Tour in Crete, Rethymno, Arkadi Monastery, Margarites Pottery

Crete, the largest Greek island, beckons visitors with its rich history and distinctive culture. On this private tour, one can enjoy the island’s heritage, starting with the awe-inspiring Arkadi Monastery, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. From there, the journey continues to the charming village of Margarites, known for its traditional pottery-making. With personalized insights from an English-speaking driver, this day of discovery promises to uncover the island’s enchanting blend of ancient and contemporary elements. But what makes this tour truly remarkable is the opportunity to witness the skilled artisans at work, crafting pottery pieces that reflect Crete‘s enduring artistic legacy.

Key Points

• This full-day private tour covers the Arkadi Monastery, Margarites village, and Rethymno city in Crete, providing a comprehensive cultural and historical experience.
• The tour includes round-trip transportation from designated pickup locations, such as cruise ships, hotels, or Heraklion airport.
• Guests can expect a customized tour based on their preferences and budget, with the driver providing insights into the local culture and history.
• The tour involves walking and may not be suitable for those with mobility issues due to uneven terrain, though infant seats are available.
• With an overall rating of 4.0 out of 5, the tour generally receives positive reviews, though some customers have noted areas for improvement, such as the need for a professional guide.

Tour Overview

The tour in Crete encompasses a full-day excursion to the historical Arkadi Monastery, the charming village of Margarites renowned for its pottery, and the picturesque city of Rethymno.

This private tour is designed for your group’s exclusive participation, providing a personalized experience. Priced from $348.89 per person, the tour includes round-trip transportation from your cruise ship, hotel, or Heraklion airport, with an English-speaking driver.

While meals and admission fees aren’t included, all taxes are covered. Guests can expect to do some walking, so comfortable shoes are recommended.

Despite a few minor disappointments reported in the single review, the overall rating of 4.0 suggests a generally positive experience for travelers.

Inclusions

This tour includes pickup and drop-off from the cruise ship, hotel, or Heraklion airport, providing convenient transportation for participants.

Private transportation with an English-speaking driver is provided, and all taxes are included in the price.

The tour includes:

• Pickup and drop-off from the specified location

• Private transportation with an English-speaking driver

• All taxes included in the price

While the tour provides transportation and some amenities, guests will need to cover the cost of meals and any admission fees for the sites visited during the tour.

This allows for a more customized experience based on individual preferences and budgets.

Pickup Information

Guests can select a pickup point when booking the tour, with the specific pickup details provided at the time of booking.

The tour operates near public transportation, offering convenient access for participants. Infant seats are available, and the tour is stroller accessible. Service animals are also allowed on the tour.

Most travelers can easily participate in this excursion, though those with mobility issues should consider the tour’s accessibility.

The pickup process is straightforward, allowing guests to conveniently join the tour from their cruise ship, hotel, or the Heraklion airport, ensuring a seamless start to their Cretan adventure.

Expectations & Accessibility

Confirmation is provided at the time of booking for this tour.

The tour, however, isn’t wheelchair accessible, and some walking is involved, so guests are recommended to wear good shoes.

While the tour is suitable for most travelers, there are a few important considerations:

• The tour may not be ideal for those with mobility issues or difficulty walking, as some portions involve uneven terrain.

• Infant seats are available, making the tour accessible for families with young children.

• Service animals are allowed, ensuring the tour is inclusive for all guests.

Reviews

Typically, the tour receives positive reviews, with one customer, Edward P., commending the driver Demetrius for his impromptu tour guiding skills in June 2019. However, the overall rating of 4.0 out of 5 suggests room for improvement.

Rating	Number of Reviews	Percentage
5-stars	0	0%
4-stars	0	0%
3-stars or lower	1	100%

Edward P. noted disappointment with the lake visit, suggesting a professional guide could have enhanced the experience. Plus, the customer reported difficulty with walking during the tour, indicating the need for better accessibility considerations.

Pricing and Group Size

Pricing for the Crete tour starts at $348.89 per person, with the final cost varying based on the size of the group.

The private tour experience is designed to accommodate only your group, rather than mixing with other travelers. This means you’ll have the full attention and flexibility of the driver and the itinerary tailored to your preferences.

While the tour is non-refundable, you can rest assured that you’ll get:

• Pickup and drop-off from your cruise ship, hotel, or the Heraklion airport

• Private transportation with an English-speaking driver

• All taxes included

Tour Highlights

The tour takes visitors on an immersive journey through the historic and cultural highlights of Crete, including stops at the renowned Rethymno region, the iconic Arkadi Monastery, and the charming pottery village of Margarites.

Visitors will have the opportunity to explore the well-preserved 16th-century Arkadi Monastery, a symbol of Cretan resistance and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

In Margarites, they’ll discover the traditional pottery-making techniques that have been passed down through generations, with the chance to watch artisans at work and even try their hand at creating their own pottery piece.

Throughout the tour, travelers will be accompanied by a knowledgeable, English-speaking driver who can provide insights into the local history and culture.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Tour Available in Multiple Languages?

The tour information does not specify the availability of languages. However, it indicates that the tour includes an English-speaking driver, suggesting the tour may be conducted in English, though the availability of other language options is unclear.

Can I Request a Specific Tour Time or Duration?

Customers can request a specific tour time or duration, which may be subject to availability and any additional fees. The tour provider will work to accommodate the customer’s preferences when possible.

Are There Any Safety Precautions or Restrictions for the Tour?

The tour has some safety precautions and restrictions. It’s not wheelchair accessible, and there’s some walking involved, so good shoes are recommended. Infant seats and stroller access are available, and service animals are allowed.

Can I Customize or Modify the Tour Itinerary?

Customers can’t directly customize or modify the tour itinerary, as it’s a pre-designed private tour. However, they can communicate their preferences to the tour operator, who may be able to accommodate certain requests within the existing itinerary.

What Is the Dress Code or Recommended Attire for the Tour?

The tour operator doesn’t specify a strict dress code, but comfortable, weather-appropriate clothing and sturdy walking shoes are recommended. Visitors should dress modestly when visiting religious sites like monasteries.

Recap

This private tour offers a rich cultural experience in Crete.

Visitors will explore the historic Arkadi Monastery, witness traditional pottery-making in Margarites, and visit the picturesque city of Rethymno.

With an English-speaking driver providing personalized insights, this immersive journey allows travelers to deeply connect with Crete’s vibrant heritage and artistic traditions.