Private 5-Hour Tour: Fodele Village & Rethymnon Town

Quick info

Location: Rethymnon
Tour highlights:
  • Visit Fodele Village, birthplace of El Greco (1541)
  • Walk through orange groves and charming village streets
  • Explore Rethymnon’s Venetian fortress and medieval old town
  • Admire a unique mix of Venetian, Byzantine, and Ottoman architecture
  • Stroll along the picturesque Venetian harbor
  • Enjoy free time for shopping, exploring, or dining at award-winning tavernas
Duration: 5 hours
Languages: English

What to expect

Your guide will meet you at Heraklion port and escort you to your private, air-conditioned vehicle. Travel west along the scenic northern coast to the village of Fodele, nestled in a valley surrounded by citrus orchards. Enjoy a leisurely walk through the village and learn about its connection to El Greco, one of the most influential painters of the Spanish Renaissance.
From Fodele, continue to Rethymnon, a beautifully preserved town where Venetian, Byzantine, and Ottoman influences meet. Visit the medieval fortress and Venetian harbor, wander through the old town’s narrow alleys, admire aristocratic 16th-century buildings, and explore local shops. You’ll also have free time to enjoy a coffee, snack, or meal at one of Rethymnon’s many acclaimed tavernas before returning comfortably to Heraklion port.

Private 5-Hour Tour: Fodele Village & Rethymnon Town

This half-day private tour is perfect for guests who prefer exploring Crete’s traditional villages and Venetian history over archaeological sites. Start with a scenic drive along the northern coastal road to Fodele, a lush valley village filled with citrus groves and artistic heritage. Continue to the charming town of Rethymnon, where you’ll wander cobbled streets lined with Venetian mansions, Ottoman fountains, and vibrant local shops. With its picturesque harbor and rich history, Rethymnon is considered one of Greece’s most beautiful towns.

  • Private luxury vehicle with professional, non-smoking driver
  • Licensed professional guide for the full duration
  • All fuel, tolls & taxes
  • Personalized itinerary & flexible schedule
  • Liability insurance coverage for all guests
  • Meals & personal expenses
  • Gratuities (optional)

Itinerary

Why choose us

  • Expert Guidance – Licensed guides bring villages and history to life
  • Comfort & Safety – Modern air-conditioned vehicles with professional drivers
  • Customizable – Flexible itineraries tailored to your pace and interests
  • Authentic Insights – Learn local stories, legends, and traditions beyond the guidebooks
  • Cruise-Friendly – Guaranteed return to your ship on time, or all costs are covered

Useful Info & Extras

  • Total travel time: ~2.5 hours round trip
  • Walking distance: Flexible, depending on how much you explore
  • Steps: Minimal, depending on sites visited
  • Restrooms available at Fodele & Rethymnon
  • Shopping available in both locations
  • Photography: No restrictions
  • Credit cards accepted at most shops and restaurants
  • Recommended: sunscreen, sunglasses, hat, and light summer clothing
  • Private tours fully customizable to your needs and pace
  • Flexible timing to avoid peak crowds
  • Light activity: short walks and optional steps

Our Commitment to Quality Travel

  • Minimize single-use plastics during tours
  • Support local artisans, family businesses, and traditional tavernas
  • Offset part of our carbon footprint through eco-initiatives
  • Promote Crete’s cultural heritage and village traditions

Booking

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