Crete, the largest Greek island, offers a captivating blend of natural beauty and rich cultural heritage. The Day Trip to Preveli & Damnoni Beach & Rethymno City Tour promises an immersive experience, showcasing the island’s stunning landscapes and historic charm. For just $54.46 per person, travelers can embark on an 11-hour journey, exploring the serene Damnoni Beach, the picturesque Preveli Beach, and the enchanting city of Rethymno. With inclusions like transportation, multilingual guides, and boat tickets, this tour provides a seamless way to uncover the essence of Crete. As the sun sets over the Mediterranean, one can’t help but wonder what other secrets this remarkable island holds.
Key Points
- This day trip offers a comprehensive experience, including visits to Preveli Beach, Damnoni Beach, and the historic city of Rethymno.
- The tour is priced at $54.46 per person and lasts approximately 11 hours, with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.
- Inclusions cover pickup/drop-off service, air-conditioned bus, multilingual guides, boat tickets, and insurance.
- Highlights include swimming at Damnoni Beach, exploring the Preveli Palm Forest, and sightseeing in the charming city of Rethymno.
- Recommendations suggest bringing comfortable shoes, sun hats, swimwear, and a change of clothes to enhance the overall experience.
Tour Overview and Pricing
This day trip offers visitors a chance to explore the natural beauty of Preveli and Damnoni Beach, as well as the historic charm of Rethymno city.
The tour is priced from $54.46 per person and lasts approximately 11 hours, with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance. Travelers can take advantage of the ‘Reserve now & pay later’ option.
The tour includes free pickup and drop-off service from various locations, air-conditioned bus transportation, professional multilingual guides, boat tickets to Preveli Beach, and insurance coverage.
With this extensive itinerary and a range of inclusions, the tour provides a well-rounded experience at a competitive price point.
Here are more great tours and experiences we've reviewed in Greece
Pickup Locations and Itinerary
The tour offers pickup from hotels in 12 locations across Heraklion, Gouves, Analipsi, Stalida, Karteros, Kokkini Hani, Hersonissos, Anissaras, Sisi, Gournes Gouvon, Ammoudara, and Malia.
The day begins with a 75-minute stop at Damnoni Beach for swimming and relaxation.
Next, guests will embark on a 30-minute boat cruise to Preveli Beach, where they’ll have 2 hours to explore the Palm Forest, swim in the crystal-clear waters, and take in the scenic views.
The tour then returns to Damnoni Beach via a 30-minute boat cruise.
Finally, the group will spend 1.5 hours exploring the historical city of Rethymno, with time for sightseeing, shopping, and enjoying local cafes.
-
Pickup from 12 locations across Heraklion and surrounding areas
-
75 minutes at Damnoni Beach for swimming and relaxation
-
30-minute boat cruise to Preveli Beach
-
2 hours to explore Preveli Beach and the Palm Forest
-
1.5 hours to sightsee, shop, and explore Rethymno
Preveli Beach and Palm Forest
One of the highlights of the tour is the visit to Preveli Beach and the enchanting Palm Forest that surrounds it.
Situated at the mouth of the Kourtaliotis Gorge, Preveli Beach boasts crystal-clear waters and a lush, verdant landscape that captivates visitors. Guests will have 2 hours to explore the area, with opportunities to swim, walk along the shore, and admire the stunning natural scenery.
The Palm Forest, a protected ecosystem, features towering palm trees that create a serene, almost otherworldly atmosphere. Visitors can stroll through the forest, taking in the sights and sounds of this unique natural wonder.
The combination of the beach and the Palm Forest makes Preveli a must-see destination on this comprehensive tour.
Damnoni Beach and Boat Cruise
After exploring the serene Preveli Beach and Palm Forest, the tour takes visitors to the picturesque Damnoni Beach, where they’ll enjoy 75 minutes of free time for swimming and relaxation.
Damnoni Beach is known for its crystal-clear waters and stunning natural surroundings. Visitors can:
- Take a refreshing dip in the Aegean Sea
- Soak up the sun on the golden sand
- Stroll along the shoreline and take in the breathtaking views
- Enjoy a leisurely picnic or snack from the nearby cafes
- Capture memorable photos of the idyllic beach setting
Following the beach visit, the tour continues with a boat cruise back to Damnoni, providing an opportunity to admire the coastal landscapes from a different perspective.
More Great Thing To Do NearbyRethymno City Sightseeing
Following the relaxing time at Damnoni Beach, the tour takes visitors to the historic city of Rethymno, where they’ll have 1.5 hours to explore the city’s charming Venetian-era landmarks, browse local shops, and enjoy the vibrant atmosphere.
