Silversea Luxury Cruises Nach SOUDA BAY (Crete)

Visit the renaissance Agia Triada Monastery as well as the Venizelos Tombs, the resting place of the famous Greek statesman Eleftherios Venizelos and his son, Sophocles and at the end explore the charming old town of Chania.

Agia Tradia Monastery

Sit back, relax and enjoy a short scenic drive, passing olive groves and vineyards along the Akrotiri Peninsula. A visit to this region is not complete without visiting one of the most impressive Venetian period monasteries. Enjoy the tranquil atmosphere and stunning views as you visit Agia Triada Monastery. The fortress like complex is one of the best examples of the Cretan Renaissance. Over the centuries, the complex has been expanded and now contains a large church, seminary and vaulted storerooms, all meticulously maintained. The monastery also produces a revered olive oil and several varieties of wine.

British Commonwealth Cemetery

Afterwards, a short photo stop is made at the British Commonwealth Cemetery, a resting place of soldiers who fought the Battle of Crete during the World War II.

Venizelos Tombs

Continue to the tombs of Eleftherios Venizelos, a charismatic political figure who fought for Cretan independence, and his son, Sophocles. As Prime Minister, he was profoundly influential in the founding of modern Greece, until his death in 1936. From his modest, unadorned tomb, you will have a panoramic views of Chania, your next stop.

Chania Old Town

Upon arrival in the old city of Chania, follow your guide on a walking tour. Walk through the irresistible Old Town admiring the architecture, becoming immersed in Crete's history, and later, enjoying the bounty of shops around the harbor. Learn about Chania's Roman, Byzantine, Venetian and Ottoman past. Admire Venetian and Ottoman monuments and delve into the old Jewish and Ottoman districts. With its Venetian Harbor, the old port, the narrow shopping streets and waterfront restaurants the old town attracts hordes of visitors and locals alike. The atmosphere has a touch of Florence and Venice, with an ambience combined with the culture and character of Cretan people and traditions.

Afterwards, guests may remain in town for further exploration and return back to the pier with a shuttle bus.

Immerse yourself in Cretan history by touring a 16^th century monastery in the countryside and neighboring Rethymnon, a town of Venetian origin.

Arkadi Monastery

Depart the pier and drive approximately 90-minutes east onto a fertile plain towards the acclaimed Arkadi Monastery built in 1587. Constructed of honey-colored stone in a Renaissance style, the monastery has played a significant role in Cretan history. It has long been a pilgrimage site and a symbol of resistance after being attacked by Turkish troops in 1866. Many of the items from that conflict, including weapons and military banners, are proudly displayed in the monastery's small museum. There are also a number of religious objects, the highlight being a 17th-century vestment embroidered in gold that depicts Christ and the 12 disciplines.

Rethymnon, Walking Tour & Free Time

Afterwards, continue your tour to Rethymnon. This region as a whole is rich with ancient history, most notably through the Minoan civilisation centred at Kydonia east of Rethymnon. Rethymnon itself began a period of growth when the Venetian conquerors of the island decided to put an intermediate commercial station between Heraklion and Chania, acquiring its own bishop and nobility in the process. Today's old town is almost entirely built by Venetians. It is one of the best preserved old towns in Crete. The town still maintains its old aristocratic appearance, with its buildings dating from the 16^th century, arched doorways, stone staircases, Byzantine and Hellenic-Roman remains, small Venetian harbor and narrow streets. After a walking tour in the old town you'll be given free time to explore this beautiful city on your own before meeting your guide and boarding your coach for the return journey.

Explore the fascinating old town area of Chania that winds its graceful way from the ancient Venetian port through meandering streets and alleys lined with cafes, shops and museums.

Transfer to Chania & Visit the Archaeological Museum of Chania

Depart the pier and transfer to Chania with a shuttle bus. Upon arrival, enjoy a nice guided walk along the marina towards the Archaeological Museum of Chania which is located in the historical center of the city. Since 1963 it has been housed in the church of the Venetian Monastery of St Francis which once belonged to the Franciscan monks. The exhibits illustrate the cultural history and character of the area through the ages, from the Neolithic period to the Roman era.

Chania Old Town

After your museum visit, walk through Chania's irresistible Old Town admiring the architecture, becoming immersed in Crete's history, and later, enjoying the bounty of shops around the harbor. Learn about Chania's Roman, Byzantine, Venetian and Ottoman past. Admire Venetian and Ottoman monuments and delve into the old Jewish and Ottoman districts. With its Venetian Harbor, the old port, the narrow shopping streets and waterfront restaurants the old town attracts hordes of visitors and locals alike. The atmosphere has a touch of Florence and Venice, with an ambience combined with the culture and character of Cretan people and traditions.

Refreshment

At the conclusion of your guided walk, enjoy a little break with Greek coffee and a delicious Cretan cheese pie.

Afterwards, guests may remain in town for further exploration and return back to the pier with a shuttle bus.

Immerse yourself in Greek culture, culinary traditions, history, and architecture on this memorable journey to artisan wine-makers, and Chania Town.

