Unspoiled Spirit of West Crete: Chauffeur Driven Private Tour

OVERVIEW

 

Between the two major Cretan mountain ranges (Mount Idi or Ida or Psiloritis and The White Mountains or Lefka Ori) with panoramic mountain and sea views, your journey will begin with exploring the valley of Amari and experiencing the secrets of Crete private tours and activities.

 

The first destination is the traditional Margarites village, known for its rich tradition in pottery from the ancient Cretan times. Together with your private local tour guide, you walk through narrow streets and among stone-built houses of the village until you reach Keramion. In this modern Cretan workshop gallery, you will meet Giorgos, who, using Minoan techniques and designs, will both show and explain to you how the ceramics are made. Furthermore, you will have the opportunity to test your craftsman skills, by using water, fire, and the unique Cretan clay, which is of the world’s finest quality.

 

Your authentic Cretan trip continues among other small quaint villages, forests of oak and cypress, vineyards, and olive groves until you reach Arkadi Monastery (Moni Arkadi). This is the place where Modern Greek history was written, with still visible signs of heroic struggle for independence. Your Crete-Licensed Guide will introduce you to the monks and together you will enter their cells where you will learn first-hand about Arkadi’s glorious history and origins (date back to the 5th century).

 

Then you descend to the south, to the valley of Amari. Your private driver will drive you to Agios Antonios (Patsos) Gorge, where your tour guide, who is also a food advisor expert, will take you for lunch to a special place, next to the stream with its gorse waters. Not to mention that unique scenery and feeling await you in this oasis of senses!

 

The next itinerary step is to visit the picturesque Spili Village, known not only for the Venetian fountain with the best water quality in Crete but also for its Cretan herbs and Tulips. A great opportunity to experience another authentic aspect of Crete Island!

 

Another interesting person to meet, during your private excursion, is Stefanos, who will take you to the green, colorful fragrant Botanical Park. There he will show you how he produces essential Cretan oils, soaps and healing ointments from what he cultivates and collects himself.

 

On the way back to Rethymnon, you will see one of the largest artificial lakes on the island, which is now connected with the famous Cretan crocodile Sifis. Over the old ravines and wild canyons, you will descend with a magnificent view of the city and the sea.

 

Reaching the city of Rethymno, in the maze of the narrow streets of the old city, you will be lost in a mosaic of palaces, villas, fountains, and churches made by Venetians and minarets and wooden balconies of the Arabs. Under the shadow of the Fortezza fortress, in the magnificent small Venetian Harbor, which overlooks Psiloritis, you will farewell the day, before the driver will take you back to the hotel.

 

WHAT'S INCLUDED