HERAKLIO- Tour to Monastery of Arcadi-Chania -Rethymno

Leave behind the vibrant city of Heraklio and drive with direction the Monastery of Arcadi. The actual Katholicon of this monastery was built in 1587, possibly over an earlier church of the 14th century. It was an extremely wealthy Monastery, where there was a center of copying Greek manuscripts and a workshop of church embroideries. The Monastery was of great strategic importance and it was burnt to the ground in 1866 during the Cretan revolution against the Turks.

Re-embark your buses and drive to the town of Chania. Chania is a city of unique beauty, filled with an abundance of fragrant flowers, and boasting a rich cultural heritage. The Venetian port picturesque any time and season is attractive to visitors and locals, for it's beauty and for it's choices of entertainment for all tastes and demands. The old city "intramural" districts preserve their Venetian nobility. Narrow paved alleys are surrounded with tasteful renewed houses, from various ages, are offered for a pleasant walk. Many neoclassic houses are also saved in districts which "neighbor" with the city of Chania, like Halepa. Enjoy a delicious meal in Chania where you will stay for about 1 ½ hour. After lunch, time permitting you can stroll on your own in the town before returning to your bus.

From Chania drive to Rethymno. Rethymno is the capital city of the prefecture of Rethymno, which occupies the northern part of the island. In its picturesque streets you will encounter contemporary buildings, traditional houses as well as mosques, Byzantine churches, and architectural structures of the Venetian and Turkish occupation period. Discover Rethymno and enjoy a free time there of about 1 hour.

Rejoin your bus as you leave Rethymno and drive back to Heraklio and your ship.