Set out on a captivating day tour that explores Crete’s rich cultural tapestry. Start in the picturesque pottery village of Margarites, where you’ll create your own unique ceramic piece under the guidance of skilled artisans. Afterward, journey to the historic town of Rethymno, where you’ll stroll through charming alleys and admire the stunning Venetian fortresses and Turkish minarets that dot the vibrant local atmosphere. This immersive experience promises to unveil the depth and diversity of Crete’s artisanal heritage and architectural wonders. What awaits you on this captivating tour?
This experience made our list of the 4 Best Workshops And Classes In Rethymno.
Good To Know
- An 8-hour guided excursion that includes a pottery workshop in Margarites and free time to explore the historic Rethymno Old Town.
- Price range from $624.02 to $656.86 per group (up to 1 person), with hotel pickup/drop-off, bottled water, and air-conditioned transportation included.
- Participants can create their own pottery piece during the 1-hour guided workshop led by local artisans in Margarites.
- Visitors can admire Turkish minarets, Venetian fortresses, and browse charming shops and boutiques in Rethymno’s historic alleys.
- The tour offers scenic views of Crete’s northwest coast and an immersive experience in the island’s cultural heritage and landscapes.
Tour Overview
The Margarites Pottery Workshop and Rethymno Old Town Day Tour offers an 8-hour excursion that takes visitors on a journey to explore the pottery-making traditions of Margarites and the historic charm of Rethymno’s Old Town.
Priced from $656.86 to $624.02 per group (up to 1 person), the tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off, bottled water, and air-conditioned transportation.
Guests can look forward to panoramic views of Crete’s northwest coast, a guided pottery workshop, and free time to stroll Rethymno’s alleys, visit landmarks, and browse specialty shops.
Cancellation is free up to 24 hours in advance, and the tour can be booked without an initial payment.
You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in Rethymno.
Itinerary
This guided tour begins with hotel pickup, followed by a 1.5-hour bus/coach journey to the picturesque pottery village of Margarites.
Upon arrival, guests participate in a 1-hour guided pottery workshop, learning traditional techniques from local artisans.
After the workshop, there’s 80 minutes of free time to explore the village at leisure.
The next stop is Rethymno Old Town, reached in 40 minutes by bus/coach.
Guests then have 2.5 hours to stroll the historic alleys, browse shops, and enjoy lunch.
Experience Highlights
Panoramic views of the north-west coast of Crete greet visitors as they journey to the picturesque pottery village of Margarites. Here, they’ll explore the charming alleys and participate in a guided pottery workshop, learning the traditional techniques passed down through generations. The tour then moves on to the historic city of Rethymno, where guests can stroll through the winding streets, admire the Turkish minarets and Venetian fortresses, and browse the gift and specialty shops at their leisure. Throughout the day, travelers are immersed in the rich cultural heritage and stunning landscapes of Crete.
Experience Highlights | ||
---|---|---|
Panoramic coastal views | Pottery workshop | Historic Rethymno |
Charming Margarites village | Traditional techniques | Venetian & Turkish sites |
Guided tours | Gift shop browsing | Stunning landscapes |
Inclusions
The tour package includes hotel pickup and drop-off, bottled water, and an air-conditioned vehicle with WiFi.
Guided tours at the pottery workshop and Rethymno city are also provided. Participants can explore the historic alleys of Rethymno, visit Turkish minarets and Venetian fortresses, and browse gift and specialty shops.
However, personal expenses and optional lunch aren’t included in the tour. Travelers should advise their hotel name and location at booking and notify if wheelchair or scooter access is needed.
Please note that itineraries are subject to change, and it’s important to check availability for starting times.
More Great Tours NearbyImportant Information
Travelers should advise their hotel name and location at booking to ensure a seamless pickup and drop-off experience.
Plus, if wheelchair or scooter access is needed for up to one person, customers should notify the tour provider.
It’s important to note that the itinerary is subject to change, so travelers should check availability for starting times.
The tour includes bottled water, an air-conditioned vehicle with WiFi, guided tours at the pottery workshop and Rethymno city, but personal expenses and optional lunch aren’t included.
Customers are encouraged to review the details carefully to ensure the tour meets their needs and expectations.
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Pottery Village Exploration
After a 1.5-hour journey by bus or coach, visitors arrive at the charming pottery village of Margarites.
Here, they’ll participate in a guided pottery workshop, led by skilled local artisans. Guests will have the opportunity to try their hand at traditional pottery-making techniques, creating their own unique piece to take home as a souvenir.
Following the workshop, visitors are free to explore the village at their own pace, browsing the quaint shops and galleries that showcase the region’s renowned pottery.
With its picturesque streets and stunning views, Margarites offers a glimpse into Crete’s rich cultural heritage and the time-honored craft of pottery-making.
Historic Rethymno Stroll
Following the visit to the Margarites Pottery Village, the tour then takes visitors to the captivating old town of Rethymno.
Located just 40 minutes away, the historic town offers the opportunity to stroll its quaint, narrow alleys and explore its well-preserved Venetian and Ottoman architecture.
Visitors can browse the charming shops and specialty boutiques, admire the Turkish minarets, and marvel at the impressive Venetian fortresses that stand as a testament to the town’s rich history.
With 2.5 hours of free time, guests can savor a local lunch and enjoy the authentic atmosphere of this enchanting Cretan destination.
Tour Logistics
The tour kicks off with pickup options from Chania Center, Chania, before embarking on the 1.5-hour journey to the picturesque pottery village of Margarites.
Once there, guests will enjoy a guided pottery workshop lasting 1 hour, followed by 80 minutes of free time to explore the village.
Next, the tour travels 40 minutes to the historic town of Rethymno, where visitors can spend 2.5 hours strolling its alleys, visiting Turkish minarets and Venetian fortresses, and browsing specialty shops.
The tour includes:
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
- Bottled water
- Air-conditioned vehicle with WiFi
- Guided tours at pottery workshop and Rethymno city
Frequently Asked Questions
How Much Hands-On Time Is Spent in the Pottery Workshop?
The pottery workshop provides 1 hour of guided, hands-on experience where participants can learn pottery-making techniques and create their own ceramic piece to take home as a keepsake from the tour.
Are There Any Age Restrictions for the Pottery Workshop?
The pottery workshop is open to individuals of all ages. There are no age restrictions, allowing both children and adults to participate in the guided pottery-making experience.
Can Participants Take Their Pottery Creations Home?
Yes, participants can take their pottery creations home from the workshop. The tour includes time for participants to finish and decorate their pottery pieces before departing the village.
Is There a Break or Free Time During the Tour?
Yes, the tour includes free time to explore the pottery village of Margarites and the historic town of Rethymno. Participants will have 80 minutes to explore Margarites and 2.5 hours to explore Rethymno on their own.
Can the Tour Be Customized for Private Groups?
Yes, the tour can be customized for private groups. The tour operator offers flexibility to accommodate private group requests, such as adjusting the itinerary or tour duration to meet the group’s specific needs and preferences.
The Sum Up
This captivating day tour offers a fascinating glimpse into Crete’s rich cultural heritage. Visitors can enjoy the art of pottery making at Margarites, then explore the historic charm of Rethymno’s Old Town, marveling at its Venetian and Ottoman influences. With a seamless itinerary and included transportation, this tour provides an engaging and hassle-free way to discover the essence of Crete’s vibrant cultural tapestry.
You can check availability for your dates here:More Workshops & Classes in Rethymno
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