Beyond the city Duration 4 - 5 hours Language English What you'll do Take your cue from Zorba the Greek and reignite your lust for life on this fabulous sunset tour and wine tasting. On the big screen, Zorba lives life to the fullest, and that’s what we will do as we explore the beautiful Akrotiri peninsula. After picking you up from your hotel, we will drive out of the city, through traditional villages and tree-lined country roads. Soon the scenery will turn almost biblical, all barren and rocky terrain, wild olive trees, and wandering sheep as we approach our first stop. The stunning Moni Gouverneto or Monastery of Gouverneto is one of the oldest monasteries in Crete, sitting high on a clifftop. Built in 1537, the buildings boast a pretty Venetian-style façade and incredible views across the Aegean Sea. After admiring another breathtaking vista (there will be lots on this tour!), we will go for a short but dramatic hike down a rocky paved path to Αrkoudospilios, meaning the ‘Bear Cave.’ But don’t be afraid! The only bear in this cave is a natural rock formation, but the myths and tales that inhabit it will have you questioning reality. After soaking up more amazing views, we’ll head back to our car and visit one of the richest and most beautiful monasteries in Greece, Agia Triada of Tzagarolon. The monastery, whose name means ‘Holy Trinity,’ was built in the 17th century and is well known for the knock-out wines and olive oil it produces, with a high sense of responsibility and respect for the traditional economy and local ecology. Amongst the Renaissance architecture, we will sample five different organic wines guided by a dedicated sommelier. Our special tasting will also include olive oil made on the estate, accompanied by feta cheese, olives and rusks. Once the sun starts setting over this magical place, we will head over to Stavros Beach, where Zorba taught cinema audiences how to dance. With a glass of raki in your hand and mouthwatering mezedes (local tapas) to feast on, we will finish our day the way he would have wanted it, happily drunk on the simple pleasures in life. Note: This tour is priced for a minimum group size of two travelers. A solo traveler may still book this private experience but will be charged the base rate for two travelers. The pick-up times change throughout the year due to different sunset times (between 3 pm and 5:30 pm, depending on the season). Approximate pick-up times are as follows: March – 15:00 April – 15:30 May – 16:00 June & July – 16:30 August – 17:00 September – 16:30 October – 16:00 November – 15:00 Additional information Dress standard: To enter the monasteries, you must respect the special dress code: long sleeves, covered shoulders, long pants or skirts. The requirements are skirts below the knee for women and no shorts for men. No tank tops or sleeveless shirts for anyone. Please wear comfortable shoes for walking on uneven rocky terrain. Confirmation of booking: If you have your voucher, your booking is confirmed. We’ll see you at the start point. Get in touch if you have any concerns or require more information via the email address or phone number (business hours only) on your voucher. Child policy: This is a child-friendly tour. However, please bear in mind that it this tour requires a walk on uneven, rocky terrain for approximately 30 minutes. Child price will be counted as same as adult. This tour is priced for a minimum group size of two travellers. A solo traveller may still book this private experience but will be charged the base rate for two travellers. Highlights Savor four different wines with a professional sommelier on hand in the magical atmosphere of one of the most beautiful monasteries in Crete. Take a hike to the famous Αrkoudospilios Bear Cave. Taste, enjoy, and learn about Crete’s most famous product, olive oil. Get a close-up view of the filming locations of Zorba the Greek. Watch the sunset over Stavros beach while sipping raki and feasting on traditional mezedes. Explore the Unique Nature of the Akrotiri Peninsula Channel the life-affirming spirit of Zorba the Greek as we explore the unique nature of the Akrotiri peninsula. Breathtaking views and pretty monasteries abound as we get off the beaten track and discover the real Cretan countryside. An organic wine and olive oil tasting in a magical monastery is followed by a trip to Zorba’s beach to watch the sunset, glass of raki in hand. The simple pleasures in life don’t get better than this; Zorba would be proud! Included Local English-speaking and knowledgeable wine expert guide, round-trip transportation, entrance fees, sampling of four local wines accompanied with feta cheese, olives and rusks, olive oil tasting, a bottle of water, a glass of raki, seasonal "mezedes" (Local Tapas). Excluded Additional food and drinks, souvenirs or personal shopping Local impact — How you help the local community by joining this tour: By joining this tour, you are helping to promote rural tourism, which supports local economies that don’t generally benefit from tourism. By visiting a centuries-old monastery, your tour showcases an old monastic way of life that is based on simplicity and self-sufficiency. As part of your tour, you sample local wines and other organic products that are produced in a responsible manner with respect for the traditional economy and local ecology. All of the food you sample during your tour is locally sourced from villages, farmers, and stock-breeders of Crete.