Hafen
Rethymnon

Relax and unwind on the beautiful northern coast of Crete during this picturesque, half-day excursion to Episkopi Beach.

Panoramic Views & Episkopi Beach

Depart the pier for the scenic, approximately 30-minute drive to Episkopi Beach, located approximately 8.7 miles (about 14 kilometres) west of Rethymnon in a fertile valley with lowlands. Episkopi Beach is named after the nearby village of Episkopi, located approximately 1.24 miles (about two kilometres) to the south. Upon arrival, you have approximately three hours to relax, unwind, and enjoy the sand and sun.

Sunbathing, Beachcombing, Swimming, Aegean Sea

Episkopi Beach is well-organized, and in the western part of the beach you can find areas with lifeguards, showers, changing rooms, umbrellas, snack bars, water sports, etc. However, given its expansive length, Episkopi also offers quieter spots, especially in the easternmost part of the beach, next to Petres Bridge. During your visit, you can sunbathe, marvel at the panoramic coastal views, take a stroll on the beach and/or swim in the inviting waters of the crystal-clear Aegean Sea.

At the conclusion of your visit, re-board your coach and commence the approximately 30-minute drive back to the pier.

Explore the history, lifestyles, traditions and cuisine of the Cretan people during this scenic and informative sightseeing excursion.

Milopotamos Villages, Garazo Village, Halepa Monastery, Mountain and Valley Views

Depart the pier for the scenic drive southwest. Pass through the traditional villages of Milopotamos, and stop for a visit to Garazo Village. From here, resume driving through areas with dense vegetation, fresh aromas and breath-taking panoramic vistas. The amazing fields and views continue until you reach the historic Halepa Monastery, formerly used as a refuge for Cretan rebels during civil wars. The unique view from the monastery, from the highest mountaintops of Crete to the farming valley below, offers wonderful photo opportunities.

Shepherd's Hut Visit, Cheese-Making, Raki and Cretan Cheese-Tasting

Next, your off-road route continues up to the 'mitato' (shepherd's hut); en route, look for eagles and wild goats. Upon arrival, meet the shepherd, learn all about the local lifestyle and daily activities, and participate in the cheese-making process. Following your visit, enjoy a shot of 'raki' and fresh Cretan cheese with your host.

Axos Village, Traditional Local Tavern, Lunch, Cretan Cuisine

Following your visit, head to the village of Axos. Upon arrival, proceed for a lunch of Cretan cuisine at a traditional local 'taverna'. After lunch, commence the approximately 75-minute drive back to the pier.

Discover the history and landmarks of Chania during a leisurely, half-day walking tour through this ancient city.

Scenic Drive & Chania Walking Tour

Depart the pier for the scenic, approximately one-hour drive to Chania. Upon arrival, learn about the history of this beautiful old town during a guided and narrated walking tour, along with a visit to the famous Market of Chania.

Free Time (Browsing, Shopping)

Following your walking tour, some free time is made available to explore the town at your leisure. You can visit historic sites, browse the shops, or simply sit back and relax at one of Chania's quaint cafés. At the conclusion of your visit, re-board the coach and commence the approximately one-hour drive back to the pier.

Experience life on a renowned organic farm and assist in the preparation authentic Cretan specialities during this unforgettable, sightseeing and culinary excursion.

Agreco Farm and Estate

Depart the pier for a short transfer to the Agreco Farm, originally an olive grove and the summerhouse of the Grecotel owners, the Daskalantonakis family. It features an innovative array of environmentally-friendly methods for traditional and modern cultivation and breeding. The estate, a replica of 17th-century lodge, features a traditional olive press, flour watermill, wine press and a giant vat for grape crushing. The complex includes a church, village square and store, and is highlighted by a mini-zoo. The Agreco Farm produces ecological products that meet all EU standards, thereby demonstrating that cultivation is possible without the use of chemicals that ultimately pollute the soil, water and our health.

Bread-Baking and Tasting, Watermill and Threshing Area, Wine Press, Raki Cauldron

Upon arrival, your first-hand interactive experience explores the traditional production methods of Greek specialities. First, bake bread in a wood-burning stone oven. Whilst the bread is baking, learn how to stuff vegetables, and even fill a few yourself. Once the bread is done, taste it the local way; hot, with Agreco's organic, extra-virgin olive oil. Following your bread tasting, take a guided stroll to the watermill and threshing area. See the millstones utilised to produce flour, and antique milling and baking tools on display, then head over to the wine press and 'raki' cauldron, or 'rakokazano'. See the vat where the grapes are tread in the autumn, and the raki still that produces Crete's famous 'tsikoudia'. Every time you enter a local house, you are offered raki and 'meze'.

Mini-Zoo, Cretan Goats, Goat-Milking, Cheese Tasting, Chapel of St. Nicholas, Farm Shop

Next, walk to the mini-zoo for a look at unique species of local animals, including the famous 'kri kri', the wild Cretan goat. Leaving the zoo, your guide takes a goat to the centre of the village square, and milks it. The fresh goat's milk is utilised to produce goat's milk cheese, which you can sample with coarse salt. From here, return to the farm square for visits to the Chapel of St. Nicholas and Farm Shop, where you can browse a wide array of Agreco organic products available for sale. Included are organic olive oil, thyme honey, exceptional wines, fine raki, homemade jam, herbs, pure beauty products, and golden-roasted rusks and peanuts, along with gifts and memorabilia.

Pergola, Vineyard, Olive Grove and Sea Views, Cretan Cheese Pie Lesson and Tasting, Lunch

Leaving the Farm Shop, a stop is made to relax and unwind under the shade of the pergola, which offers splendid panoramic views over the vineyards and olive groves, and down to the Cretan Sea. When local villagers want a quick, tasty lunch, they make 'sfougato'. Observe how this delicious dish is made with our free-range farm eggs. It takes years of experience to make 'myzithropitakia' or Cretan cheese pies; however, a quick interactive lesson helps you learn how to make the filling, roll out the pastry, and fill and decorate the pies. Once they are baked, you are invited to sample these delicious, steaming-hot morsels. After this tasting, proceed for a traditional Greek lunch.

At the conclusion of your visit, re-board your coach for a short drive back to the pier.

Take a stroll through Cretan history during this delightful, full-day sightseeing excursion to Knossos and Arolithos.

Knossos and Palace Complex Ruins

Depart the pier for the scenic, approximately 80-minute drive to Knossos, the ancient capital of the great King Minos. Upon arrival, take a guided tour of the fantastic ruins of the ancient palace complex, which served as the administrative and religious centres for the entire region. The restoration of the palace complex was undertaken by Sir Arthur Evans. Although criticized by some for its modernity, the restoration enables visitors to both visualize the palace as it was and understand its labyrinthine complexity. Highlights of your tour of the palace complex include the living quarters of the king, queen and members of the royal court, rooms for state occasions, theatre area, storerooms, and potters' workshops.

Heraklion Archaeological Museum

Next, your tour continues with a visit to the Heraklion Archaeological Museum. It is one of the largest and most important museums in Greece, and among the most important museums in Europe. The museum houses representative artefacts from every period of Cretan pre-history and history, which spans 5,500 years from Neolithic to Roman times. The singularly most important Minoan Collection features unique examples of Minoan art, many of them true masterpieces.

Arolithos Village and Lunch

Following your museum visit, re-board your coach and proceed for a Greek lunch in Arolithos. This traditional Cretan village is located just 6.8 miles (11 kilometres) from Heraklion, along the old national road connecting Heraklion with Rethymnon. Built on the slope of a mountain amidst the pristine Cretan landscape, Arolithos Village evokes the simplicity and beauty of a bygone era. After lunch, take a guided stroll through the village. Among the many wonderful sites is the Arolithos Museum, which highlights the local history, culture and art of the Cretan people. At the conclusion of your visit, re-board your coach and commence the approximately one-hour drive back to the pier.

