Rethymno: Arkadi Monastery, Margarites Village & Melidoni Cave.
At a glance
Rethymno: Arkadi Monastery, Margarites Village & Melidoni Cave. is a 7h – 8h private experience in Chania, Greece, operated by MOYSIDIS TRAVEL. Travellers rate it 4.5 out of 5 across 16 reviews on Viator and Tripadvisor. Prices start from $1,004.83 per person. Included: Pick-up at your hotel, All Fees and Taxes, Wi-fi on board and Water from the springs of the White Mountains “Samaria”, in bottles.
Highlights
- Private experience — just you and your group
- Hotel pickup included
- 7 stops in one well-planned itinerary
Quick facts
- Duration
- 7h – 8h
- Group
- Private tour — only your group
- Languages
- Russian, English
- Pickup
- Hotel pickup included
- Confirmation
- Instant confirmation
- Ticket
- Mobile or paper ticket accepted
- Cancellation
- See cancellation policy
Overview
Explore the cultural and natural highlights of central Crete with a private tour from Chania or Rethymno. Visit the historical Arkadi Monastery, descend into the legendary Melidoni Cave, and discover the artisan pottery village of Margarites. Along the route, learn from your guide about the ancient city of Eleutherna, once a major cultural center of Crete. End your day with a stroll through the romantic alleys of Rethymno Old Town.
• Visit the historical Arkadi Monastery, a symbol of Cretan resistance
• Explore Melidoni Cave, a site of natural beauty and tragic history
• Stop in the traditional pottery village of Margarites
• Walk through the picturesque streets of Rethymno Old Town
• Hear stories of Ancient Eleutherna on your way through the region
What's included
What's included
- Pick-up at your hotel
- All Fees and Taxes
- Wi-fi on board and Water from the springs of the White Mountains “Samaria”, in bottles
- Accompaniment by a professional guide
- Entrance tickets to the Monastery of Arcadia
- Comfortable Vehicle with a professional driver
Not included
- Personal expenses, drinks, lunch / dinner
- Customary tips to your drivers, guides and escorts
Itinerary
-
Stop 1 · 1h 30m
Pickup from your location in Chania region.
Your private guide and driver will meet you at your hotel, villa, or cruise ship. Sit back and enjoy the journey through the scenic Cretan countryside. -
Stop 2 · 1h
Arkadi Monastery (Visit – approx. 1 hour).
Explore one of Crete’s most sacred landmarks, a symbol of freedom and resistance. Learn the powerful story of the 1866 rebellion against the Ottoman Empire and admire the monastery’s impressive Baroque architecture, bell tower, and peaceful surroundings. -
Stop 3
Eleutherna (Drive-by storytelling stop – no visit).
On the way to Margarites, your guide will tell the fascinating story of ancient Eleutherna — once a thriving city-state with Homeric connections. Although we won’t stop at the archaeological site, you’ll gain an insightful overview of its historical importance, recent discoveries, and connection to nearby villages. -
Stop 4 · 1h
Margarites Village (Stop – approx. 1 hour).
Discover the charming village of Margarites, famous for its traditional pottery and artistic spirit. Walk through narrow stone alleys adorned with bougainvillea, visit local ceramic workshops, and maybe take home a handmade souvenir. -
Stop 5 · 1h
Melidoni Cave (Visit – approx. 45 min).
Venture into the dramatic Melidoni Cave, filled with natural beauty and poignant history. This atmospheric site was once a place of worship and later the scene of a tragic event during the Ottoman occupation. Explore the cavern’s chamber, admire the stalactites, and feel the reverence of this sacred place. -
Stop 6 · 2h
Rethymno Old Town (Free time – approx. 1.5–2 hours).
Conclude your tour in one of Greece’s best-preserved medieval cities. Enjoy free time to explore Venetian and Ottoman architecture, cozy cafés, boutique shops, and hidden alleyways. Optional lunch at a local taverna (at your own expense). -
Stop 7 · 1h
Return to Chania.
Relax during your comfortable drive back to the Chania region.
Meeting point
Enjoy the convenience of private pick-up and drop-off from your hotel, villa, cruise, or any other location in the Chania or Rethymno region. We offer flexible pick-up times tailored to your schedule, ensuring a stress-free and personalized experience. Simply confirm your preferred pick-up time, and our professional team will handle the rest.
Good to know
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Specialized infant seats are available
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Private pick-up and drop-off from your hotel, villa, cruise, or any other point in the region of Chania and Rethymno. Pick-up time is flexible and upon your final confirmation.
- To visit the Monastery, you must wear modest clothes: for women – a skirt/dress under your knees and covered shoulders. For men – trousers, T-shirt with long sleeves.
- Important to have: Comfortable shoes, Comfortable clothes, Sunglasses, and Hat Money for souvenirs, drinks, lunch/dinner.
- Health issues: If any participant suffers from any severe allergy (e.g. to bee stings, food allergies/intolerances) or has medical/health issues we need to be aware of, it is important to let us know in advance. This is clearly a safety measure, personal information is by no means violated, and we exercise all discretion.
- HealthInsurance: Our company is covered by Professional Liability Insurance. Each participant is advised to take out health/travel insurance before traveling to Crete.
Cancellation policy
All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.
Frequently asked questions
How long does the Rethymno: Arkadi Monastery, Margarites Village & Melidoni Cave. take?
The experience lasts about 7h – 8h.
How much does it cost?
Prices start from $1,004.83 per person. The final price depends on the date, time and number of travellers, and is confirmed on Viator before you pay.
What's included?
Pick-up at your hotel; All Fees and Taxes; Wi-fi on board and Water from the springs of the White Mountains “Samaria”, in bottles; Accompaniment by a professional guide; Entrance tickets to the Monastery of Arcadia; Comfortable Vehicle with a professional driver.
Where does it start?
Enjoy the convenience of private pick-up and drop-off from your hotel, villa, cruise, or any other location in the Chania or Rethymno region. We offer flexible pick-up times tailored to your schedule, ensuring a stress-free and personalized experience. Simply confirm your…
Can I cancel?
All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.
Which languages is it offered in?
It is guided in Russian, English.
Is it worth it?
Travellers rate it 4.5 out of 5 across 16 reviews on Viator and Tripadvisor, which places it among the top-rated experiences in Chania.
