Rethymno’s Balos and Gramvousa day trip offers an enticing blend of natural wonders and coastal exploration. For just €55 per person, travelers can embark on an 8-10 hour adventure, including roundtrip bus transfers from Rethymno to Kissamos port. While boat tickets and entrance fees are additional costs, the opportunity to discover the picturesque Gramvousa Island and the breathtaking Balos Beach, with its crystal-clear waters, makes this excursion a must-consider for those seeking a perfect balance of adventure and relaxation during their time in Rethymno.
Key Points
- This day trip from Rethymno takes visitors to explore the stunning Balos Lagoon and Gramvousa Island, with optional boat tickets available.
- The tour is priced at €55.00 per person and lasts 8-10 hours, with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.
- Roundtrip bus transportation from Rethymno to Kissamos port is included, with pickup and drop-off at multiple locations for convenience.
- Travelers will have free time to swim and explore the natural beauty of both Balos and Gramvousa, accompanied by an English-speaking guide.
- Additional costs for the boat ticket to Gramvousa (€1) and the Balos Lagoon cruise (€29) are payable on site, not included in the tour price.
Tour Overview
This day trip to Rethymno takes visitors to the stunning locations of Balos and Gramvousa, offering a chance to explore the islands’ natural beauty.
Priced at €55.00 per person, the tour lasts 8-10 hours, with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
Travelers can reserve their spot now and pay later, securing their participation without an upfront payment.
The affordable price point and flexible cancellation policy make this excursion an appealing option for those seeking an adventurous day trip from Rethymno.
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Transportation Details
The tour provides roundtrip bus transfer from Rethymno to Kissamos port, where you will board the boats to Gramvousa Island and Balos Beach.
The air-conditioned buses offer ample legroom, ensuring a comfortable journey.
Pickups are available at 12 locations, including Lavris, Panormos, Misiria, and Georgioupoli, among others.
The drop-off points mirror the pickup options, making it convenient for travelers.
Guests will receive a voucher with their pickup details the day before the tour, ensuring a smooth start to the day.
The onboard guide is available to assist with any questions, enhancing the overall experience.
Itinerary Highlights
Commencing the day trip, visitors explore the captivating Gramvousa Island, enjoying free time to wander, embark on a boat cruise, and take a refreshing swim in the azure waters.
Following this, they venture to the renowned Balos Beach, where they revel in more free time, a boat cruise, swimming, and breathtaking scenic vistas.
Supplementary costs include the boat ticket at €29 and the Gramvousa entrance ticket at €1, both payable on site.
With these highlights, the tour offers a well-rounded experience, allowing guests to enjoy the natural wonders of these iconic Greek destinations.
Experience and Amenities
Beyond the highlights of the itinerary, the tour also offers a live English-speaking guide to enhance the experience, along with a private group option for those seeking a more personalized outing. Passengers can turn to the onboard guide for any questions that arise during the day. The boat itself features a kiosk selling snacks, drinks, and meals at reasonable prices, ensuring travelers are well-fueled throughout their adventures. To summarize the key experience and amenity details:
Feature | Description |
---|---|
Live Guide | Available in English |
Private Group | Option for personalized outing |
Onboard Guide | Assists with questions |
Kiosk | Snacks, drinks, meals available |
Customer Feedback
Travelers have provided a mixed set of reviews for this Rethymno day trip, with an overall rating of 3.9 out of 5 based on 15 reviews.
While the transportation received a 3.8/5 rating, the value for money aspect was rated slightly lower at 3.4/5.
Some guests noted issues with overcrowding at Balos Lagoon, especially during peak season.
However, the experience at Gramvousa Island was praised, with positive feedback.
The onboard guide was helpful in answering questions, and the kiosk offering snacks, drinks, and meals at reasonable prices was appreciated.
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Tour Inclusions and Exclusions
This tour includes roundtrip bus transfer from Rethymno to Kissamos port, with air-conditioned buses and ample legroom. The pickup and drop-off locations span 12 different spots in the area, providing convenient options for travelers. The tour also includes live English-speaking guides and an onboard guide to assist with questions.
However, the boat ticket to Gramvousa Island (€1) and the boat cruise around Balos Lagoon (€29) aren’t included in the tour price and must be paid for separately on-site. Plus, there’s a kiosk on the boat that offers snacks, drinks, and meals at reasonable prices, but these aren’t included either.
Pickup and Drop-off Locations
The tour offers pickup and drop-off locations at 12 different spots throughout the Rethymno region, including Lavris, Panormos, Misiria, and Georgioupoli. This allows travelers the convenience of boarding the air-conditioned bus near their accommodation.
The pickup details are provided on the voucher sent one day before the tour, ensuring guests know exactly where to meet. The drop-off locations mirror the pickup options, making it easy for travelers to return to their starting point.
With ample legroom and comfortable transportation, guests can sit back and enjoy the scenic drive to the boat departure point at Kissamos port.
Booking and Cancellation Policy
Booking the Rethymno: Balos & Gramvousa Day Trip is straightforward, as travelers can reserve their spot today without upfront payment.
The tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, providing flexibility for those who need to adjust their plans. This ‘reserve now and pay later‘ policy allows customers to secure their spot with no immediate financial commitment.
If plans change, they can simply cancel their booking for a full refund, no questions asked.
This user-friendly booking process and generous cancellation policy make it easy for visitors to plan their Rethymno excursion without worry, ensuring a stress-free travel experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Food and Water Provided on the Trip?
The tour does not provide food or water, but there is a kiosk on the boat that offers snacks, drinks, and meals at reasonable prices. Passengers can purchase refreshments as needed during the excursion.
Are There Any Age Restrictions for This Tour?
The tour has no age restrictions. Children of all ages are welcome to join the excursion. However, it’s recommended that families with young children consider the potentially long and strenuous nature of the activities when deciding to participate.
Can I Bring My Pets on the Tour?
The tour does not allow pets. Pets are not permitted on the bus or boats for safety and comfort reasons. Guests are advised to make alternative arrangements for their pets before joining the tour.
Is There Wi-Fi Available on the Bus?
The tour’s transportation does not mention providing Wi-Fi on the bus. Passengers should plan accordingly, as access to internet connectivity may be limited during the tour. The focus is on the destinations and experiences offered rather than on-board amenities.
Can I Store My Luggage During the Tour?
The tour operator does not provide luggage storage during the tour. Passengers are responsible for bringing only what they need for the day trip. Any large or bulky items should be left behind at the accommodation.
Recap
The Balos and Gramvousa day trip from Rethymno offers a stunning adventure, allowing visitors to explore the picturesque Gramvousa Island and enjoy the breathtaking Balos Beach.
With roundtrip bus transfers and the option to reserve now and pay later, this 8-10 hour excursion provides a convenient and memorable experience.
However, boat tickets and entrance fees are additional costs payable on-site.
You can check if your dates are available here:More Boat Tours & Cruises in Crete
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