Gramvousa Island & Balos Bay Full-Day Tour From Rethymno English & German Guide

Exploring the natural wonders of Crete is a must-do for any traveler. The Gramvousa Island & Balos Bay Full-Day Tour from Rethymno offers an exceptional opportunity to experience the island’s stunning landscapes with the guidance of knowledgeable English and German-speaking professionals. This well-organized excursion includes convenient transportation, access to the renowned Venetian Fortress, and a scenic boat ride to the breathtaking Gramvousa Island. With positive reviews highlighting the tour’s highlights, it’s clear this experience is a perfect way to take in Crete’s natural beauty. The only question that remains is – what will you discover on this unforgettable journey?

Good To Know

• Comprehensive full-day excursion from Rethymno to Gramvousa Island and Balos Bay, with options for English and German-speaking guides.
• Includes hotel pickup and drop-off, modern air-conditioned transportation, boat tickets, and entrance to the Venetian Fortress.
• Tour features stunning natural landscapes, with ample time to explore the islands and beaches at your own pace.
• Reviews highlight excellent organization, knowledgeable guides, and an overall enjoyable experience, though some minor issues have been reported.
• Booking is handled through Platanos Tours, with the tour not recommended for pregnant travelers or those requiring wheelchair accessibility.

Tour Overview

The tour is a full-day excursion that takes visitors to the picturesque Gramvousa Island and the stunning Balos Bay, departing from Rethymno.

Conducted by Platanos Tours in Chania, Greece, the tour is available in both English and German. With 15 reviews and a 3.5-star rating, the tour provides hotel pickup and drop-off, modern air-conditioned transportation, and a professional driver and guide.

Boat tickets to Gramvousa Island and Balos Lagoon, as well as the entrance ticket to the Venetian Fortress, are included.

While personal expenses, remote hotel pickups, and photographer services are excluded, the tour aims to offer a well-organized and enjoyable experience for travelers.

Inclusions

This full-day tour includes hotel pick-up and drop-off from specified areas like Panormo, Scaleta, Adele, Platanias, Missiria, Rethymno town, Atsipopoulo, Kavros, and Georgioupoli.

Transfers are by modern, air-conditioned coach, with a professional driver and guide. All legal taxes and liability insurance coverage are included.

The boat ticket to Gramvousa Island and Balos Lagoon costs €30 per adult and €14.50 for children 5-12 years. The entrance ticket to the Venetian Fortress is €1.

Sun umbrellas are available for rent. Infant seats are also provided.

Exclusions

Typically, personal expenses for food and drinks aren’t included in the tour price.

Plus, pickups from remote hotels, such as the Grand Rimondi, aren’t provided.

Travelers should also be aware that while a photographer is available on the boat, they’ll incur an additional cost.

It’s important to note that the tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, and it’s not recommended for pregnant travelers.

Pickup Information

Specific pickup details are sent via email after booking. The tour pickup begins up to 90 minutes before the tour’s start from central meeting points. Infants must sit on laps as no separate seats are provided. Seats are assigned by the box office and are not known in advance.

Pickup Location	Approximate Time	Notes
Panormo	Up to 90 mins before tour	–
Scaleta	Up to 90 mins before tour	–
Adele	Up to 90 mins before tour	–

The pickup service is not available from remote hotels like the Grand Rimondi.

Reviews Highlights

The reviews for this full-day tour highlight the tour’s excellent organization and knowledgeable guides.

Travelers praise the stunning colors of the water at Gramvousa Island, describing it as a highlight of the experience.

Positive comments also note the well-planned nature of the tour, with travelers enjoying the beautiful beaches and professional service.

While there were some issues reported, such as missed pickups and refund problems, the overall sentiment is that the tour is recommended and provides an enjoyable experience.

The reviews suggest this is a well-organized excursion showcasing the natural beauty of the Balos Lagoon and Gramvousa Island.

Booking Details

Booking for this full-day tour to Gramvousa Island and Balos Bay is handled through Platanos Tours, based in Chania, Greece.

The tour is available in English and German and includes hotel pick-up and drop-off from specified areas. Transfers are provided by modern, air-conditioned coaches, with a professional driver and guide accompanying the group.

Guests will receive the boat tickets to Gramvousa Island and Balos Lagoon, as well as the entrance ticket to the Venetian Fortress.

While sun umbrellas are available for rent, personal expenses for food and drinks are excluded.

The tour isn’t wheelchair accessible and not recommended for pregnant travelers.

Getting to Gramvousa

After being picked up from the designated meeting points, travelers embark on a scenic journey to the northwestern coast of Crete.

The modern, air-conditioned coach provides comfortable transportation to the boat launch, where the group boards a vessel for the voyage to Gramvousa Island.

The boat ride takes approximately 30-45 minutes, offering breathtaking views of the rugged coastline and clear turquoise waters.

Upon arrival, visitors can explore the historic 16th-century Venetian fortress, climb to the summit for panoramic vistas, or simply relax on the picturesque beaches.

The tour allows ample time to soak up the natural beauty of this unique island destination.

The Sum Up

The Gramvousa Island & Balos Bay Full-Day Tour from Rethymno provides an unforgettable experience exploring Crete’s stunning natural beauty. With knowledgeable guides, comfortable transportation, and easy access to historical sites and beaches, this well-organized tour is a perfect choice for those seeking to discover the island’s rich cultural and natural heritage. Positive reviews highlight the tour’s quality, making it an excellent option for travelers looking to make the most of their time in Rethymno.