2 Days Tour Experience Crete! Margarites, Monastery of Arkadi and Rethymno & Chania, Georgioupolis and Lake Kournas | Departure from Heraklion city center

Every Thursday from March till November 

Duration 2 days / 1 night

Day 1: Meet with your guide at the terminal of Cretan Spiti Travel at Eleftherias Square in front of Astoria Capsis Hotel 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. Dinner and overnight at the hotel.

Day 2: Breakfast at the Hotel in Rethymno. At approximately 09.30 we start our tour driving along the north coastal road, to the city of Souda, port of Chania, to visit the Venizelos Graves at the historical location of Profitis Ilias in Akrotiri where the tomb of Eleftherios Venizelos lays, one of the long-standing prime Ministers of Greece. We continue to the city of Chania where we will visit all the main highlights of the city, historic neighborhoods, churches and museums and take a walk to the beautiful Venetian Port with the Lighthouse Faros. During your tour of the picturesque alleys of the old town, you will come acrosss unique monuments such as the Rimodi Fountain, the Neradze Mosque (or Gazi Hussein) with its high minaret, churches and squares. Have lunch (optional) and free time for shopping. At the way back we will stop at the resort city of Georgioupolis, popular for its fine beaches, for a coffee brake. Our last stop will be Lake Kournas. Once there, explore the lake and enjoy the relaxing views beneath looming mountains. Moorhens, eels, and turtles are among t he permanent residents of this friendly wetland. Late in the afternoon at 18:00, we return to Heraklion at the terminal in front of Astoria Capsis Hotel.

Cancellation Policy:

For cancellations up to 8 days prior to departure date, no cancellation  fees

For cancellations 7 day prior to departure date, 100% cancellation fees

Non-Show, 100% cancellation fees

For clarifications please send us a mail at online@travelid.gr or contact us at +30 2810 335 227

We are at your disposal from Monday to Friday 09:00 am till 20:00 pm and Saturday 09:00 till 15:00 pm