From Heraklion: West Crete, Chania, Rethymno, & Lake Kournas

Crete’s western region, often overshadowed by the island’s eastern allure, holds a wealth of captivating destinations. From the charming old-world ambiance of Chania to the picturesque port town of Rethymno, this comprehensive tour promises to unveil the hidden gems that make West Crete a standout. But the true highlight may lie in the serene waters of Lake Kournas, where visitors can bask in the tranquility and indulge in a variety of activities. With convenient transportation and an expert guide, this journey offers a chance to take in the diverse culture and natural beauty that permeates this lesser-known corner of the island.

Key Points

• This full-day tour from Heraklion takes visitors to the west coast of Crete, exploring the historic cities of Chania and Rethymno, as well as the scenic Lake Kournas.
• The tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off from 15 convenient locations in the Heraklion area, ensuring easy accessibility for travelers across the region.
• In Chania, visitors will have approximately 2.5 hours to explore the city’s Venetian architecture, winding streets, and vibrant local culture, including the picturesque old harbor.
• Lake Kournas, the largest natural lake in Crete, offers 1.5 hours for swimming, pedal boat rentals, and dining at local tavernas along the lakefront.
• Rethymno’s old town, with its blend of Venetian and Ottoman architecture, is visited for 1.5 hours, highlighting the 16th-century Venetian fortress and the city’s rich cultural heritage.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Tour Overview

Exploring the highlights of West Crete, this full-day tour from Heraklion takes visitors to the picturesque cities of Chania and Rethymno, as well as the serene Lake Kournas.

Priced from €48 per person, the tour lasts between 11.5 to 13 hours and includes hotel pickup and drop-off. Travelers can choose from 15 convenient pickup locations in the Heraklion area.

At each destination, guests will have ample time to discover the rich history, architecture, and local culture. The tour also provides the option for swimming, pedal boat rentals, and dining at Lake Kournas.

With free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, this comprehensive West Crete exploration is an excellent choice for visitors.

Pickup Locations

From Heraklion: West Crete, Chania, Rethymno, & Lake Kournas

Pickup Locations

The tour offers 15 convenient pickup locations across the Heraklion area, including popular resort towns like Kokkini Hani, Ammoudara, and Gouves.

Guests can also be picked up from Koutouloufari, Anissaras, Malia, Agia Pelagia, Analipsi, Hersonissos, Stalida, Ligaria, Piskopiano, Karteros, and Fodele.

This extensive coverage ensures travelers from various parts of the Heraklion region can easily access the tour.

The pickup service is included in the tour price, providing a hassle-free start to the day’s adventure exploring the stunning sights of western Crete.

Chania Exploration

After the convenient pickup, the tour heads to the charming city of Chania, where visitors can spend approximately 2.5 hours exploring its historic old town, admiring the Venetian architecture, browsing local shops and markets, and strolling along the picturesque old harbor. The city’s winding streets and lively atmosphere provide an immersive experience. Visitors can wander through the old town’s narrow alleys, stumble upon quaint cafes and restaurants, and soak in the vibrant local culture. The Venetian-style buildings and the bustling old harbor create a fascinating juxtaposition of the past and present, making Chania a highlight of the West Crete tour.

Chania Highlights	Description
Old Town	Winding streets, Venetian architecture
Local Shops & Markets	Browse unique crafts, produce, and souvenirs
Old Harbor	Picturesque waterfront, cafes, and restaurants
Lively Atmosphere	Immersive experience in the local culture

Lake Kournas

Having traversed the scenic roads, the tour then arrives at the captivating Lake Kournas, the largest natural lake on the island of Crete.

Visitors are allotted approximately 1.5 hours to enjoy the serene ambiance, with options to swim, rent pedal boats, or dine at the local tavernas lining the lakefront.

The tranquil waters of the lake, surrounded by rolling hills and lush vegetation, offer a peaceful respite from the bustling cities.

Visitors can stroll along the shore, admiring the reflections on the glassy surface, or hop into a pedal boat for a leisurely cruise.

For those seeking refreshment, the tavernas provide the perfect opportunity to savor traditional Cretan cuisine while taking in the picturesque views.