Rethymno’s Venetian fortress, with its impressive walls and towers, is a must-see attraction. Visitors can stroll through the narrow, picturesque streets, pop into cozy cafés, and discover traditional handicrafts and local delicacies in the shops and markets.
The city’s blend of Venetian, Ottoman, and Greek influences creates a unique cultural tapestry that enchants all who visit. With ample time to soak up the city’s atmosphere, this stop in Rethymno rounds out the day’s diverse experiences.
Want to dig deeper into Greece? We've also reviewed these city tours
Inclusions and Exclusions
The tour package includes a free pickup and drop-off service, air-conditioned bus transportation, professional multilingual tour guides, boat tickets to and from Preveli Beach, and insurance coverage.
However, the tour doesn’t include individual expenses such as:
- Lunch and drinks
- Personal items
- Optional gratuities
- Souvenirs or other purchases
- Any additional activities not specified in the itinerary
Travelers are encouraged to bring comfortable shoes, sun hats, swimwear, changes of clothes, cameras, sunscreen, and biodegradable sunscreen to fully enjoy the activities and scenery during the day trip.
The tour isn’t suitable for wheelchair users.
Recommendations and What to Bring
Travelers should pack comfortable shoes, sun hats, and swimwear to fully enjoy the day’s activities and scenery.
Plus, bringing a change of clothes, a camera, sunscreen, and biodegradable sunscreen is recommended.
The tour isn’t suitable for wheelchair users, so those with mobility concerns should consider this.
The day offers a chance to explore stunning natural landscapes, from the Palm Forest at Preveli to the crystal-clear waters of Preveli Beach.
With ample time for swimming, walking, and sightseeing, visitors can make the most of the excursion by being prepared for the Mediterranean climate and terrain.
Following these recommendations will ensure a comfortable and memorable experience.
Customer Feedback and Ratings
According to customer reviews, the tour has earned a rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars based on 10 reviews, highlighting the organization, guide quality, and suggestions for more time in Rethymno.
Reviewers praised the tour’s well-organized itinerary and knowledgeable, multilingual guides. Visitors appreciated the convenience of the included transportation and boat tickets. Some customers, however, wished they’d more time to explore the charming city of Rethymno.
The tour offered a comprehensive experience, allowing travelers to:
-
Discover the stunning natural beauty of Preveli Beach and Palm Forest
-
Relax on the picturesque Damnoni Beach
-
Explore the historical landmarks and local shops in Rethymno
-
Benefit from hassle-free logistics with hotel pickups and drop-offs
-
Enjoy the excellent value for the price.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is There Any Age Restriction for This Tour?
There is no age restriction specified for this tour. The tour is open to participants of all ages, though certain activities may have physical requirements that some individuals may not be able to fully participate in.
Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks?
Participants are generally allowed to bring their own food and drinks on this tour. However, it’s important to check the tour provider’s policies, as some may have restrictions or recommendations regarding outside food and beverages.
Is There a Vegetarian/Gluten-Free Option for Lunch?
The tour doesn’t appear to include lunch, so there’s no specific vegetarian or gluten-free option provided. However, participants can likely bring their own food to accommodate any dietary needs during the free time at the beaches.
Can I Request a Private Tour Instead of a Group Tour?
You can request a private tour instead of a group tour, but it may come at an additional cost. The tour operator can likely accommodate a private tour upon request, subject to availability and any applicable fees.
Is There Any Discount for Students or Seniors?
Unfortunately, the tour operator doesn’t offer any discounts for students or seniors. The published price of $54.46 per person applies to all participants, regardless of age or student status. The tour provides a flat rate for the 11-hour experience.
Recap
This day trip offers an exceptional opportunity to discover the breathtaking landscapes and cultural richness of Crete.
Explore the picturesque Preveli Beach and Palm Forest, relax on the serene Damnoni Beach, and learn about the historic charm of Rethymno.
With convenient pickup/drop-off, multilingual guides, and inclusive boat tickets, this tour provides an unbeatable value for those seeking to experience the best of Crete’s natural wonders and rich heritage.
You can check if your dates are available here:More Tours in Greece
More Tour Reviews in Greece
Not for you? Here's more things to do in Greece we have recnetly reviewed
- 13 Best Canoe And Kayak Experiences In Greece
- 14 Best Dining Experiences In Greece
- 15 Best Full-Day Tours In Greece
- 5 Best 2 Day Tours In Greece
- 2 Best 3 Day Tours In Greece
- 4 Best Jet-Ski Experiences In Greece
- 5 Best BBQ Experiences In Greece
- 15 Best Photography Experiences In Greece
- 14 Best Dinner Tours In Greece
- 25 Best Cruises And Boat Tours In Greece
- 22 Best Lunch Experiences In Greece
- 7 Best Food Tours In Greece