Overland to Rethymno and Crete's capital city of Heraklion.

--OAT: "The Old Town of Rethymno is an area of the city whose layout has remained unchanged since the 17th century."

We checked out of the Kydon Hotel in Chania about 9AM and caught the shuttle to Rethymno, located around the Souda Bay. Rethymno is Ritsa's hometown, who we had as a guest group leader a couple of days before in Chania. We met up with her again for a tour of Rethymno's old town, an area of the city whose layout has remained unchanged since the 17th century. As we strolled through alley ways, Ritsa once again pointed out the mix of old and new and mixed architectures, mainly in doorways. We visited a tavern that used to be horse stables, and listened to local musicians playing a mandolin and a lyre.

After having a delicious homemade lunch with Ritsa and her family at their house, we got back on the shuttle to stop in Margarites, a village with a rich tradition in pottery and ceramics. George and Marinki Dalamvelas create handmade ceramics for everyday use… using techniques that go back to the Neolithic period.

Then it was an hour and a half ride on a narrow, twisty road to Heraklion, a larger city on the east end Crete. We checked in at the Astoria Capsis, yet another plush hotel on the OAT itinerary… not complaining.

Quick Photo Links: Alleyways in Rethymno | Sax Player | Creative Breadmaker | Graffiti | Creten Lyre Player | Lunch at Ritsa's Home | George's Pottery