Exploring the beauty of Crete’s coastline is a must for any traveler, and the "Chania & Reth: Balos & Gramvousa with Guide, Transfer & Lunch" tour offers an exceptional opportunity to do just that. From the historic Venetian castle on Gramvousa Island to the breathtaking vistas of Balos Bay, this full-day adventure promises an unforgettable experience. While the tour’s inclusions and services appear quite comprehensive, customer feedback suggests there’s room for improvement in certain areas. Delving deeper into the tour’s details and understanding the potential pitfalls could make all the difference in determining whether this excursion is the right fit for your Crete adventure.
Good To Know
- This day tour takes visitors on an excursion to the scenic destinations of Gramvousa Island and Balos Bay, with transportation, guided visits, and a included lunch.
- The tour includes a boat trip to Gramvousa Island, where participants can explore the historic Venetian castle and take in panoramic views.
- After visiting Gramvousa, the tour proceeds to the picturesque Balos Bay, known for its pink-tinged sands and crystal-clear waters suitable for swimming.
- The tour package includes round-trip transportation from Rethymno and Chania, with hotel pickup and drop-off, as well as an expert bilingual tour guide.
- While the tour has received mixed reviews, particularly regarding the quality of the guide and meal services, the transportation and natural attractions seem to be highlights of the experience.
It's also worth checking out some other tours and experiences nearby.
Overview and Pricing
This tour, titled "Chania & Reth: Balos & Gramvousa with Guide, Transfer & Lunch", is priced from €73.00 per person.
It lasts 8-10 hours and offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance. Customers can also reserve their spot now and pay later.
The tour includes transportation from Rethymno and Chania, pickup from hotel or meeting points, a guided visit to Gramvousa Island and Balos Bay, and lunch on board the boat.
A cleaning fee of €1.00 for Gramvousa bay is also collected at the Kastelli port. Optional tips are available for the tour guide, who’s fluent in German and English.
Itinerary and Experience
The tour begins with a morning bus ride to Kastelli port, where participants board a boat for the journey to Gramvousa Island. Once there, they can explore the historic Venetian castle on the island. Next, the tour visits Balos Bay, where visitors can relax on the pink-tinged sands and swim in the crystal-clear waters. The tour returns to Kastelli by boat around 6 pm, allowing ample time for leisure activities like swimming, sunbathing, and exploring.
| Itinerary | Time |
|---|---|
| Bus ride to Kastelli port | Morning |
| Boat trip to Gramvousa Island | – |
| Visit Balos Bay | – |
| Return to Kastelli by boat | Around 6 pm |
| Leisure activities | – |
Inclusions and Services
The tour offers a range of inclusions and services to enhance the experience.
Travelers are provided with a transfer service from the Rethymno and Chania areas, with pickup from their hotel entrance or selected meeting points.
Lunch is included on board the boat, though some reviews indicate additional charges may apply.
An expert tour guide, fluent in German and English, accompanies the group throughout the day.
Boat transportation, as well as drinks, are also part of the package.
A cleaning fee of €1.00 for Gramvousa Bay is collected at the Kastelli port.
Tipping the guide is optional.
Important Considerations
When embarking on this tour, travelers should come prepared with comfortable shoes, swimwear, and sunscreen to make the most of their experience.
A light jacket is recommended during the spring and autumn seasons, and comfortable walking shoes are advised for the hike to the Gramvousa fortress.
Swimming is only permitted in designated areas at Balos, as it’s a NATURA site.
Plus, a cleaning fee of €1.00 will be collected at the Kastelli port.
Travelers should be mindful of these important considerations to ensure a smooth and enjoyable journey through the stunning landscapes of Chania and Rethymno.
Customer Feedback
Based on the available customer reviews, the tour has received an overall rating of 2.3 out of 5 stars.
The guides received a poor 1 out of 5 rating, with some customers indicating issues with the meal inclusions.
However, the transportation services were praised, earning a 5 out of 5 rating.
The value for money was considered low, with a 1 out of 5 score.
While the tour offers a chance to explore the stunning Balos Bay and Gramvousa Island, the customer feedback suggests room for improvement in the guiding and meal services to provide a more satisfactory experience.
Tour Highlights
Nestled along the stunning Cretan coastline, the Chania & Reth: Balos & Gramvousa tour offers a captivating blend of natural wonders and historical exploration.
