Travelers can explore the stunning Gramvousa Island and Balos Lagoon near Kalyves in Chania. This scenic bus and boat trip lasts 10-12 hours, including a 1-hour ferry crossing to Gramvousa, 3 hours to explore its Venetian fortress, and a 20-minute ferry to Balos Beach. While the tour includes hotel pickup, bus transfers, and an English-speaking guide, the boat ticket to access the islands is an additional cost. Comfortable shoes, sun protection, and a swimsuit are essential. For more details on what’s included, excluded, and important information, continue reading.
Key Points
• The tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off, bus ticket and transfers, and an English-speaking guide, but the boat ticket to Gramvousa Island and Balos Lagoon is an additional cost.
• The tour allows for free time to explore Gramvousa Island, including the Venetian fortress, and enjoy the Balos Lagoon, but the entry ticket to the Venetian Fortress is optional.
• The tour is not suitable for wheelchair users and requires a significant amount of walking on uneven terrain, as well as proper sun protection and comfortable shoes.
• The ferry ride to Balos Beach may be rough, and lunch and water can be purchased on the boat, but other expenses like tips and sun umbrellas are not included.
• The tour provides an opportunity to save up to 15% on the full-day excursion, which lasts between 10 to 12 hours and includes a bus ride, ferry crossings, and free time at both Gramvousa Island and Balos Lagoon.
Overview of the Trip
This scenic bus and boat trip offers the opportunity to explore the captivating Gramvousa Island and the stunning Balos Lagoon, allowing visitors to save up to 15% on the experience.
The full-day excursion lasts between 10 to 12 hours, providing ample time to fully immerse in the natural beauty of these renowned destinations.
Travelers will embark on a bus ride to Kissamos Port, followed by a ferry crossing to Gramvousa Island, where they’ll have 3 hours to freely explore.
Next, they’ll sail to the iconic Balos Beach, spending around 1.5 hours enjoying the turquoise waters and picturesque surroundings before returning to the starting point.
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Detailed Itinerary
After hotel pickup, the tour begins with a 1-hour bus ride to Kissamos Port, where you will board the ferry for the 1-hour crossing to Gramvousa Island.
Visitors will have 3 hours to explore the island, including the historic Venetian fortress.
Then, it’s a 20-minute ferry ride to Balos Beach, where they’ll have 1.5 hours to enjoy the stunning lagoon.
Finally, the return journey includes a 2-hour ferry and bus ride back to the starting point.
Throughout the day, an English-speaking guide will provide commentary and assistance.
This scenic bus and boat trip offers a chance to discover the natural beauty of Gramvousa Island and Balos Bay.
Included in the Tour
The tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off, along with a bus ticket and transfers to the various locations. An English-speaking guide accompanies participants throughout the day, providing commentary and assistance. Free time is allotted to explore the breathtaking Balos Lagoon and the historical Gramvousa Island. All taxes and liability insurance are also included in the tour package.
Included in the Tour |
---|
Hotel Pickup and Drop-off |
Bus Ticket and Transfers |
English-speaking Guide |
Free Time at Balos Lagoon and Gramvousa Island |
Taxes and Liability Insurance |
Excluded From the Tour
The boat ticket to Gramvousa Island and Balos Lagoon is an additional cost not covered by the tour, priced at €27 per adult and €14.50 per child aged 5-12 years.
An optional entry ticket to the Venetian Fortress, priced at €1, is also not included in the tour package.
Plus, the tour doesn’t cover expenses for lunch, drinks, tips, sun umbrellas, or photography services.
Visitors are responsible for bringing their own comfortable shoes, swimwear, towel, and sunscreen. While lunch and water can be purchased on the boat, the tour doesn’t provide these items.
Guests should also note that the tour isn’t suitable for wheelchair users due to the nature of the activities.
