Heraklion’s picturesque landscapes and rich cultural heritage make it a must-visit destination in Crete. The Preveli Palm Beach Boat Trip and Rethymno Town Tour promises an exciting full-day adventure, combining the serene beauty of a coastal paradise with the historical charm of a vibrant town. Travelers can expect a scenic boat cruise, opportunities for swimming and snorkeling, and a guided exploration of Rethymno’s captivating streets and landmarks. With convenient pickup and an experienced guide, this tour offers an immersive experience that showcases the best of Crete’s natural and architectural wonders. There’s more to uncover, so let’s dive deeper into the highlights of this extraordinary excursion.
Key Points
- This comprehensive tour combines a boat trip to Preveli Palm Beach and exploration of the historic Rethymnon town.
- Activities include swimming, sightseeing, and shopping, with a duration of 11 to 13.5 hours.
- The tour is priced at $54.46 per person and offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.
- Multilingual live guides are available, and the highly-rated driver and guide contribute to the overall value.
- Highlights include swimming at Damnioni Beach, visiting Preveli Palm Beach, and exploring Rethymnon Town’s cultural and natural attractions.
Tour Overview
This tour offers a comprehensive experience, combining a boat trip to the picturesque Preveli Palm Beach and an exploration of the historic Rethymnon town.
Over the course of 11 to 13.5 hours, guests can enjoy a variety of activities, including swimming, sightseeing, and shopping.
The tour is priced at $54.46 per person and features free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.
A live guide is available in multiple languages, including Polish, Italian, English, French, and German.
With a highly-rated driver, guide, and overall value for money, this tour provides an exciting and well-organized way to discover the natural beauty and cultural charms of Crete.
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Activity Highlights
The tour’s itinerary features a diverse array of activities, allowing visitors to fully enjoy the natural wonders and cultural charm of the region.
At Damnioni Beach, guests can enjoy swimming and an optional lunch at a local tavern.
The highlight is the boat cruise to Preveli Palm Beach, where they’ll have 1.5 hours to swim, sightsee, walk, and snorkel amid the stunning scenery.
After, they’ll cruise back and stop at the Kourtaliotiko Gorge for photo opportunities of the breathtaking landscapes.
The tour concludes with a visit to the historic Rethymnon Town, where travelers can shop, sightsee, and explore the old town and beachfront promenade.
Pickup and Drop-off Locations
The tour offers a convenient pick-up and drop-off service, with 12 locations across popular resort towns like Kokkini Hani, Malia, and Hersonissos.
Whether you’re staying in Agia Pelagia, Gazi, or Stalida, you can easily access the tour.
The bus will then return you to one of these 12 locations at the end of the day’s activities.
This ensures a hassle-free experience, as you don’t have to worry about arranging your own transportation.
The wide range of pickup and drop-off points makes the tour accessible to travelers across the Heraklion region, allowing you to conveniently join the excursion from your accommodation.
Stops and Duration
Over the course of the approximately 11 to 13.5-hour long tour, travelers will visit several noteworthy destinations, including Damnioni Beach, Preveli Palm Beach, Kourtaliotiko Gorge, and the historic town of Rethymnon. At Damnioni Beach, they’ll have an hour to swim and enjoy a local tavern lunch, if desired. The boat cruise to Preveli Palm Beach takes 30 minutes each way, where visitors can spend 1.5 hours swimming, sightseeing, and exploring the scenic landscape. A quick 10-minute stop at Kourtaliotiko Gorge offers photo opportunities. Finally, travelers will have 1 hour and 20 minutes to shop, sightsee, and wander the old town and beach road of Rethymnon.
Destination | Duration |
---|---|
Damnioni Beach | 1 hour |
Boat Cruise to Preveli | 30 minutes |
Preveli Palm Beach | 1.5 hours |
Kourtaliotiko Gorge | 10 minutes |
Rethymnon Town | 1 hour 20 minutes |
Beach and Water Activities
Visitors can dive into the crystal-clear waters of Damnioni Beach, where they’ll find ample opportunities for swimming and snorkeling.
At Preveli Palm Beach, travelers can enjoy the scenic beauty, going for a swim or simply strolling along the shore. The Preveli Palm Beach offers a unique experience, with its lush palm trees and stunning landscapes. Guests can enjoy the breathtaking views and relax on the sandy beach.
The boat cruise to and from Preveli Palm Beach allows visitors to soak in the scenic coastal vistas. Whether it’s a refreshing dip or a peaceful walk, the beach and water activities on this tour provide a perfect blend of relaxation and exploration.
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Sightseeing Opportunities
Beyond the beach activities, this tour offers an array of sightseeing experiences that showcase the region’s natural wonders and historical charm.
Travelers can enjoy the stunning landscapes of the Kourtaliotiko Gorge, where photo opportunities abound.
The tour then ventures into the charming Rethymnon Town, allowing visitors to explore its old town, wander along the beach road, and indulge in shopping opportunities.
From the dramatic gorge to the picturesque town, this excursion provides a well-rounded exploration of the area’s diverse attractions.
Whether seeking natural beauty or culture, travelers can look forward to a memorable sightseeing experience during this comprehensive tour.
Inclusions and Exclusions
The tour package includes transportation in an air-conditioned bus, with pickup and drop-off at various locations.
It also provides a professional driver and tour guide, as well as boat tickets for the cruise to Preveli Palm Forest.
Plus, all legal taxes and liability insurance coverage by ALLIANZ are included in the price.
However, lunch and drinks aren’t part of the package and are at an additional cost.
The tour offers a comprehensive experience, covering both the natural beauty of Preveli Palm Beach and the historical and cultural attractions of Rethymnon Town.
While some essential expenses are covered, visitors should budget for optional expenses such as meals and personal purchases during the tour.
Customer Feedback
Travelers have overwhelmingly praised the tour, with an overall rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars based on 112 reviews.
The tour guide received an impressive 4.8 out of 5 rating, indicating exceptional service. The transportation was also well-received, earning a 4.5 rating.
Customers highlighted the tour’s excellent value for money, praising the scenic beauty and enjoyable stops along the way. While some noted longer travel times due to the multiple hotel pickups, the overall feedback suggests a well-organized and memorable experience.
The tour’s positive ratings across key metrics, from the knowledgeable guide to the included activities, make it a popular choice for those seeking to explore Preveli Palm Beach and Rethymno Town.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is the Dress Code for This Tour?
The tour has a casual dress code. Comfortable clothing and shoes suitable for walking, swimming, and boat trips are recommended. Beachwear or swimsuits are appropriate for time spent at the beaches.
Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks?
You can bring your own food and drinks for the tour. However, lunch at a local tavern in Damnioni Beach is available as an optional extra activity. The tour includes boat tickets and transportation, but does not provide meals.
Are There Any Special Requirements for the Boat Ride?
Passengers should bring sun protection, swimwear, and non-slip shoes for the boat ride. Life jackets are provided. It’s important to follow the crew’s instructions for boarding and disembarking the boat safely.
Is There a Restroom Available During the Tour?
There are restrooms available at some of the stops during the tour, such as the Damnioni Beach and Rethymno Town. However, it’s best to plan ahead as restroom facilities may be limited on the boat cruise portion of the activity.
Can I Extend My Stay in Rethymno on My Own After the Tour?
Yes, you can extend your stay in Rethymno on your own after the tour. The tour provides transportation and a guided visit to the town, but you’re free to explore and stay longer at your own discretion.
Recap
This full-day tour provides a wonderful opportunity to experience Crete’s natural beauty and historic charm.
Visitors can relax on the stunning Preveli Palm Beach, explore the charming Rethymnon Town, and capture breathtaking photos at Kourtaliotiko Gorge.
With convenient transportation and an expert guide, this excursion offers an unforgettable glimpse into the enchanting world of Heraklion and its surrounding region.
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