Chania Old Town, Walking Tour

Your first destination on this adventure is the Old Town of Chania, Crete. Located on the north coast of Crete, Chania is the second-largest city on the island and is graced with a picturesque Venetian harbour and charming narrow streets. Depart pier for a short transfer to Chania and take a guided walking tour of the bustling streets of the Old Town, walking at a relaxed pace amidst lovely neoclassical architecture. Stop at Chania's beautiful old port, with its centrepiece the Venetian lighthouse (formerly a mosque).

Agora & Tastings of Local Snacks

Stroll to the Agora covered market, considered one of the largest and impressive of its kind in the Balkans, with an area of over 17,000 square meters in total. You will have a chance to taste some delicious local specialties like 'Kalitsouni' (cheese or herb pie).

Anoskeli Winery, Wine Tasting & Local Snacks

After your exploration of the old town on foot, re-board your coach and commence approximately 45-minute scenic drive to the Anoskeli Winery. This winery is well-known both for its wine and its extra virgin olive oil, which is some of the best in the world. Enjoy a private tour of the winery where you learn about the wine production process as well as about the production and varieties of olive oil. Taste five wines accompanied by some seasonal local snacks.

At the conclusion of your visit, re-board your coach for the return drive back to the pier.

Discover the Cretan countryside on an off-road adventure where you'll uncover local Cretan traditions. Learn the process of wine making and visit the production facilities, including the bottling line and cellar.

Off-road Scenic Drive, Vatolakos Hill

Take in the scenic nature, cuisine and incredible wines of Crete on this culinary adventure to Manousakis Winery, one of the most reputable vineyards on the island. Traveling via Jeep, go off-roading to Vatolakos Hill and enjoy the rugged beauty of northern Crete as you proceed through the many hills and valleys of this undulating, dry landscape that perches 660 meters above sea level with incredible views.

Manousakis Winery Visit

Arrive at Manousakis Winery, only recently opened to the public for tours and tastings. The generous stone multi-level home and rolling hills of vineyards place you back in time, part of a family tradition that has been carried on for generations. Stroll through the beautiful garden as your guide shares with you the history and process of wine making as well as the history of this place, which began as a traditional residence before opening to the public.

Wine Tasting & Snacks

Learn where the wines are produced and bottled and see the cellar where the wines age to their perfect vintage. You will get a chance to taste five of the Maousakis wines and learn what makes them so spectacular as you sample them, paired with delicious Cretan cheeses and the traditional Cretan wheat rusks.

At the conclusion of your visit, re-board your jeeps for approximately 1-hour drive back to the pier.

Experience life on a renowned organic farm and assist in the preparation authentic Cretan specialities during this unforgettable, full-day sightseeing and culinary excursion.

Chania, Agreco Farm and Estate

Depart the pier for the scenic, approximately 75-minute drive to the Agreco Farm, originally an olive grove and the summerhouse of the Grecotel owners, the Daskalantonakis family. It features an innovative array of environmentally-friendly methods for traditional and modern cultivation and breeding. The estate, a replica of 17th-century lodge, features a traditional olive press, flour watermill, wine press and a giant vat for grape crushing. The complex includes a church, village square and store, and is highlighted by a mini-zoo. The Agreco Farm produces ecological products that meet all EU standards, thereby demonstrating that cultivation is possible without the use of chemicals that ultimately pollute the soil, water and our health.

Bread-Baking and Tasting, Watermill and Threshing Area, Wine Press, Raki Cauldron

Upon arrival, your first-hand interactive experience explores the traditional production methods of Greek specialities. First, bake bread in a wood-burning stone oven. Whilst the bread is baking, learn how to stuff vegetables, and even fill a few yourself. Once the bread is done, taste it the local way; hot, with Agreco's organic, extra-virgin olive oil. Following your bread tasting, take a guided stroll to the watermill and threshing area. See the millstones utilised to produce flour, and antique milling and baking tools on display, then head over to the wine press and 'raki' cauldron, or 'rakokazano'. See the vat where the grapes are tread in the autumn, and the raki still that produces Crete's famous 'tsikoudia'. Every time you enter a local house, you are offered raki and 'meze'.

Mini-Zoo, Cretan Goats, Goat-Milking, Cheese Tasting, Chapel of St. Nicholas, Farm Shop

Next, walk to the mini-zoo for a look at unique species of local animals, including the famous 'kri kri', the wild Cretan goat. Leaving the zoo, your guide takes a goat to the centre of the village square, and milks it. The fresh goat's milk is utilised to produce goat's milk cheese, which you can sample with coarse salt. From here, return to the farm square for visits to the Chapel of St. Nicholas and Farm Shop, where you can browse a wide array of Agreco organic products available for sale. Included are organic olive oil, thyme honey, exceptional wines, fine raki, homemade jam, herbs, pure beauty products, and golden-roasted rusks and peanuts, along with gifts and memorabilia.

