e-Bike Cycling Tour to Arkadi Monastery Full Lunch included

Embarking on a full-day e-bike tour around Rethymno offers a wonderful way to explore Crete’s stunning landscapes, historic sites, and authentic villages. This experience combines gentle cycling, cultural insights, and delicious food—making it perfect for travelers who love a mix of adventure and relaxation.

What makes this tour particularly appealing? We love how accessible the e-bikes make the ride, even for those with a modest level of fitness. The stops at charming villages, with panoramic views over the Mediterranean, are genuinely picturesque. And the visit to Arkadi Monastery, with its stirring history, adds a meaningful cultural layer.

A possible consideration? The 44 km distance, with 560 meters of elevation gain, may be challenging for some, especially if you’re not used to biking or have mobility concerns. But the e-bikes significantly ease the effort, so most you will find it manageable.

This tour suits active travelers eager to combine sightseeing with a bit of exercise, history enthusiasts, and food lovers seeking an authentic Cretan meal in a beautiful setting.

Good To Know

• Accessible cycling with e-bikes makes the route suitable for most fitness levels.
• Cultural stops like Arkadi Monastery and Amnatos Village add depth to the experience.
• Stunning views along the coastline and hillside villages are a highlight.
• Traditional lunch offers a taste of genuine Cretan cuisine with panoramic vistas.
• Small group size ensures personalized attention and engaging guides.
• Rich stories from knowledgeable guides bring local history to life.

You can check if your dates are available here:

The Itinerary in Detail

This six-hour adventure begins in Rethymno at Panepistimiou 1, setting the tone for a day of discovery. From the start, you’ll notice how the e-bikes make the journey smooth—cranking up the hills is effortless, allowing you to soak up the scenery without fatigue.

Coastal Beginnings and the First Stop: Arsani Monastery

The tour kicks off with a ride along the coastal road toward Arsani Monastery. The route offers glimpses of Rethymno’s charming shoreline, where you might find yourself stopping periodically to admire the view or snap photos. Visitors report an immediate feeling of freedom and ease thanks to the e-bikes, with some noting how the gentle pedal assist turns a challenging ride into a relaxed experience.

Up through Olive Groves and Small Villages

After the monastery, the route heads uphill through olive groves and quiet countryside, passing tiny, picturesque villages that seem frozen in time. These spots allow for peaceful pauses, where you can enjoy the scent of herbs and the stunning landscape. Reviewers mention how the ride through these areas feels like stepping into a postcard, with breathtaking vistas over the surrounding hills.

Amnatos Village and the Mansion of Sanguinazzo

Next, your journey takes you to Amnatos, a village known for its charming architecture and historic mansion. The Sanguinazzo mansion stands out, with its inscription “Initium sapientiae timor Domini” – a reminder of the deep-rooted values of the area. This stop provides a chance to explore a slice of local life and appreciate traditional Cretan hospitality.

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The Highlight: Arkadi Monastery

The pièce de résistance is the visit to Arkadi Monastery, a site that radiates both spiritual serenity and historical significance. Guides share stories of the monks’ resistance during the Ottoman occupation, which imbues the visit with a sense of pride and resilience. The monastery’s impressive architecture and peaceful grounds make it a compelling stop. Many guests comment on the depth of the stories shared, which enrich the visual experience.

Lunch at a Traditional Taverna

After the sightseeing, you’ll enjoy a delicious Cretan lunch at a local tavern. The panoramic view from the restaurant adds a special touch to this meal. Reviewers frequently praise the quality of the food, describing it as “fantastic” and “top-notch,” with a variety of local dishes served in a friendly, authentic setting. The relaxed pace and scenic backdrop make this lunch a true highlight for many.

Final Legs of the Journey

Post-lunch, the ride continues through Pigi Village and the nearby Adele area, offering a chance to stretch your legs while taking in more beautiful views. The route back to Rethymno passes by charming landscapes, with many noting how the e-bike support makes the return leg easy and enjoyable.

The Balance of Value and Experience

At $83 per person, this tour offers notable value considering the inclusions: guided commentary, high-quality e-bikes, a full day of scenic riding, and a hearty traditional lunch. The small group size (limited to 10 participants) ensures personalized attention and a convivial atmosphere.

