Rethymno: Arkadi Monastery, Crafts, Olive Oil & Wine Tasting Tour

Overview

Journey through the authentic soul of Crete in one seamless day — from the legendary Arkadi Monastery, a symbol of Cretan resistance, to hands-on encounters with local artisans in Margarites. Taste extra virgin olive oil fresh from the field at a family-run mill, enjoy a genuine gyros pita at a local grill house the way Greeks really eat, and finish with a guided tasting of six distinctive wines at Klados Winery. History, craftsmanship, honest food, and fine wine — perfectly paced and wonderfully personal. Book your Cretan adventure today!

Itinerary

1. Arkadi Monastery

   Stop 1 – Arkadi Monastery
   A symbol of Cretan history and freedom
   
   Discover one of the island's most significant historical landmarks, celebrated for its role in the Cretan uprising of 1866.
   
   Explore the monastery's beautiful courtyards, admire the impressive church façade and discover the stories of courage and sacrifice that made Arkadi an enduring symbol of resistance and freedom.
   
   Entrance fee paid separately

   1 hour · Admission included
2. Margarites

   Stop 2 – Tsikalario Cretan Ceramics
   Traditional pottery and local craftsmanship
   
   Visit the famous pottery village of Margarites and meet artisans who preserve a craft rooted in centuries of Cretan tradition.
   
   Watch clay take shape on the potter's wheel, discover traditional shaping and decorating techniques, and learn about the everyday use of ceramics throughout Cretan history. Guests can browse handmade pieces, with opportunities for practical participation when arranged with the workshop.
   
   Pottery workshop visit and demonstration included

   1 hour
3. Markakis Olive Mill - Olive Oil

   Stop 1 – Markakis Olive Mill
   The secrets of Cretan extra virgin olive oil
   
   Begin with an introduction to Crete's most treasured agricultural product. Discover how olives are harvested, processed and transformed into high-quality extra virgin olive oil.
   
   During the visit, learn about modern production methods, the importance of olive oil in the traditional Cretan diet and how to distinguish quality olive oil through a guided tasting.
   
   Guided olive mill visit and tasting included

   1 hour · Admission included

4. Stop 4 – Gyrovolies - Street Food
   
   Forget the fancy restaurant for a moment. Sometimes the best way to experience Greece is exactly how the locals do it — sitting down for a freshly prepared gyros pita!
   We visit Gyrovolies, a local grill house in Perama, to enjoy one of Greece's most famous and beloved everyday meals.
   Gyros is a classic of Greek street-food culture, traditionally prepared with seasoned meat cooked on a vertical rotating spit and served in warm pita bread with fresh vegetables, potatoes and sauces.
   
   Proposed included lunch package:
   One pork or chicken gyros pita, or a prearranged vegetarian alternative.
   One additional small accompaniment or side, subject to the confirmed group menu.
   One soft drink or bottled water.
   The final menu will be agreed with Gyrovolies before bookings open.
   The agreed gyros lunch package is included in the tour price.

   45 minutes · Admission included
5. Klados Winery

   Stop 5 – Klados Winery
   Discover the wines of the Cretan countryside
   
   Our final experience takes us to Klados Winery near Panormos, where the family's winemaking tradition introduces guests to the flavors and aromas of the Cretan vineyard.
   Discover how the island's climate, soil, and indigenous grape varieties contribute to the distinctive character of Cretan wines.
   During your winery experience, you will:
   Discover the history of the family-owned winery.
   Learn about local grape varieties and winemaking traditions.
   Visit the winery's production areas, subject to operations.
   Discover modern and traditional winemaking methods.
   Enjoy a guided tasting of six selected wines.
   Learn to recognize the aromas and flavors of Cretan wines.
   The guided winery experience and wine tasting are included for adults aged 18 and over. The proposed 13:45 appointment requires advance agreement with the winery.

   1 hour 30 minutes · Admission included

Meeting and pickup

Your exact pickup time and meeting point will be confirmed before the tour via WhatsApp or email. Please be ready at your designated pickup point at least 5 minutes before departure.

Good to know

• Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Cancellation policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.