Crete’s ancient cities and natural wonders captivate the senses on this immersive tour. Visitors will stroll through Chania’s timeless old town, marveling at its Venetian and Ottoman architecture. Then, they’ll discover the serene beauty of Kournas Lake before exploring the charming harbor and alleyways of Rethymno. With a blend of cultural heritage and natural splendor, this journey promises an unforgettable exploration of Crete’s diverse treasures. What secrets and surprises await those who embark on this exceptional tour?
Key Points
- This tour offers a comprehensive exploration of Crete’s historical sites, including Chania’s old town, Rethymno’s blend of influences, and the serene Kournas Lake.
- The tour is priced at €43 per person and lasts between 9.5 to 13.5 hours, with pickup and drop-off available from multiple locations.
- Included in the tour are air-conditioned transportation, professional multilingual guides, and full refunds for cancellations made up to 24 hours in advance.
- Highlights of the tour include visiting the old harbor and Venetian buildings in Chania, swimming and pedal boating at Kournas Lake, and exploring Rethymno’s picturesque harbor.
- Participants are advised to wear comfortable shoes, bring sun protection, and be aware that the tour may not be suitable for individuals with mobility impairments.
It's also worth checking out some other tours and experiences nearby.
Tour Overview and Pricing
The tour, titled "Heraklion: Chania Old Town, Rethymno and Kournas Lake Tour," is priced from €43.00 per person.
It lasts 9.5 to 13.5 hours and is available in English, German, and French.
Customers can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, and they can reserve now and pay later.
The tour explores Chania’s historical sites, Crete’s only freshwater lake Kournas, and Rethymno’s blend of architectural influences.
Transportation is via air-conditioned buses, and pickup is available from various locations.
Inclusions are a professional multilingual guide, liability insurance, driver, and bus transfers, while tips and individual expenses are excluded.
Itinerary and Highlights
This guided tour offers visitors a chance to explore Chania’s historical sites, including the old harbor, Venetian buildings, Ottoman warehouses, iconic Lighthouse, Loggia, Turkish minarets, and historic dockyards.
The tour then continues to Lake Kournas, Crete’s only freshwater lake, where visitors can swim, rent pedalos, and enjoy lakeside tavernas.
The journey also includes a stop in Rethymno, a city that blends archaeological, Ottoman, and Venetian influences, inviting guests to visit Turkish minarets and relax in the picturesque harbor.
- Discover Chania’s rich history and architecture
- Swim and boat in the tranquil Lake Kournas
- Explore the diverse culture of Rethymno
- Experience the highlights of Crete’s southern regions
Transportation and Pickup Locations
With 70 pickup and drop-off locations across popular hotels from Malia to Fodele, this tour offers convenient transportation options for visitors.
Participants will be transported via air-conditioned, luxurious buses, ensuring a comfortable and enjoyable journey.
The tour also includes a free pick-up service from various locations, including Malia, Stalida, Hersonissos, and Heraklion, making it easy for travelers to join the tour from their accommodations.
This comprehensive transportation plan ensures that guests can focus on the sights and experiences without worrying about getting to and from the destinations.
Inclusions and Exclusions
Multilingual guides, liability insurance, professional drivers, and air-conditioned bus transfers are all included in the price of this tour.
The tour doesn’t cover:
- Tips
- Individual expenses
This tour is suitable for:
- Adults aged 13-99
- Children aged 12 and younger
It’s important to check your specific pickup location via email after booking.
Participants with mobility impairments may find this tour challenging.
Preparation and Recommendations
Participants are recommended to bring comfortable shoes, a sun hat, sunscreen, and water to stay hydrated on this tour.
The tour isn’t suitable for individuals with mobility impairments. This tour is available for adults aged 13-99 and children 12 and younger.
After booking, participants should check their email for the specific pickup location.
The tour provides an air-conditioned bus and a professional multilingual guide, but individual expenses and tips aren’t included.
Chania Old Town Exploration
The tour begins with a visit to Chania’s historic old town, where travelers can enjoy the blend of Venetian, Ottoman, and Greek influences that have shaped the city’s architectural landscape.
They’ll explore the old harbor, admire the iconic Lighthouse, and stroll through the charming Venetian buildings and Ottoman warehouses.
