Experience spiritual awakening in Crete Island. Dive into our 16 unique religious activities & sacred tours. Connect with divine energy & enrich your journey!
Benefit from pick-up at your hotel in the Rethymno area, and then explore the traditional lifestyle and historical legacy of Crete.
Learn the Neolithic history of the Melidoni Cave and discover the pottery traditions of the village of Margarites.
Discover the oldest monastery in Crete at the 16th-century Arkadi Monastery, and then go to the village of Apostoli to visit an old olive oil factory. Enjoy lunch in a traditional tavern and listen to the beautiful sound of live folk music before making your way to St. Antonios Gorge. Stop at the Fragma Potamon dam before making your way back to Rethymno.
Visit the monastery of Kera Kardiotissa and the Dictaean Cave. You’ll see panoramic views of the Lasithi Plateau and discover the epic Minoan Palace of Knossos.
Your first stop is the Monastery of Kera Kardiotissa, an Orthodox nunnery dedicated to the Virgin Mary, situated near the village of Kera. Famous for the icon of Mary, believed to be miraculous, it’s surrounded by fortified walls and the church features murals dating back to the 14th century.
The next stop is the village of Psychro, where you’ll take a walk to reach the Dictaean Cave, found above the village of Psychro at 1025 meters altitude. According to Greek mythology, it’s believed to be the place where Zeus, the father of Greek gods, was kept and fed from Amalthia, a goat, in secret to be protected from his father.
A most impressive sight is the lake at the lowest point, surrounded by massive stalactites and stalagmites.
The next stop is Seli Ambelou for lunch with a panoramic view of the Lassithi Plateau.
Stop in Krasi, a small traditional village set on the slope of Selena Mountain, and see its huge ancient plane tree, where the leaves and the branches of the tree provide shade all over the square in a unique and unspoiled environment.
It’s then time for the final destination, a visit to Knossos Palace, the capital of Minoan civilization. You’ll walk through the ancient site and learn how the citizens, believed to be the first Europeans in an organized community, lived 4,000 years ago. You’ll explore the palace and learn about the throne room, the frescoes, and the Minoan columns.
This tour is for those who would like to get to know Cretan culture and traditions while enjoying a four-hour off-road excursion. You will visit a modern olive mill, so that you can see how olive oil is produced, and you can also enjoy the opportunity to sample some of the oils.
After this, you will explore some myths and stories hidden
After that you will climb 600 metres above sea-level on an off-road route. You will travel through the Lefka Ori woods and you will be stunned by the panoramic views from the trail. Later, you will meet a shepherd who will show you how Cretan cheeses are made and you can try some of the cheeses he makes himself.
Finally, the evening will come to a close with a traditional evening meal. There will be lots of food and traditional dishes for everyone to enjoy, and the evening will leave you with fond memories of your day spent exploring Crete.
Immerse yourself in the traditional customs of Crete on a private tour from Rethimno. Meet the only living nun at Vossakos monastery and be introduced to Mr. Andreas and Mrs. Eleni at a local pasture. Learn about goat-herding and beekeeping from the experts and indulge in delicious Cretan cuisine.
Get picked up from your accommodations in Crete and leave the city center behind for the picturesque countryside. Arrive at the historical Vossakos monastery, settled in a landscape of beautiful flowers, lush trees, and aromatic herbs.
Walk towards the monastery and be welcomed within by the one remaining nun who lives here. Be treated to her smile and a taste of the sweet loukoumi, learning about the stories surrounding these holy walls.
Depart from the monastery to visit a local pasture. Pass through the entrance of three huge trees and meet Mr. Andreas, the resident shepherd. Listen to him detail his daily routine, including taking care of the goats and the process of producing milk.
Indulge in the delicious flavors of traditional Cretan appetizers, such as cheese, olives, and a glass of raki. With a happy stomach, follow the shepherd out to his flock and watch as 100 goats rush out of their pen into the high hills.
Say goodbye to Mr. Andreas and be introduced to his wife, Mrs. Eleni. Slide into your beekeeping uniform as she leads you to the hives, demonstrating her mastery over the honey-loving insects.
Observe the procedure for honey extraction that Mrs. Eleni undertakes with her bare hands! Learn the family secrets behind why she has no need for her own beekeeper’s uniform.
Bee welcomed into the home of Mr. Andreas and Mrs. Eleni, situated high up in the mountains with breathtaking views over the village. Take a walk through the peaceful environment, relaxing into this fairytale-like world.
Open a bottle of wine and enjoy a glass while a traditional lunch is prepared for you. Tuck into a range of local organic products and finish off your meal with a delicious dessert, such as pitakia with honey on top.
After lunch, be guided to the heart of Apladiana, one of the most ancient villages on the island which still adheres to Cretan customs. Cross through a field full of orange trees, reveling in the citrusy breeze, and finish your tour in the village square.
