
Cretan Stories – A Journey Through History and Tradition
Traveler rating
4.7/5
Based on 21 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Cretan Stories – A Journey Through History and Tradition worth booking?
Cretan Stories – A Journey Through History and Tradition is a 8-hour experience in Heraklion, Greece, from $8 per person. It scores 71 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Strongly Recommended”, based on a 4.7/5 rating across 21 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 71 / 100
- Rating
- 4.7/5 (21)
- Duration
- 8 hours
- From
- $8 per person
When History meets art and craft. This excursion is for those who want to discover Crete from Rethymnon without a long way driving in bus. We start from the most important monastery of Crete: The Historical Monastery o
What you get
- Pick-up & drop off in Bali, Panormo,Skaleta,Adele,Platanias,Rethymno,Atsipopoulo,Kavros,Georgioupoli
- In-vehicle air conditioning
About this experience
When History meets art and craft. This excursion is for those who want to discover Crete from Rethymnon without a long way driving in bus. We start from the most important monastery of Crete: The Historical Monastery of Arkadi. Afterward, you will enjoy a guided tour to the pottery workshop “TSIKALARIO", where Mrs Helen will show us the art of pottery. Right after, in a 2 km distance only, you will visit Margarites village where you will have free time for a lunch or a walk. After that, we will visit Melidoni Vilage and explore Melidoni cave at an altitude of 220 meters. You will discover an amazing cave filled full with stalactites and stalagmites, but also full of History. At the end of the tour we will visit a traditional olive oil mill, where you’ll have free time to learn about olive oil production and enjoy a tasting of premium Cretan olive oil.
What's included
Included
- Pick-up & drop off in Bali, Panormo,Skaleta,Adele,Platanias,Rethymno,Atsipopoulo,Kavros,Georgioupoli
- In-vehicle air conditioning
Not included
- Entrance fees for ARKADI, ELEFTHERNA MUSEUM, MELIDONI
What you'll see and do
Monastery of Arkadi
Arkadi... This monastery has the most important history in the Cretan revolution. Our guide will explain you in the bus the history of this monastery. Then, you will have free time to feel this history, walk on the small stone paths, visit the rooms and the big room where the explosion took place...
60 minutes here · Admission not included
Tsikalario cretan ceramics
We will visit the ceramic workshop, near of Margarites village. It's like a museum about the ceramic art and history. Mrs Helen, the owner and the artist, will show you live how the clay becomes an object to use....
40 minutes here
Margarites
Margarites village is wellknown for its pottery. You'll walk the traditional village and also you'll have free time to enjoy lunch in a local small tavernas if you like.
120 minutes here
Melidoni Cave
Let's explore the impressive cave of Melidoni, very important in the Cretan revolution during the Turks occupation.
40 minutes here · Admission not included
Where it starts and ends
Hotel pickup
Pickup is included for all travelers. Pickup begins about 10 minutes before departure.
Options you can book
Pick-Up from Rethymnon area
Pick-Up from your hotel / accomondation in Rethymnon area Pickup included
Pick-Up From Panormos area
Pick-Up from your hotel / accomondation in Panormos area Pickup included
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Languages
- de, en, fr
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Thu
- Group size
- Up to 15 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Checkin Creta Travel
Know before you go
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Specialized infant seats are available
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Photos






Good to know
- Duration
- 8 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Thu
- Price range
- $8 to $30
- Hotel pickup
- Included for all travelers
- Booked in 30 days
- 7
- Verdict
- Strongly Recommended
Who runs this experience
Operated by Checkin Creta Travel, who run 6 experiences we rank across 2 cities, with an average Outty Ranking of 70.2.
See everything Checkin Creta Travel runsWhy this scores 71
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Cretan Stories – A Journey Through History and Tradition: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Heraklion.
How much does Cretan Stories – A Journey Through History and Tradition cost?
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Prices start at $8 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Heraklion usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.
How long does Cretan Stories – A Journey Through History and Tradition take?
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Plan for about 8 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Heraklion is not rushed.
Is Cretan Stories – A Journey Through History and Tradition worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 71 out of 100, which we label "Strongly Recommended". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.7/5 across 21 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in Heraklion, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule Cretan Stories – A Journey Through History and Tradition?
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Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.
Is Cretan Stories – A Journey Through History and Tradition suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 8-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Cretan Stories – A Journey Through History and Tradition?
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Around 7 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Heraklion can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.
What should I bring or wear?
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Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Heraklion and add a light layer if any part of the 8-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Cretan Stories – A Journey Through History and Tradition start and how do I get there?
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The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Heraklion within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.
What are the best things to do in Heraklion?
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On Outty we rank every Heraklion experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Knossos - Zeus Cave - Old Traditional Villages-Olive Oil Factory, Knossos & Lasithi Plateau: Zeus Cave, Villages, Olive Oil Tour, 5Hour Safari Tour in Crete(Heraklion)with Quad,Jeep,Buggy & Lunch. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.
When is the best time to visit Heraklion?
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Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.
How many days do you need in Heraklion?
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Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.
Do I book through Outty or through the operator?
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Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.
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