Private Excursion Arkadi Monastery, Rethymno, Margarites

The Private Excursion to Arkadi Monastery, Rethymno, and Margarites offers an opportunity to take in the rich cultural heritage of Crete. This comprehensive tour showcases the island’s renowned pottery tradition, the captivating history of the Arkadi Monastery, and the enchanting Venetian influences of Rethymno. With convenient pickup and drop-off services, this excursion promises a seamless and enriching experience for those seeking to delve deeper into the heart of Crete’s unique blend of natural beauty and cultural treasures. For those eager to uncover the hidden gems of this remarkable destination, the insights awaiting within this tour are truly compelling.

This experience made our list of the 25 Best Tours In Rethymno.

Key Points

• This private excursion offers a visit to Arkadi Monastery, a UNESCO European Freedom Monument, and the traditional pottery village of Margarites.
• The tour includes hotel pickup/drop-off, air-conditioned transport, and free entrance to a pottery workshop, with the Arkadi Monastery entrance fee covered in the total cost.
• Participants can observe local potters at work and purchase handmade souvenirs, while also exploring the 16th-century architecture and learning about the region’s rich history and Cretan resistance.
• The tour is accessible for wheelchair users, and audio guides in Greek and English are available for an enhanced experience.
• Flexible pickup and drop-off locations across Rethymno, Heraklion, and Bali provide convenience for travelers staying in various areas of the region.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Tour Overview and Pricing

This private excursion to Arkadi Monastery, Rethymno, and Margarites Village costs £334.29 per group of up to 3 participants and lasts for one day.

Travelers can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, and they don’t have to pay anything upfront – they can reserve their spot and pay later.

The tour includes free entrance to the pottery workshop, guided tours, an English-speaking driver, hotel pickup and drop-off, air-conditioned transportation, liability insurance, and all taxes.

The entrance fee to Arkadi Monastery is €4.00 per person. The tour is wheelchair accessible, and an audio guide is available in Greek and English, though personal expenses like food and drinks aren’t included.

Itinerary Highlights

As part of this private excursion, travelers will first visit the picturesque village of Margarites, renowned for its traditional pottery. Here, they can observe local potters at work and purchase handmade souvenirs to commemorate their visit.

Next, the tour will take them to the iconic Arkadi Monastery, a UNESCO European Freedom Monument and a symbol of Cretan resistance against Ottoman rule. The 16th-century architectural gem, nestled amidst olive groves, vineyards, and lush greenery at an altitude of 500 meters, offers a glimpse into the region’s rich history.

Pickup and Drop-off Locations

Travelers have several options when it comes to pickup and drop-off locations for this private excursion. The tour can be accessed from Rethimno, Heraklion, or Leof. Nearchou 10 in Bali for pickup, and they can be dropped off at Rethimno, Bali, Heraklion, or Leof. Nearchou 10.

This flexibility allows customers to conveniently start and end their tour from various locations across the region. The tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off, ensuring a seamless and hassle-free experience for participants.

Whether travelers are staying in Rethimno, Heraklion, or the Bali area, they can easily join this private excursion and explore the highlights of Arkadi Monastery, Rethymno, and Margarites.

Tour Inclusions

The tour includes free entrance to pottery workshops and guided tours, allowing participants to observe local artisans crafting traditional Cretan pottery.

Plus, an English-speaking driver accompanies the group, providing hotel pickup and drop-off, as well as transportation by air-conditioned vehicle.

Liability insurance and all taxes are also covered, and the entrance fee to Arkadi Monastery is included in the overall price of €4.00 per person.

This ensures a seamless and worry-free experience for guests, who can fully enjoy the cultural and historical highlights of the region without having to worry about additional expenses or logistics.

The tour’s inclusions are designed to provide a comprehensive and enjoyable excursion for visitors.

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Accessibility and Additional Information

This tour is wheelchair accessible, allowing guests with mobility challenges to fully participate in the cultural and historical exploration.

An audio guide is available in both Greek and English, providing an additional layer of information and context for visitors.

While the itinerary is carefully curated, it remains subject to potential changes due to unforeseen circumstances.

Guests should be aware that personal expenses, such as food, drinks, and snacks, aren’t included in the tour price.

Some key features of this tour include:

• Wheelchair accessibility for inclusive exploration

• Multilingual audio guides for immersive experiences

• Flexible itinerary to accommodate unexpected changes

• Guests responsible for their own personal expenses

Exploring Margarites Village

Nestled amidst the picturesque rolling hills of Crete, Margarites Village captivates visitors with its rich tradition of pottery-making, offering a glimpse into the island’s vibrant cultural heritage. As the tour explores this enchanting destination, guests will have the opportunity to witness skilled local artisans at work, demonstrating the intricate techniques that have been passed down through generations. The village is renowned for its high-quality handcrafted pottery, with a wide array of unique designs and styles on display. Visitors can browse the charming shops, interact with the potters, and even purchase one-of-a-kind souvenirs to take home, seeing the timeless essence of Cretan craftsmanship.

Popular Pottery Styles	Techniques Observed	Unique Souvenirs
Vases	Wheel Throwing	Handpainted Plates
Bowls	Coil Building	Ceramic Figurines
Mugs	Slab Construction	Decorative Bowls

Visiting Arkadi Monastery

Situated at an elevation of 500 meters amidst the captivating landscapes of olive groves, vineyards, and lush forestry, the Arkadi Monastery stands as a UNESCO-recognized European Freedom Monument. Its 16th-century architecture symbolizes the Cretan resistance against Ottoman rule.

Visitors can explore the monastery’s rich history and architectural significance, including:

• The ornate, Byzantine-inspired cathedral with stunning frescoes and religious artifacts.

• The cloisters, which offer a peaceful respite and panoramic views of the surrounding countryside.

• The museum, which houses a collection of sacred relics and documents chronicling the monastery’s role in the Cretan revolution.

Through this immersive experience, travelers can gain a deeper understanding of Crete’s enduring spirit of independence and the enduring legacy of the Arkadi Monastery.

Discovering Rethymno’s Venetian Legacy

Beyond the Arkadi Monastery’s storied past, Rethymno’s Venetian legacy awaits visitors, offering a captivating glimpse into the island’s rich cultural tapestry. This historic coastal city, once a thriving Venetian settlement, boasts an array of well-preserved Venetian architecture that transports travelers back in time.

From the majestic Fortezza, a 16th-century fortress, to the charming Venetian Loggia and the picturesque Rimondi Fountain, Rethymno’s Venetian gems capture the essence of the city’s illustrious past. As visitors stroll through the Old Town’s winding streets, they’ll discover a vibrant hub of shops, cafes, and local artisans, all set against a backdrop of timeless Venetian elegance.

Venetian Landmark	Description
Fortezza	16th-century fortress
Venetian Loggia	Ornate Venetian-style building
Rimondi Fountain	Iconic Renaissance-era fountain
Old Town	Captivating Venetian-influenced architecture

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Tour Suitable for Families With Children?

The tour appears suitable for families with children. It includes free entrance to the pottery workshop, guided tours, and transportation in an air-conditioned vehicle. The itinerary covers cultural and historical sites that may interest both adults and children.

Can We Customize the Tour Itinerary to Our Preferences?

Yes, the tour can be customized to your preferences. The tour provider allows flexibility in the itinerary, so you can tailor the tour to your interests and needs. Just let them know your preferences, and they’ll do their best to accommodate them.

Are There Any Discounts Available for Group Bookings?

The tour offers a group discount for up to 3 participants, priced at £334.29 per group. Plus, there’s a free cancellation policy up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

What Type of Transportation Is Used During the Tour?

The tour includes transportation by an air-conditioned vehicle. The driver will provide hotel pickup and drop-off service for the participants, ensuring a comfortable and convenient excursion throughout the day.

Can We Stop for a Traditional Cretan Lunch During the Excursion?

The tour doesn’t mention a traditional Cretan lunch stop, but passengers can likely request this during the excursion. The driver and tour guide should be able to accommodate a lunch break at a local restaurant, if desired.

Recap

This private excursion to Arkadi Monastery, Rethymno, and Margarites offers an enriching cultural experience.

Visitors can admire the pottery tradition in Margarites, explore the historic Arkadi Monastery, and discover Rethymno’s Venetian legacy.

With convenient pickup and drop-off, this tour provides an engaging way to take in Crete’s rich heritage and stunning scenery.

You can check if your dates are available here: