The historic monastery of Arkadi near Rethymno of Crete was created around the 12th century by a monk.This renowned site of the island is related to the
Cretan Revolution of 1866 when Cretans revolted against the Turkish (Ottoman) occupation and refused to surrender, setting fire to a room full of
gunpowder, killing themselves and a big part of the Turkish soldiers, all in a heroic act of self-sacrifice. Nowadays, you can visit it and learn all about its
history and marvel at its Renaissance-inspired fortress-like architecture.

The city of Rethymnon is located along the northern coast of the island of Crete. It is a place that combines the charm of history, as it retains much of its
Venetian and Turkish past. The character of the old town, with its mix of architecture and history, tells of the period of Venetian rule when Rethymnon
was an important cultural center thanks to the presence of many intellectuals and artists of the time in the city. The large fortress built by the Italians to
defend the port is the most important monument in Rethymno. Tourists love walking in the narrow streets of the old city

• Pickup and drop-off from the point you indicate to us in the Chania area (from
  Georgioupolis to Kissamos)
•  Driving for about 1h & 30 min
•  Visit the Monastery of Arkadi for 1 h **
•  Pick up and driving to the city of Rethymnon
•  Walking through the narrow streets of the old town of Rethymnon 2 h
•  Optionally have a lunch to the local restaurants **
•  Drive back to the drop-off point

The Melidoni Cave is located about 1 800 metres northwest of the village. It has an extremely interesting history and amazing archaeological findings some of which are exhibited in the Archaeological Museum of Rethymno.The Melidoni cave is also called “Gerondospilios”. It was used for religious ceremonies. During the Minoan Civilization, it was a place of worship for Talos the bronze giant guardian of Crete who protected the island of Crete from enemies.It is of archaeological and historical interest. In October 1823 370 women and children and 30 warriors who hid from Hussein Bey sought refuge in the Melidoni cave. When he found out, the cave was surrounded by his army and he asked Cretan people to surrender.When they refused to do so, Ottomans started to attack them. Three months later they dropped combustible materials into an opening leading to the cave and set it on fire. Men, women and children lost their lives in the cave in January 1824. In the central room of the cave there is an ossuary containing the bones of the heroes of Melidoni cave.

Cancellation policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the start date of the experience
This experience requires good weather. If canceled due to bad weather, you will be
offered a different date or a full refund.

Book Here