More Great Thing To Do NearbyImportant Information
This tour isn’t suitable for wheelchair users due to the nature of the activities involved. Visitors should wear comfortable shoes, bring swimwear, towels, and sunscreen, as they’ll have opportunities to explore Gramvousa Island and Balos Beach.
Lunch and water can be purchased on the boat, and comfortable walking shoes are required for the climb up to the Venetian Fortress on Gramvousa Island.
The tour involves a significant amount of walking and uneven terrain.
The boat ride to Balos Beach may be rough, so those prone to seasickness should take precautions.
The sun can be quite intense, so proper sun protection is essential.
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Scenic Bus and Boat Trip
A scenic bus and boat trip takes visitors on an adventure to explore the stunning Gramvousa Island and the picturesque Balos Lagoon, offering breathtaking views and ample opportunities for exploration.
The journey begins with a bus ride to Kissamos Port, followed by a ferry to Gramvousa Island where travelers can spend three hours exploring the island’s Venetian fortress and taking in the panoramic vistas.
Next, the ferry transports guests to the breathtaking Balos Beach, where they can enjoy the serene turquoise waters and white sandy shores for an hour and a half.
The return trip includes a ferry and bus ride back to the starting point, ensuring a comprehensive and memorable experience.
Duration and Savings
Duration of the tour ranges from 10 to 12 hours, allowing ample time for exploring the island and lagoon. Travelers can save up to 15% on the excursion when booking in advance.
This scenic bus and boat trip to Gramvousa Island and Balos Bay promises an unforgettable experience:
Marvel at the stunning natural beauty of Gramvousa Island and the turquoise waters of Balos Lagoon.
Enjoy free time to wander the historic Venetian Fortress and relax on the beaches.
Take advantage of the convenient hotel pickup and drop-off, as well as the English-speaking guide, to make the most of the journey.
Don’t miss this chance to discover the hidden gems of Crete’s western coast at a discounted rate.
Exploring Gramvousa Island and Balos Beach
The scenic bus and boat trip takes travelers on an adventure to explore the captivating Gramvousa Island and the stunning Balos Beach.
After a leisurely drive to Kissamos Port, visitors board the ferry for a one-hour journey to the rugged and historic Gramvousa Island.
There, they can spend three hours wandering the island’s Venetian fortress, hiking to its highest point, and taking in the breathtaking views.
The next stop is Balos Beach, accessible only by boat. Visitors can spend 1.5 hours swimming in the crystal-clear, turquoise waters and relaxing on the white sand before returning to the starting point by ferry and bus.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks?
Yes, visitors can bring their own food and drinks on this tour. However, lunch and water are available for purchase on the boat. It’s recommended to pack a picnic or snacks to enjoy during the free time on the islands.
Is There a Discount for Seniors or Students?
The tour does not offer any discounts for seniors or students. The prices are the same for all adult visitors, with a reduced rate for children aged 5-12 years old.
How Often Does the Ferry Run to the Islands?
The ferry to Gramvousa Island and Balos Beach runs multiple times per day, with the exact schedule varying by season. Passengers should check the schedule when booking their tour to ensure they have enough time at each location.
Can I Book This Tour in Languages Other Than English?
Yes, this tour is available in multiple languages. The website indicates an English-speaking guide is provided, suggesting other language options may be offered as well. Customers should check the available languages when booking the tour to ensure their preferred language is available.
Are Life Jackets Provided on the Boat Trip?
Life jackets are provided on the boat trip to Gramvousa Island and Balos Beach. This ensures the safety of all passengers during the journey across the water to these scenic destinations.
Recap
This captivating tour allows you to uncover the natural wonders of Gramvousa Island and the stunning Balos Lagoon.
You’ll embark on a scenic bus and boat journey, soaking in the sun-drenched vistas and exploring the historic Venetian fortress on Gramvousa before enjoying the crystal-clear turquoise waters and pristine sandy beaches of Balos.
This exceptional excursion promises an unforgettable blend of adventure, culture, and natural beauty.
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