Highlights include:
- Wandering the narrow streets and alleys, taking in the vibrant atmosphere
- Discovering the Loggia, a Venetian-style building housing elegant shops and cafés
- Seeing the Turkish minarets, remnants of the city’s Ottoman past
- Visiting the historic dockyards, where traditional boat building techniques are still practiced
Kournas Lake Experience
After exploring the historic charms of Chania, the tour progresses to Kournas Lake, Crete’s sole freshwater lake.
It’s an idyllic setting, recognized as a protected marshland by Natura 2000. Visitors can enjoy swimming, pedal boating, and relaxing at the lakeside tavernas. The lake’s serene ambiance is perfect for soaking up the natural beauty of the surrounding landscape.
From the lake, the tour continues to the city of Rethymno, blending archaeological, Ottoman, and Venetian influences. Participants will have the opportunity to visit Turkish minarets and explore the picturesque harbor, completing a well-rounded exploration of Crete’s diverse cultural heritage.
Rethymno Heritage Visit
Upon reaching Rethymno, visitors enjoy a captivating blend of archaeological, Ottoman, and Venetian influences.
The picturesque harbor invites exploration, with its Turkish minarets standing in striking contrast to the Venetian architecture. Visitors can stroll along the waterfront, taking in the sights and sounds of this vibrant coastal town.
Key highlights include:
- Discovering the historic Old Town, with its charming alleyways and well-preserved buildings
- Admiring the iconic Venetian Loggia and Fortezza, remnants of the island’s rich history
- Exploring the bustling market squares and local shops, seeing the town’s lively atmosphere
- Relaxing in one of the harborside cafes or tavernas, savoring the Mediterranean ambiance.
Here's a few more nearby tours and experiences we think you'll like.
- PRIVATE Rethymno Chania & Lake Kourna With Food
- From Rethimno: Margarites, Arkadi Monastery, & Thronos Tour
- Charter:Chania Airport (Chq) To/From Central Rethymno
- Rethymno: Cretan Herbs and Wine Tasting With Lunch
- Rethymno: Boat Rental Without License
- Agia Galini: South Crete Sailing Trip With Optional Lunch
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Lunch and Refreshments Provided During the Tour?
No, lunch and refreshments are not included in the tour. Participants are responsible for their own meals and drinks during the tour. The tour price covers transportation, guide services, and entrance fees.
Can the Tour Be Customized to Suit Individual Preferences?
The tour is not customizable, as it follows a set itinerary. However, guests can explore the sites at their own pace and spend time as they wish during the scheduled stops. Flexibility is limited within the overall tour structure.
What Is the Group Size for This Tour?
The group size for this tour is not specified. The tour overview information does not provide details on the typical group size. The tour accommodates both individual travelers and groups, without a stated limit on the number of participants.
Are There Any Discounts Available for Seniors or Students?
There are no specific senior or student discounts mentioned for this tour. However, the tour is flexible, and it may be worth inquiring about any available discounts when booking.
Can the Tour Be Booked in Other Languages Besides English, German, and French?
The tour can be booked in English, German, and French. However, the website doesn’t mention if other language options are available. Customers should check with the tour provider for any additional language options.
Not for you? Here's more of our most recent tour reviews happening neaby
- Rethymno: E-Bike Tour on Mili Gorge and Soft Drinks
- From Heraklion: West Crete, Chania, Rethymno, & Lake Kournas
- Imbros Gorge Hike From Rethymno
- Heraklion, Malia, Hersonissos: Rethymno Chania & Lake Kourna
- Heraklion Areas: Preveli Palm Beach & Rethymno Day Bus Tour
- Rethymno City, Chania City& Kournas Lake Tour From Heraklion
- Explore Preveli Palms, Damnoni Beach & Historic Rethymno
- From Rethymno: Arkadi, Margarites, Melidoni Cave, and Axos
- Bali Rethymno Quad Safari 55KM Crosscountry Experience
- Rethymno, South Crete & Preveli Monastery
- Rethymno: Old Town and Food Tasting Private Tour
- From Rethymno: Sunset Catamaran Cruise With Wine and Cheese
- Rethymno: Luxury Sunset Cruise With Dinner and Drinks
- Rethymno: Sunset Cruise With Snacks and Drinks From Panormo
- Dining In Rethymno: An Evening Of Cretan Cooking
Recap
This comprehensive tour offers a captivating journey through Crete’s rich cultural heritage and natural wonders. Visitors will wander the historic streets of Chania and Rethymno, seeing the blend of Venetian and Ottoman influences. The serene beauty of Kournas Lake provides a peaceful respite, creating an unforgettable experience that showcases the diverse beauty of this iconic Greek island.