Chania: Private Sunset Sightseeing Tour with Historian Guide - A Deep Dive into the Experience

Which Souda Tours To Choose? We Rank The 5 Best

Discover the best tours in Souda—from private visits to Knossos and Arkadi Monastery to sunset chania sightseeing. Find practical tips to choose yours.

Souda is a fantastic base for exploring Crete’s treasures. Its strategic location and port make it easy to access a variety of tours, from cultural excursions to scenic drives. We particularly like how many of these experiences offer a mix of history, local flavor, and stunning scenery—perfect for making the most of your time on the island. One standout is the Souda Bay: Private Day Trip Tour to Knossos Palace, which combines an intimate look at Minoan history with the convenience of private transport. Whether you’re interested in ancient ruins or lively urban markets, Souda’s tours can help you get an authentic sense of Crete.

If you’re pressed for time but want a rich experience, the private tours offer personalized attention and flexibility. For those seeking a more relaxed, atmospheric experience, the sunset tour in Chania is hard to beat, especially with its scenic vistas and romantic setting. No matter your interests, this list covers a range of options, so you can find something that fits your style—and your budget.

1. Souda Bay: Private Day Trip Tour to Knossos Palace

Souda Bay: Private Day Trip Tour to Knossos Palace

At number 1, this private day trip to Knossos Palace and Heraklion offers a comprehensive look at Minoan civilization. The tour includes a visit to the legendary Palace of Knossos, often called Europe’s oldest city ruins, where the frescoes and architectural remains speak volumes about Crete’s ancient past. The tour is designed for personalized experience, with the use of a private Mercedes vehicle and a professional driver, which means you can customize stops and pacing.

The detailed itinerary features multiple stops—starting from four pickup points around Souda or nearby towns, then a scenic 2.5-hour drive to Knossos. The visit includes time for walking through the archaeological site, photo opportunities, and a guided tour that explains the myth of the Minotaur and the labyrinth. Afterward, you’ll head to Heraklion for lunch, with options for street food, sightseeing, and shopping. The visit to the Archaeological Museum adds context to what you’ve seen at the palace, making it ideal for history lovers. This tour’s value lies in its intimate, flexible format, perfect for families or couples wanting a private experience without the crowds.

Bottom line, if you’re eager to explore Minoan Crete in comfort and style, this private tour offers an informative, convenient, and memorable day—just be prepared for the cost, which is around $543 per group.

2. Chania: Private Sunset Sightseeing Tour with Historian Guide

Chania: Private Sunset Sightseeing Tour with Historian Guide

Number 2 on our list is the Chania Sunset Tour, a 3.5-hour journey that captures the charming ambiance of the city at dusk. Led by a licensed historian guide, this private experience takes you to Roman ruins, an abandoned Ottoman fortress, and the delightful villages of the Chania countryside. The highlight is watching the sunset from Prophet Elijah Hill, where panoramic views over the Aegean Sea make for unforgettable photos.

This tour shines for its combination of history, scenic stops, and romance. The guide’s expertise enriches visits to Roman relics and the Ottoman fortress, sharing stories that bring the past alive. The off-the-beaten-path villages are perfect for those who want to see what life is like outside the tourist hotspots. We especially appreciate that the tour is customizable—so if you want extra time at the fortress or a quiet moment watching the sunset, it’s all doable.

Bottom line, this private sunset tour is perfect for couples or history buffs who want an intimate evening, with a high rating of 4.9/5 reflecting its quality.

3. Chania: Shore Excursion to Agia Triada Monastery & Chania

Chania: Shore Excursion to Agia Triada Monastery & Chania

Number 3 is a well-rounded shore excursion that combines cultural sights and scenic views. Starting from Souda port, the tour visits the Agia Triada Tzagaroli Monastery, renowned for its impressive architecture and the chance to purchase local wines and olive oils produced by the monks. The monastery’s ornate frescoes and peaceful grounds make it a highlight, especially for those interested in religious art or Cretan craftsmanship.

