Discover the beauty surrounding Rethymno as you head uphill through picturesque olive groves and make the first stop at Halevi Monastery. See the church of Panagia with its flame-shaped windows and the ruin of the monastery building, which was recently renovated. Continue to the village of Chromonastiri and visit Villa Clodio where the Military Museum is housed. As you reach the Myli Gorge, a small oasis close to the city, set out on a short hike through a gorge with diverse flora and fauna and visit the abandoned village of Myli.  Stop and relax in the Cretan village of Roussospiti and be spoiled with a selection of traditional dishes from a family run taverna. Due to the elevated location you will have a breathtaking panoramic view over Rethymno and the Mediterranean coast. After lunch, ride to the monastery of Aghia Irini to talk to the nuns there and learn more about the history of this place before slowly starting your way back.

The tour’s first stop is the historic Holy Monastery of St. Irene, located on the north side of the foot of mount Vrisinas, on top of a rocky hill. After taking in the astounding panoramic view on the coast of Rethymno, you will be served a delicious traditional Cretan breakfast the nuns will prepare especially for you. All the products are fresh from the day and come from the monastery itself or from neighbouring farms and bakeries. The nuns will then take you on a guided tour around their home, the chapels, the loom and the workshops where they create icons and clothing. You will then be in for a picturesque drive to the family owned Kourkoulou Winery (winery visited depends on availability), where you will learn about viticulture and the winemaking process. Get to taste 5 of their amazing wines, paired with homemade olive oil, rusks and typical Cretan cheese and spinach pies.