Rethymno City Tour with Arkadi Monastery and Margarites

Meet with your guide at the terminal of Cretan Spiti Travel, across from the entrance of the Heraklion
Archaeological Museum, in front of Hari’s Creperie, Heraklion at 08.30. We start our tour driving to our
first stop Margarites, a small traditional village located in the prefecture of Rethymno. The village is known for
its unique pottery tradition, its picturesque alleys, and its well-preserved architecture. ,Afterwards we reach the
Arkadi Monastery, which constitutes a landmark of architecture and civilization considering the magnificent
facade of the church, the highly developed spiritual tradition as well as the flourishing development of fine arts.
However, the holocaust, which took place in 1866, gave the monastery an eminent place in history, elevating it
to an eternal symbol of freedom and heroism, recognized worldwide. Rethymno is our last stop, one of the best
preserved medieval towns in Greece with many intact historical buildings and it’s one of the most beautiful
towns in Crete. We will visit the picturesque old town of Rethymno and have lunch (optional). At the end we will
visit the Venetian stronghold of Fortezza which is built on top of a low hill above Rethymno Town. The hill is
known as Paleokastro, which means old castle in Greek and suggests the existence of an older structure in that
place. This huge fortress, with its turbulent history, was built between 1540 and 1570 by the Venetian maritime
power as a bulwark against Turkish pirates. More than 100,000 Cretans on compulsory labor and over 40,000
pack animals were used in the construction of this mighty fortress. However, the Fortezza was conquered by the
Turks in 1646. After many upheavals during the next three centuries, only the outer fortifications of the Fortezza
remain intact and few buildings are still under restoration. The Fortezza is visible from every part of the town
and provides the visitor a panoramic view of Rethymno town. The visitors enter from the East Gate through an
impressive archway. After the visit we continue driving across the north side of the island along the Cretan Sea
and crossing the coastal villages of Bali, Fodele and Agia Pelagia, and reach the city of Heraklion, and end our
tour at the terminal of Cretan Spiti Travel 18:00.

Included Air-conditioned Motorcoach, Professional Escort, VAT and all legal taxes included
Not Included Pick up-drop off transfer, Entrance fees to the sites (AD / RED ), Lunch in restaurant during the
tour (20,00 €), Drinks and beverage during the meal, Gratuities, Anything that is not specified in the program as
included

Activity info