Enjoy a traditional Cretan lunch in a panoramic tavern

Duration

6 Hours

About

A 44 kilometer e-bike tour visiting hillside villages and Rethymno's most significant landmark, the Arkadi Monastery. You will later enjoy a traditional Cretan lunch in a panoramic tavern, before making your way back to the starting point.

Discover the beauty surrounding Rethymno as you cycle along the coastline. Just before you start the journey uphill, you will make your first stop at the Arsani Monastery. From there you will continue uphill through the olive groves, passing small picturesque villages before making your next stop to the village of Amnatos.

There you can admire the mansion of Sanguinazzo, where you will discover above its main door the inscription which states "Initium sapientiae timor Domini". Your next stop is the Arkadi Monastery, which boasts a rich and prestigious history. You can learn about the resistance of the local people and the heroic acts of the monks, which will help you understand the significant role they played during the Greek revolution against the Ottomans.

Following the monastery, you will be spoiled with a selection of traditional dishes in a traditional taverna. Due to the elevated location, you will also have breathtaking panoramic views over Rethymno and the Mediterranean Coast whilst you dine. Following lunch, you'll ride towards Pigi Village and make a final stop at Adele, before slowly making your way back to your starting point.

• First stop You will ride along Rethymno's coast line to reach Arsani monastery before you start ascenting towards Arkadi.

• Second stop As you ride uphills through the olive trees, you will admire the view of Psiloritis mountain on your left and White mountains

on your right side.

• The highlight The Arkadi monastery is of great significance for Rethymno and Crete in general.

• Lunch time At a local taverna you can taste delicious cretan lunch while enjoying the view of the mountains.

• Final stop On your way back you will pass through many picturesque villages.

Meeting point:

Panepistimiou 1, Rethymno 741 00, Greece.

More info

Distance: 44 km cycling.

Elevation gain: 677 m.

Level of difficulty: Medium difficulty cycling due to the elevation grade at 2 sections of the route (10%)

Inclusions:

• Electric bike & helmet.
• Bottle of water 500ml.
• Traditional cretan lunch.
• Third party liability insurance.

Exclusions:

• Entrance fee at monasteries.
• Coffee/drinks.

Know before you go

This tour is recommended for people aged 13 years and older, who are fit to ride a bike (the e-bike helps you cycle at a minimum effort)

What to bring

Comfortable shoes Sunglasses Sun hat Sunscreen Camera