The tour’s duration of six hours strikes a nice balance—long enough to see several highlights without feeling rushed. The timing appears flexible, with multiple start times available, catering to different schedules.

What The Experience Means for You

The combination of scenic cycling and culture makes this tour stand out. You’re not just riding around aimlessly; you’re following a thoughtfully curated route that reveals the history, landscapes, and flavors of Crete. The guide’s local knowledge, as praised by many reviewers, adds a layer of storytelling that transforms the journey from a simple bike ride into a memorable cultural experience.

Practical Considerations

Since the route covers 560 meters of elevation gain, a moderate level of fitness will help you enjoy the ride more comfortably. However, with e-bikes, the physical effort required is significantly reduced, making this accessible to most people who are comfortable riding a bike. It’s advisable to bring comfortable shoes, sunglasses, sunscreen, and a sun hat to stay comfortable during the outdoor segments.

What’s Not Included

While everything essential is provided—helmet, water, insurance—the tour does not include hotel pickup, which means you’ll need to meet at the starting point. Entrance fees at Arkadi Monastery are not covered, but most guests find this fee reasonable. Coffee and drinks outside the included lunch are also extra if you wish to indulge further.

Authentic Insights from the Reviews

Reviewers consistently highlight the knowledgeable guides, with one mentioning Michalis’s ability to blend interesting historical stories with local anecdotes, making the day both educational and entertaining. Several describe the lunch as a standout, emphasizing the variety and quality of the dishes, often saying it was “fantastisch” or “top-notch.”

Many note how easy the ride was thanks to the e-bikes, even those who doubted their fitness levels before starting. The stunning views, from the coastline to hilltop monasteries, are a common theme, reinforcing that this is a visual feast as well as a cultural one.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This biking excursion is ideal for active travelers who enjoy a mix of outdoor activity and cultural discovery. It’s perfect for those who want to see Crete’s countryside and historic sites without strenuous exertion, thanks to the e-bike support. History buffs will appreciate the stories behind Arkadi Monastery, while food lovers will delight in the authentic Cretan lunch.

It’s a fantastic choice for small groups seeking personalized attention and a relaxed, friendly atmosphere. However, if you have mobility issues or are pregnant, this might not be the best fit due to the distance and elevation involved.

The Sum Up

This e-bike tour offers a well-balanced, immersive experience that combines scenic beauty, historical significance, and authentic local cuisine. The use of e-bikes makes it accessible without sacrificing the thrill of discovery, and the small group setting ensures an intimate journey.

Whether you’re a history enthusiast, a foodie, or simply someone who loves exploring new landscapes on two wheels, this tour provides genuine value. The knowledgeable guides, stunning vistas, and delicious lunch create a memorable day that highlights the best of Crete’s countryside and its storied past.

For travelers eager for an active yet culturally rich experience, this tour hits all the right notes, blending adventure with meaningful storytelling and authentic flavors.

FAQ

Do I need to have cycling experience?
No, since e-bikes are provided, even those with limited cycling experience can comfortably manage the route.

Is the tour suitable for beginners?
Yes, the bikes assist with uphill climbs, making it accessible for most fitness levels, provided you are comfortable riding a bike.

What should I bring for the trip?
Bring comfortable shoes, sunglasses, sunscreen, and a sun hat. The tour provides helmets and water, but personal sun protection is recommended.

Are there any age or height restrictions?
Yes, the tour is not suitable for children under 4 ft 9 in (150 cm) or those over 220 lbs (100 kg). Low fitness levels and mobility issues may also be considerations.

How long is the total cycling distance?
The entire route covers approximately 44 km, with stops at key landmarks, making it a full but manageable day.

What is included in the price?
The tour includes a guided ride, e-bike usage, helmet, a bottle of water, third-party insurance, and a traditional lunch at a local tavern.

Are entrance fees included?
No, entrance fees to Arkadi Monastery are not included but are generally reasonable.

Is food available during the tour?
Lunch at a traditional tavern is included and highly praised, but drinks and coffee outside of lunch are extra.

What is the group size?
The experience is limited to small groups of up to 10 people, enhancing personalization and interaction.

This thoroughly planned and beautifully scenic bike tour promises a day filled with discovery, delicious food, and stunning views—an ideal way to experience Crete authentically and actively.

You can check if your dates are available here: