Heraklion Areas: Preveli Palm Beach & Rethymno Day Bus Tour

Crete’s Heraklion region boasts stunning natural wonders, and this day bus tour offers an opportunity to experience two of its most captivating destinations. Travelers can bask in the serene beauty of Preveli Palm Beach, a unique forest of towering palm trees nestled along the island’s southern coast. After exploring this oasis, the tour continues to the historic city of Rethymno, where visitors can enjoy the charming Old Town and uncover its rich cultural heritage. With comfortable transportation, knowledgeable guides, and ample time to swim and sightsee, this excursion promises an unforgettable day in the heart of Crete.

Key Points

• Comprehensive day tour exploring Preveli Palm Beach and Rethymno, with pickup from multiple locations in the Heraklion region.
• Scenic journey through the Kourtaliotiko Gorge and opportunity to swim in the crystal-clear waters of Preveli Beach.
• Guided experience with multilingual tour guides and audio guide, ensuring an informative and seamless journey.
• One-hour independent exploration of the historic city of Rethymno, including shops, cafes, and cultural sights.
• Tour highlights include the unique palm tree forest at Preveli Beach and the magnificent natural springs along the coastline.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Tour Overview and Pricing

This day tour offers visitors the opportunity to explore the stunning Preveli Palm Beach and the historic town of Rethymno, with prices starting from $54.46 per person.

The tour includes pickup from 6 convenient locations and transportation via an air-conditioned bus. The duration of the tour varies, but pickup is guaranteed for 30 minutes.

Participants can enjoy free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance and reserve their spot without any upfront payment.

The tour provides a guided experience, with multilingual tour guides and an audio guide available.

Whether you’re looking to swim in crystal-clear waters, walk through the palm tree forest, or explore the charming streets of Rethymno, this day tour has a lot to offer.

Itinerary and Highlights

The tour begins with pickups from 6 convenient locations – Gouves, Stalida, Hersonissos, Malia, Heraklion, and Kokkini Hani – before embarking on the 75-minute journey to the breathtaking Preveli Beach.

Along the way, you’ll be treated to 105 minutes of scenic views as the bus winds through the stunning Kourtaliotiko gorge.

Once at Preveli, you’ll have the chance to swim in the crystal-clear waters and explore the unique palm tree forest.

After soaking up the natural beauty, the tour continues to the charming town of Rethymno, where you can spend an hour exploring the shops, cafes, and historic sights at your own pace.

Transportation and Pickup Details

The activity provider offers air-conditioned bus transportation with convenient pickup and drop-off from main road and hotel exits in the specified areas of Gouves, Stalida, Hersonissos, Malia, Heraklion, and Kokkini Hani.

The tour company will contact participants 24 hours prior with the exact pickup details. This ensures a smooth and hassle-free start to the day.

Once aboard the comfortable bus, guests can sit back and relax as the driver navigates the scenic route to Preveli Beach and Rethymno town.

With pickup locations across multiple areas, this tour provides a great option for travelers staying in different parts of the Heraklion region.

Guided Experience

A team of multilingual tour guides leads this immersive experience, offering commentary in English, German, Greek, French, and Italian. An audio guide is also available in multiple languages, providing an enriched experience for guests. The professional driver navigates the scenic routes with care and expertise.

Tour Guide Languages	Audio Guide Languages
English	English
German	German
Greek	Greek
French	French
Italian	Italian

The guided tour ensures a seamless and informative journey, allowing visitors to maximize their time and fully appreciate the natural beauty and cultural significance of the Preveli Palm Beach and Rethymno destinations.

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Participant Information and Recommendations

Certain individuals may not be well-suited for this tour, including people with mobility impairments, heart problems, respiratory issues, wheelchair users, the elderly over 80 years, and those with high blood pressure.

These restrictions are in place to ensure the safety and comfort of all participants.

However, for those who are able, the tour provides an excellent opportunity to explore the stunning natural landscapes of Preveli Palm Beach and Rethymno.

Guests are encouraged to wear comfortable shoes and bring a camera, biodegradable sunscreen, and beachwear to fully enjoy the experience.

Kourtaliotiko Gorge

Along the scenic drive to Preveli Palm Beach, travelers are treated to breathtaking vistas of the Kourtaliotiko Gorge, a natural wonder carved by the relentless forces of water over centuries.

This dramatic limestone gorge, with its towering cliffs and cascading waterfalls, is a testament to the raw power of nature.

As the bus winds its way through the rugged landscape, passengers can’t help but marvel at the sheer scale and beauty of this geological masterpiece.

The gorge’s steep walls, adorned with lush vegetation, create a serene and awe-inspiring atmosphere, setting the stage for the natural splendor that awaits at Preveli Palm Beach.

Palm Tree Forest

As the bus continues its scenic journey, the towering palm trees of Preveli Beach come into view, standing as a natural oasis amidst the rugged landscape.

This unique palm tree forest, a rare sight in Europe, stretches along the coastline, providing a lush and verdant backdrop to the crystal-clear waters of the Mediterranean.

Visitors can explore the palm grove, marveling at the majestic trees that rise up to 20 meters tall.

The forest’s microclimate creates a tranquil and serene atmosphere, inviting guests to wander its shaded paths and enjoy the natural beauty.

This lush palm oasis is a true highlight of the Preveli Beach experience, offering a peaceful respite from the outside world.

Magnificent Springs

The magnificent springs found along the Preveli Beach coastline are a captivating natural wonder. Fed by underground streams, these crystal-clear pools of water bubble up from the earth, creating serene oases amidst the rocky terrain.

Visitors can witness the springs’ tranquil flow, marveling at the way they seamlessly blend into the surrounding landscape. As you explore the area, you’ll come across several of these resplendent springs, some tucked away in secluded alcoves and others cascading over natural rock formations.

Their pristine waters invite you to take a refreshing dip, providing a rejuvenating break from the sun’s warmth. These magnificent springs are a testament to the region’s unparalleled natural beauty and the restorative power of untouched environments.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Bring Food and Drinks on the Tour?

Yes, participants can bring their own food and drinks on the tour. The tour operator recommends packing a small cooler or bag with snacks and beverages to enjoy during the stops and throughout the day.

Is There a Discount for Children or Seniors?

The tour provider offers discounted rates for children under 12 and seniors over 65. Children receive a 50% discount, while seniors get 20% off the regular adult price. Group rates are also available for parties of 4 or more.

Can I Extend the Tour Duration on the Day?

Customers can’t typically extend the tour duration on the day of the activity. The set duration and itinerary are pre-determined by the tour provider. However, guests may be able to arrange a private or customized tour for an additional fee.

Do I Need to Book the Return Transfer in Advance?

The tour provider handles the return transfer, so there’s no need to book it in advance. Customers can simply take the bus back to their pickup location once the tour ends.

Is There an Option to Visit Additional Sites Along the Way?

The tour’s standard itinerary doesn’t include additional stops, but some providers may offer optional add-ons or customizations that allow visiting other sites along the way. It’s best to check with the tour operator about any such possibilities.

Recap

This captivating day tour from Heraklion promises an unforgettable experience exploring the stunning natural wonders of Crete.

Guests will be transported in comfort to the breathtaking Preveli Palm Beach, where they can swim in crystal-clear waters and wander through the unique palm tree forest.

After, the tour continues to the historic city of Rethymno, allowing time to discover the charming local shops and sights.

It’s an enriching journey showcasing Crete’s remarkable beauty and cultural heritage.

You can check if your dates are available here: