Nestled along the northern coast of Crete, the historic city of Rethymno captivates visitors with its enchanting blend of Venetian, Turkish, and Greek architecture. From the iconic lighthouse to the Rimondi Fountain, this Mediterranean gem offers a glimpse into the region’s rich cultural tapestry. Venture further south, and you’ll discover the awe-inspiring Preveli Monastery, a 10th-century sanctuary boasting impressive sandstone walls and a sacred relic known as the Holy Miracle Cross. This tour promises to unveil the hidden gems that make Crete a must-visit destination, leaving you eager to uncover more.
Key Points
- Explore the historic city of Rethymno, known for its Venetian, Turkish, and Greek architectural influences.
- Visit the revered Preveli Monastery, a 10th-century male monastery with a Holy Miracle Cross and museum.
- Enjoy a guided tour with commentary on Crete’s captivating history and culture.
- Swim at Plakias Beach and witness the natural beauty of Kourtaliotiko Gorge.
- Comprehensive tour package includes hotel pickup/drop-off, lunch, and admission to Preveli Monastery.
Tour Overview
The tour package offers a full-day excursion to the historic city of Rethymno and the renowned Preveli Monastery, situated in the picturesque southern region of Crete.
Priced from $77.24 per person, the tour lasts approximately 10 hours, starting between 6:00 AM and 9:30 AM, depending on the pickup location. Participants can expect to return between 6:30 PM and 9:30 PM.
Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
The tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off, a live Lithuanian-speaking guide, headsets, lunch, and admission to the Preveli Monastery.
Itinerary Highlights
During the tour, visitors explore the historic city of Rethymno, known for its Venetian, Turkish, and Greek architectural marvels.
They’ll walk through the old town and view landmarks like the lighthouse and Rimondi Fountain.
Next, they’ll learn to make traditional Cretan sweets at Master Georgos’ pastry shop.
The tour then takes them to the male Preveli Monastery, where they can see the Holy Miracle Cross and explore the monastery museum.
Along the way, they’ll also visit Plakias Beach for a swim in the Libyan Sea and witness the breathtaking views of Kourtaliotiko Gorge, home to Cretan bearded vultures and wild Kri-Kri goats.
Inclusions
The tour package includes hotel pick-up and drop-off, ensuring a seamless start and end to the day.
A live guide proficient in Lithuanian will accompany the group, providing headsets for clear communication throughout the tour.
Lunch at a traditional Cretan tavern is included, allowing participants to savor the local cuisine.
Entry fees to the Preveli Monastery are also covered, providing access to explore the historic site and its museum.
With these inclusions, the tour offers a comprehensive experience, catering to the needs and comfort of the participants.
Participant Information
Participants of this tour can be adults aged 12 to 99, while children between 4 and 11 are also welcome. Infants 3 years and younger can join the tour, but they must sit with their parents as there are no separate seats provided.
The tour is suitable for couples, groups of friends, solo travelers, and families alike. All participants should wear comfortable shoes, bring a towel, sunscreen, water, and beachwear.
Cash is recommended for any additional expenses during the tour, such as optional activities or purchases.
What to Bring
Comfortable shoes are a must for this tour, as you will be doing a fair amount of walking through the old town of Rethymno and exploring the Kourtaliotiko Gorge.
A towel is recommended for swimming at Plakias Beach. Sunscreen is essential to protect against the Mediterranean sun. Bring a water bottle to stay hydrated throughout the day.
Beachwear is advised for the beach visit. Lastly, it’s recommended to have some cash on hand for any additional purchases or gratuities.
Customer Feedback
How does the tour fare in the eyes of previous participants? Based on 1 verified review, the Rethymno and Preveli Monastery tour receives a 5/5 overall rating. The tour has been enjoyed by a variety of traveler types, including couples, groups of friends, solo travelers, and families. The review comes from a traveler from Lithuania who booked the tour in July 2024.
| Traveler Type | Rating |
|---|---|
| Couples | 5/5 |
| Groups of Friends | 5/5 |
| Solo Travelers | 5/5 |
| Families | 5/5 |
| Overall | 5/5 |
The high rating and positive feedback suggest this tour offers an excellent experience exploring the highlights of Rethymno and Preveli Monastery in Crete.
Destination: Rethymno
The tour begins with a visit to the historic city of Rethymno, located on the northern coast of Crete. Guests will have the opportunity to explore the old town, admiring the Venetian, Turkish, and Greek architectural influences.
Some highlights include:
- The iconic lighthouse, which has stood guard over the harbor for centuries.
- The Rimondi Fountain, a Renaissance-era masterpiece that showcases the city’s rich cultural heritage.
- The narrow, winding streets, where visitors can enjoy the authentic atmosphere of this charming Mediterranean destination.
Throughout the exploration, the guide will provide insightful commentary, ensuring that guests gain a deeper understanding of Rethymno’s captivating history and character.
Destination: Preveli Monastery
After exploring the historic charms of Rethymno, the tour continues to the revered Preveli Monastery, nestled amidst the rugged beauty of southern Crete.
Visitors will marvel at the impressive sandstone walls and iconic bell tower of this male monastery, which dates back to the 10th century.
Inside, the Holy Miracle Cross stands as a sacred relic, and the monastery museum offers insight into Crete’s rich cultural heritage.
Travelers can enjoy the serene ambiance, encountering Cretan bearded vultures and wild Kri-Kri goats along the way.
The visit to Preveli Monastery promises a meaningful encounter with Crete’s spiritual and natural wonders.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Languages Does the Tour Guide Speak?
The tour guide speaks Lithuanian according to the information provided. They will use headsets to ensure clear communication with the participants during the tour.
Are There Any Dietary Restrictions for the Lunch?
The tour does not mention any specific dietary restrictions for the included lunch. The tour is open to participants with various dietary needs, though it’s recommended to check with the tour provider for any accommodations.
Can We Bring Our Own Food and Drinks on the Tour?
The tour allows travelers to bring their own food and drinks. However, a traditional Greek lunch is provided as part of the tour package, so bringing your own may not be necessary.
Is There a Breakdown of the Time Spent at Each Location?
The tour details don’t provide a specific breakdown of the time spent at each location. However, it covers several key highlights, including the old town of Rethymno, Preveli Monastery, and Plakias Beach, allowing visitors to explore the region’s history and natural beauty.
Are There Any Additional Fees or Charges Not Included in the Tour Price?
The tour price does not include any additional fees or charges. It covers hotel pick-up and drop-off, the guided tour, headsets, lunch, and entrance fees to the Preveli Monastery, as outlined in the itinerary highlights.
Recap
Rethymno’s captivating blend of architectural styles and the Preveli Monastery’s historical significance offer visitors a glimpse into the rich cultural heritage of Crete. The tour’s comprehensive itinerary and inclusions ensure a memorable experience exploring the region’s landmarks and natural beauty. Travelers are encouraged to come prepared and equipped for an immersive journey through this enchanting Mediterranean destination.