Road Trip Discovering El Greco

Total Duration

• 8 Hours

Full description

Embark on an enriching road trip that unveils the captivating culture, history, traditions, and folklore of Crete, carefully curated for art enthusiasts, nature lovers, and those seeking immersive experiences. Join us as we traverse picturesque off-road routes, offering a unique perspective on Cretan tradition and the renowned artist Dominikos Theotokopoulos, famously known as El Greco.

Upon meeting our knowledgeable guide and receiving a concise briefing, our journey commences along the stunning northern coastline of Crete. The adventure truly begins as we venture westward, immersing ourselves in the village of Fodele, the birthplace of the legendary painter El Greco. Rumor has it that his ancestral house still stands in this idyllic locale. Our first stop takes us to the El Greco Museum, where a remarkable collection of the artist’s works awaits, allowing us to delve into his creative genius while discovering intriguing insights about his life. Additionally, we have the pleasure of visiting the beautiful Panagia church nearby, adding a touch of spiritual reverence to our exploration.

Continuing along captivating off-road routes, our next destination is the revered Monastery of Agios Panteleimon, situated amidst a verdant landscape adorned with lush orange and olive groves, 25 km west of Heraklion and 3 km south of Fodele. The monastery, built with fortress-like architecture, boasts preserved walls and a splendid entrance, offering an ideal backdrop for capturing memorable photographs. We then proceed to a traditional village in the area, where an authentic culinary experience awaits, featuring mouthwatering handmade cheese pies and tsikoudia, a cherished Cretan alcoholic beverage. As our journey progresses, we uncover a hidden gem that grants us a panoramic vista of the entire city of Heraklion, providing a breathtaking view that begs to be immortalized through photography. Our path leads us to Voulismeno aloni, a local climbing site with intriguing geological formations, where captivating myths and stories intertwine. If fortune smiles upon us, we may even witness climbers gracefully conquering these natural wonders.

As we depart, we embark on a scenic drive alongside the Almyros River, where favorable wetland conditions may introduce us to a diverse array of bird species, depending on the season, along with clusters of the indigenous Cretan palm, Phoenix theophrasti. Our journey also acquaints us with the remarkable Eye Spring, boasting the highest water production in Crete. En route, we pass through the charming village of Rodia before concluding our excursion and returning to the hotel, leaving us with lasting memories of an unforgettable adventure.

Price Excludes:

• Museum and archaeological site entrance tickets
• Personal expenses, including coffees and alcoholic drinks
• Specialized guides for museums and archaeological sites
• Anything not mentioned in the “Includes” list

What to Bring

• Walking shoes or sandals

• Camera

• Sunscreen

• Hat – Sunglasses

Includes

• Experienced Driver

• Free transport from/to your hotel. (as long as you are within the predefined pick-up area)

• Free Wi-Fi

• Land Rover Discovery 3 – Fuels

• Two Bottles of water and one juice box per person

• Binoculars (2 pairs per car)

Limitations

• Minimum of 3 participants

Itinerary

• Starting Time 08:00
• Ending Time 16:00

Meeting point

Cancellation Policy - Flexible

• Whenever you cancel 4 days or earlier than the confirmed activity starting date, your fee will be refunded for the entire activity charge.
• In case of cancellation within 48 and 96 hours before the scheduled activity starting date, you'll get 50% reimbursed.
• Those who cancel 48 hours or beyond are considered last-minute cancellations. There will be no refunds