Why choose this Crete tour ?
We will start our tour by visiting a beautiful well-hidden village, Margarites. The tradition of pottery goes back many generations in this village and you will be able to have a small demonstration of pottery.After a 20′ drive, we will continue to the religious part of our tour. Our goal is to make you familiar with our culture and religious customs. Arkadi Monastery is perhaps the best known monastery on Crete due to the Holocaust of 1866.Let’s explore together the nature of Crete. The gorge of Patsos is a small yet magnificent gorge, which begins at Ano Assites. The whole area around the gorge is of particular natural beauty. If the weather does not permit our entrance to the gorge, we may visit a very interesting museum and archeological site in the nearby ancient village of Eleftherna. Enjoy a traditional lunch in the local taverna.
Make the most of your Crete adventure
What makes Pottery Village of Margarites – The monastery of Arkadi & The Gorge of Patsos a unique experience ?
We will start our tour by visiting a beautiful well-hidden village, Margarites. The tradition of pottery has been an integral part of this village for many generations; there are lots of locals who still keep the tradition alive, up to this day, by transforming the traditional practice of pottery into modern art. In Margarites, we will meet our friend Yorgos, a local, who will show you how the pots are hand thrown. A demonstration of his art will follow, that will certainly stay “carved” in our memory. The village itself has a unique architecture and some lovely narrow winding streets, making it worth being explored. So, let’s wander through the quiet village of Margarites, enjoy the hundreds of colors that lie before our eyes and then enjoy a traditional coffee at a small “kafeneio”.
After a 25′ drive, you will continue to the religious part of the tour. The goal is to make you familiar with Cretan culture and religious customs. Arkadi Monastery is perhaps the best known monastery on Crete due to the Holocaust of 1866. However, its location and impressive architecture make it all more special. It is a large fortified complex built during the end of the period of Venetian rule. We will escort you to explore this magnificent monument, but since our guides are not official, it is forbidden to have a tour inside historical monuments.
Let’s explore together the nature of Crete. The gorge of Patsos is a small yet magnificent gorge, which begins at Ano Assites. In the gorge one can see rare species of flora and fauna, which are protected by European legislation. In particular, there are 80 species of flora, of which 4 are protected, 24 species of fauna, of which 11 are protected and 16 species of birds, of which 8 are protected. You are going to enjoy a small picnic at the facilities of the gorge, as you are watching a spring of running water near the river. A beautiful attraction of the gorge is the cavernous church of St. Anthony in the rocky walls, a former temple of Hermes. Usually, to complete the route, we will hike for about half an hour (until a certain point that the gorge becomes difficult… after 20-30 min), but depending on the weather and the physical condition of the travelers, we could hike a little bit more or less.
Tour Description & Additional Info:
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Specialized infant seats are available
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Options To Choose for Your Trip:
Pottery Village of Margarites – The monastery of Arkadi & The Gorge of Patsos Inclusions:
Included with Your Ticket
- Lunch (vegetarian option included)
- Lots of raki and laughter 🙂
- All taxes, fees and handling charges
- Entrance to the monastery
- Local driver / guide
- Learn about the religion of Crete
- Transport by air-conditioned car / mini bus
- English or French speaking guide
- Walk in the beautiful gorge of Patsos
- Hotel pick up and drop off (Only Rethymno district)
Not Included
- The guide will not enter with you in the Monastery of Arkadi
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Special Instructions:
- This Tour is Provided by ECO EVENTS.
- Tour Timezone & Starts at Europe/Athens.
- Mobile or paper ticket accepted.
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- This Tour is Rated 5 Stars based on 15 valid reviews on VIATOR.
- Minimum 1 Travelers is required to book.
- Maximum 6 Travelers is accepted for booking.
