Crete’s White Mountains Preserve offers a captivating day tour that immerses visitors in the island’s breathtaking natural beauty. Traversing picturesque valleys, charming villages, and remote shepherd’s huts, this 6.5-hour adventure showcases the region’s rich cultural heritage and stunning landscapes. From hotel pickups to traditional Cretan cuisine, the tour’s meticulously curated itinerary promises an unforgettable experience for small groups of 6-8 guests. Whether you’re a nature enthusiast or simply seeking to uncover the hidden gems of this renowned Greek destination, this day tour promises to leave you with a newfound appreciation for the wonders of Crete.
Key Points
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A 6.5-hour semiprivate tour that takes visitors through picturesque valleys, villages, and the White Mountains Preserve in Crete, with activities like an off-road adventure and traditional Cretan lunch.
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The tour includes hotel pickup from 11 locations in the Chania region, visits to historical villages, and opportunities for scenic photography and sightseeing.
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Participants must meet certain height, weight, and health requirements, and should wear comfortable shoes and avoid bringing large bags or consuming food/drinks in the vehicle.
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The tour package covers hotel pickup and drop-off, a visit to a shepherd’s hut, coffee/tea, a traditional Cretan lunch, and gratuities, with free cancellation up to 24 hours before the tour.
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The small-group adventure, accommodating up to 6-8 guests, provides personalized attention from a knowledgeable driver-guide and allows for interactive discussions among group members.
Tour Overview
This 6.5-hour White Mountains Preserve Day Tour in Crete, priced from $97.29 per person, offers a semiprivate adventure for up to 6 or 8 guests with hotel pickup included from 11 convenient locations across the region.
Travelers will embark on a scenic drive through scenic valleys, stopping for coffee in Deres before visiting the charming villages of Vatolakos, Alikianos, Fournes, Meskla, Zourva, and Therisso.
The main highlights include an off-road adventure to a shepherd’s hut at 1,350 meters, photo stops with stunning views, and a traditional Cretan lunch in Therisso.
The tour concludes with a return through the picturesque Therisso Gorge, offering panoramic vistas of Chania.
You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in Chania.
Itinerary Highlights
The tour begins with a scenic drive through picturesque valleys, followed by a coffee stop in the charming village of Deres. Guests then venture off-road to explore the quaint villages of Vatolakos, Alikianos, Fournes, Meskla, Zourva, and Therisso, taking in breathtaking vistas along the way.
The highlights include:
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An off-road adventure to the shepherd’s hut ‘Mitato’ at an elevation of 1350 meters, offering a glimpse into the traditional way of life.
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Numerous photo stops to capture the stunning natural landscapes, from rolling hills to rugged mountain peaks.
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A delightful lunch at a traditional Cretan tavern in the village of Therisso, featuring local specialties and refreshments.
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A return journey through the awe-inspiring Therisso Gorge, with panoramic views of the city of Chania.
Inclusions
Included in the tour package are hotel pickup and drop-off, transported via off-road vehicles (7 or 9-seater) with multilingual drivers.
Visitors will also enjoy a visit to an authentic Shepherd’s Hut ‘Mitato’, as well as coffee or tea and a traditional Cretan lunch with accompanying beers or refreshments at a local tavern. Gratuities are covered as part of the tour.
Throughout the day, guests will have the opportunity to capture scenic views and explore the White Mountains Preserve through a variety of photo stops and sightseeing activities.
The comprehensive inclusions ensure a well-rounded and immersive experience for those embarking on this Cretan adventure.
Participant Restrictions
While the tour offers an immersive experience exploring Crete’s scenic landscapes, it’s important to consider certain participant restrictions.
Individuals under 3 years old, pregnant women, those with back problems or mobility impairments, and people afraid of heights aren’t suitable for this adventure.
The tour also can’t accommodate participants over 6 ft 6 in (200 cm) or 287 lbs (130 kg), as well as those with high blood pressure, recent surgeries, or babies under 1 year.
To ensure everyone’s safety and comfort, the tour requires participants to wear appropriate attire, such as comfortable shoes, and refrain from bringing pets, large bags, or consuming food and drinks inside the vehicle.
More Great Thing To Do NearbyImportant Information
Participants should bring comfortable shoes, sunglages, a sun hat, camera, sunscreen, water, a jacket, and cash for the duration of the tour. Sandals, flip-flops, pets, large bags, smoking, and consuming food or drinks in the vehicle are not allowed. Dietary needs can be accommodated with prior notice, and children under 18 cannot consume wine during the tour.
What to Bring | Not Allowed | Dietary Needs | Age Restrictions |
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Comfortable Shoes | Sandals/Flip-Flops | Can Be Accommodated | Children Under 18 Cannot Consume Wine |
Sunglasses | Pets | ||
Sun Hat | Large Bags | ||
Camera | Smoking | ||
Sunscreen, Water, Jacket, Cash | Food/Drinks in Vehicle |
Location Pickup
The tour provides hotel pickup from 11 locations across the Chania region, including Gerani, Kolymvari, Agia Marina, Maleme, Stalos, Tavronitis, Almyrida, Chania, Platanias, Kalyves, and Daratsos. This convenience allows travelers to easily access the tour, without the hassle of arranging their own transportation.
The pickup process is seamless, with the tour operator’s multilingual drivers arriving promptly to collect guests from their accommodation.
The pickup locations span a wide area, ensuring accessibility for visitors throughout the Chania region. This comprehensive pickup service enhances the overall experience, making it simple for participants to join the excursion and focus on enjoying the day’s activities.
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Convenient hotel pickup from 11 locations
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Multilingual drivers to collect guests
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Wide range of pickup areas across Chania
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Seamless transportation to the tour start point
Cancelation Policy
Travelers can cancel their booking free of charge up to 24 hours prior to the tour’s departure, ensuring a full refund in the event of unexpected schedule changes or conflicts.
This flexible cancellation policy gives customers the peace of mind to book their experience without worry. The tour operator understands that plans can shift, and they’re committed to accommodating their guests’ needs.
As long as the cancellation is made within the 24-hour window, travelers will receive a 100% refund of their tour cost, no questions asked.
This policy underscores the provider’s customer-centric approach and commitment to delivering a stress-free and enjoyable experience for all who embark on the Crete: White Mountains Preserve Day Tour.
Group Size
This small-group adventure ensures an intimate and personalized experience, as the tour accommodates up to 6 or 8 participants per vehicle.
The semiprivate nature of the tour allows for greater flexibility, with the freedom to stop and explore at a pace that suits the group’s interests and needs. This tailored approach enhances the overall enjoyment and satisfaction of the day’s activities.
The tour’s small group size offers several advantages:
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Personalized attention from the knowledgeable driver-guide, who can cater to individual preferences and needs.
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Easier navigation through the winding mountain roads and off-road terrain.
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More opportunities for interactive discussions and shared experiences among the group.
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A more exclusive and immersive exploration of the White Mountains Preserve’s hidden gems.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Much Does It Cost to Upgrade to a Private Tour?
The cost to upgrade to a private tour is not specified in the information provided. Private tours typically incur an additional fee, but the exact upgrade cost is not mentioned for this particular tour.
Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks on the Tour?
No, bringing your own food and drinks is not allowed on this tour. The tour includes coffee/tea and a traditional Cretan lunch, as well as beers or refreshments at the tavern. Outside food and drinks are prohibited.
Is There an Option to Extend the Tour Duration?
There is no option to extend the tour duration. The tour is a set 6.5-hour program with a pre-determined itinerary and schedule. Extending the tour would require booking a separate, customized private tour.
Do I Need Any Special Permits or Licenses for the Off-Road Adventure?
No special permits or licenses are required for the off-road adventure portion of this tour. The tour provider handles all necessary arrangements and ensures the vehicles and drivers are properly equipped and authorized to navigate the off-road terrain.
Is There Any Discount Available for Seniors or Students?
The tour operator doesn’t offer specific discounts for seniors or students. However, group pricing is available for parties of 3 or more, which could provide some savings. Contacting the tour company directly is the best way to inquire about any potential discounts.
Recap
The White Mountains Preserve Day Tour in Crete offers an exceptional opportunity to take in the island’s breathtaking natural beauty.
Guests can expect a well-curated itinerary, including off-road treks, traditional Cretan cuisine, and stunning landscape photography.
With a small group size and convenient hotel pickup, this tour promises an unforgettable experience that showcases the best of Crete’s enchanting White Mountains.
You can check if your dates are available here:More Tours in Chania
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- Full-Day Private Tour in Elafonisi Pink Beach
- Private Tour to Chania-Agia Triada Monastery-Venizelos Graves
- West Crete Nature Private Tour With Lunch (Price per Group of 6)
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