Visit one of Crete’s most enchanting villages and the old monastery that became a stark symbol of the island’s resistance against Turkish occupation.

Learn how the Arkad Monastery, now the island's most prominent cloister, became a local landmark and global symbol of heroism as you search the refectory's courtyard for the ancient cypress tree that still carries a bullet from 1866's Turkish siege lodged in its trunk. Then, switch up the pace and roam Rethymno's narrow streets to see 16th-century buildings with arched doorways and stone staircases, Byzantine and Hellenic-Roman remains, and a small Venetian harbor that will steal your heart.

Energy Level

Duration

5.5 Hours

Type

CULTURED

Accessible

Sustainable Tours

This tour operator has received third-party certification based on the Global Sustainable Tourism Council criteria.

Shore Thing Highlights

Follow your guide into the alleys of one of Crete's most preserved old towns and find Byzantine and Hellenic-Roman ruins among other historic jewels
Explore the rich ancient history behind Rethymno, a city built almost entirely by Venetians
Visit the Arkadi Monastery, the island's famous cloister proudly set at the end of a steep, winding road on the edge of the Psiloritis Mountains

Need to know

Please be aware this Shore Thing is not wheelchair accessible
Sailors should expect to walk over uneven pavement for an extended period of time
Comfortable walking shoes are recommended
Approximately 1.5-hour drive to Monastery of Arkadi from Chania
This Shore Thing operator has received third-party certification based on the Global Sustainable Tourism Council criteria

Experience shores the Virgin way

Local & Immersive Tours
Authentic experiences curated with local operators
A Sustainable Cause
Select tour bookings to help social charities
Peace of Mind
Modify/cancel up to 48hrs before where applicable
Priority Debark in Port
Be first ashore in all our ports of call
Safe and Insured
Our partners are licensed and insured
Transparent Pricing
No hidden costs, all-inclusive Shore Thing prices
Expert Travel Support
Pre-voyage to onboard assistance, always there
Stress-Free Returns
Ship will wait for you in the event of a delay
Convenient Collection
Convenience of one location to shop for your calls

Shore Things are fully refundable to the original form of payment. However, please note that Shore Things are only fully refundable if they are canceled within 48 hours prior to the booked Shore Thing taking place, unless stated otherwise in a specific Shore Thing 'Need to Know' section. If you fail to either (a) cancel within 48 hours of the booked Shore Thing (or alternative time period as may be stated in a specific Shore Thing 'Need to Know' section), or (b) show up for a booked Shore Thing, you will be charged for 100% of the Shore Thing price.

If you make a cancellation prior to the first day of your voyage and within 48 hours (unless otherwise stated in the tour details) of your Shore Thing, you will be refunded to the original form of payment after midnight Eastern Standard Time (EST) on the day of cancellation.

If you make another purchase prior to midnight EST, after canceling a booking eligible for a refund, the credit from the canceled booking will be applied to your new booking. Therefore, you’ll only be charged for the price difference between the canceled and new experience. If you have remaining temporary credit left on your account after you’ve made another experience purchase, the remaining credit will be refunded to your original form of payment after midnight EST.

If you cancel a Shore Thing during your voyage and are eligible for a refund, a credit will be applied to your folio and not to your original form of payment.

Shore Things departure times and/or meeting locations are subject to change. We will make every effort to notify Sailors in advance via the Sailor App of any tour departure and/or meeting changes.

The Rhythm of Rethymno & The Arkadi Monastery

Visit one of Crete’s most enchanting villages and the old monastery that became a stark symbol of the island’s resistance against Turkish occupation.

Shore Thing Highlights

Need to know

Experience shores the Virgin way

Our Shore Things Policies