The Spirit of Crete: A Drive from Rethymno to Georgioupoli via Myriokefala

The beautiful region southwest of Rethymnon city boasts gently rolling hills and winding paths through thrilling mountainous roads. On this driving tour, you’ll twist through this fascinating area en route to Argyroupoli, where ancient Lappa city once stood and waterfalls flow freely. The tour starts in Rethymnon, Crete’s third largest city, where I’ll tell you about its exotic blend of architecture, thanks to Venetian and Ottoman occupation. From there, you’ll pass the village of Myriokefala with its special old monastery and gradually enter the Cretan region where delicious local cheese is produced on sheep farms. You’ll pass the Cretan Runner Museum, which chronicles author George Psychoundakis’ story as a dispatch runner during the island’s German occupation. Your tour ends in Georgioupoli where you can take a beautiful walk to the church of Agios Nikolaos, built on a pier in the sea. Along the way, you’ll have a chance to: • Learn how the Kri Kri goat, living in the Samaria Gorge, owes its name to former President Truman • Listen to the sad story of the Five Holy Virgins and visit the church where their graves can be seen • Understand why icons are made and frescoes are painted, and what their special significance is in the Myriokefala monastery • Find out what Operation Mercury entailed, and how Cretan peasants attacked their invaders with axes and pitchforks • Discover why limestone was the material of choice for Roman masons building graves • Hear how Georgioupoli, formerly Chrissopoli (gold city), was renamed in 1899 to honor Prince George who served as High Commissioner of Crete • Find and enter a tomb from the late Minoan period, like a real Indiana Jones • Enjoy a wonderfully refreshing break at Lake Kournas On this three-hour tour, I’ll also fill you in on the chapels along the road, the regional football club, and the customs and traditions of the Cretans.

Price: £19.99 from VoiceMap