Experiences

Description: We start this excursion at the most impressive and historic monastery of Arkadi which is historical symbol, linked to the national pride of the Cretan people as it played a significant role in the Cretan revolt against Ottoman rule in 1866. We then head to Eleftherna, a village of natural beauty. Here we find the ruins of the ancient city of Eleftherna, one of the most important archaeological sites in Crete. We visit the museum and its exhibits that come mostly from the “Nekropolis”. Let us discover ancient customs and habits related to death and the underworlds, as well as the reality of the descriptions of the poems of Homer. Our next destination is the village of Margarites, famous for its pottery art and production. Strolling through the narrow streets of Margarites, we will see doorframes of stonemade houses with beautiful decoration from the times of Venetian rule. The village gives a real sense of how Cretan villages used to be in past centuries. There is an optional visit to the pottery workshop. Enjoy a delicious local traditional meal at the central square of the village with the beautiful view to the olive groves.

Price includes:
Transport with a/c deluxe taxi/mini van/mini bus
English speaking driver
Entrance tickets
Bottle of Mineral water & Snack
Duration : +/- 5 hrs

Please contact concierge for further information

Description: We start our tour from Rethymno, driving along the north coast before reaching the lake Kournas, the only lake of Crete. The fresh water derives from the towering White Mountains. We can have a coffee next to the lake. Afterwards, we will visit Georgioupolis beach which is a fine choice for swimming. The sea is clean and the beach is listed as one of the Blue Flag beaches awarded by the European Union. We will continue to Askifou Village on the White Mountains to visit the war museum which is small, , but impressively original. It commemorates the Second World War. Back on the main road, we continue into the village of Imbros with the famous gorge. Our next stop is Argyroupolis village which combines unique natural beauty and history. There are small picturesque waterfalls, stone built and wooden watermills and enormous plane trees offering cool shade. We can have a traditional lunch at a beautiful restaurant next to the waterfalls where you may even fish a trout yourself.

Price includes:
Transport with a/c deluxe taxi/mini van/mini bus
English speaking driver
Bottle of Mineral water & Snack
Duration: +/- 6 hrs

Please contact concierge for further information

Description: Our first visit is at the modern “Kanakis” olive oil factory to in order to learn about the process of olive oil production and taste the fine Cretan olive oil. Here we meet an ancient olive tree, one thousand years old. We continue to the innovative olive mill where all production steps and details are described to you. We can taste two different servings of the exquisite, extra virgin olive oil. One pure with no addings and another traditional oil with lemon and salt. Little secrets about storage, best use and healthy attributes can be discussed as well. Our next visit is at one of the best wineries of the region, where we will enjoy a 30-40’ tour. We will learn about the history, tradition and the latest developments in the production of wine as well as legends related with Dionysus, the God of wine. You will participate in a fully guided tour at the plantations of the winery, the cellar and the production area. After the tour, we will continue on to the wine tasting room, where you will be able to taste five types of wine, accompanied with traditional rusks and olives. Our last stop is at the village of Vrysses in order to end our daytour by tasting local yogourt with honey, while sitting next to the river.

Price includes:
English speaking escort
Bottle of Mineral water
Duration: +/- 4 hrs

Please contact concierge for further information

Description: The tour starts with an exploration of the province of Apokoronas, where villages preserve the traditional colour and life continues in a relaxed and friendly way. The region offers spots of great natural beauty and interesting drives off of the main highway. We also stop at the village of Gavalochori with its fine Folklore Art Museum and the village of Vamos for a walk in its older part. Here we have a coffee brake at a typical ‘kafenion’. Reaching the city of Chania first we have a short walking city-tour through the narrow Venetian alleys to visit the most important sites. Afterwards we have enough free time for strolling through the romantic old town, for shopping, and visiting the market hall. Now it is the time to enjoy a traditional lunch at the charming port. After lunch, we return to Rethymno and the hotel.

Price includes:
Transport with a/c deluxe taxi/mini van/mini bus
English speaking driver
Entrance tickets
Bottle of Mineral water & Snack
Please contact concierge for further information
Duration: +/- 7 hrs

Please contact concierge for further information

Description: Sailing the Cretan sea is unique! Treat yourself to a trip on a sail boat or yacht for an unforgettable experience during your vacation. Approach quiet secluded beaches, swim in crystal clear waters and enjoy the sun on the Flybridge or on a deck. Don’t miss the magnificence of a Greek sunset. Choose for as long as you decide for a day trip, an overnight trip, and even longer trips. Imagine choosing your own destination and being able to stop and swim or fish wherever you want!
-A half day cruise lasting 4 hours, for up to nine people, with complimentary wine and fruit and stops for swimming at crystal clear waters and at amazing locations around Rethymno.
-A full-day cruise lasting 8 hours, for up to nine people, that can include stop at a beach or village around Rethymnon at a place you choose and a location for swimming or fishing.
-A sunset cruise lasting 3 hours, for up to nine people to watch the fantastic, beautiful colours as the sun sinks in the westerns seas, while you enjoy complimentary wine and fruit or swimming around the boat or relaxing by fishing.
-A fishing cruise for up to nine people, to places where the team of the boat can indicate likely “hot spots” for keen fishermen. In that case make a combination of all the above and build the cruise you desire.

Please contact concierge for further information

Description: This excursion starts with the visit at the most important archaeological site in Crete, the Minoan palace of Knossos which is associated with thrilling legends, such as the myth of the Labyrinth and the Minotaur. Later on we drive to a Cretan Winery which is located 18km past Knossos, where we have a guided tour. It includes vineyards, cellars where wine is aged in oak barrels and a wine tasting of 6 wines made from the indigenous varieties of Crete. A unique experience of flavors, fun and knowledge. Our drive continues to the village of Archanes. This beautiful village has many restored sandstone houses from the Ottoman period and an inviting square with high shady trees, for a sampling of Cretan food and drink. Next destination is the Archaelogical museum of Heraklion. It houses representative artifacts from all Periods of Cretan prehistory and history covering a chronological span of over 5,500 years from the Neolithic period to Roman times. Finally you can then explore the city of Heraklion which offers plenty of options for shopping and food.

Price includes:
Transport with a/c deluxe taxi/mini van/mini bus
English speaking driver
Entrance tickets
Bottle of Mineral water & Snack
Please contact concierge for further information
Duration : +/- 7 hrs

Please contact concierge for further information

Description: On this private tour we drive through a beautiful scenery, of the mainland of Crete towards the south. Here we visit Gortys, one of the most extensive archaeological sites in Greece, with an unbroken history of 6,000 years, with just some parts open to the public : the early Christian basilica of St Titus, the Odeon which brings on its walls an extended inscription of the 5th century B.C that is considered as the first European legal code and the famous Plane Tree under which Zeus and Europe loved each other. Our next destination is Phaistos, the second biggest Minoan Palace, founded from King Rodamanthys in southern Crete by the side of the oldest productive European valley of Messara. It was also the city that gave birth to the great wise man and soothsayer Epimenidis, one of the seven wise men of the ancient world. Our final stop will be at the coastal Mattala, the ancient harbour of both Phaistos and Gortys, known for its wonderful sandy beach and the caves carved into the rocks, graves of the Roman times on the island, discovered from the hippies at 1960s-1970s. You can enjoy a swim and lunch before the return journey back to Rethymnon.

Price includes:
Transport with a/c deluxe taxi/mini van/mini bus
English speaking driver
Entrance tickets
Bottle of Mineral water & Snack
Duration: +/- 6 hrs

Please contact concierge for further information

Description: This is an interesting route for the experienced travellers that want to explore authentic Crete. No fancy restaurants and touristic places. Driving through an amazing landscape, traditional villages of Crete, and points with incredible view, we will approach the village of Zoniana. Here we find the Sfentoni cave, one of the biggest and most beautiful caves of Crete, adorned with stalactites and stalagmites. After that we drive to the traditional village of Axos. It is located at the north side of Psiloritis Mountain, 600 meters above sea level. Ruins of the acropolis’ walls can still be seen today. It is estimated that the city was inhabited from the Geometric until the Byzantine period. During the 6th century the number of churches reached up to 46, some of which still stand today. In the center of the village there is a spring where you can drink fresh water coming directly from Psiloritis, the highest mountain of Crete. You may also visit the museum with handmade statues of olive wood. Our last stop will be in Drosia Village to have lunch at a traditional tavern. You’ll have the chance to taste grilled lamb or pork prepared in the special “cretan way”!

Price includes:
Transport with a/c deluxe taxi/mini van/mini bus
English speaking driver
Bottle of Mineral water & Snack
Duration: +/- 6 hrs

Please contact concierge for further information