Pottery Village of Margarites - The monastery of Arkadi & The Gorge of Patsos

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6 hours (approx.)

Hotel pickup offered

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Overview

We will start our tour by visiting a beautiful well-hidden village, Margarites. The tradition of pottery goes back many generations in this village and you will be able to have a small demonstration of pottery.After a 20' drive, we will continue to the religious part of our tour. Our goal is to make you familiar with our culture and religious customs. Arkadi Monastery is perhaps the best known monastery on Crete due to the Holocaust of 1866.Let’s explore together the nature of Crete. The gorge of Patsos is a small yet magnificent gorge, which begins at Ano Assites. The whole area around the gorge is of particular natural beauty. If the weather does not permit our entrance to the gorge, we may visit a very interesting museum and archeological site in the nearby ancient village of Eleftherna. Enjoy a traditional lunch in the local taverna.

What's Included

Lunch (vegetarian option included)
Lots of raki and laughter :)
All taxes, fees and handling charges
Entrance to the monastery
Learn about the religion of Crete
Transport by air-conditioned car / mini bus
Walk in the beautiful gorge of Patsos
Hotel pick up and drop off (Only Rethymno district)
English or French speaking guide
Local driver / guide

The guide will not enter with you in the Monastery of Arkadi

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Meeting and Pickup

Pickup point

Pickup details

Private pick-up at each client’s hotel, only in the district of Rethymno Pick up time depending on the hotel

Meeting point

Eleftheríou Venizélou
Rethymno 741 31, Greece

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Detailed check-in instructions, including the exact address, are provided with your booking confirmation.

End point

This activity ends back at the meeting point.

Detailed check-in instructions, including the exact address, are provided with your booking confirmation.

What To Expect

Margarites Gorge

We will start our tour by visiting a beautiful well-hidden village, Margarites. The tradition of pottery has been an integral part of this village for many generations; there are lots of locals who still keep the tradition alive, up to this day, by transforming the traditional practice of pottery into modern art. In Margarites, we will meet our friend Yorgos, a local, who will show you how the pots are hand thrown. A demonstration of his art will follow, that will certainly stay “carved” in our memory. The village itself has a unique architecture and some lovely narrow winding streets, making it worth being explored. So, let’s wander through the quiet village of Margarites, enjoy the hundreds of colors that lie before our eyes and then enjoy a traditional coffee at a small “kafeneio”.

2 hours • Admission Ticket Included

Monastery of Arkadi

After a 25' drive, you will continue to the religious part of the tour. The goal is to make you familiar with Cretan culture and religious customs. Arkadi Monastery is perhaps the best known monastery on Crete due to the Holocaust of 1866. However, its location and impressive architecture make it all more special. It is a large fortified complex built during the end of the period of Venetian rule. We will escort you to explore this magnificent monument, but since our guides are not official, it is forbidden to have a tour inside historical monuments.

1 hour • Admission Ticket Included

St. Anthony Gorge (Gorge of Patsos)

Let’s explore together the nature of Crete. The gorge of Patsos is a small yet magnificent gorge, which begins at Ano Assites. In the gorge one can see rare species of flora and fauna, which are protected by European legislation. In particular, there are 80 species of flora, of which 4 are protected, 24 species of fauna, of which 11 are protected and 16 species of birds, of which 8 are protected. You are going to enjoy a small picnic at the facilities of the gorge, as you are watching a spring of running water near the river. A beautiful attraction of the gorge is the cavernous church of St. Anthony in the rocky walls, a former temple of Hermes. Usually, to complete the route, we will hike for about half an hour (until a certain point that the gorge becomes difficult... after 20-30 min), but depending on the weather and the physical condition of the travelers, we could hike a little bit more or less.

1 hour • Admission Ticket Included

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Additional Info

Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
Public transportation options are available nearby
Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
Not recommended for pregnant travelers

Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Specialized infant seats are available
This tour/activity will have a maximum of 6 travelers

Frequently Asked Questions

(7)

Q: What is the cancellation policy for the Pottery Village of Margarites – The monastery of Arkadi & The Gorge of Patsos?

A: You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund. For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the tour start time.If you cancel less than 24 hours before the tour start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.Any changes made less than 24 hours before the tour start time will not be accepted.Cut-off times are based on the tour local time (EEST).This tour requires a minimum number of travelers. If it’s canceled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund. Read more Apr 2025