Crete (Souda Bay), Greece

Arkadi Monastery & Rethymnon Old Town

A Beautiful Baroque Church and a Historic Old Town Visit a haunting baroque monastery and a quaint seaside village nestled along Crete’s northern shore. Drive by motor coach along coastal roads past craggy mountains and towering sea cliffs to reach the Arkadi Monastery—perched atop a plateau, this historic site has a complex and dramatic history. Recognizable by the Venetian-baroque detail of its stone-white church, this fortress-like complex not only provided refuge for townspeople; it was also a scholar’s haven for science and the arts. Continue to the welcoming seaside town of Rethymnon, a scenic village built upon an ancient Minoan settlement, whose 16th-century buildings echo its once-aristocratic glory. Gaze upon the Loggia, the charming arched doorways, stone staircases, Byzantine and Hellenic-Roman remains and the small harbor. Pause in the municipal gardens for shade and tranquility before returning to your ship. * Moderate - Walking portions may be long and somewhat challenging with occasional step-ups, stairs and inclines. Total time walking or standing normally ranges from 1.5 to 3 hours.