Crete: Chania, Lake Kournas and Rethymno Tour

Exploring the stunning island of Crete is a must-do for any traveler. The "Crete: Chania, Lake Kournas, and Rethymno Tour" promises an enriching experience, taking visitors through charming towns, a serene lake, and breathtaking coastal scenery. With comfortable transportation and a knowledgeable guide, this tour offers a seamless way to uncover the island’s rich history and natural beauty. What awaits those who embark on this journey might just surprise you.

Key Points

• This 10-12 hour tour takes visitors to Chania, Lake Kournas, and Rethymno in Crete, with pickup from various locations and transportation by modern, air-conditioned bus.
• The tour includes sightseeing and shopping in Rethymno, exploring the old town and market in Chania, and swimming and wildlife viewing at Lake Kournas.
• Entrance fees are included, but food and drinks are not provided, allowing for flexible dining choices during the tour.
• The tour is not suitable for wheelchair users due to infrastructure challenges, but the scenic drive offers panoramic sea views for all guests.
• The tour is highly rated by customers, with praise for the professional and informative guides, clean transport, and positive experiences at the various destinations.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview and Pricing

The tour, titled "Crete: Chania, Lake Kournas, and Rethymno," offers an immersive experience for visitors, with a price range starting from $41.59 per person.

Lasting 10-12 hours, the tour provides the flexibility of free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance. Travelers can reserve their spot without any upfront payment.

The tour includes pickup from various locations, stops at Rethymno, Chania, and Lake Kournas, and a scenic drive showcasing Crete’s northwest coast.

Transportation is by modern, air-conditioned bus, and the services of a multilingual guide are provided.

Entrance fees are covered, but food and drinks aren’t included.

Itinerary and Highlights

Pickup from 16 locations, including Sissi, Malia, Hersonissos, and Heraklion, kicks off the tour.

The itinerary includes:

• 1 hour 15 minutes in Rethymno for sightseeing and shopping

• 2 hours in Chania to explore the old town and market

• 1 hour 30 minutes at Lake Kournas for swimming and wildlife viewing

• A scenic drive along the north-west coast with panoramic sea views

• Learning about Chania’s history influenced by Ottomans, Venetians, and Byzantines.

This well-organized tour showcases Crete’s diverse landscapes and cultural heritage.

Transportation and Accessibility

While transportation is provided by a modern air-conditioned bus, the tour may not be suitable for wheelchair users due to the lack of highways and potential traffic conditions on Crete.

Pickup and drop-off locations are from main roads and select hotel exits. Guests should be aware that travel times may vary due to the island’s infrastructure and traffic.

Despite these logistical considerations, the tour offers a scenic drive along Crete’s north-west coast, providing panoramic sea views for all to enjoy during the journey.

Included Services

An experienced guide fluent in German, English, and French accompanies guests throughout the tour, providing valuable insights and historical information.

The included services for this Crete tour are:

• Liability insurance and all applicable taxes/fees covered

• Entrance fees to all places of interest included

• No food or drinks provided, allowing flexibility in dining choices

• Pickup and drop-off from main roads and select hotel exits

• A modern, air-conditioned bus ensures a comfortable journey

The combination of knowledgeable guides, covered expenses, and reliable transportation creates a well-rounded tour experience for visitors to Crete.

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Customer Reviews and Feedback

The Crete tour has an overall rating of 4.4 out of 5 based on 261 reviews. Customers praise the professional and informative guides, as well as the clean, air-conditioned transportation. While most had positive experiences at Chania and Lake Kournas, some requested more time for swimming. The tour is well-organized with interesting routes.

| Highlights from Reviews | Feedback |

| — | — |

| Guides are professional and informative | Positive experiences at Chania and Lake Kournas |

| Clean transport with effective air conditioning | Requests for longer swim time at Lake Kournas |

| Well-organized trip with interesting routes | – |

| – | – |

| – | – |

Exploring Chania’s Rich History

As the tour navigates through the winding streets of Chania, visitors are captivated by the city’s rich history, which has been shaped by the influences of the Ottomans, Venetians, and Byzantines.

