The Cretan Way of Life at the mountains of Rethymno (Mylopotamos): A Wild Cultural Adventure
5.0
16 Ratings
Rethymno
Experience the authentic Cretan way of life in the mountains of Rethymno. Explore monasteries, meet a shepherd, learn about beekeeping, enjoy homemade food, and discover the traditions of Cretan weddings.
Duration: 8 hours
Cancellation: 1 day learn more
Highlights
  • Monastery of the Holy Cross Vosakos - The day begins in the region of Rethymno; after 1 hour of driving from the centre, we will visit a historically important Cretan monastery. In a lush landscape, full of beautiful flowers, trees and aromatic herbs, the Vosakos monastery lies before our eyes, stone-built and magnificent. The one and only nun left in the monastery, will be waiting inside to welcome us with her kind smile and a delicious loukoumi treat. We can stay for some time to enjoy its traditional architecture and the calm atmosphere; in the meantime, we will learn all about its tumultuous history.
What's Included
  • Hotel pickup and drop-off
  • All taxes, fees, and handling charges
  • Professional driver/guide
  • Inclusive of lunch
  • Local taxes covered
  • No fuel surcharges
  • Travel comfortably in an air-conditioned minivan
Additional Information

On this journey, you’ll delve into the authentic culture and traditions of Crete. We’ll begin at a lesser-known monastery in the Mylopotapos area. A short 10-minute drive later, we’ll meet Andreas, a local shepherd. You’ll get to understand his daily routines and sample his self-made raki complemented with ‘meze’. Participate in the unique process of Cretan beekeeping by donning specialized uniforms and sampling honey right from the comb. Experience the warm-heartedness of Mr. Andreas and his wife Ms. Eleni as they invite you for a traditional homemade Cretan meal at their residence. En route to Apladiana, you’ll traverse orange groves, where you’ll have the opportunity to pluck and savor a fresh orange. When rambling through Apladiana, our guide will share ever little detail about Cretan wedding customs. It’s a genuinely unique lifetime experience!

  • Vegetarian option is available, please advise at time of booking if required
Location
Eleftheríou Venizélou 39
Eleftheríou Venizélou
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Customer Ratings
5.0
(16 Ratings)
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Marinatzortzakaki
Apr 9, 2022
UNBELIEVABLE EXPERIENCE - This was honestly the highlight of our trip in Crete. We don't usually participate in full day trips, because we think it's better to explore on our own and not be "tied" by a guided tour for the whole day, but this experience honestly changed our minds. We visited the village of Apladiana, a small traditional village with no tourists but filled with customs and tradition. We met a real cretan shepherd, Mr Andreas, and his wife, who is a beekeper (with her bare hands!!!) apart from a great cook, Mrs Eleni. We were treated like house guests, like if we were their friends, and we had the chance to observe their daily routine and habits from such a close point of view. This memory will always stay in our minds, forever. Thank you so much Mr Andreas and Mrs Eleni!!!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Juliehelius
Mar 11, 2022
Get a glimpse on the way Cretans live! - What an experience! Kostas gave as a tour to the mountains and made us feel like we belong. Mr Andreas and Mrs Eleni where really welcoming, we had a lot of raki and a delicious lunch. Forget being a tourist and get an original taste of Creta!!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Nikoula2022
Mar 2, 2022
Waouhhh !! - What a great excursion !! Cretan mountains are beautiful and thanks to our guide we were able to fully enjoy them and discover the authentic Cretan way of life ! We will definitely come back for more ! Magnifique !
Review provided by Tripadvisor
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up to 6 guests
1 Adult
May 2024
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