Our Arkadi, Fodele and El Greco private tour takes you to the monastery that became a symbol of freedom and to the village of the painter El Greco, with pickup from your hotel.
The Monastery of Arkadi, in the hills southeast of Rethymno, is one of the most important places in Cretan history. In November 1866, during the uprising against Ottoman rule, hundreds of fighters, women and children took refuge here. When the walls were broken after two days of siege, they set fire to the gunpowder store rather than surrender. The event is remembered every year on 8 November.
Fodele lies in a green valley of orange groves between Rethymno and Heraklion, on the banks of the river Pantomantris. It is traditionally known as the birthplace of the painter Domenikos Theotokopoulos, El Greco, born in 1541. A restored stone house opposite the old church of Panagia is now a small El Greco museum with copies of his work.
Arkadi, Fodele and El Greco private tour by taxi
A private tour means the car is only for you and your group. You choose the pickup time, how long you stay and where you stop on the way, and your driver takes you back to your hotel at the end. There is no fixed timetable and no crowded coach.
We pick you up from your hotel or address in Kolymbari, Chania, Platanias or anywhere in western Crete. A taxi takes 1 to 4 passengers and a mini bus 5 to 8; for bigger groups, up to 20 people, we send more than one vehicle. Every vehicle has air conditioning and satellite GPS tracking, and our drivers are professional, certified taxi drivers who know the roads of Crete well.
Plan your day
This is a full day trip. A good plan is to drive first to the Monastery of Arkadi, in the hills above Rethymno, and then continue east along the coast to Fodele and the House of El Greco. On the way back you can stop in Rethymno for a walk in the old town and dinner by the harbour.
Good to know
- Monasteries ask for modest dress: covered shoulders and knees.
- This is a full day trip that crosses from Chania into the Heraklion region.
Questions about the Arkadi, Fodele and El Greco tour
Where do you pick us up?
From your hotel or address. Tell us where when you book.
How many people can join?
A taxi takes 1 to 4 passengers and a mini bus 5 to 8. For groups of up to 20 people we send more than one vehicle.
Can we stop on the way?
Yes. It is your private tour, so tell the driver where you would like to stop, for a photo, a coffee or a swim.
Can we combine it with another tour?
Yes. Many places in Crete combine well in one day. Tell us what you would like to see and we suggest a route that fits the time you have.
Can you take us to the airport at the end of the day?
Yes. If you fly out the same day, we can end the tour at Chania Airport or Heraklion Airport. Tell us your flight time when you book.
Do you drive at weekends and on holidays?
Yes, we work 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
Book the Arkadi, Fodele and El Greco tour
Send us a booking request with the date, the pickup point and the number of passengers, and choose this tour in our booking form. We get back to you with the price for the day and confirm the details. You can also call us on +30 28240 84575 or email info@taxi-kolymbari.gr. Prices are per vehicle, not per person: see the indicative transfer prices on our price table.
Find the Arkadi Monastery on Google Maps, or see all our private tours in Crete.