Travelers embark on a morning bus ride to Kastelli port, where they’ll board a boat and sail to the picturesque Gramvousa Island. Here, they can explore the historic Venetian castle and marvel at the breathtaking views.
Next, the tour ventures to the iconic Balos Bay, renowned for its pink-tinged sands and crystal-clear waters. Visitors can enjoy swimming, sunbathing, and leisurely activities amidst the serene natural setting.
With included lunch, transportation, and an expert guide, this excursion promises an unforgettable day of discovery in Crete’s stunning coastal landscapes.
Preparing for the Tour
To make the most of the Chania & Reth: Balos & Gramvousa tour, travelers should pack a few essential items.
This includes:
- Comfortable walking shoes for the hike to the Gramvousa fortress.
- Swimwear and beach towels for swimming and relaxing at the beautiful Balos Bay.
- Sunscreen, hat, and sunglasses to protect against the Mediterranean sun.
- A light jacket or sweater, as the weather can be cooler during the spring and autumn months.
With these items packed, visitors will be well-prepared to fully enjoy the stunning natural landscapes, rich history, and crystal-clear waters that make this tour a must-do experience in Crete.
Transportation and Accessibility
The tour includes round-trip transportation from Rethymno and Chania areas, with pickup from hotel entrances or selected meeting points. This makes it convenient for travelers to reach the departure point without hassle.
The boat transportation to Gramvousa Island and Balos Bay is also included in the package. However, there’s a cleaning fee of €1.00 per person that’s collected at the Kastelli port before boarding the boat.
The transportation arrangements seem well-organized, though some reviews indicate additional charges for the included lunch.
Comfortable walking shoes are recommended for the hike up to the Gramvousa fortress.
Here's a few more nearby tours and experiences we think you'll like.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Book This Tour for a Solo Traveler?
Yes, solo travelers can book this tour. The itinerary and inclusions appear suitable for individual travelers, and the tour operator offers free cancellation and no upfront payment, making it convenient for solo bookings.
Is the Tour Suitable for Children?
The tour may be suitable for children, but it’s important to consider the long duration, hiking to the Gramvousa fortress, and swimming in designated areas of Balos Bay. Parents should assess if the activities align with their children’s abilities and interests.
Are There Any Additional Costs Beyond the Listed Price?
According to the information provided, there may be additional costs beyond the listed price. A cleaning fee of €1.00 is collected at the Kastelli port. Plus, some reviews indicate extra charges for the included lunch.
Can I Customize the Itinerary to Visit Other Sites?
The tour’s itinerary cannot be customized to visit other sites. The package includes specific stops at Gramvousa Island and Balos Bay, and any additional requests would likely incur extra charges. The tour follows a set schedule.
What Is the Cancellation Policy for This Tour?
The tour has a free cancellation policy. Customers can cancel their reservation up to 24 hours in advance and receive a full refund. This provides flexibility for those who may need to change their plans.
Not for you? Here's more of our most recent tour reviews happening neaby
- Build Your Own Excursion
- Chania: Minoans World 9D Experience
- Heraklion Airport: Shared Transfer To/From Rethymno
- Chania: Semi-Submarine Boat Underwater Experience
- Rethymno: Shared Transfer To/From Chania Airport
- From Georgioupoli: Easy Hiking Day-Trip to Imbros Gorge
- Cruise to Spinalonga & BBQ at Kolokytha From Agios Nikolaos
- Chania: Imbros Gorge and Libyan Sea Day Tour
- From Rethymno: Kourtaliotiko, Preveli Palm Beach, & Damnoni
- Chania Evening From Rethymno
- Crete: Agios Nikolaos, Plaka and Spinalonga Island Tour
- From Heraklion: Kritsa & Myrtos Villages East & South Crete
- Full-Day Kournas Lake & Argyroupoli From Rethymno
- From Rethymno: Chania Roundtrip Transfer With Free Time
- From Rethymno: Imbros Gorge & Libyan Guided Sea Tour
The Sum Up
The Chania & Reth: Balos & Gramvousa tour offers an unforgettable exploration of Crete’s stunning coastline. While customer feedback highlights areas for improvement, the tour’s highlights, including the historic Venetian castle and breathtaking Balos Bay, make it a compelling option. With hotel pickup, boat transportation, and a delicious lunch included, the tour provides a convenient and immersive experience for those seeking to discover the natural beauty and rich history of this region.