George was our driver/guide on this private tour and it was a great day out. He is very knowledgeable on Cretan sites of interest and Cretan history and we had a very enjoyable time visiting Rethymno and around. Definitely recommended as a days sightseeing as it included visiting Arkadi Monastery, the pottery making village Margarites and the Apithano Honey Museum. George was on time in the morning and we had a comfortable van for the two of us. He even sent me a summary via WhatsApp of the day which is a very helpful reminder. Overall a really good day out.
About Activity
What's Included
Includes
- Bottled water
- Fuel, Tolls, Taxes, & Fees
- Olive Mill Visit & Tasting Fee
- Onboard Wi-Fi & Fast Charger
- Knowledgeable Local Driver-Host Fluent in English
- Planning & Organization of your Personalized Tour
- Liability Insurance
- Private Transportation in a Comfortable Van
- Hygiene Amenities & First Aid Kit
- Hotel, Harbor, or Meeting Point Pickup & Drop-Off
Excludes
- Licensed Guide (multi-language, optional, extra charge)
- Arkadi Entrance Fee
- Personal expenses, Tips & Gratuities
- Lunch is an Optional Experience
- Museum of Ancient Eleutherna Entry Fee: €10/person (optional)
Departure & Return
Departure Point
- Traveler pick up offered
Itinerary
The Old Venetian Harbour of Rethymno is a charming, historic waterfront featuring colorful Venetian architecture, a picturesque lighthouse, and vibrant tavernas. Its scenic beauty and rich history create a captivating atmosphere, making it a must-visit destination in Crete.
Rethymno Old Town is a captivating tapestry of history and charm, where centuries-old cobblestone streets wind through a labyrinth of Venetian and Ottoman architecture. As you wander its enchanting alleys, vibrant bougainvillea spills over colorful balconies, and the scent of Cretan delicacies drifts from hidden tavernas. Every corner reveals a new story, from ancient fortresses to quaint squares alive with local life. It’s a place where time slows down, and the soul of Crete comes alive, inviting you to lose yourself in its magic.
We will pass by the Fortezza, admiring its grandeur from the car. If you'd like, you can use some of your free time in Rethymno's Old Town to climb up and enjoy the stunning view of the city from above.
A stunning 16th-century landmark set in the Cretan mountains, known for its rich history and role in Crete’s fight for independence. With Venetian-inspired architecture, tranquil courtyards, and stunning views, it stands as a symbol of resistance and sacrifice. Visitors can explore its historic church and learn about its pivotal place in Cretan history, making it a must-visit destination.
If time permits, we can arrange an extra 30' stop at the Museum of Ancient Eleutherna to further explore the area's fascinating past! (Closed on Tuesdays)
Stroll through quaint streets and explore local workshops, gaining a glimpse into Crete's traditional pottery-making as artisans craft handmade ceramics. Afterward, enjoy an optional lunch at one of the village's cozy tavernas, savoring authentic Cretan cuisine in a charming atmosphere.
Explore Melidoni Cave, an impressive natural monument filled with dramatic stalactites and stalagmites, and learn about its powerful historical significance. Optional additional stop, included only if time, interest, and itinerary allow during your private tour. €4/Person
Visit the Apithano Honey Museum, where you’ll learn about Cretan beekeeping, the Bee social structure &Organization, and traditional honey production. Optional additional stop with free entry—the family owners kindly hope you may choose to purchase local honey or products if you wish.
Language Offered
Additional Info
Cancellation Policy
Reviews
A memorable day with a personalized trip to the countryside of Crete.
George contacted us the day before and was willing to come even earlier than the scheduled time and show us everything and more. He had a great grasp on history. Great day!
Outstanding experience! Our tour was customized to our desired destinations. We learned so much about Crete and its history. We visited Melidoni caves, the Monastery of Arkadi, Margarites, the honey museum, an olive mill and the Old Town. We would have never done so much on our own nor would we have learned so much. George was an excellent guide who is passionate about sharing his love of Crete. It was truly a spectacular experience!
George gave us a fantastic day filled with the history of Crete. We were able to customize our tour which allowed us to see and do what we wanted. My three teenagers had a wonderful time experiencing various sights including the Melidoni caves, the honey museum, an olive mill, Margarites village, the Monastery of Arkadi and Rethymno Old Town. At every stop, George gave excellent commentary on each place. We would have never learned so much going on our own nor would we have seen so much. Crete is large and you really need a knowledgeable person who can guide your trip. George is that person! He even sent a detailed history of our day complete with the names of every place and shop we visited! It was amazing!!
George is such an amazing tour guide. My family and I did the full day tour. Even though the tour was from 9am-4pm, it did not feel like this. George took us to local places such as the Honey and Olivia Factory. George also showed us the Old Town, taking us to places that are not the generic tourist trap. George’s expertise led my family to amazing Ceramic shops and to learn about the history of Crete. George’s knowledge and contagious laughter made this tour one of the best!!!!
Our host was incredibly knowledgeable, considerate, and fun! The tour destinations were perfect and customized to us. We will definitely recommend our host to friends back home.
George was a great resource and at a fair price as well. He recommended and took us to very interesting places and you can customize as you see fit. Was very nice having someone familiar with area! Great pottery shops, viewpoints, monastery visit, olive oil farm and honey! We got a lot of our souvenirs during this tour!
This is one of those tours that make you want to come back to Crete. George was more then a tour guide. He treated us like new friends and he wanted to show us his home. He asked what are interests are and curated a wonderful day of history, food. And to finish? This laid-back wine tasting with some great Cretan wines. We were all laughing and chatting like old pals by the end.. If you are looking for a upstanding tour with fun, learning and friends this is the tour to choose. George, if you see this, thanks for an amazing day. You made the whole trip!
We went on the tour of Rethymno, Ardadi Eleutherna and the Margarites. It was a very good tour. We tasted some very good olive oil and saw some very beautiful pottery. We went to the monastery and learned something of the history of Crete. It was a wonderful way to see part of the island. Thank you so much for everything you showed us.
What an incredible way to learn about and experience Crete. George shared his knowledge and love of the area and was able to customize the tour to match our interests. During this full day, we met up outside of Heraklion to go to Rethymno…. We drove first to an olive mill, then to a small village where we saw local pottery shops and watched an expert potter create small vases. We stopped for coffee overlooking scenic views of mountains meeting the sea. We walked through an exhibit of ancient artifacts, toured a monastery and spent time walking through a seaside village that reflected the long and various periods of history. We ended with a lovely lunch. George shared more than his knowledge-he shared himself. We were so grateful to have spent the day with him.
Fabulous day out with George, highly professional throughout. Amazing local and historical knowledge given over the day. Great communication and different options given to tailor the day to us. Car exceptionally clean and well maintenance. Water provided through the day. Highly recommend to anyone
What a wonderful day with George. We truly enjoyed learning so much about the beautiful island of Crete and had a fabulous day in Rethymno! His suggestion for lunch was one of our most memorable eating experiences on our trip. George is the best!
The Tour was most exciting with exotic views of the Countryside. Our George is very knowledgeable and friendly and very helpful and warm hearted. He is an expert guide. And a most safe driver too. Highly recommended.
We met Mr George during our day trip when he drove us to historic sites such as Piathos Minoan palace , Rethmyno Arkadi Monastery, pottery village and a Local olive oil mill. Mr George is knowledgeable about history, culture and the cuisine of Crete. He is very polite and took care of us in this trip. He has a good sense of humor and interacted with us on various subjects. It was a pleasure to have met Mr George who made us feel very comfortable in our journey. We would highly recommend his services.
Had a wonderful day trip with our guide George, who showed us the sights of Rethymno, the Arkadi monastery and Margarites village. George's facts and stories at different times kept us enthralled throughout. Highly recommend if you're in Crete.
Enjoyed a great day trip with our driver George…. Thank you so much for the experience….and the very interesting stops on our way to Chania
Amazing tour. George went over and above to customize our trip to include everything we wanted to do. His knowledge of history and the sites was extraordinary. His sense of humor and kind energy helped make the tour even better. I highly recommend this tour, and George.
Traveling from Heraklion to Chania, we took George’s suggestion and turned the journey into a full-day adventure. With ever-changing scenery and our host’s insights, it became a journey to remember!
Our second stop in Crete . We arranged with George again , given his knowledge, attitude , and warmth. Totally recommend.
George was a friendly tour guide. He showed us his island of Crete with pride and knowledge and I really enjoyed his tour even though the weather was cold and rainy. I would recommend him to anyone interested in this type of a tour. Also, I must say his van was super clean and he even offered us water, gum and antibacterial wipes.
We spent a wonderful day with our driver George. The trip was very interesting because George has a comprehensive knowledge of history, landscape and all over also of active situations in Crete. He is a very pleasent, polite and reliable guide. We had already the year before an excursion with him and we were highly excited the way he did it. We sincerly can recommend him.
We had an unforgettable experience during our guided tour of the town and province of Rethymnon in Crete! Our guide and driver was an absolute gem – professional, knowledgeable, and incredibly polite. From the moment we were picked up in the comfortable van, it was clear we were in good hands. Our guide's expertise shone through as he shared fascinating insights about the local lifestyle, culture, and history of the area. He had a deep understanding of the rich traditions of Crete and offered us a truly immersive experience. Whether it was discussing the ancient architecture or the small, everyday details of local life, he painted a vivid picture of the town and its heritage. We also visited the Arkadi Monastery, a symbol of Cretan resistance, where in 1866, hundreds of locals chose martyrdom over surrender during an Ottoman siege, fueling international support for Crete's independence struggle. In the ancient city of Eleutherna, a significant archaeological site showcasing Crete's rich history, blending Minoan, Greek, and Roman cultures, Yorgos offered insights into the island's ancient urban, political, and cultural life. Yorgos was not only an excellent guide, but his driving skills were also impeccable, navigating the narrow streets of the city of Rethymnon or the small provincial roads of Psiloritis mountain with ease and ensuring our comfort and safety throughout the tour. He was always courteous and attentive, going out of his way to make sure we felt welcome and accommodated. We left the tour with a deeper appreciation for Crete as a whole, thanks to our guide’s enthusiasm and passion for his island. If you’re looking for a personalized, informative, and enjoyable way to explore Rethymnon and its area, this tour is an absolute must!
This time we explored the Rethymno region, and I am still amazed by the beauty of the landscapes we discovered. In the potters’ village of Margarites, I created my first clay creation before being pleasantly surprised by the splendor and history of the Arkadi monastery. A lunch at the Venetian port of Rethymno is absolutely essential! George, thank you for an unforgettable day.
A beautiful journey, combining history, culture and beautiful landscapes. The city of Rethymno, the Arkadi monastery, the Margarite pottery village and the custom stop at the Eleutherna museum were highlights. The charming traditional villages and picturesque roads have been sublime. I highly recommend this excursion to discover the heart of Crete!
Monday through Friday 9 am to 7 pm EST
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