Benefit from pick-up at your hotel in the Rethymno area, and then explore the traditional lifestyle and historical legacy of Crete. Learn the Neolithic history of the Melidoni Cave and discover the pottery traditions of the village of Margarites. Discover the oldest monastery in Crete at the 16th-century Arkadi Monastery, and then go to the village of Apostoli to visit an old olive oil factory. Enjoy lunch in a traditional tavern and listen to the beautiful sound of live folk music before making your way to St. Antonios Gorge. Stop at the Fragma Potamon dam before making your way back to Rethymno.

See Crete on a guided tour that combines history and craft for a hands-on experience. Visit the most historical spots on the island, learn their history, and enjoy a pottery lesson and olive oil tasting. Visit the Museum of Ancient Eleftherna, Melidoni Cave, and more. Start by getting picked up from your accommodation in Rethymno, then arrive at the most important monastery of Crete: the Monastery of Arkadi. Explore the museum where many icons, monastic relics, and weapons reveal the monastery’s history. Enjoy an hour of free time. Next, visit the Museum of Ancient Eleftherna with its historical findings from Homer’s era. This is the first archaeological site museum in Crete. The museum hosts the whole history of Eleftherna from 3000 B.C. to 1300 A.D. Afterward, enjoy a tour of the pottery workshop “TSIKALARIO” in the village of Margarites to learn about the art of pottery and create your own ceramic. The tradition of pottery goes back many generations in this villa. Later, visit Margarites village where you will have free time for lunch or a walk. Next, head to an olive oil manufactory. Learn how Cretan people made olive oil in the past and see the evolution up to today. Take part in an olive oil tasting before heading to the next stop, Melidoni Cave. Lastly, arrive at Melidoni, also called “Gerodospilios,” a historic cave filled with stalactites and stalagmites. This 220-meter altitude cave was used for religious ceremonies and as a place of worship. Learn the cave's archaeological and historical significance before heading back to Rethymno.

After you will be picked off in the morning from your hotel in Rethymnon, this unique village tour begins from Arkadi. There you will visit the historic Arkadi Monastery, renowned for its pivotal role in the resistance against the Turks. You will learn a lot about local history from the icons and the weapons there. After this enriching visit, you will enjoy a majestic route towards Eleutherna where you will stop to glaze the landscape and enjoy the view. The next station will be the village of Margarites, in which you can learn about the art of pottery and create your own ceramic in their local pottery workshop. The tradition of pottery goes back many generations in this village and the ladies there will be more than happy to initiate you to the Cretan pottery art. Afterwards, you will be heading to Melidoni cave, also called “Gerodospilios,” which is a historic cave filled with stalactites and stalagmites. This 220-meter altitude cave was a place of worship for Talos the bronze giant guardian of Crete who protected the island of Crete from enemies. You will have an hour to explore the cave. Before heading back to Rethymnon, you will stop at Axos Village, where you will have the chance to experience firsthand the production process of fresh cheese. Along with the local people you can take part in the milking process, witness the production of local cheese pies and cheese and of course taste the fresh traditional handmade snacks. After the relaxed time for snacks and resting you are ready to depart and get dropped off at your hotel in Rethymnon, with a full experience of Crete's history, art and flavors.

We have designed this unforgettable trip to submerge you into an authentic way of life in one of the island's most beautiful regions while gaining a deeper understanding of the relationship between history, stunning escapes, gastronomy, and the authentic Cretan local lifestyle. You will also visit the world-famous Palace of Knossos, where your expert guide will ensure skip-the-line access to all archaeological areas, key pieces of information, and extra-personalized attention. Then, from the history and cultural experience, you will be immersed in another time wandering the unspoiled Cretan landscape along with authentic layers of flavors, wines, and village life of the island of Crete. Enjoy personal pick-up and drop-off with a premium vehicle at your full-day disposal, like a true VIP

Embark on a journey to explore the hidden gems of Western Crete, where you'll experience the region's rich history, charming villages, and breathtaking landscapes. With our expert guide, uncover the authentic Crete and its unique selling points, ensuring a memorable adventure. Begin by venturing into the captivating Melidoni Cave, filled with fascinating geological features and ancient legends. Then, wander through the picturesque Margarites village, renowned for its traditional pottery. Participate in a pottery-making show with a local artisan and explore the charming alleys. Head to Kournas Lake, Crete's only natural freshwater lake, and marvel at its serene beauty. Take the opportunity to spot local wildlife and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere that surrounds this unique location. Immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of Rethymno, the main western town, boasting stunning Venetian architecture and a rich historical past. Stroll through its enchanting streets, taking in the sights and sounds of local life. After a day of exploration, you'll be dropped off at your hotel, leaving you with unforgettable memories of Crete's hidden treasures.

Take a private day trip with a Mercedes Vito van from Rethymno to Arkadi Monastery - Museum Of Ancient Eleftherna - Margarites Village and Melidoni cave Arkadi Monastery The most important and historic Venetian church in Crete history. The heroic revolution of the Cretans until the complete liberation has its own reference point, and it is none other than the Arkadi Monastery. Museum Of Ancient Eleutherna The first Archaeological Site Museum in Crete, the Museum of Ancient Eleftherna, covers an area of 1700 sq.m. while the total area of the archaeological site is 13 acres. The construction of the Museum, which began in 2012, includes three rooms hosting the entire history of the city from 3000 BC. to 1300 AD, with objects of everyday life and works of art from prehistoric, geometric, archaic, classical, Hellenistic, Roman, early Byzantine and Byzantine periods. Margarites Village The tradition of pottery goes back many generations in this village and you will be able to find an elder to show you how the pots are hand thrown. The village, which has some extraordinary architecture and lovely narrow winding streets, is well worth exploring. Duration 6 hours If selected Melidoni cave Melidoniou Cave, the well-known Gerontospelios in the prefecture of Rethymnon, is one of the most important historical caves of Crete. An admirable creation of nature at an altitude of 220 meters, to the south of Kouloukona mountain, near the village of the same name. Duration 8 hours

We have designed this unforgettable trip to submerge you into an authentic way of life in one of the island's most beautiful regions while gaining a deeper understanding of the relationship between history, stunning escapes, gastronomy, and the authentic Cretan local lifestyle. You will also visit the world-famous Palace of Knossos, where your expert guide will ensure skip-the-line access to all archaeological areas, key pieces of information, and extra-personalized attention. Then, from the history and cultural experience, you will be immersed in another time wandering the unspoiled Cretan landscape along with authentic layers of flavors, wines, and village life of the island of Crete. Enjoy personal pick-up and drop-off with a premium vehicle at your full-day disposal, like a true VIP