Explore the enchanting beauty of Crete with this full-day tour from Rethymno. Discover the picturesque Kournas Lake, where you can swim, snorkel, or simply relax by the emerald waters. Then, uncover the rich history and culture of Argyroupoli on a guided tour, savoring traditional Greek coffee. With stunning drives through breathtaking gorges, this tour offers a perfect blend of relaxation and exploration. Priced at just $26.21 per person, it’s an opportunity you won’t want to miss.
Key Points
- A full-day tour from Rethymno exploring Kournas Lake, Argyroupoli, and Plakias Beach, with scenic drives through picturesque gorges.
- Opportunity to swim, snorkel, and canoe at the serene, emerald-green Kournas Lake surrounded by mountains.
- Guided tour of Argyroupoli providing insights into the town’s rich history, architecture, and cultural significance.
- 3-hour stop in Plakias for beach relaxation, local cuisine, and exploration of the charming town.
- Scenic drives through Kourtaliotis Gorge and Kotsifou Gorge, showcasing the dramatic limestone landscapes of Crete.
Tour Overview
The full-day Kournas Lake & Argyroupoli from Rethymno tour offers travelers a chance to explore the stunning natural landscapes and charming villages of western Crete.
Priced from $26.21 per person, the tour lasts 3.5 to 9 hours and is available in English and German. A live tour guide is included, and travelers can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours in advance.
The tour includes pickup from various locations around Rethymno and covers key highlights like Kournas Lake, Argyroupoli, and Plakias, as well as scenic drives through the region’s picturesque gorges.
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Highlights of the Itinerary
After being picked up from one of the 13 convenient locations, travelers embark on an immersive exploration of Crete’s natural wonders and cultural sites.
At Kournas Lake, they’ll have 1.5 hours to swim, snorkel, canoe, and sightsee.
Spend 1.5 hours swimming, snorkeling, canoeing, and sightseeing at the serene Kournas Lake during this immersive Cretan adventure.
Then, they’ll visit Argyroupoli for a guided tour, coffee, shopping, and scenic views.
Later, they’ll enjoy 3 hours of beach time, lunch, and exploration in Plakias.
Along the way, they’ll witness the stunning landscapes of Kourtaliotis Gorge and Kotsifou Gorge.
This tour offers a well-rounded experience, showcasing Crete’s diverse natural beauty and cultural heritage.
Kournas Lake: Explore and Relax
At the heart of the tour lies the captivating Kournas Lake, where travelers embark on a 1.5-hour adventure. Here, they can swim, snorkel, or rent a canoe to explore the serene, emerald-green waters surrounded by picturesque mountains. The lake offers a perfect respite from the day’s activities.
| Activity | Duration |
|———-|———-|
| Swimming | 1.5 hours |
| Snorkeling | 1.5 hours |
| Canoeing | 1.5 hours |
| Sightseeing | 1.5 hours |
Visitors can soak up the stunning natural beauty, relax on the shores, or indulge in local cuisine at the nearby tavernas, making Kournas Lake a truly memorable highlight of the tour.
Argyroupoli: Guided Tour and Sightseeing
Following the exploration of Kournas Lake, the tour proceeds to the historic town of Argyroupoli, where travelers embark on a guided tour lasting approximately 1 hour.
The guide provides insights into the town’s rich history, architecture, and cultural significance. Visitors can wander through the charming streets, browse local shops, and savor Greek coffee at a traditional café.
The tour also offers panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and valleys, showcasing the region’s natural beauty.
After the guided tour, travelers have free time to further explore Argyroupoli at their own pace before continuing on to the next destination.
More Great Tours NearbyPlakias: Beach Time and Lunch
Travelers then journey to the picturesque town of Plakias, where they’ll have ample time to unwind on the beach, indulge in a delightful local lunch, and freely explore the charming coastal area.
The 3-hour stop in Plakias allows for:
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Relaxing on the stunning Plakias Beach and soaking up the Mediterranean sun.
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Savoring a delicious lunch at one of the seaside tavernas, showcasing the region’s authentic cuisine.
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Wandering the charming streets, popping into local shops, and taking in the scenic views of the rugged cliffs and crystal-clear waters.
Scenic Drives Through Gorges
After exploring the charming towns, the tour takes travelers on scenic drives through the stunning Kourtaliotis Gorge and Kotsifou Gorge.
These dramatic limestone gorges, carved by rivers over millennia, offer breathtaking landscapes. Winding roads wind through the mountains, providing panoramic vistas of rugged peaks, lush greenery, and cascading waterfalls.
The drives are a highlight, allowing visitors to admire the natural beauty of Crete’s interior. Along the way, the guide shares insights into the geology, history, and local culture, enhancing the overall experience.
These scenic journeys showcase the diverse landscapes that make Crete such a captivating destination.
Traditional Villages, Churches, and Natural Wonders
Along With the scenic drives, the tour showcases Crete’s traditional villages, historic churches, and natural wonders.
Visitors will explore:
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Picturesque towns like Argyroupoli, where they can stroll through quaint streets, browse local shops, and savor traditional Greek coffee.
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Centuries-old churches that dot the countryside, offering a glimpse into the island’s rich religious heritage.
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Breathtaking natural sites, including the Kourtaliotis and Kotsifou Gorges, which provide stunning vistas of rugged mountains and lush vegetation.
These cultural and natural highlights offer a well-rounded experience, allowing travelers to enjoy the authentic charm of Crete.
Transportation and Pickup Details
Guests are picked up from various locations around Rethymno, beginning approximately an hour before the tour’s scheduled departure.
The pickups are provided via air-conditioned luxurious buses. Specific pickup instructions are emailed to guests after booking.
However, the tour doesn’t offer pickups from remote hotels like Grand Rimondi; the nearest pickup is from the Creta star bus stop.
Things To Know
Can I Choose My Pickup Location or Must I Go to the Designated Spots?
Customers can choose from 13 designated pickup locations, including Panormo, Skaleta, and Rethymno town. They’ll receive specific pickup instructions via email after booking. Remote hotel pickups may not be available, so travelers should use the nearest designated stop.
Is the Lunch Included in the Tour Price Free or Do I Need to Pay Extra?
The lunch is included in the tour price, so there’s no extra charge. Travelers can enjoy a meal during their visit to Plakias beach as part of the full-day excursion.
How Much Time Is Allotted for Each Activity at the Main Stops?
The tour allots 1.5 hours for Kournas Lake activities, 1 hour for Argyroupoli, and 3 hours for Plakias beach. Travelers can swim, snorkel, canoe, and sightsee at Kournas Lake, and explore the village of Argyroupoli.
Can I Bring My Own Snorkel Gear or Is It Provided by the Tour Company?
The tour company provides snorkel gear, so you don’t need to bring your own. However, you’re welcome to use your personal snorkel equipment if you prefer. The tour includes 1.5 hours for swimming and snorkeling at Kournas Lake.
What Is the Cancellation Policy if I Need to Change My Tour Date?
The tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. Travelers can easily change their tour date without penalty if needed, providing flexibility for their plans.
Sum Up
This full-day tour from Rethymno offers a captivating blend of natural beauty, cultural exploration, and relaxation. Discover the enchanting Kournas Lake, wander through the historic Argyroupoli, and savor traditional Greek coffee. Scenic drives through breathtaking gorges and visits to charming villages and churches complete this immersive experience. At just $26.21 per person, it’s an opportunity to truly learn about the enchanting splendor of Crete.
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