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Paths of Prayer & Cretan Grace - Monasteries Tour from Heraklion

New To The Site! Heraklion, Greece
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from US$232.22 per person

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6 hours (approx.)
Hotel pickup offered
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Instant confirmation

Overview

This is not just a sightseeing tour — it’s a step into the soul of Crete. “Paths of Prayer & Cretan Grace” takes you beyond the postcards and into the heartbeat of the island’s spiritual heritage. We don’t rush. We don’t shout over microphones. We walk softly, observe deeply, and listen — to stories, to silence, to the bells that still echo across centuries.

You’ll visit three of Crete’s most powerful monasteries, each with its own character: the feminine grace of Paliani, the disciplined strength of Epanosifis, and the proud resilience of Agarathos. Along the way, you’ll taste traditional village cooking, meet locals, and maybe even gather a myrtle leaf or a whispered prayer to take home.

This tour is made for those who want meaning, not just memories. For people who believe that sometimes, the most moving part of travel is what can’t be photographed.

What's Included

  • Friendly local escort throughout
  • Full lunch in Elia Village with drinks
  • Monastery Admission Fees are Included

    Meeting and Pickup

    Pickup point
    Pickup details

    A member of our team will contact you the day before the tour to reconfirm the pick-up time and point

    What To Expect

    Moni Palianis

    Located near the village of Venerato, Paliani is one of the oldest monasteries in Crete, possibly dating back to the early Byzantine period (6th century). It’s a women’s monastery, dedicated to the Dormition of the Theotokos, and it carries a gentle, mystical energy. The real spiritual magnet here is the Holy Myrtle Tree inside the courtyard. Locals and pilgrims believe that the tree is miraculous, as small images of the Virgin Mary have reportedly appeared on its leaves. Many visitors tie ribbons, leave prayers, or collect leaves from the tree as blessings. The nuns live a quiet, humble life and are known for their embroidery, icons, and soft smiles. The katholikon, adorned with icons and age-worn wooden carvings, invites a moment of personal prayer. Even non-believers will feel the aura of timeless femininity, endurance, and divine protection.
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    1 hour 30 minutes • Admission Ticket Included

    Saint George Apanosifis

    Epanosifis is a male monastery founded in the late 16th century by a monk from Agios Minas Cathedral of Heraklion. It quickly became a major spiritual and educational center for Crete — and remained so through the Ottoman occupation. This monastery still holds great influence today. It houses over 200 relics of saints, including Saint George, Saint Tryphon, and Saint Charalambos. There's also a library with rare manuscripts, a small ecclesiastical museum, and a working workshop for icon painting and candle-making. Its large courtyard, surrounded by cypress trees, olive groves, and vineyards, is a living example of monastic self-sufficiency. The atmosphere is strict but welcoming — you’ll feel the weight of tradition and quiet discipline, like stepping into another time.
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    1 hour 30 minutes • Admission Ticket Included

    Monastere d'Agarathos

    One of the oldest and most historically significant monasteries on the island, Agarathos is believed to date back to the 14th century, or even earlier. Located near the village of Episkopi, it was named after the wild “agarathia” (Jerusalem sage) bush that grew on the site. Agarathos played a key role during Ottoman rule, sheltering rebels and supporting education and literacy. It’s also known for producing prominent theologians and bishops, including Meletios Pegas, Patriarch of Alexandria. The main church is dedicated to the Virgin Mary and features icons of exceptional craftsmanship and spiritual depth. Visitors enter through a grand stone gate, stepping into a walled complex that feels like a hidden ark. The silence is golden, broken only by birds or the tolling of a single bell. In the small museum, you’ll see sacred vestments, handwritten gospels, and a centuries-old sense of resistance grounded in faith.
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    1 hour 30 minutes • Admission Ticket Included

    Traditional Cooking Classes

    After the spiritual journey, it's time to nourish the body in the village of Elia — an untouched gem just a short drive away. Lunch is served in a small, family-run taverna surrounded by vineyards and fig trees. Expect Cretan classics: slow-roasted lamb with oregano and lemon, seasonal wild greens, oven-baked stuffed vegetables, local cheeses, and warm village bread. Dessert? Maybe spoon sweets or honey-drizzled raki-soaked xerotigana — always handmade. And don’t be surprised if the owner pours you a raki or tells you a story from the “good old days.”
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    1 hour 30 minutes • Admission Ticket Included

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    Additional Info

    • Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
    • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
    • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
    • Specialized infant seats are available

    Frequently Asked Questions

    (6)

    Q: What is the cancellation policy for the Paths of Prayer & Cretan Grace – Monasteries Tour from Heraklion?

    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). Read more Apr 2025

    Cancellation Policy

    You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund.

    Still have questions?

    We're here to help.
    Activity code: C-144392P56


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    Frequently Asked Questions (6)

    American Museum of Natural History Admission Ticket

    American Museum of Natural History Admission Ticket

    The answers provided below were previously given in response to questions from City Boat Tours customers.

    Filter by:

    Q: What is the cancellation policy for the Paths of Prayer & Cretan Grace – Monasteries Tour from Heraklion?
    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).
    Apr 2025
    Q: What's included in the price?
    A:
    The following is included:
    • Friendly local escort throughout.
    • Full lunch in Elia Village with drinks.
    • Monastery Admission Fees are Included.
    • Transport with pick-up/drop-off.
    Apr 2025
    Q: What is the minimum age for this tour?
    A:

    There is no minimum age for this tour, so bring your wee one along for an adventure. This tour requires at least one adult to accompany children..

    Apr 2025
    Q: My date is not available in the calendar, I am just checking to see if it is available?
    A:

    If a date or time is not listed on the calendar, it’s sold out or unavailable for another reason. Support cannot assist further if a date or time is not on the calendar.

    If you find a date and time that works for you, book it NOW because things always sell out at this time of year.

    Apr 2025
    Q: Is this an accessible tour?
    A:

    Accessibility information for the Paths of Prayer & Cretan Grace - Monasteries Tour from Heraklion is as follows:

    • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
    Apr 2025
    Q: Where is the meeting point for this activity?
    A:

    Detailed check-in instructions – including meeting point address, Google map, and parking information – for Paths of Prayer & Cretan Grace - Monasteries Tour from Heraklion will be included in your confirmation email from City Boat Tours. Please be sure to double and triple check your email address is correct at checkout so this important email makes its way to you!

     

     

    Mar 2024

    What's Included

    American Museum of Natural History Admission Ticket

    American Museum of Natural History Admission Ticket

    • Friendly local escort throughout
    • Full lunch in Elia Village with drinks
    • Monastery Admission Fees are Included
    • Transport with pick-up/drop-off

    Additional Info

    American Museum of Natural History Admission Ticket

    American Museum of Natural History Admission Ticket

    • Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
    • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
    • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
    • Specialized infant seats are available

    Report Product Issue

    American Museum of Natural History Admission Ticket

    American Museum of Natural History Admission Ticket

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    You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund.

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    • 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).

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