Crete Day Trip: Explore Rethymno and Arkadi

Explore Crete’s history and culture: Rethymno’s charm, Arkadi Monastery’s significance, and hands-on pottery in Margarites. Unforgettable local encounters await.

Duration: 8 hours
Cancellation: 24 hours
Highlights
  • Old Venetian Harbour of Rethymno - The Old Venetian Harbour of Rethymno is a delightful, historic waterfront showcasing vibrant Venetian architecture, a picturesque lighthouse, and lively tavernas. Its scenic charm and rich history create an enchanting atmosphere, making it a must-visit spot in Crete.
  • Rethymnon Old Town - Rethymno Old Town is…
What's Included
  • Wi-Fi & Fast Charger on Board
  • Fuel, Tolls, Taxes, and Fees
  • Complimentary Bottled Water
  • Private Local Driver-Guide Fluent in English
  • Hotel, Harbor, or Meeting Point Pickup and Drop-Off
  • Private Transportation in a Comfortable Van
  • Hygiene Amenities & First Aid Kit
What's Not Included
  • Pick-Ups Outside the Designated Area: May be available for an additional fee-just ask!
  • Licensed Tourist Guide (Optional): Available in several languages-just ask!
  • Cretan Lunch (Optional): Approximately €15 per person
  • Arkadi Monastery Tickets: €4
  • Personal Expenses
  • Tips & Gratuities
Additional Information

Explore the rich history and vibrant culture of Crete! This Day Trip guides you through the charming streets of Rethymno, the sacred halls of Arkadi Monastery, and the artisan workshops in Margarites.
For those keen to explore further, this Tour reveals the Venetian and Ottoman influences in Rethymno, the historical importance of Arkadi Monastery, and…

Location
Old Venetian Harbour of Rethymno
Venetian Harbour
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Customer Ratings
5.0
(9 Ratings)
5 stars
4 stars
3 stars
2 stars
1 star
Kellysmith21
Feb 26, 2025
Remarkable Rethimno Tour - After a warm welcome on a chilly day, our guide ensured that we were comfortable in his Van before taking the time to ask us a few questions to understand our interests and tailor the itinerary. We loved exploring Rethimno' s old town and nearby wonderful sights while unfolding its rich history. A last-minute stop at an olive mill for fresh olive oil tasting turned to be another highlight. Georgo' s unique personality made the experience genuinely remarkable.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Jonig246
Feb 21, 2025
Amazing Tour - Amazing tour. George went over and above to customize our trip to include everything we wanted to do. His knowledge of history and the sites was extraordinary. His sense of humor and kind energy helped make the tour even better. I highly recommend this tour, and George.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
765justinap
Feb 17, 2025
Crossing Crete with memorable stops - Traveling from Heraklion to Chania, we took George’s suggestion and turned the journey into a full-day adventure. With ever-changing scenery and our host’s insights, it became a journey to remember!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Gloriald7571xb
Jan 19, 2025
An incredible step back in time! - This time we explored the Rethymno region, and I am still amazed by the beauty of the landscapes we discovered. In the potters’ village of Margarites, I created my first clay creation before being pleasantly surprised by the splendor and history of the Arkadi monastery. A lunch at the Venetian port of Rethymno is absolutely essential! George, thank you for an unforgettable day.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Janice
Jan 4, 2025
Happy to be back in Crete ! - Our second stop in Crete . We arranged with George again , given his knowledge, attitude , and warmth. Totally recommend.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
32shellied
Dec 30, 2024
Tour of Crete - George was a friendly tour guide. He showed us his island of Crete with pride and knowledge and I really enjoyed his tour even though the weather was cold and rainy. I would recommend him to anyone interested in this type of a tour. Also, I must say his van was super clean and he even offered us water, gum and antibacterial wipes.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Getaway29373016851
Dec 17, 2024
Discover the heart of Crete - A beautiful journey, combining history, culture and beautiful landscapes. The city of Rethymno, the Arkadi monastery, the Margarite pottery village and the custom stop at the Eleutherna museum were highlights. The charming traditional villages and picturesque roads have been sublime. I highly recommend this excursion to discover the heart of Crete!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Voyager06310315736
Nov 11, 2024
great excursion in Crete - We spent a wonderful day with our driver George. The trip was very interesting because George has a comprehensive knowledge of history, landscape and all over also of active situations in Crete. He is a very pleasent, polite and reliable guide. We had already the year before an excursion with him and we were highly excited the way he did it. We sincerly can recommend him.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Nikosky9377sv
Oct 14, 2024
An interesting and informative trip in Crete's history and culture - We had an unforgettable experience during our guided tour of the town and province of Rethymnon in Crete! Our guide and driver was an absolute gem – professional, knowledgeable, and incredibly polite. From the moment we were picked up in the comfortable van, it was clear we were in good hands. Our guide's expertise shone through as he shared fascinating insights about the local lifestyle, culture, and history of the area. He had a deep understanding of the rich traditions of Crete and offered us a truly immersive experience. Whether it was discussing the ancient architecture or the small, everyday details of local life, he painted a vivid picture of the town and its heritage. We also visited the Arkadi Monastery, a symbol of Cretan resistance, where in 1866, hundreds of locals chose martyrdom over surrender during an Ottoman siege, fueling international support for Crete's independence struggle. In the ancient city of Eleutherna, a significant archaeological site showcasing Crete's rich history, blending Minoan, Greek, and Roman cultures, Yorgos offered insights into the island's ancient urban, political, and cultural life. Yorgos was not only an excellent guide, but his driving skills were also impeccable, navigating the narrow streets of the city of Rethymnon or the small provincial roads of Psiloritis mountain with ease and ensuring our comfort and safety throughout the tour. He was always courteous and attentive, going out of his way to make sure we felt welcome and accommodated. We left the tour with a deeper appreciation for Crete as a whole, thanks to our guide’s enthusiasm and passion for his island. If you’re looking for a personalized, informative, and enjoyable way to explore Rethymnon and its area, this tour is an absolute must!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Select Date and Tickets
up to 8 guests
1 Adult
March 2025
Sun
Mon
Tue
Wed
Thu
Fri
Sat
Today