Private Tour to Cretan Villages of Apokoronas & Profit Ilias

Exploring the charming villages of Northern Crete offers a unique opportunity to take in the region’s captivating landscapes and rich cultural heritage. This private tour to the Apokoronas and Profit Ilias areas promises an enchanting adventure, from scenic drives through picturesque landscapes to a traditional Cretan lunch and an off-road journey offering breathtaking panoramic views. With convenient hotel pickup and drop-off, as well as a visit to a shepherd’s hut, this experience provides an authentic glimpse into the local way of life. Those seeking to uncover the enchanting essence of Crete will find this tour particularly alluring.

This experience made our list of the 20 Best Private Tours In Crete.

Key Points

• Immersive private tour through picturesque Cretan villages of Apokoronas and Profit Ilias, showcasing the island’s natural beauty and cultural heritage.
• Priced at €105 per person for a 7.5-hour experience, with complimentary hotel pickup and drop-off in premium off-road vehicles.
• Highlights include photo stops at Vryses, Nipos, Tzitzifes, and Profit Ilias, as well as a traditional Cretan lunch and coffee or tea.
• Offers an off-road adventure with panoramic views of Northern Crete and a visit to a shepherd’s hut for a culture.
• Tour adheres to participant guidelines, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable journey for all visitors.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview and Pricing

What does the Cretan Villages Tour entail? This private tour takes visitors to the picturesque villages of Apokoronas and Profit Ilias in Crete.

Priced at €105 per person, the 7.5-hour tour includes free hotel pickup and drop-off, as well as transportation in premium off-road vehicles with multilingual drivers.

Highlights include photo stops at Vryses, Nipos, Tzitzifes, and Profit Ilias, a break in Panagia, a coffee break in Fres, and a lunch stop in Armenoi.

Participants can also enjoy an off-road adventure with panoramic views and a visit to a shepherd’s hut at an altitude of 1300m.

The tour includes Cretan lunch, coffee or tea, liability insurance, and local taxes.

Itinerary and Experience

The Cretan Villages Tour takes visitors on an immersive journey through the picturesque landscapes of Apokoronas and Profit Ilias.

The tour begins with pickups from 11 convenient locations across the region. Highlights include a scenic drive through Vryses, Nipos, and Tzitzifes, followed by a break and photo stop in Panagia.

Guests then enjoy a coffee break in Fres before visiting the historic Profit Ilias.

The tour culminates with an off-road adventure featuring panoramic views of Northern Crete and a visit to a shepherd’s hut at an altitude of 1300 meters.

Guests savor a traditional Cretan lunch in Armenoi before returning to their pickup locations.

Inclusions

The Cretan Villages Tour includes a complimentary hotel pickup and drop-off service, ensuring a seamless start and end to the excursion.

Guests will travel in premium off-road vehicles, seating up to 7 or 9 people, accompanied by multilingual escort-drivers.

The tour also encompasses a Cretan lunch and coffee or tea, as well as liability insurance and local taxes.

Plus, the tour’s inclusions cover:

1. A scenic off-road adventure with panoramic views of Northern Crete.
2. A visit to a traditional shepherd’s hut "Mitato" at an altitude of 1300m.
3. Gratuities for a hassle-free experience.
4. Accommodation for dietary restrictions and food allergies, with prior notice.

Participant Guidelines

A minimum participation of 4 passengers or the price equivalent for 4 passengers is required for this tour.

This tour isn’t suitable for children under 3, pregnant women, individuals with back problems, mobility impairments or fear of heights.

People over 6’6" (200 cm) or 287 lbs (130 kg), and those with high blood pressure or recent surgeries are also not recommended to join.

Passengers should arrive 5-10 minutes early, as drivers will only wait up to 5 minutes after the scheduled pickup time.

Dietary restrictions and food allergies can be accommodated with prior notice.

Certain attire and items are prohibited, such as high heels, sandals, pets, and large bags.