This accessible Crete shore excursion is a wonderful way to explore historic Old Town of Rethymnon, visit the fascinating 16^th century Fortress Fortezza, and enjoy a taste of Greece.

Old Town of Rethymnon, Walking/Rolling Tour, Market Square & Free Time

Start your tour by meeting your tour guide and accessible van at the pier. Head out for a short drive to the Old Town of Rethymnon and commence a leisurely accessible walking tour through a preserved Renaissance city that bears incredible elements from both the Venetian and the Ottoman Era. During your walking/rolling tour, see the famous Guora Gate, which used to serve as the main entrance to the town. Located at the Four Martyrs Square, this Gate is now the only part left from the old fortification wall. Pass by the 1626 Rimondi Fountain and the Nerantze Mosque, which during the Venetian times was the church of Santa Maria but was turned into a Mosque during the Turkish occupation. At the town's colorful and vibrant Market Square, enjoy some free time to browse and purchase from the local vendor stands selling crafts, souvenirs, local treats and much more.

Panoramic Drive, Fortress Fortezza, Photo Stop

Next, continue with a panoramic drive, pass by the picturesque old Venetian Harbor and head to the top of the Paleokastro hill for firsthand views of the incredible Fortress Fortezza perched above the city of Rethymnon. Here, you will have an opportunity to get out and capture photos while your tour guide shares the fascinating history of the Fortress with you. A fusion of medieval European and Moorish architecture, this beautiful, 16th-century fortress was built by the Venetians to protect its inhabitants against enemy threats.

Cavo Rethymnon & Local Refreshments

Your final stop of the day will be the popular Cavo Rethymno café, located right on the Mediterranean Sea. Sit down and relax as you enjoy a taste of Greece. You will have a choice of either coffee or tea with cake, or Greek Ouzo or Raki with Meze.

The tour concludes back at the pier.

Experience the medieval beauty of Rethymnon on-foot during this picturesque walking tour.

Fortezza Fortress

Depart the pier for the short, guided stroll to the Fortezza. A fusion of medieval European and Moorish architecture, this beautiful, 16th-century fortress was built by the Venetians to protect its inhabitants against enemy threats. It is star-shaped, with three gates and six bastions. In the middle, the Church of St. Nicolo was converted into the Mosque of the Sultan Ibrahim Han.

Rethymnon Walking Tour

Following your visit, continue your guided walking tour of Rethymnon, home to the Rimondi Fountain, Eleutherna, Moschea Neratze, Loggia Veneziana, and more. At the conclusion of your tour, you may opt to walk back to the pier with your guide, or remain in Rethymnon for further exploration and return to the ship on your own.

Explore Rethymnon at your leisure during your full-day (8-hour) sightseeing tour via private car. Customise your own itinerary or choose to see an overview of the area's highlights.

Depart the pier with your English-speaking guide in an air-conditioned car and discover the city and surrounding areas at your own pace. Your exclusive tour concludes back at the pier.

Explore Rethymnon at your leisure during your half-day (4-hour) sightseeing tour via private car. Customise your own itinerary or choose to see an overview of the area's highlights.

Depart the pier with your English-speaking guide in an air-conditioned car and discover the city and surrounding areas at your own pace. Your exclusive tour concludes back at the pier.

Explore Rethymnon at your leisure during your full-day (8-hour) sightseeing tour via private van. Customise your own itinerary or choose to see an overview of the area's highlights.

Depart the pier with your English-speaking guide in an air-conditioned van and discover the city and surrounding areas at your own pace. Your exclusive tour concludes back at the pier.

Explore Rethymnon at your leisure during your half-day (4-hour) sightseeing tour via private van. Customise your own itinerary or choose to see an overview of the area's highlights.

Depart the pier with your English-speaking guide in an air-conditioned van and discover the city and surrounding areas at your own pace. Your exclusive tour concludes back at the pier.