Crete, the largest and most diverse of the Greek islands, offers a wealth of natural and cultural wonders. One tour that showcases the island’s enchanting landscapes and rich heritage is the "Original Crete: Preveli, Plakias, Kourtaliotis From Rethymno." This 10-hour excursion takes participants on a journey through breathtaking canyons, pristine beaches, and charming towns, providing an immersive experience that delves into the heart of Crete’s captivating essence. From the moment the tour begins, travelers can expect to be captivated by the region’s striking beauty and the opportunity to uncover its timeless allure.
Key Points
- This tour offers a comprehensive exploration of Crete’s natural wonders, including Preveli, Plakias, and Kourtaliotis, departing from Rethymno.
- Highlights include hiking through Koutsifou Canyon, relaxing at Preveli Beach, and visiting the charming town of Plakias and Argiroupolis Springs.
- The tour is priced from €27 per person, with a duration of 10 hours, and includes hotel pickup and drop-off, as well as an English-speaking guide.
- Travelers can choose from nine convenient pickup locations across the Rethymno region, ensuring easy access to the tour.
- The tour provides a combination of scenic hiking, swimming, shopping, and sightseeing opportunities, allowing visitors to enjoy Crete’s diverse landscapes and attractions.
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Tour Overview
The Original Crete tour encompasses a captivating exploration of Preveli, Plakias, and Kourtaliotis from the city of Rethymno. Priced from €27 per person, this 10-hour excursion offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance and includes hotel pickup and drop-off.
Led by a live English-speaking guide, the tour features scenic views of olive groves and the Kourtaliotiko Gorge. Highlights include hiking through Koutsifou Canyon, relaxing on Preveli Palm Beach, and discovering the traditional village of Spili.
Travelers will experience the natural beauty of Crete while enjoying activities such as swimming, shopping, and sightseeing. This tour provides a well-rounded introduction to the island’s diverse landscapes and cultural attractions.
Itinerary Highlights
Participants experience a variety of highlights on this tour, starting with pickup from one of nine convenient locations across the Rethymno region. The itinerary features popular destinations like Koutsifou Canyon, Preveli Beach, Plakias, Argiroupolis Springs, and the traditional village of Spili.
| Stop | Activity |
|---|---|
| Koutsifou Canyon | Guided hike |
| Preveli Beach | Relax and swim (boat ride extra) |
| Plakias | Explore the town |
| Argiroupolis Springs | Visit natural springs |
| Spili Village | See Venetian fountain of Kefalovrissi |
The tour offers scenic viewpoints of olive groves and the Kourtaliotiko Gorge, along with opportunities for photography, shopping, and free time.
Activities and Experiences
Hikers can explore the tranquil Koutsifou Canyon, taking in the serene natural surroundings.
Visitors can relax and swim at the picturesque Preveli Palm Beach, though a boat ride to reach the beach incurs an additional fee.
The tour also allows time to wander through the charming town of Plakias and marvel at the Argiroupolis Springs.
In the traditional village of Spili, guests can admire the impressive Venetian fountain of Kefalovrissi.
Throughout the day, the tour provides ample opportunities for swimming, shopping, and scenic photo stops showcasing olive groves and the Kourtaliotiko Gorge.
Transportation Details
Guests travel in an air-conditioned vehicle throughout the day. The bus/coach transfer takes approximately 1.5 hours to reach the main attractions. However, the boat ticket to Preveli Beach is not included in the tour price.
| Transportation Details | |
|---|---|
| Vehicle Type | Air-conditioned vehicle |
| Transfer Time | Approx. 1.5 hours |
| Boat Ticket | Not Included |
The comfortable transportation and reasonable travel time allow guests to fully enjoy the scenic landscapes and destinations without feeling fatigued. While the boat ride to Preveli Beach is an optional extra cost, the tour still provides ample opportunities to explore the natural wonders of Crete.
Preparation and Customer Feedback
Travelers are encouraged to pack comfortable shoes, a towel, water, beachwear, and sunscreen to fully enjoy the tour’s activities and experiences.
The excursion has an overall rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars based on 3 reviews. Customers praise the scenic drive and beautiful Preveli Beach, though some note the guide’s lack of detailed information and the extra cost for the boat ride to the beach.
Pickup Locations
The Original Crete tour offers convenient pickup from 9 locations across Rethymno, including Skaleta, Gerani, Pigianos Kampos, Rethimno, Latsima, Petres, Stavromenos, Sfakaki, and Adelianos Kampos.
This wide range of pickup points ensures easy access for travelers, no matter their starting location. The tour’s comprehensive coverage allows guests to join the experience seamlessly, without the hassle of arranging their own transportation.
With this streamlined approach, the Original Crete tour prioritizes convenience and flexibility for a stress-free excursion.
Key pickup locations include:
- Skaleta
- Gerani
- Pigianos Kampos
Main Stops
As part of the Original Crete tour, explorers travel through a scenic landscape, making several captivating stops.
One highlight is the Koutsifou Canyon, where they can hike through the dramatic gorge.
Next, they visit the beautiful Preveli Beach, known for its lush palm grove.
The tour then moves on to the seaside town of Plakias, offering free time to explore, swim, and shop.
Continuing the journey, the group reaches the Argiroupolis Springs, a natural wonder with cascading waterfalls.
The final stop is the charming village of Spili, featuring the iconic Venetian fountain of Kefalovrissi, providing a glimpse into Crete’s rich cultural heritage.
Scenic Views
Along the journey, captivating vistas unfold – from the rugged splendor of the Koutsifou Canyon to the lush, verdant olive groves that blanket the landscape.
Highlights of the scenic drive include:
- Dramatic views of the Kourtaliotiko Gorge, carved by the flowing Kourtaliotis River.
- Picturesque panoramas of the Cretan coastline, with its sparkling azure waters and rocky cliffs.
- The charming traditional village of Spili, featuring the iconic Venetian fountain of Kefalovrissi.
These breathtaking sights provide a captivating backdrop to the tour’s exploration of Crete’s natural and cultural wonders.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Are Pets Allowed on the Tour?
The tour does not explicitly mention if pets are allowed. Passengers should check with the tour operator for their pet policy prior to booking, as some tours may have restrictions on bringing animals.
Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks?
Guests are welcome to bring their own food and drinks on the tour. However, some stops may offer opportunities to purchase refreshments as well. It’s a good idea to pack any snacks or water you’ll need for the day.
Do I Need to Book the Boat Ride in Advance?
The boat ride to Preveli Beach is not included in the tour package, so you’ll need to book it separately if you want to take the boat. Advance booking is recommended to secure a spot.
Is There a Discount for Children or Seniors?
The tour does not explicitly mention any discounts for children or seniors. However, it’s best to check with the tour provider directly to inquire about any available discounts for these groups.
Can I Customize the Itinerary for My Group?
Yes, you can customize the itinerary for your group. The tour operator offers flexibility to tailor the tour based on your interests and preferences. Contact them to discuss any changes you’d like to make to the standard itinerary.
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Recap
This captivating tour of Crete’s stunning landscapes and rich culture offers a delightful 10-hour excursion. Participants will enjoy guided hikes, relaxation at Preveli Beach, and exploration of charming towns. With convenient transport, opportunities for swimming and shopping, and visits to iconic landmarks, this tour promises an unforgettable experience for all who embark on it.