Hop down to the heart of Central Crete, the beloved land of our ancestors, and let the wonders of the Minoan world collide on this luxurious passage of time.
From the comfort of a premium chauffeured vehicle & escorted by our top local insider, revel in the endless luxuries of the ancient Messara plain where wine-red fertile soils treasure lavish vineyards & the oldest olive groves stretch perennially toward the horizon.
Visit a family award-winning winery set on the peak of alluring panoramas & let our passionate winemakers immerse you into their intoxicating world. Luxuriate in ages, unearthing the Bronze Age palaces of Phaistos & Gortyna along with storied villages & monasteries.
In the afternoon, tuck in the bohemian vibe of Matala that captivated Bob Dylan & Janis Joplin. Bask in the turquoise waters of the Libyan Sea & unwind in the charming village, irresistible for its freshly caught grilled fish & finest ouzo.
To us, travel means putting fire in your soul with the best stories.
Join us for an unforgettable journey through the Lasithi region and the historical Minoan Palace in Heraklion, where adventure and discovery await at every turn.
Psychro Cave or Cave of Zeus: Embark on a 1-hour and 40-minute exploration of the legendary Psychro Cave, the mythical birthplace of Zeus. Marvel at its awe-inspiring formations.
Vidiani Monastery: Discover the tranquility of Vidiani Monastery, nestled at the foot of Louloudaki Mountain. Explore its spiritual surroundings for 25 minutes.
Village of Krasi: Begin your day in the picturesque village of Krasi, renowned for its freshwater springs and the oldest and biggest tree on the island of Crete. Explore its traditional streets and landmarks during our 20-minute stop.
Farm: As a delightful conclusion to our tour, we will visit the site of the “Olive Oil Festival” in Sisi. Nestled in a picturesque location in the mountains, surrounded by carobs, wild olives, herbs, and grazing goats and sheep, this festival is a perfect blend of culture and nature. Here, you will be educated on various local productions such as olive oil, soaps, and honey.
Additionally, you will have the opportunity to enjoy a buffet lunch prepared right before your eyes in a specially designed outdoor area, available at an extra cost. The festival also features an exhibition of locally produced items available for purchase, ensuring you can take a piece of this authentic experience home with you. This is an opportunity to immerse yourself in local traditions and flavors in a truly beautiful setting.
Minoan Palace of Knossos: Finally, board the bus and head back to Heraklion. Visit the historic Knossos Palace for a 1-hour guided tour, followed by free time to capture memorable photographs of this extraordinary cultural landscape.
Relish the memories as we conclude this remarkable day! Sit back and relax during the comfortable bus drive back to the original pick-up point where our journey began in the morning.
Join our exciting trip along Crete’s west coast. We start with pick-ups from various hotels before heading to our first stop, Chania. You’ll have plenty of time to explore the old town’s rich history and lively atmosphere.
Next, we visit the enchanting Cave of Agia Sofia, where you can admire the natural wonders within. On the way, enjoy Crete’s beautiful countryside.
We then head to the traditional village of Elos for an lunch at a local taverna (not included).
We finish at Elafonisi beach, where you can relax, swim, or walk along the shores.
As the day ends, we’ll return to your hotels, reminiscing about the day while enjoying the scenic west coast.
Excursion program:
07.20 – 09.00 Tour collection
09.00 – 10.00 The way to Chania
10.00 – 11.20 Chania old town free time
11.20 – 12.20 The way to the cave of Agia Sofia
12.20 – 13.20 Cave of Agia Sofia
13.20 – 13.45 The way to Elos village
13.45 – 15.00 Lunch in Elos (not included)
15.00 – 15.40 The way to Elafonisi
15.40 – 17.40 Elafonisi beach
17.40 – 20.40 Return to the hotels
* The timing is approximate and subject to change.
Enjoy some time away from the beaches and noisy resorts and explore a different side of Crete on a guided excursion. Step into the mythical Psychro Cave, visit the Vidiani monastery, see the freshwater springs in the small town of Krasi and feel the Cretan culture in the Olive Mill farm.
Get picked up from your accommodation in the morning and take a drive to the Psychro Cave. Uncover the secrets of the mythical birthplace of Zeus, decorated with impressive stalactites and stalagmites.
Up next, stop at the Greek Orthodox monastery of Vidiani dedicated to the Virgin Mary.
The third stop will be at the traditional village of Krasi. Gaze at the beautiful freshwater springs and the oldest tree on Crete as you take in the countryside scenery.
Lastly, see the production of olive soap, olive oil and honey and enjoy an unforgetable meal made from local products, at your own expense at the Olive Mill Farm, with unique aromas from the surrounding wild mountain and view to the Aegean sea
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