The tour guide shares fascinating insights, highlighting:

The tour guide shares fascinating insights, highlighting the city’s rich history and diverse cultural influences.

• The iconic Venetian Harbor, with its picturesque lighthouse and colorful buildings reflecting the city’s maritime heritage.

• The Kucuk Hasan Pasha Mosque, a striking example of Ottoman architecture, showcasing the blending of cultures.

• The Old Town’s charming alleyways, bustling markets, and traditional shops, offering a glimpse into Chania’s vibrant past.

• The impressive Fortezza, a Venetian fortress that has stood guard over the city for centuries.

• The remnants of the city’s Byzantine walls, serving as a testament to its long and storied history.

Discovering the Beauty of Lake Kournas

After exploring the rich history and captivating sights of Chania, the tour now ventures to the serene beauty of Lake Kournas. Surrounded by mountains, this freshwater lake offers a tranquil respite for visitors.

| Activity | Duration |

| — | — |

| Swimming | 1 hour 30 minutes |

| Wildlife Viewing | 1 hour 30 minutes |

| Strolling Around the Lake | 1 hour 30 minutes |

| Enjoying the Scenery | 1 hour 30 minutes |

| Dining at Lakeside Tavernas | 1 hour 30 minutes |

Guests can swim in the crystal-clear waters, spot the diverse wildlife, and savor local cuisine at the lakeside tavernas. The scenic beauty and peaceful atmosphere make Lake Kournas a highlight of the Crete tour.

Wandering Through Rethymno’s Old Town

Having explored the charming old town of Chania, the tour now ventures to the historic city of Rethymno.

Visitors wander through the Venetian-era old town, admiring the architectural blend of Byzantine, Venetian, and Ottoman influences.

Some highlights include:

• Exploring the old Venetian harbor and the Loggia, a 16th-century Venetian-style building

• Visiting the Fortezza, a massive 16th-century fortress overlooking the sea

• Browsing the bustling local market, known for its fresh produce, local crafts, and lively atmosphere

• Discovering the narrow streets lined with charming cafes, boutiques, and traditional tavernas

• Observing the Neratze Mosque, a former Venetian church now serving as an impressive cultural center.

Things To Know

What Is the Group Size for the Tour?

The group size for the tour is not specified. The tour overview and pricing details do not mention the maximum or average group size. The information provided focuses on the itinerary, transportation, and included services rather than group dynamics.

Do I Need to Bring My Own Snacks and Water?

The tour doesn’t include food or drinks, so you’ll need to bring your own snacks and water. The description states that "Food and drinks are not included" in the provided services.

Can I Extend My Time at Any of the Stops?

You can’t extend the time at any of the stops. The tour has set durations for each location, and the schedule is designed to cover the key sights in the allotted time. However, you’re welcome to explore on your own after the tour.

Is Wi-Fi Available on the Bus?

Unfortunately, the tour information does not mention if Wi-Fi is available on the bus. The focus seems to be on the destinations and highlights rather than onboard amenities. Travelers should check with the tour operator for confirmation on Wi-Fi availability.

Can I Take a Nap on the Long Drive?

The tour bus doesn’t have Wi-Fi, but you’re welcome to take a nap during the long drive. The comfortable, air-conditioned vehicle is perfect for catching up on some rest between sightseeing stops. Just sit back, relax, and let the journey unfold.

Sum Up

This tour offers an excellent opportunity to explore the stunning island of Crete. Visitors can enjoy the rich history and culture of Chania and Rethymno, while also enjoying the natural beauty of Lake Kournas. With comfortable transportation and a knowledgeable guide, travelers can make the most of their time on this scenic and enriching journey through Crete’s enchanting landscapes.

You can check availability for your dates here: