of Crete! Your amazing tour ends with a comfortable transfer back to your hotel.