Experience Crete’s Venetian history and spiritual heritage in one route. Rethymno’s Old Town entices with its narrow cobblestone alleys, Ottoman architecture, and a grand Venetian Fortezza, while Arkadi Monastery, nestled in the countryside, stands as a moving symbol of Cretan resistance and faith.
Expect 1 hour to Rethymno, then 30 minutes to Arkadi Monastery. A private driver from Chania ensures you experience both the Venetian harbor town and historic Orthodox monastery at your own pace.
Rethymno has a rich history with a blend of Venetian and Cretan cultural heritage dating back to the Minoan era, as evidenced by its fortifications and archaeological cites, as well as Ottoman influence. Visitors can take a stroll through the lively central square and try the local cuisine, guaranteed to enjoy the walk: the narrow cobbled streets of the old town are lined with Venetian-style buildings. The Fortezza castle, which dates back to the 16th century, is one of the city’s most notable landmarks and provides stunning views of the surrounding area. The city is also home to the impressive Rethymno Archaeological Museum, displaying artifacts from the Minoan era. Seaside lovers can enjoy a relaxing day at the long sandy beach of Rethymno or pay a visit to the Venetian port and harbor. Adventure seekers can go rafting or canyoning in the surrounding mountains or take a boat tour to see the famous Elafonisi Beach. Rethymno is nestled away from more touristy places like Chania – it is a pearl in the rough waiting to be discovered.
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Arkadi Monastery
随意以自己的节奏探索和发现
停留:1小时 30 分钟 - 不包含入场费
The 16th-century Eastern Orthodox Arkadi Monastery has quite a story to tell: it is a symbol of Cretan resistance to Ottoman rule, as almost a thousand Cretans blew themselves up on the monastery’s grounds rather than surrender to the conquerors during a siege in 1866. With origins allegedly dating back to the 5th century, this ancient pilgrimage site is famous for its church, the Katholikon, built in the Venetian style and influenced by Renaissance with Roman and baroque elements. Being one of the main landmarks of Crete, the church will look back at you from every postcard, and it only makes sense to see it in person. In the 16th century, the monastery was the center of education and manuscript culture and later – of the art of golden embroidery. In addition to the church, visitors can examine the monastery’s fortified walls along the perimeter, monks’ cells, a garden, a small museum with religious and historical artifacts, and even a building with skulls and bones from the infamous battle. The monastery is open throughout the year, but we recommend verifying seasonal opening hours. A small entrance fee applies to foreign visitors.
Day trips offer travelers private round-trip transportation to popular sightseeing locations. One of our professional drivers will pick you up in a luxurious, climate-controlled car, take you to the site of interest, and wait for you while you explore before driving you back to your hotel.
Yes! You’re free to choose the pickup and drop-off times that work best for you. However, the time spent at the destination is fixed and cannot be changed.
Each sightseeing stop has a recommended duration that includes plenty of time to explore. However, it is possible to customize the time spent at each sightseeing stop at a later stage in the booking process to best fit your unique schedule.
Your Daytrip driver will wait for you nearby for the duration of your exploration, meaning you’ll never have to wait for your return trip transportation to arrive. Your comfort and convenience are our top priorities, and we aim to close out your day trip with a return on your schedule.
The price of a day trip does not include any entrance tickets, guided tours, or meals you may partake in at your destination. The price covers round-trip transportation in a luxury vehicle with a professional driver who can provide local insights en route.
Day trip bookings can be canceled up to 24 hours before your trip for a full refund, no strings attached. While the destination and stops are predetermined, it is possible to change your pick-up point, whether it is at your hotel or some other location within the city.