A visit to two of the most beautiful cities of the island of Crete that are located on the western part of the island. Walk around the many Venetian and Ottoman sights and finish your excursion with a trip to the beautiful lake of Kournas, protected by the NATURA 2000 networking program.
Our trip begins in the morning with your pick up from your hotels. On the way you will listen to amazing stories about the island, its history and culture by our guides.
Our first stop of the day is the city of Rethymnon. Third biggest city on the island of Crete, Rethymnon was originally built by the Minoans, later inhabited by the Venetians and Turks, today a jewel of the island as it has one of the best preserved old towns in Crete. Its buildings date back to the 16th century and its most famous sight is that of the fortress of Rethymnon, commonly known as Fortezza, that is one of the best preserved castles in Crete. The mosques, the Byzantine and Hellenic-Roman remains, the Venetian harbour and the Loggia are some of the city’s many sights to visit. Scroll around the narrow streets, have a cup of coffee next to the beautiful port.
We then head to our next stop, the city of Chania, the “Venice of the East”. Words cannot describe the beauty of the second biggest city of Crete.
Chania was originally built by the Minoan civilization and had an important role throughout the history of the island. It has two parts, the Old city that consists of the old Venetian port and the New city that lies beyond the Venetian fortifications. Walk around the city with its fountains, squares, Minoan sites, mosques and arches. Visit the magnificent harbour and walk until you find the beautiful lighthouse situated there. Take a moment to visit the old market, called Agora, where you can find local products and buy some souvenirs.
Our excursion then continues to Crete’s only freshwater lake, Lake Kournas. The lake is relatively large, with a perimeter of 3.5 km. The White Mountains that are reflected in the mirror- like water of the lake, make your visit unforgettable. You can walk around, rent a pedal boat and explore the lake or have a delicious meal in one of the taverns surrounding the lake.
Highlights
Included/Excluded
At the time of booking please provide your hotel name and location. You will be notified by email about the exact pick-up details
Pickup and return from meeting point close to your hotel.
Pickup time and details will be send to your email within 24 hours after your booking.
Cancel up to 30 days before your departure date you get a full refund
Cancel up to 15 days before your departure date you get a 50% refund
Explore Lasithi Plateau
Visit Dictean Cave
Arrive at Tzermiado, the capital of the villages in the plateau where we will have a chance to relax
Visiting a small olive oil factory that is located in the village of Avdou
The bus takes us to Omalos Plateau. There you can buy supplies from the local market
The walk begins from Xiloskalo
Halfway through the gorge, we arrive at the abandoned village of Santa Maria
After we exit the canyon, we arrive at the small village of Agia Roumeli where you have time to have lunch, swim or relax
Visit Crete’s biggest open-air market and browse the colorful wares
Explore the Cretaquarium to marvel at tiny fish, clams, and intimidating sharks
Barter for fantastic souvenirs at the colorful open market in the city center