Pergola, Vineyard, Olive Grove and Sea Views, Cretan Cheese Pie Lesson and Tasting, Lunch

Leaving the Farm Shop, a stop is made to relax and unwind under the shade of the pergola, which offers splendid panoramic views over the vineyards and olive groves, and down to the Cretan Sea. When local villagers want a quick, tasty lunch, they make 'sfougato'. Observe how this delicious dish is made with our free-range farm eggs. It takes years of experience to make 'myzithropitakia' or Cretan cheese pies; however, a quick interactive lesson helps you learn how to make the filling, roll out the pastry, and fill and decorate the pies. Once they are baked, you are invited to sample these delicious, steaming-hot morsels. After this tasting, proceed for a traditional Greek lunch. At the conclusion of your visit, re-board your coach and commend the approximately 75-minute drive back to the pier.

Please note: This tour involves a moderate amount of walking for approximately 1.24 miles (about two kilometres), at times over uneven surfaces, with a few steps to negotiate to get on/off the coach. This tour is not suitable for guests with limited mobility and guests who utilise a wheelchair. Lightweight, comfortable, clothing with flat, closed-toe walking shoes and sun protection are recommended. Guests must be at least 21 years old to be served alcoholic beverages. The tour sequence may vary. Space on this tour is very limited; we suggest you book in advance to avoid disappointment.

Experience the ancient beauty and grandeur of Rethymnon during this delightful, half-day sightseeing excursion.

Rethymnon and Fortezza

Depart the pier for the scenic, approximately one-hour drive to Rethymnon, renowned as the homeland of Zeus, god of Hospitality. Upon arrival, proceed for a visit to the Fortezza. Built by the Venetians to protect its inhabitants from enemy threats, this star-shaped fortress features three gates and six bastions. In the middle, the Church of St. Nicolo was turned into the Mosque of the Sultan Ibrahim Han.

Old Town and Free Time

Next, commence your walking tour of the Old Town, followed by some free time to explore your surrounds at your leisure or simply relax with a beverage at a seaside café. At the conclusion of your visit, meet your guide, walk back to the coach and commence the approximately one-hour drive back to the pier.

Please note: This tour involves an extensive amount of walking, at times on uneven surfaces and inclines, with a few steps to negotiate to get on/off the coach and stairs at the sites visited. This tour is not suitable for guests with limited mobility and guests who utilise a wheelchair. Lightweight, comfortable clothing, flat, closed-toe walking shoes and sun protection are recommended.

Explore Chania at your leisure during your full-day (8-hour) sightseeing tour via private car. Customise your own itinerary or choose to see an overview of the area's highlights.

Depart the pier with your English-speaking guide in an air-conditioned car and discover the city and surrounding areas at your own pace. Your exclusive tour concludes back at the pier.

Please note: This tour is non-refundable if cancelled within 48 hours prior to arrival in the port. Actual vehicle type varies depending on availability. Guides are English-speaking. Participation is limited to 2 guests per car. The price, exclusive of meals, entrance fees and gratuities, is per vehicle. Therefore, when making your reservation, please indicate the number of vehicles, not the number of guests. Only one person in the party needs to reserve this program. Please see the Shore Concierge on board the ship to arrange your individual itinerary. Licensed guides for private services must be re-located from Athens, as a result the service is at a premium.

Explore Chania at your leisure during your half-day (4-hour) sightseeing tour via private car. Customise your own itinerary or choose to see an overview of the area's highlights.

Depart the pier with your English-speaking guide in an air-conditioned car and discover the city and surrounding areas at your own pace. Your exclusive tour concludes back at the pier.

Please note: This tour is non-refundable if cancelled within 48 hours prior to arrival in the port. Actual vehicle type varies depending on availability. Guides are English-speaking. Participation is limited to 2 guests per car. The price, exclusive of meals, entrance fees and gratuities, is per vehicle. Therefore, when making your reservation, please indicate the number of vehicles, not the number of guests. Only one person in the party needs to reserve this program. Please see the Shore Concierge on board the ship to arrange your individual itinerary. Licensed guides for private services must be re-located from Athens, as a result the service is at a premium.

Explore the Greek culture, traditions and flavours on this educational half-day excursion to artisan wine-makers and soap-makers.

Anoskeli Winery, Wine Tasting & Snack

Depart the pier for a 45-minute scenic drive to the Anoskeli Winery which is well-known both for its wine and its extra virgin olive oil. The varieties grown here are Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, Grenache, Asyrtiko, Vidiano and Vilana. Enjoy an exclusive winery tour where you will learn about wine production and different olive oil varieties. Discover how local artisans uphold local culinary traditions and sample the flavors of the region during a guided wine tasting of the vintages.

'Fisika' Soap Workshop

After a short transfer, continue to a quiet village of Tavronis and visit 'Fisika' Soap Workshop. Tour around the workshop and learn the history, values, ethics, machinery and methods of soap-making. Indulge your senses and bring home a fine souvenir.

At the conclusion of your visit, re-board your coach for the return drive back to the pier.