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Preparation and Restrictions

Passengers should bring comfortable shoes, sunglasses, a sun hat, a camera, a jacket, and comfortable clothes. Cash is also recommended, as dietary restrictions and food allergies can be accommodated with prior notice.

However, certain items aren’t allowed on the tour:

1. High-heeled shoes, sandals, or flip flops
2. Pets
3. Luggage or large bags
4. Smoking in the vehicle and consuming food and drinks

Participants should arrive 5-10 minutes early, as drivers will wait no longer than 5 minutes after the scheduled pickup time.

Following these preparation and restriction guidelines will ensure a smooth and enjoyable Cretan villages tour experience.

Pickup Locations

Pickup locations span 11 destinations across the region, giving participants convenient access to the tour.

Travelers can be picked up from Agia Marina, Platanias, Maleme, Chania, Kolymvari, Tavronitis, Daratsos, Stalos, Kalyves, Almyrida, or Gerani.

This flexibility ensures that guests can easily reach the starting point of the excursion, minimizing the time and effort required to join the adventure.

With a comprehensive network of pickup points, the tour organizers demonstrate their commitment to providing a seamless and accessible experience for all participants.

Off-road Adventure and Panoramic Views

The off-road adventure offers panoramic views of Northern Crete’s stunning landscapes. As the premium off-road vehicles traverse the rugged terrain, passengers are treated to breathtaking vistas of mountains, valleys, and the azure Cretan Sea.

This exhilarating experience allows visitors to:

1. Immerse themselves in Crete’s natural beauty beyond the typical tourist routes.
2. Witness the island’s diverse ecosystems, from lush greenery to rocky outcroppings.
3. Gain a deeper appreciation for the island’s centuries-old traditions and way of life.
4. Disconnect from the everyday and connect with the rugged, untamed essence of Crete.

The off-road journey culminates with a visit to a shepherd’s hut, where guests can sample local delicacies and gain insight into the island’s pastoral heritage.

Visit to Shepherd’s Hut

As part of the off-road adventure, the tour culminates with a visit to a shepherd’s hut, or "mitato", perched at an altitude of 1,300 meters.

This traditional mountain dwelling provides a unique glimpse into the lives of Cretan shepherds who’ve inhabited these rugged landscapes for generations.

Guests can explore the simple yet functional interior, learning about the day-to-day activities and customs associated with tending to flocks in this remote, picturesque setting.

The visit offers a captivating culture, allowing travelers to connect with Crete’s pastoral heritage and appreciate the ingenuity of the island’s rural communities.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is the Minimum Group Size for This Tour?

The minimum participation for this tour is 4 passengers or the price equivalent for 4 passengers. The tour is not suitable for certain groups, including children under 3 and individuals with mobility issues or health concerns.

Can I Bring My Pet on the Tour?

Pets are not allowed on the tour. According to the participant guidelines, only comfortable clothing and shoes are permitted, and high-heeled shoes, sandals, flip-flops, and pets are not allowed.

Are There Any Physical Requirements for Participants?

The tour has physical requirements for participants. It’s not suitable for children under 3, pregnant women, those with back/mobility issues, people over 6’6" or 287 lbs, or those with high blood pressure or recent surgeries.

Can I Make Any Special Dietary Requests?

Yes, dietary restrictions and food allergies can be accommodated with prior notice. The tour operator is happy to cater to participants’ special dietary needs as long as they’re communicated ahead of time.

Is There a Maximum Luggage Size Allowed on the Tour?

According to the tour details, large bags and luggage are not allowed on the tour. However, the tour can accommodate dietary restrictions and food allergies with prior notice.

Recap

This private tour of Crete’s Apokoronas and Profitis Ilias villages provides a chance to take in the region’s captivating landscapes and traditional way of life. Scenic drives, a coffee break, a Cretan lunch, an off-road adventure, and a visit to a shepherd’s hut offer a well-rounded cultural experience. With convenient hotel pickup and drop-off, this tour makes exploring Crete’s enchanting northern villages effortless.

You can check availability for your dates here: