Full Day Private Tour to the Most Isolated Monastery of Crete

For those seeking a truly immersive and serene experience, a full-day private tour to the Arkadi Monastery on the island of Crete is a must. This 5-star rated journey delves into the historical and architectural wonders of one of Crete’s most isolated monasteries, complemented by a traditional Cretan lunch and dinner prepared by resident monks. Guests will be awestruck by the breathtaking landscapes, rugged mountains, and lush forests as they travel in comfort. But the true highlight lies in the monastery’s sacred spaces, where the past and present converge, inviting visitors to pause, reflect, and perhaps uncover a deeper connection to this remarkable place.

This experience made our list of the 9 Best Full-Day Tours In Crete.

Key Points

• Explore the Arkadi Monastery, a significant historical site on Crete, with a guided tour and traditional Cretan lunch and dinner included.

• Journey through rugged mountains and breathtaking landscapes, with opportunities to spot rare flora and fauna.

• Experience the convenience of hotel pickup and drop-off in Heraklion, as well as a flexible tour schedule.

• Enjoy the comfort of air-conditioned transportation and a 5.0 rating from previous guests.

• Take advantage of the free cancellation policy up to 24 hours before the tour.

Tour Overview and Features

The full-day private tour to the most isolated monastery of Crete offers an immersive experience for visitors seeking to explore the island’s rich religious heritage.

Rated 5.0 out of 5 by previous guests, the tour transports travelers to one of Crete’s most remote and captivating monasteries.

Priced at $655.20 for up to 4 people, the tour includes lunch, dinner, and refreshments, as well as air-conditioned transportation.

The tour departs from a convenient meeting point in Heraklion and returns to the same location, making it easy to access.

Whether you’re interested in history, architecture, or spiritual reflection, this private tour promises an unforgettable journey to Crete’s most secluded monastic sanctuary.

Inclusions

Lunch and a traditional dinner at the Abbey are included in the full-day private tour. Guests also receive an energy drink, energy bar, and a bottle of water.

The tour includes an air-conditioned vehicle, providing a comfortable and enjoyable experience. The tour’s inclusions ensure that participants can fully enjoy the journey without worrying about basic needs.

The package offers:

• Lunch and traditional dinner at the Abbey
• Energy drink, energy bar, and bottle of water
• Air-conditioned vehicle
• Convenient pickup and drop-off service

These inclusions cater to the needs of the tour’s participants, allowing them to focus on the exploration and discovery of the most isolated monastery of Crete.

Pickup and Meeting Details

Pickup is available from any hotel or agreed point within Heraklion.

The meeting point is at Leof. Nearchou 10, Iraklio 713 06, Greece, which is easy to find. The tour ends back at the same meeting point.

Guests can be picked up from any location in Heraklion, making it convenient to start the tour.

The pickup and meeting details are designed to provide a seamless and hassle-free experience for participants.

With clear instructions on the meeting point, the tour ensures a smooth start and end to the day’s adventure.

Tour Schedule and Accessibility

Starting as early as 08:00 am, this full-day tour allows guests to enjoy the solitude and serenity of the most isolated monastery in Crete.

Confirmation is received at booking, subject to availability if within 3 hours of travel.

The tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, but service animals are allowed.

It’s situated near public transportation, and infant seats are available.

No serious medical conditions are required for participation.

• Start time: 08:00 am
• Confirmation received at booking, subject to availability if within 3 hours of travel
• Not wheelchair accessible; service animals allowed
• Near public transportation; infant seats available

Immersive Monastery Experience

Guests on this immersive tour will have the rare opportunity to explore the serene and isolated Arkadi Monastery, one of Crete’s most significant historical and cultural sites. This all-inclusive experience allows visitors to enjoy the monastery’s rich history and traditions.

Activity	Duration
Tour of the Monastery	1.5 hrs
Traditional Lunch	1 hr
Exploration of Olive Grove	30 mins
Dinner with Monks	1.5 hrs

Guests will enjoy a guided tour of the monastery’s grand architecture, sacred spaces, and museum exhibits. After the tour, they’ll savor a traditional Cretan lunch and explore the picturesque olive grove. The experience culminates with a special dinner prepared by the monastery’s resident monks.

Stunning Landscape Highlights

The tour also takes visitors on an awe-inspiring journey through the monastery’s serene and dramatic natural surroundings.

Nestled amidst rugged mountains, the monastery is surrounded by a breathtaking landscape that showcases Crete’s untamed beauty.

Along the way, guests will be treated to:

• Panoramic vistas of the island’s majestic coastline
• Hikes through lush, pine-scented forests
• Visits to remote, centuries-old shepherd shelters
• Opportunities to spot rare, endemic flora and fauna

This immersive experience allows participants to fully disconnect from the outside world and connect with the natural splendor of this isolated yet captivating region of Crete.

Flexibility and Convenience

This tour offers a high degree of flexibility and convenience for travelers. Guests can be picked up from their hotel or an agreed-upon meeting point in Heraklion, making it easy to access the tour.

The tour also ends back at the same meeting point, simplifying the return journey. With a confirmed reservation, travelers don’t need to worry about availability, as long as they book at least 3 hours in advance.

Plus, the tour isn’t wheelchair-accessible, but it does allow service animals, and infant seats are available.

Booking and Cancellation Policy

With a free cancellation policy up to 24 hours before the experience starts, travelers can book this tour with flexibility.

The booking process is straightforward – they can reserve now and pay later, allowing for more planning convenience.

Additionally:

• Confirmation is received at the time of booking, subject to availability if within 3 hours of travel.
• The tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, but service animals are allowed.
• It’s located near public transportation, and infant seats are available.
• No serious medical conditions are required for participation.

This combination of flexible booking, easy cancellation, and accessibility features makes this full-day private tour to the Most Isolated Monastery of Crete a hassle-free experience for visitors.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Take Photographs Inside the Monastery?

The monastery allows visitors to take photographs inside, but they may need to follow certain guidelines or restrictions set by the monastery. It’s best to check with the tour guide or monastery staff beforehand.

Is There a Dress Code for Visiting the Monastery?

There’s no formal dress code, but visitors should dress modestly when visiting the monastery. Shorts, short skirts, and sleeveless tops aren’t permitted out of respect for the religious setting.

Is There an Option to Extend the Tour Duration?

The tour does not mention an option to extend the duration. However, customers can likely request an extension at an additional cost by contacting the tour provider directly and checking availability.

Can I Request Special Dietary Requirements for the Meals?

Yes, travelers can request special dietary requirements for the meals on this tour. The tour provider will accommodate any dietary needs, such as vegetarian, vegan, or gluten-free, if notified in advance.

Is There an Option to Add Additional Stops Along the Way?

Yes, the tour company likely allows adding additional stops along the way. Customers can likely discuss their interests and requests with the tour operator to customize their itinerary, though additional fees may apply.

The Sum Up

This full-day private tour offers an immersive experience at Crete’s most isolated monastery, Arkadi. Guests can explore the monastery’s rich history and architecture, enjoy traditional Cretan cuisine, and marvel at the stunning natural landscapes. With convenient transportation, flexible scheduling, and high satisfaction from previous visitors, this tour provides a serene and memorable way to discover the unique cultural and spiritual heritage of Crete.