In a nutshell

From the magnificence of the Arkadi Monastery, a symbol of the Cretan people's fight for independence from the Turks, to the Venetian atmosphere of Rethymno, an undeniably fascinating melting pot of art and history.

Main stops

Arkadi Monastery
Rethymno: ancient Venetian loggia, Neratze mosque, Great Gate, Rimondi Square (external visit)

The programme

We leave the port of Heraklion by coach and head for the Arkadi monastery, the island's most famous monastery, which is composed of a series of fortified buildings. Legend has it that it was built by Emperor Flavius Heraclius Augustus and reconstructed around the 5th century by Byzantine emperor Arcadius, from whom it takes its name, while other sources report that it was founded by a monk named Arcadius.
The central courtyard is beautiful and houses the church dedicated to Saint Constantine, Saint Helen and Our Father. The monastery also symbolises the fight for independence from the Turks. In 1866, many Cretan people took refuge here to defend themselves from the Ottomans and, rather than surrender, they blew up the armoury , sacrificing their own lives.
We will continue on to Rethymno, capital of a region whose great cultural heritage dates back to the Minoan age and has its main centre in Cydonia. There is, almost unexpectedly, a Venetian atmosphere in the historic city centre (palia poli): the Venetians in fact, having conquered the island, decided to create a commercial base here, between Heraklion and Chania. Every corner of the city is still imbued its old, aristocratic character, from the 16th century buildings to the arched porticoes, from the stone stairs to magnificent remains from the Greek, Roman and Byzantine eras, from the maze of streets to the small Venetian port. In the ancient Venetian loggia we find the information office of the Ministry of Culture.
All that remains is for us to visit the other places of interest, the marvellous Neratze mosque, which was completed in 1657, the Guora Gate - the main gate of the 16th century wall - and lastly, Rimondi square.
Before returning we can explore every corner of this marvellous city, a rare treasure of art and history: the marvellous Neratze mosque, which was completed in 1657, the Guora Gate, the main gate of the 16th century wall, and lastly Rimondi square.

Good to know

Places on this excursion are limited. So please reserve early.
The coach transfer from the port to the Arcadi Monastery takes approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes.
We suggest wearing comfortable shoes and clothing.
Clothing that is appropriate for the places of worship to be visited is recommended.
In order to guarantee the health of our guests, in compliance with the regulations and the respect of the safety protocol, the itineraries and the duration of the excursions may be subject to changes, even if not substantial.