Explore the ancient wonders and charming villages of Crete on this captivating private tour. Discover the rich history of the Aptera archaeological site, uncover Minoan and Roman ruins, and learn about the picturesque landscapes of traditional Cretan villages. With a knowledgeable guide by your side, you’ll gain fascinating insights into the island’s storied past. But the real adventure lies ahead, as you uncover the hidden gems that make Crete truly special.
Key Points
- This private tour offers a 6.5-hour experience exploring the historic capital of Chania, ancient Aptera ruins, and traditional Cretan villages.
- The tour includes a licensed guide, entrance fees, complimentary pickup/drop-off, and a surprise present at the end.
- Highlights include a guided tour of Aptera’s Minoan and Roman ruins, a visit to a hidden Greek Orthodox monastery, and a break in the picturesque village of Vryses.
- The tour is designed for private groups and features flexible stops and alterations, as well as a complimentary snack during a private tour stop.
- Transportation is provided in a comfortable private vehicle with a knowledgeable driver, allowing for door-to-door service and the flexibility to adjust pickup/drop-off locations.
Tour Overview and Pricing
The private tour of Chania’s traditional villages and the Aptera archaeological site is priced from $174.76 per person.
This 6.5-hour tour includes sightseeing in Chania, a guided tour of Aptera, a break in Vryses, and additional sightseeing.
Highlights include exploring ancient Aptera, learning about Cretan history, and visiting a picturesque riverside village and a Greek Orthodox monastery.
The tour features a professional licensed guide, entrance fees, free pickup/drop-off, a small snack, and surprise presents.
It’s not suitable for children under 8, those with mobility issues, or wheelchair users.
Comfortable attire and gear are recommended.
Itinerary and Highlights
The tour begins with sightseeing in Chania, the historic capital of the region, allowing visitors to take in the city’s charming atmosphere for around 30 minutes.
The next stop is the guided tour of Aptera, an ancient city with Minoan and Roman ruins, lasting approximately 1 hour.
After, the group will have a 45-minute break in the picturesque village of Vryses.
The tour then continues with a 1-hour guided exploration of the Chania Regional Unit, followed by an additional 45 minutes of sightseeing.
Key highlights include:
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Exploring ancient Aptera with a licensed guide
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Learning about Crete’s history and conquerors
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Visiting a picturesque riverside village
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Touring a hidden Greek Orthodox monastery with an olive oil mill
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Enjoying stunning views of the Chania mainland
Tour Features and Inclusions
This private group tour with a professional licensed guide includes several key features and inclusions. Travelers will enjoy free pickup and drop-off from central Chania areas, entrance fees to the Aptera Archaeological Site, and a small complimentary snack during a private tour stop. Plus, guests receive surprise presents at the end of the tour. The tour is also fully covered by liability insurance and taxes. To enhance the experience, the guide is a professional historian specializing in contemporary history, providing in-depth knowledge of Minoan and Roman ruins, local Cretan culture, and the role of religion in Cretan society.
| Tour Features | Inclusions | Guided Experience |
|————–|————|——————-|
| Private group tour | Free pickup/drop-off | Professional historian guide |
| Professional licensed guide | Entrance fees to Aptera | Discover Minoan and Roman ruins |
| Flexible stops & alterations | Small free snack | Experience local Cretan culture |
Guided Experience
A professional historian tour guide, specialized in contemporary history (holding a BA and MSc), leads this guided experience.
Guests can:
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Discover the Minoan and Roman ruins of Aptera, an ancient city with a rich history.
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Experience local Cretan culture and gain insights into the connections between agriculture and daily life.
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Understand the profound role of religion in Cretan society, visiting a hidden Greek Orthodox monastery with an olive oil mill.
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Explore the picturesque riverside village of Vryses and enjoy the tranquil, traditional setting.
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Gain a comprehensive understanding of Chania’s Mainland and its stunning natural landscapes.
Preparation and Restrictions
To ensure a comfortable and safe experience, visitors are recommended to wear comfortable shoes, bring a sun hat, camera, sunscreen, and water.
The tour isn’t suitable for children under 8 years old, people with mobility impairments, or wheelchair users due to the nature of the terrain and activities. Smoking isn’t allowed during the tour.
The tour guides are well-versed in contemporary history and can provide an engaging and informative experience exploring Minoan and Roman ruins, learning about Cretan culture and agriculture, and understanding the role of religion in Cretan society.
Private Transportation and Pickup
The tour offers complimentary pickup and drop-off from all central areas in Chania. This convenient service ensures a hassle-free start and end to your day.
The tour includes:
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Free pickup from your accommodation within central Chania
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Comfortable transportation in a private vehicle
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Knowledgeable driver familiar with the local area
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Flexibility to adjust pickup/drop-off locations as needed
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Door-to-door service for a seamless touring experience
This private transportation service allows you to sit back, relax, and focus on enjoying the rich cultural heritage of Chania and its surrounding villages.
Booking and Cancellation Policy
Customers can book this tour with a simple, hassle-free process. The tour is available for reservation with a "Reserve now & pay later" option, allowing guests to secure their spot without upfront payment.
Alternatively, they can pay in full at the time of booking. The tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, ensuring flexibility for travelers.
This policy provides peace of mind, as customers can receive a full refund if their plans change. The booking and cancellation terms are straightforward, catering to the needs of modern travelers seeking a seamless planning experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is the Group Size for This Private Tour?
This is a private tour, so the group size is flexible and depends on the number of travelers booking the experience. The tour is not suited for large groups, but rather for small, intimate parties.
Is It Possible to Customize the Itinerary Based on Personal Interests?
The itinerary can be customized to accommodate personal interests. The tour provider offers a flexible schedule and is willing to make alterations according to your’ needs and preferences during the private guided experience.
Are Food and Refreshments Included During the Tour?
The tour includes a small free snack during the private tour stop, but does not provide meals or refreshments throughout the day. Guests can bring their own food and drinks to enjoy during the tour.
Can the Tour Be Conducted in Languages Other Than English?
The tour can accommodate guests who prefer languages other than English. The tour guide is knowledgeable in multiple languages and can provide the guided experience in the language of the group’s choice.
Do I Need to Bring Any Special Equipment or Gear for the Tour?
The tour doesn’t require any special equipment, but visitors should wear comfortable shoes, bring sun protection, and carry water. The tour operator recommends these items to ensure guests’ comfort and enjoyment during the outdoor sightseeing activities.
The Sum Up
This private tour of Chania’s traditional villages and the Aptera archaeological site provides a unique opportunity to take in Crete’s rich history and culture. With personalized insights from a professional guide, convenient transportation, and thoughtful inclusions, it’s an ideal way to discover the island’s hidden gems. Whether you’re a history buff or seeking an authentic cultural experience, this tour promises an unforgettable adventure.
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