Rethymno: Olive Oil, Arkadi Monastery, Gyros & Wine Small-Group Tour

Discover the Authentic Flavors and Heritage of Rethymno

Explore the traditions, flavors, and historic landmarks of the Rethymno countryside on a small-group journey with no more than eight guests.

Visit a local olive mill to learn about Cretan olive oil production and enjoy an olive oil tasting. Discover Arkadi Monastery, one of Crete’s most important historic and religious landmarks, and learn about its place in the island’s history.

Continue your experience with authentic Greek street food at Gyrovolies, followed by a visit to a Cretan winery to discover local winemaking traditions and enjoy a wine tasting.

This experience brings together history, traditional food, local producers, and Cretan hospitality, with organized transportation from designated pickup locations in the Rethymno region.

Pickup Locations & Departure Information

  • Rethymno City: 08:00 (departure point)
  • Perivolia: Approximately 08:10 – 08:15 (very close to the city)
  • Missiria: Approximately 08:15 – 08:20 (slightly east of Perivolia)
  • Platanias / Platanes: Approximately 08:20 – 08:25
  • Adelianos Kampos: Approximately 08:25 – 08:35
  • Pigianos Kampos: Approximately 08:35 – 08:45
  • Sfakaki: Approximately 08:45 – 09:00 (the easternmost point)

Highlights of Your Rethymno Experience

  • Cretan Olive Oil Experience: Visit a traditional olive mill, learn about olive oil production, and enjoy an olive oil tasting.
  • Arkadi Monastery: Discover one of Crete’s most significant historic monasteries and its connection to the island’s heritage.
  • Traditional Cretan Pottery: Visit Tsikalario Cretan Ceramics in Margarites, discover traditional pottery techniques, and watch a local artisan demonstration.
  • Authentic Greek Street Food: Experience local gyros at Gyrovolies.
  • Cretan Wine Tasting: Visit a local winery and learn about the island’s winemaking traditions while tasting Cretan wines.
  • Maximum Eight Guests: Travel in a small group with more personal visits and a relaxed atmosphere.
  • Rethymno Countryside: Explore local traditions beyond the beaches and busy tourist resorts.

Detailed Tour Itinerary

Stop 1: Arkadi Monastery — History, Heritage & Courage

09:10–9:55 | Approximately 45 minutes

Our first destination is the historic Arkadi Monastery, one of Crete’s most important cultural and religious landmarks. Discover its remarkable architecture, peaceful courtyard, and the story behind the events of 1866, when the monastery became an enduring symbol of Cretan resistance and the struggle for freedom. Entrance to the monastery is not included. This is a self-guided visit.

Stop 2: Tsikalario Cretan Ceramics — Discover Traditional Pottery

10:10–11:00 | Approximately 50 minutes

Travel to Margarites, a picturesque Cretan village renowned for its pottery tradition. Visit Tsikalario Cretan Ceramics, where local artisans continue to preserve traditional techniques and produce beautiful handmade pottery. The pottery demonstration is included. Personal purchases and additional hands-on activities are not included.

Stop 3: Markakis Olive Mill: The secrets of Cretan extra virgin olive oil

11:10–12:15 | Approximately 60 minutes

Visit the family-run Markakis Olive Mill near Rethymno to discover Cretan olive oil production in a welcoming, authentic setting. Enjoy a personal introduction to local traditions and taste fresh olive oil with local snacks, often beneath the shade of an olive tree.

Stop 4: Gyrovolies — Authentic Greek Gyros Street-Food Lunch

12:35–13:20 | Approximately 45 minutes

Enjoy an authentic Greek street-food experience at Gyrovolies, a local grill house in Perama. Taste freshly prepared pork or chicken gyros wrapped in warm pita bread with fresh vegetables, potatoes, and sauce, accompanied by a soft drink or water. A prearranged vegetarian option may also be available. This relaxed local lunch is included in the tour price.

Stop 5: Klados Winery — Cretan Wine Discovery & Guided Tasting

13:40–15:15 | Approximately 90 minutes

Visit the family-owned Klados Winery near Panormos and discover Crete’s rich winemaking traditions. Learn about local grape varieties, explore the winery’s production methods, and enjoy a guided tasting of six selected Cretan wines. This authentic wine experience is included for guests aged 18 and over.

What’s Included

  • Small-group experience with a maximum of 8 guests.
  • Round-trip transportation in a comfortable, air-conditioned minivan from designated pickup locations in the Rethymno area.
  • English-speaking local driver/escort throughout the experience.
  • Markakis Olive Mill: Family-run olive mill visit, introduction to Cretan olive oil production, and olive oil tasting with local snacks.
  • Arkadi Monastery: Scheduled visit to this historic Cretan landmark (entrance fee excluded).
  • Gyrovolies Traditional Lunch: Pork or chicken gyros pita, or a prearranged vegetarian alternative, with a soft drink or bottled water.
  • Klados Winery: Guided winery experience and tasting of 6 selected Cretan wines for guests aged 18 and over.

What’s not Included

  • Arkadi Monastery entrance fee: Paid separately at the monastery.
  • Additional food and drinks beyond the included tastings and agreed gyros lunch package.
  • Personal expenses, souvenirs, and purchases of olive oil, wine, or other local products.
  • Optional gratuities for the driver and local hosts.
  • Transfers from locations outside the designated pickup areas, unless arranged in advance.
  • Additional activities or services not specifically mentioned in the tour itinerary.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes! Enjoy an authentic Greek gyros pita at Gyrovolies in Perama, with pork or chicken and a soft drink or bottled water. A vegetarian alternative can be arranged in advance, subject to confirmation.

No. The monastery entrance fee is not included and must be paid separately at the site.

You’ll discover traditional Cretan olive oil production during a family-run visit and enjoy an olive oil tasting accompanied by local snacks.

Yes. Round-trip transportation is included from designated pickup locations in Rethymno, Missiria, Platanes, Adelianos Kampos, and Sfakaki. Additional locations may be available upon request for an extra charge.

The tour lasts approximately 8 hours, with pickups starting between 08:00 and 08:30 and return transfers completed by approximately 16:30, depending on your location.

Yes! Our tour operates with a maximum of 8 guests per minivan, offering a more personal and relaxed experience.

The tour involves light to moderate walking at the olive mill, Arkadi Monastery, and winery. Comfortable walking shoes are recommended. Guests with mobility limitations should contact us before booking to discuss accessibility.

Families should contact LocalTrips4U before booking to confirm age suitability and arrangements for younger guests. Alcoholic wine tastings are available only to adults aged 18 and over.

The planned winery experience includes a guided tasting of six selected Cretan wines. Wine tasting is available to guests aged 18 and over and is subject to final confirmation with the winery.

Select your preferred date through our online booking calendar to check availability and pricing. Review your pickup arrangements, included services and cancellation conditions before confirming your reservation.

We recommend comfortable walking shoes, sunscreen, sunglasses, a hat, a camera or smartphone, and some cash or a payment card for the monastery entrance fee and optional purchases.

You may have the opportunity to purchase local olive oil, wines and other products directly from the producers. Personal purchases are not included in the tour price.

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