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Rethymno Visit

The tour then proceeds to the historic city of Rethymno, where visitors are granted approximately 1.5 hours to explore the old town, enjoy the vibrant port atmosphere, stroll along the scenic beach road, and engage with the local culture.

Rethymno’s Old Town is a captivating blend of Venetian and Ottoman architecture, with charming cobblestone streets, quaint shops, and traditional tavernas. Visitors can wander through the picturesque harbor, admire the imposing 16th-century Venetian fortress, and experience the city’s lively seaside promenade.

Plus, Rethymno is known for its delectable cuisine, artisanal crafts, and rich cultural heritage, offering a well-rounded glimpse into the unique character of western Crete.

Return Journey

The tour then begins the approximately 2-3 hour return journey back to Heraklion, with the duration varying depending on the specific hotel locations of the participants. Along the way, guests can sit back and reflect on the memorable experiences they had throughout the day. The scenery during the drive offers a chance to see more of the beautiful West Crete countryside.

Emotions Evoked	Reaction
Wonder	"The views along the drive were breathtaking!"
Appreciation	"I’m so glad I got to experience the highlights of West Crete today."
Relaxation	"The ride back was a nice time to unwind after an eventful day."
Anticipation	"I can’t wait to explore more of Crete on a future trip."
Satisfaction	"This tour was the perfect way to see the best of West Crete."

Transportation and Guide

Comfortable transportation and knowledgeable tour guides are essential components of the West Crete travel experience. An air-conditioned bus provides a convenient and relaxing mode of transportation throughout the day, allowing guests to sit back and enjoy the scenic countryside.

On top of that, the live tour guide, available in English, French, and German, offers insightful commentary and guidance to enhance the educational and cultural aspects of the tour.

The tour package includes:

• Hotel pickup and drop-off at specified times

• All applicable taxes and legal fees

• Public Liability Insurance

• Flexibility to accommodate individual needs and preferences

These features ensure a seamless and enjoyable excursion, allowing travelers to focus on exploring the wonders of West Crete without having to worry about logistics.

Inclusions and Costs

Alongside the comfortable transportation and knowledgeable tour guides, the West Crete travel package includes several inclusions and costs that provide value and convenience for travelers.

The tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off as well as all applicable taxes and fees. Travelers can also take comfort in the provided public liability insurance.

While the base price starts at €48 per person, there’s an extra fee of €7 per person for pickup from Lygaria and Agia Pelagia. Costs for optional activities like pedal boat rentals and museum entrances aren’t included in the package price.

Frequently Asked Questions

How Much Time Is Allocated for Free Time at Each Location?

The tour provides approximately 2.5 hours in Chania, 1.5 hours at Lake Kournas, and 1.5 hours in Rethymno for guests to explore and enjoy the sites at their own pace. The total free time allocated is around 5.5 hours.

Is There a Maximum Group Size for This Tour?

The tour does not specify a maximum group size. However, it’s conducted in an air-conditioned bus, suggesting a group size suitable for comfortable transportation. The tour guide provides live commentary in multiple languages to accommodate a diverse group.

Are There Any Discounts Available for Children or Seniors?

The tour provider doesn’t mention any discounts for children or seniors. However, they do offer a reserve now, pay later option, which could make the tour more accessible. More details on potential discounts may be available by contacting the tour company directly.

Can the Tour Be Customized to Focus More on Specific Sites?

While the tour has a fixed itinerary, the operator may allow customization to focus more on specific sites based on guest preferences. Travelers can inquire about adjusting the time allotted at each location to suit their interests.

What Types of Food Are Typically Available for Purchase During the Tour?

During the tour, visitors can purchase a variety of local Greek cuisine at the tavernas near Lake Kournas, including traditional dishes like Greek salads, grilled meats, seafood, and sweets. Dining options vary to accommodate different tastes and dietary requirements.

Recap

This comprehensive full-day tour from Heraklion provides an immersive experience exploring the highlights of West Crete.

Visitors can wander through the charming old towns of Chania and Rethymno, admire the serene beauty of Lake Kournas, and enjoy hassle-free transportation and a knowledgeable guide throughout the journey.

It’s an excellent opportunity to discover the cultural and natural wonders of this captivating region of Crete.

You can check if your dates are available here: