A time travel to the Past
The tour begins at around 9:00 am, when you get picked up from your hotel. We visit the historical village of Melidoni, which has always been a village full of life, inhabited by people who share the same dreams, who are creative and love their homeland. The Cave of Melidoni is located approximately 1800m northwest of the village of Melidoni, at an altitude of 220m. The Gerontospelios, as it is called. The hall is one of the largest caves in Crete, while the stalactites and stalagmites are truly enormous. Afterwards, we visit Margarites village. Margarites is undoubtedly the most important pottery center of Western Crete. In the area there are plenty of clay deposits, which explains the centuries-old occupation of the inhabitants with the art of clay. The village is known for its unique pottery tradition, its picturesque alleys, and its well-preserved architecture. Margarites is a perfect destination for those seeking an authentic Cretan experience and a glimpse into the island’s rich history and culture. Next, we visit the ancient museum of Eleutherna. Ancient Eleutherna is located 25 km south-east of the city of Rethymno, relatively close to the Monastery of Arkadiou. The city is the most important archaeological site of the prefecture of Rethymno, which has not yet been fully excavated and is expected to yield many more valuable findings. The excavations in Ancient Eleutherna have brought to light exceptional finds of various chronological phases, from the Sub-Neolithic period to the Late Roman and Byzantine years, dozens of inscriptions, sculptures, objects made of precious materials, coins, exotic objects from the East, metal objects and utensils, glass vases etc. Last but not least, we visit the Arkadi monastery. The strong fortification of Arkadi attracted the rebellious Cretans and as a result it was burnt down by the Ottomans several times, in 1646, 1821 and 1866. Many Turkish and Greek documents refer to the life and adventures of the monastery which was able to support or harbor wanted persons, provide basic education, morally strengthen the region and lead national affairs. Arkadi is certainly the most historic monastery in Crete, which was to become the holiest symbol of the Cretan Struggle for Freedom, as it was here that the tragic holocaust of 1866 took place with the explosion of the wine cellar where the revolutionaries kept the gunpowder.