The Heraklion region of Crete offers a captivating blend of history and natural beauty. Visitors can explore the charming streets and Venetian walls of Rethymno, enjoy the vibrant local markets in Chania, and unwind at the serene Lake Kournas. With its stunning landscapes, rich cultural heritage, and opportunities for shopping and relaxation, this tour promises an unforgettable experience. But there’s more to discover about this picturesque area and the treasures it holds.
Key Points

- This comprehensive 11.5-hour tour covers the historic centers of Rethymno and Chania, as well as the scenic Lake Kournas in the Heraklion region of Crete.
- Highlights include free time for shopping in Rethymno, discovering Venetian walls and local markets in Chania, and a relaxing lunch at Lake Kournas.
- The tour offers pickup and drop-off from various locations across Crete, ensuring accessibility for travelers from different parts of the region.
- Inclusions such as a local expert guide, comfortable transportation, and a lunch box enhance the overall tour experience.
- The tour is rated 4.4/5 based on 11 reviews, with positive feedback on the knowledgeable guides and scenic locations, despite some criticism on the lunch offerings.
Tour Overview and Pricing

Although the tour explores Crete’s Rethymno, Chania, and Lake Kournas, the price is quite reasonable at $52.22 per person.
The 11.5-hour duration allows ample time to experience the highlights, including historic centers, scenic views, and local markets.
The lengthy duration allows ample exploration of historic sites, scenic vistas, and local markets.
Flexibility is key, with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance and the option to reserve without upfront payment.
Pickup and drop-off are provided from numerous locations across the Heraklion region, making accessibility convenient.
Looking for more options in Rethymno? We've reviewed plenty of other experiences.
Itinerary Highlights

The tour’s itinerary highlights a diverse range of experiences.
Visitors explore the historic center of Rethymno, enjoy scenic views, and have free time for shopping.
In Chania, they discover the Venetian walls, harbor, narrow streets, and local markets.
At Lake Kournas, travelers can enjoy a relaxing lunch, rent a pedal boat, view wildlife, and go for scenic walks.
The tour also includes travel through the Ida range and a view of the majestic Psiloritis mountain, standing at 2453 meters high.
Pickup and Drop-off Information

This tour offers pickup from 76 locations across Crete, including hotels and bus stops in Sissi, Malia, Stalis, Hersonissos, Analipsi, Anissaras, Gouves, Gournes, Kokkini Chani, Karteros, Heraklion, Ammoudara, and more.
Detailed pickup information is provided within 24 hours of booking. The tour ensures convenient transportation, with a comfortable bus or coach taking guests to the day’s destinations.
Whether staying in a hotel or at a bus stop, travelers can easily access this comprehensive tour exploring Rethymno, Chania, and Lake Kournas.
Inclusions and Exclusions

The tour includes pickup and drop-off, a local expert guide, comfortable transportation via bus or coach, and a lunch box containing water, orange juice, a praline croissant, and toast.
However, the tour excludes the following:
The tour excludes personal expenses, gratuities, and is not suitable for individuals with mobility impairments or lactose intolerance.
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Personal expenses
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Gratuities
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It isn’t suitable for individuals with mobility impairments, wheelchair users, or those with lactose intolerance.
Guests are advised to bring comfortable shoes, sunglasses, a sun hat, a camera, sunscreen, and breathable clothing.
Pets, smoking in the vehicle, non-folding wheelchairs/strollers, alcohol/drugs, and unaccompanied minors aren’t allowed.
More Great Tours NearbyWhat to Bring
Comfortable shoes, sunglasses, and a sun hat are essential for this tour. Bring a camera to capture the stunning landscapes and architecture along the way. Sunscreen is a must to protect against the Mediterranean sun. Plus, wear breathable clothing to stay cool and comfortable throughout the day.
| What to Pack | Why | When |
| — | — | — |
| Water Bottle | Stay Hydrated | Throughout the Tour |
| Snacks | Boost Energy | During Free Time |
| Small Backpack | Carry Essentials | All Day |
This packing list will ensure you’re prepared to make the most of your Heraklion region adventure.
- Rethymno: Traditional Cooking Class in a Cretan Village
- Kourtaliotiko Gorge: Guided River Adventure Trek With Lunch
- Explore the Secrets of Wine and Olives in Rethymno
- Rethymno: Explore Shepherd’s Hut and Cheese Making Process
- From Rethymno: River Trekking Trip at Kourtaliotiko Gorge
- Rethymno: Guided E-Bike Tour at Undiscovered Amari Valley
Prohibited Items

Pets, smoking in the vehicle, non-folding wheelchairs/strollers, alcohol/drugs, and unaccompanied minors are prohibited on this tour.
The tour operator has a few important rules in place to ensure the safety and comfort of all participants.
Specifically:
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No pets are allowed on the tour.
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Smoking isn’t permitted inside the transportation vehicles.
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Guests with mobility issues requiring non-folding wheelchairs or strollers can’t be accommodated.
These restrictions help maintain a pleasant and enjoyable experience for everyone.
These rules ensure a pleasant and enjoyable experience for all participants on the tour.
Guests are expected to comply with these rules throughout the duration of the tour.
Customer Reviews

Although the tour has a 4.4/5 rating based on 11 reviews, customer feedback indicates a mixed experience.
Positive reviews praise the knowledgeable guide, comfortable transportation, and scenic locations. However, some customers found the lunch offering underwhelming and noted issues with pickup/drop-off logistics.
A few reviewers also commented that the tour wasn’t suitable for those with mobility challenges.
Language Options

The tour offers language options to accommodate a diverse range of visitors. Guests can choose from the following languages:
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English
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Greek
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German, French, Italian, and Polish (upon request)
This allows travelers from around the world to fully engage with the guides and educational aspects of the tour.
Whether you’re a native Greek speaker or an English-only visitor, the tour ensures you can participate and gain insights into the rich cultural heritage of the Heraklion region.
The multilingual offerings make this an accessible and inclusive experience for all.
Since You Asked

Can I Request a Private Tour?
Yes, you can request a private tour. The tour operator offers private options for individuals or small groups who want a more personalized experience. Contact them for details on pricing and availability for a private tour.
Is There a Discount for Senior Citizens?
The tour doesn’t explicitly mention a senior citizen discount, but it’s worth checking with the provider. They may offer special rates or concessions for older travelers. It’s best to inquire about any applicable discounts when booking.
Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks?
According to the tour details, guests aren’t allowed to bring their own food and drinks, except for water. The tour includes a lunch box as part of the package.
Do You Offer Pickup From the Airport?
Yes, the tour offers pickup from 76 locations, including various hotels and bus stops in the region, as well as the airport. The pickup details will be provided within 24 hours of booking.
How Do I Communicate With the Guide if I Don’t Speak the Languages Listed?
The tour company offers language translation services upon request. Guests who don’t speak the listed languages can communicate with the guide through these translation services to ensure a seamless experience.
Final Words
This tour of the Heraklion region offers a captivating blend of history, natural beauty, and culture. Visitors can explore charming Rethymno, vibrant Chania, and serene Lake Kournas, all while discovering Crete’s treasures. With stunning landscapes, rich heritage, and opportunities for shopping and relaxation, this tour promises an unforgettable experience in one of the island’s most picturesque areas.
You can check availability for your dates here:More Private Tours in Rethymno
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- Chania: Loutro & Sweet Water Private Suv tour
- Rethymno:Food Tasting Private Tour at Old Town
- Rethymno: Private SUV Tour South Cretes Villages & Nature
- Rethymno:Private Tour to Arkadi-Margarites and Melidoni
More Boat Tours & Cruises in Rethymno
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More Tour Reviews in Rethymno
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- From Rethymno: Elafonisi Beach Guided Tour with Pick-Up
- From Rethymnon: Day Trip to Knossos Palace & Heraklion City
- Rethymno: Full or Half-Day Trip to Chania with Audio Guide
- From Rethymno: Elafonisi Beach – private tour by SUV
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