After the monastery, the journey continues to Chania’s old town, where you can stroll through winding streets, see the historic harbor, and visit key sites like the Archaeological Museum, the Cathedral, and the lively Market Hall. The panoramic stop at Venizelos Graves offers a spectacular viewpoint for photos. This tour offers a taste of both religious architecture and everyday life in Crete.

Bottom line, with a 4/5 rating, this tour appeals to travelers looking to combine cultural sightseeing with scenic moments during a cruise day, all within a manageable four hours.

4. Souda Bay: Arkadi Monastery, Melidoni – Private Tour & Guide

Souda Bay: Arkadi Monastery, Melidoni - Private Tour & Guide

Number 4 features a private tour to Arkadi Monastery and Melidoni, lasting 4 to 6 hours. The Arkadi Monastery is a symbol of resistance and independence, renowned for its role during the Greek War of Independence. The tour offers a deep dive into this historic site, allowing ample time to explore the grounds, museum, and church at your own pace.

Departing from Souda in a luxury Mercedes Vito, you’ll enjoy a scenic 70-minute drive to Arkadi. Inside, you’ll learn about the monastery’s significance in Greek history and see the well-preserved architecture. The visit to Melidoni, known for its cave and Ottoman fortress, complements the day with more local history and folklore. Reviews highlight the knowledgeable guide and the flexibility of the tour, making it suitable for history enthusiasts and those interested in Greek national identity. The tour’s private format means less rushing and more meaningful engagement.

Bottom line, if you want an insightful, personalized experience of Crete’s independence stories, this private day trip offers excellent value and a chance to connect deeply with local history.

5. The 7 Villages of Apokoronas Tour

The 7 Villages of Apokoronas Tour

Our final pick is the 7 Villages of Apokoronas Tour, an 8-hour journey that takes you through scenic countryside, ancient monuments, and local farms. For $120 per person, it’s a budget-friendly way to see the rural side of Crete. The tour includes visits to Ottoman fortresses, a folklore museum, and a cheese factory—where tasting fresh dairy products is a highlight.

You’ll explore charming villages with traditional architecture, learn about local customs, and enjoy some of the best natural scenery in the region. It’s an ideal choice for travelers who want a broader look at Crete’s village life without the tight schedule of a more structured tour. The pace is relaxed, and the focus is on experiencing authentic local culture.

Bottom line, this comprehensive day trip offers great value and a taste of countryside life, perfect for those who prefer a more informal, scenic exploration.

How to Choose the Right Tour in Souda

When deciding between these options, consider your interests and how much time you have. If ancient history and personalized attention appeal most, the Souda Bay: Private Day Trip Tour to Knossos Palace is a top choice. For a romantic evening with scenic views, the Chania Sunset Tour offers a memorable experience. If you prefer a shorter cultural outing, the Shore Excursion to Agia Triada Monastery & Chania provides a quick, scenic taste of Crete.

Budget-wise, the 7 Villages of Apokoronas Tour offers great value, especially if you’re interested in local crafts and countryside scenery. For those interested in a more in-depth, private historical experience, the Arkadi Monastery tour is excellent, but it carries a higher cost.

Booking early is recommended, especially for private experiences or popular time slots like sunset tours or cruise days, to secure a spot and ensure a smooth trip.

Final Thoughts

Souda’s diverse tour options make it easy to tailor your Crete visit to your interests. Whether you want to walk through ancient palaces, watch a sunset over Chania, or explore charming villages, there’s something for every traveler. For history lovers and those seeking cultural richness, tours like the Knossos private trip and Arkadi Monastery stand out. For scenic views and relaxed exploration, the Chania sunset and Apokoronas villages are perfect.

No matter which you choose, booking early ensures you get a spot on these popular excursions. We recommend matching your choice to your interests—history, scenery, or local culture—and your schedule. These tours offer a wonderful way to see Crete’s highlights without the hassle of planning every detail yourself.