Greece · Religious & Spiritual

Living Like A Monk: In the Traces of the Sacred Places of Akrotiri Peninsula

6 Hours Round trip from Pickup service provided in Chania. Easy pace

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The journey

Trip highlights

01 Explore the sacred landscapes of the Akrotiri Peninsula
02 Visit 3 monasteries and discover Crete’s religious heritage
03 Walk the mountain path to the cave of St John
04 See the abandoned Katholiko Monastery and St George’s stone bridge
05 Learn about monastic life, hermits, and local religious traditions
06 Admire unique architecture shaped by Venetian and Renaissance influences
07 Enjoy a small-group experience with up to 18 people

Discover the spiritual and architectural heritage of Crete on a small-group journey through the sacred landscapes of the Akrotiri Peninsula. This experience combines striking natural scenery with visits to historic monasteries that have shaped the island’s religious life for centuries.

Follow the traces of hermits and monks as you explore Katholiko Monastery, walk the mountain path to the cave of St John, and visit the monasteries of Gouvernetou, Tzagarolon, and St George. Along the way, learn about monastic traditions, Renaissance influences in local architecture, and the stories behind these remarkable religious sites.

With entrance fees included, hotel pickup in Chania, and a local English-speaking driver/escort, this tour offers an insightful and relaxed way to experience one of Crete’s most meaningful cultural landscapes.

Discover the spiritual and architectural heritage of Crete on a small-group journey through the sacred landscapes of the Akrotiri Peninsula.

From the itinerary

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 6 Hours

Tour type Private

Activity level Easy

Accommodation Included

Transport Included

Wheelchair access Not applicable

Cities Heraklion, Chania, Rethimnon, Lasithi, Crete

Languages English

Day by day

The itinerary

Day 01

Living Like A Monk: In the Traces of the Sacred Places of Akrotiri Peninsula

• Schedule: All year – Every Sunday

• Location: Chania, Crete

• Duration: Approximately 6 hours

• Minimum participation: 2pax

• Maximum participation: 18pax

• Tour type: Small-group tour

*Note: There is availability for private tours upon request

• Available languages: English

• Pick-up times: 10:00-10:50 am

• Tour starts: 11:15 am

Pick up points:

• 10:00 – Hotels of Kalamaki, Stalos, Agia Marina, Platanias, Maleme, Tavronitis

• 10:20 – Beach tennis court and Golden Beach central parking (for hotels around the Golden Beach and Agioi Apostoloi)

• 10:35 – Sunny Rent Car (For hotels in Nea Chora)

• 10:40 – Talos Square – Hand fountain (For hotels around: West old town and harbor, East Nea Chora)

• 10:45 – GS Tours offices (For hotels around: East and Central old town/harbor, Chania city center)

• 10:50 – Kriti hotel (For hotels around: Koum Kapi neighborhood, East old town and Chania city center)

Important note for your pick-up

This tour is including hotel pick up – drop off for accessible by car hotels only (many streets of the old town and the harbor of Chania are having limited vehicle access) in the region of Chania. Clients that staying in the old town and the Venetian harbor have to meet us in the suitable meeting points (3-5 minutes average walking distance from most of the hotels). The meeting times scheduled according to the hotels’ locations. The pick-up will be from the clients’ hotel (if accessible) at this specific time. For small-group and private tours, pick-ups from Rethimnon, Heraklion, and Lasithi regions are NOT included. In the case of a private tour, there are extra transportation fees according to the requested pick up point.

The route

Where you'll travel

Tour route map — Round trip from Pickup service provided in Chania. 5 cities · 6 Hours

The fine print

Trip details

What's Included

Hotel pick up and drop off
English speaking, local driver/escort
Bottled water and snacks per person
Monasteries entrance fees
Transport by air-conditioned minibus/minivan
All taxes, fees and handling charges
Small-group tour (up to 18 people)

What's Not Included

Gratuities (optional)

Know before you go

Schedule: All year – Every Sunday
Location: Chania, Crete
Duration: Approximately 6 hours
Minimum participation: 2pax
Maximum participation: 18pax
Tour type: Small-group tour
*Note: There is availability for private tours upon request
Available languages: English
Pick-up times: 10:00-10:50
Tour starts: 11:15 am
Pick up points:
10:00 – Hotels of Kalamaki, Stalos, Agia Marina, Platanias, Maleme, Tavronitis
10:20 – Beach Tennis Court and Golden Beach central parking (for hotels around the Golden Beach and Agioi Apostoloi)
10:35 – Sunny Rent Car (For hotels in Nea Chora)
10:40 – Talos Square – Hand fountain (For hotels around: West old town and harbor, East Nea Chora)
10:45 – GS Tours offices (For hotels around: East and Central old town/harbor, Chania city center)
10:50 – Kriti hotel (For hotels around: Koum Kapi neighborhood, East old town and Chania city center)
Important note for your pick-up
This tour is including hotel pick up – drop off for accessible by car hotels only (many streets of the old town and the harbor of Chania are having limited vehicle access) in the region of Chania. Clients that staying in the old town and the Venetian harbor have to meet us in the suitable meeting points (3-5 minutes average walking distance from most of the hotels). The meeting times scheduled according to the hotels’ locations. The pick-up will be from the clients’ hotel (if accessible) at this specific time. For small-group tours, pick-ups from Rethimnon, Heraklion, and Lasithi regions are NOT included. In case of the private tour, there are extra transportation fees.
Terms & Conditions:
The company reserves the right to make minor changes in the program when this is considered necessary, for example in case of unfavorable weather conditions. This can be done without prior notice.
Reservations must be made 12 hours before the tour. A cancellation must be done 5 days before the tour for 50% refund. In case of later cancellations, no refund will be made from the company.
If a tour is cancelled due to low participation or bad weather conditions, the company will refund 100% of made payments
In case of allergies, tolerances or food preferences please inform the company in advance.
In this tour client’s need to respect the religious places we are visiting, remain quiet and dressed properly