Chania: Nature Road Trip With Botanical Garden and Lunch!

Chania, Crete, offers a captivating nature road trip that immerses visitors in the region’s lush botanical gardens and breathtaking landscapes. This 7-hour excursion promises a guided tour through the Botanical Park, where travelers can marvel at the vibrant flora and fauna, followed by a scenic drive to the charming village of Zourva. There, they’ll indulge in a traditional Cretan lunch, savoring the rich flavors of the local cuisine. With a maximum of six participants and multilingual guides, this intimate experience ensures an unforgettable connection with Crete’s natural wonders. The journey through Therisso Gorge, however, holds a special surprise that may entice even the most seasoned traveler.

Good To Know

• Explore Chania, Crete’s diverse landscapes and cultural attractions during a 7-hour nature road trip with guided tours and traditional Cretan lunch.
• Visit the Botanical Park & Gardens of Crete, showcasing thousands of plant species and wildlife like geese, peacocks, donkeys, and deer.
• Enjoy a scenic drive through the Therisso Gorge, stopping for photo opportunities at the high cliffs and plane trees.
• Savor a traditional Cretan lunch in the picturesque village of Zourva, known for its warm hospitality and stunning views.
• Benefit from a multilingual live guide, hotel pickup/drop-off, entry fees, and liability insurance for a worry-free nature adventure.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Activity Overview

This nature road trip through Chania offers a comprehensive exploration of Crete’s diverse landscapes and cultural attractions.

Priced from $110.03 per person, the 7-hour excursion is limited to a maximum of 6 participants.

Multilingual live guides provide commentary in English and Finnish. Guests can conveniently book now and pay later, with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.

The tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off within the Platanias area, entry to the renowned Botanical Park, a traditional Cretan lunch, and liability insurance.

Travelers are advised to wear comfortable shoes, bring a hat and camera, and be prepared for the activity’s operation in most weather conditions.

Itinerary Highlights

The tour begins with pickup from 7 convenient locations, including Platanias, Kolymvari, and Kalamaki.

Guests will then visit the Botanical Park & Gardens of Crete for a guided tour and walk, exploring the diverse landscapes featuring citrus, avocado, nut, apple, and cherry trees.

Next, the group will embark on a scenic drive to the village of Zourva, where they’ll enjoy a traditional Cretan lunch and take in the incredible views.

The final stop is a 30-minute photo opportunity at Therisso, known for its high cliffs and plane trees along the Therisso gorge.

Throughout the journey, you will witness Crete’s stunning natural beauty.

Experience Details

Visitors embark on a nature walk through Crete’s diverse landscapes, where they’ll discover a bounty of citrus, avocado, nut, apple, and cherry trees.

The tour’s highlight is the Botanical Park & Gardens of Crete, featuring thousands of plant species along a 2.5 km path. Wildlife like geese, peacocks, donkeys, and deer roam freely, adding to the serene atmosphere.

After the garden exploration, the group enjoys a traditional Cretan lunch in Zourva, known for its warm hospitality and incredible views.

The scenic drive through the Therisso gorge, with its high cliffs and plane trees, provides a picturesque backdrop for the day’s adventure.

Botanical Park & Gardens

As visitors explore the Botanical Park & Gardens of Crete, they’ll be greeted by a vibrant tapestry of thousands of plant species that stretch along a 2.5 km path. The park showcases an incredible diversity, from citrus, avocado, nut, apple, and cherry trees to an array of wildlife, including geese, peacocks, donkeys, and deer.

Plant Highlights	Wildlife Sightings
Citrus trees	Geese
Avocado trees	Peacocks
Nut trees	Donkeys

The guided tour allows guests to enjoy this lush, natural oasis, providing a serene and educational experience amidst Crete’s stunning landscapes.

More Great Tours Nearby

Scenic Drive to Zourva

After exploring the vibrant Botanical Park & Gardens of Crete, the group embarks on a scenic drive towards the quaint village of Zourva.

The route winds through the stunning Therisso Gorge, with its high cliffs and towering Plane trees lining the road. Passengers take in the breathtaking views as the guide points out the region’s diverse landscapes, including citrus, avocado, nut, apple, and cherry trees.

The 1.5-hour drive culminates in a stop at Zourva, known for its warm hospitality and incredible vistas. Here, the group enjoys a traditional Cretan lunch, savoring the local flavors and soaking in the tranquil ambiance of this picturesque village.

Cretan Lunch at Zourva

Upon arriving in the picturesque village of Zourva, the group is welcomed by the warm hospitality of the locals.

The traditional Cretan lunch awaits at a renowned taverna, offering incredible views of the surrounding landscape. Guests savor a selection of authentic Greek dishes, from fresh salads and grilled meats to homemade pasta and local cheeses.

The meal is a true celebration of Crete’s rich culinary heritage, with each bite showcasing the region’s bountiful produce and time-honored cooking techniques.

As they dine, the group takes in the serene ambiance, with the sounds of nature and the friendly chatter of the locals creating a truly immersive experience.

Therisso Gorge Photo Stop

The scenic drive takes the group through the Therisso Gorge, where towering cliffs and majestic Plane trees line the winding road.

The 30-minute photo stop allows guests to:

1. Admire the dramatic limestone formations that rise up on both sides of the gorge.
2. Capture stunning photographs of the lush vegetation and cascading streams that flow through the narrow valley.
3. Breathe in the fresh, crisp air and soak in the tranquil ambiance of this natural wonder.

This captivating natural landscape provides a picturesque interlude before the group continues on to the final destination of their Cretan adventure.

Important Information

Guests should bring comfortable shoes, a hat, and a camera to fully enjoy the nature experience.

The tour operates in most weather conditions, so visitors should be prepared for anything.

It’s essential to arrive at the pickup point 10 minutes before the scheduled time to ensure a smooth start.

The itinerary is subject to change, so guests should use it as a reference only.

Liability insurance is included, ensuring a worry-free excursion.

With these simple preparations, guests can enjoy the stunning landscapes and diverse flora and fauna of Crete’s Botanical Park and Gardens.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are Children Allowed on This Activity?

According to the activity overview, the group size is limited to 6 participants, but it doesn’t specify if children are allowed. Travelers should check with the tour operator for the policy on children.

Can I Bring My Pet on the Tour?

Unfortunately, pets are not allowed on this nature road trip. The activity description states it’s limited to 6 participants, and there’s no mention of accommodating pets. It’s best to leave your furry friend at home for this tour.

Is This Activity Wheelchair Accessible?

The activity is not explicitly advertised as wheelchair accessible. However, the botanical garden may have some paved paths, and transportation can likely accommodate wheelchairs. It’s best to check with the tour provider for specific accessibility details.

Can I Purchase Snacks and Drinks During the Tour?

Yes, visitors can purchase snacks and drinks during the tour. The itinerary includes a stop at a traditional Cretan taverna in Zourva, where participants can enjoy local cuisine and refreshments.

Do I Need to Have Any Special Permits or Licenses to Participate?

No, the traveler doesn’t need any special permits or licenses to participate in this tour. The activity includes entry tickets to the Botanical Park and a guided experience, so all necessary permissions are already arranged.

The Sum Up

Embark on an unforgettable nature road trip through Chania, Crete, where you’ll explore the stunning Botanical Park, savor traditional Cretan cuisine, and marvel at the breathtaking landscapes of Therisso Gorge. With multilingual guides and a small group size, this 7-hour excursion promises an immersive and enriching experience that’ll create lasting memories. Don’t miss the opportunity to discover the captivating beauty and flavors of this picturesque destination.

You can check availability for your dates here: